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Falah G, Sharvit L, Atzmon G. The Exon 3-Deleted Growth Hormone Receptor (d3GHR) Polymorphism-A Favorable Backdoor Mechanism for the GHR Function. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13908. [PMID: 37762211 PMCID: PMC10531306 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth hormone (GH) is a peptide hormone that plays a crucial role in controlling growth, development, and lifespan. Molecular regulation of GH is accomplished via the GH receptor (GHR), which is the main factor influencing human development and is essential to optimal functioning of the GH/IGF-I axis. Two GHR isoforms have been studied, according to the presence (flGHR) or absence (d3GHR) of exon 3. The d3GHR isoform, which lacks exon 3 has recently been related to longevity; individuals carrying this isoform have higher receptor activity, improved signal transduction, and alterations in the treatment response and efficacy compared with those carrying the wild type (WT) isoform (flGHR). Further, studies performed in patients with acromegaly, Prader-Willi syndrome, Turner syndrome, small for gestational age (SGA), and growth hormone deficiency (GHD) suggested that the d3GHR isoform may have an impact on the relationship between GH and IGF-I levels, height, weight, BMI, and other variables. Other research, however, revealed inconsistent results, which might have been caused by confounding factors, including limited sample sizes and different experimental methods. In this review, we lay out the complexity of the GHR isoforms and provide an overview of the major pharmacogenetic research conducted on this ongoing and unresolved subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghadeer Falah
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (G.F.); (L.S.)
| | - Lital Sharvit
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (G.F.); (L.S.)
| | - Gil Atzmon
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (G.F.); (L.S.)
- Departments of Medicine and Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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2
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Heuser C, Renner K, Kreutz M, Gattinoni L. Targeting lactate metabolism for cancer immunotherapy - a matter of precision. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 88:32-45. [PMID: 36496155 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive T cell therapies have been valuable additions to the toolbox in the fight against cancer. These treatments have profoundly increased the number of patients with a realistic perspective toward a return to a cancer-free life. Yet, in a number of patients and tumor entities, cancer immunotherapies have been ineffective so far. In solid tumors, immune exclusion and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment represent substantial roadblocks to successful therapeutic outcomes. A major contributing factor to the depressed anti-tumor activity of immune cells in tumors is the harsh metabolic environment. Hypoxia, nutrient competition with tumor and stromal cells, and accumulating noxious waste products, including lactic acid, pose massive constraints to anti-tumor immune cells. Numerous strategies are being developed to exploit the metabolic vulnerabilities of tumor cells in the hope that these would also alleviate metabolism-inflicted immune suppression. While promising in principle, especially in combination with immunotherapies, these strategies need to be scrutinized for their effect on tumor-fighting immune cells, which share some of their key metabolic properties with tumor cells. Here, we provide an overview of strategies that seek to tackle lactate metabolism in tumor or immune cells to unleash anti-tumor immune responses, thereby opening therapeutic options for patients whose tumors are currently not treatable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Heuser
- Division of Functional Immune Cell Modulation, Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT), 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Kathrin Renner
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Marina Kreutz
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Group Immunometabolomics, Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT), 93053 Regensburg, Germany; Center for Immunomedicine in Transplantation and Oncology (CITO), University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Luca Gattinoni
- Division of Functional Immune Cell Modulation, Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT), 93053 Regensburg, Germany; Center for Immunomedicine in Transplantation and Oncology (CITO), University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
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3
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Wang Z, Zhang Q, Qi C, Bai Y, Zhao F, Chen H, Li Z, Wang X, Chen M, Gong J, Peng Z, Zhang X, Cai J, Chen S, Zhao X, Shen L, Li J. Combination of AKT1 and CDH1 mutations predicts primary resistance to immunotherapy in dMMR/MSI-H gastrointestinal cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-004703. [PMID: 35705314 PMCID: PMC9204428 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-004703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is the second most common cancer type with mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR)/microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) phenotype that is expected to respond to immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, approximately half of the patients with dMMR/MSI-H GI cancer derive no benefit from ICIs. We sought to identify the predictors of primary resistance to ICIs in dMMR/MSI-H GI cancer. Methods Three independent cohorts were included: (1) the discovery cohort (65 patients with dMMR/MSI-H GI cancer) with ICI efficacy data and pre-ICIs tissue samples for genomic profile and tumor immune infiltration; (2) the validation cohort (22 patients with dMMR/MSI-H GI cancer) with ICI efficacy data and pre-ICIs plasma samples for genomic profile; and (3) the TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) cohort not receiving ICIs (152 patients with MSI-H GI cancer) with genomic profile and survival data. Results AKT1 and CDH1 mutations were identified as independent predictors of poor progression-free survival (PFS) and primary resistance to ICIs in dMMR/MSI-H GI cancer. We combined these two genes as an immuno-oncology therapy predictor (IOpred), which could recognize 52.4% (11/21) of dMMR/MSI-H patients with primary resistance to ICIs with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 91.7% (11/12). Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated IOpred with a good performance in predicting primary resistance (area under the curve 0.751). Patients with IOpred-Mut (mutant AKT1 or CDH1) GI cancer had significantly shorter PFS (HR=8.36, p<0.001) and overall survival (OS, HR=5.17, p<0.001) than IOpred-WT (wild-type for both AKT1 and CDH1) cases upon ICI treatment. The validation cohort also confirmed the correlation between IOpred-mutation and poorer prognosis (PFS, HR=4.68, p=0.004; OS, HR=15.98, p<0.001) in dMMR/MSI-H patients after ICIs. The PPV of IOpred in identifying primary resistance to ICIs was 80% (4/5) in the validation cohort. Additionally, IOpred-WT patients could be further stratified by tumor mutational burden (TMB), wherein TMB-low patients (TMB ≤26.19 mutations per megabase (Mb)) had a significantly higher primary resistance rate to ICIs (34.8% vs 6.7%, p=0.014) and poorer PFS (HR=3.46, p=0.008) and OS (HR=4.42, p=0.047) than TMB-high patients (TMB >26.19 mutations/Mb). Conclusions IOpred was identified as a powerful predictor of primary resistance to ICIs in dMMR/MSI-H GI cancer, which might serve as a promising biomarker to help guide immunotherapy decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Changsong Qi
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Yuezong Bai
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Feilong Zhao
- Medical Affairs, 3D Medicines Inc, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Medical Affairs, 3D Medicines Inc, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongwu Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Pathology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xicheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Mifen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Jifang Gong
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi Peng
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaotian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Jinping Cai
- Medical Affairs, 3D Medicines Inc, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiqing Chen
- Medical Affairs, 3D Medicines Inc, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Lin Shen
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
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4
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Almasabi S, Ahmed AU, Boyd R, Williams BRG. A Potential Role for Integrin-Linked Kinase in Colorectal Cancer Growth and Progression via Regulating Senescence and Immunity. Front Genet 2021; 12:638558. [PMID: 34163519 PMCID: PMC8216764 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.638558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) has been implicated as a molecular driver and mediator in both inflammation and tumorigenesis of the colon. ILK functions as an adaptor and mediator protein linking the extracellular matrix with downstream signaling pathways. ILK is broadly expressed in many human tissues and cells. It is also overexpressed in many cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Inflammation, as evidenced by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is one of the highest risk factors for initiating CRC. This has led to the hypothesis that targeting ILK therapeutically could have potential in CRC, as it regulates different cellular processes associated with CRC development and progression as well as inflammation in the colon. A number of studies have indicated an ILK function in senescence, a cellular process that arrests the cell cycle while maintaining active metabolism and transcription. Senescent cells produce different secretions collectively known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The SASP secretions influence infiltration of different immune cells, either positively for clearing senescent cells or negatively for promoting tumor growth, reflecting the dual role of senescence in cancer. However, a role for ILK in senescence and immunity in CRC remains to be determined. In this review, we discuss the possible role for ILK in senescence and immunity, paying particular attention to the relevance of ILK in CRC. We also examine how activating Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and their agonists in CRC could trigger immune responses against cancer, as a combination therapy with ILK inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh Almasabi
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Cartherics, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Afsar U Ahmed
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Richard Boyd
- Cartherics, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Bryan R G Williams
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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5
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Jongsma MLM, de Waard AA, Raaben M, Zhang T, Cabukusta B, Platzer R, Blomen VA, Xagara A, Verkerk T, Bliss S, Kong X, Gerke C, Janssen L, Stickel E, Holst S, Plomp R, Mulder A, Ferrone S, Claas FHJ, Heemskerk MHM, Griffioen M, Halenius A, Overkleeft H, Huppa JB, Wuhrer M, Brummelkamp TR, Neefjes J, Spaapen RM. The SPPL3-Defined Glycosphingolipid Repertoire Orchestrates HLA Class I-Mediated Immune Responses. Immunity 2021; 54:132-150.e9. [PMID: 33271119 PMCID: PMC8722104 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2020.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
HLA class I (HLA-I) glycoproteins drive immune responses by presenting antigens to cognate CD8+ T cells. This process is often hijacked by tumors and pathogens for immune evasion. Because options for restoring HLA-I antigen presentation are limited, we aimed to identify druggable HLA-I pathway targets. Using iterative genome-wide screens, we uncovered that the cell surface glycosphingolipid (GSL) repertoire determines effective HLA-I antigen presentation. We show that absence of the protease SPPL3 augmented B3GNT5 enzyme activity, resulting in upregulation of surface neolacto-series GSLs. These GSLs sterically impeded antibody and receptor interactions with HLA-I and diminished CD8+ T cell activation. Furthermore, a disturbed SPPL3-B3GNT5 pathway in glioma correlated with decreased patient survival. We show that the immunomodulatory effect could be reversed through GSL synthesis inhibition using clinically approved drugs. Overall, our study identifies a GSL signature that inhibits immune recognition and represents a potential therapeutic target in cancer, infection, and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlieke L M Jongsma
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute and Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, LUMC, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Antonius A de Waard
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Matthijs Raaben
- Oncode Institute, Division of Biochemistry, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tao Zhang
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolics, LUMC, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Birol Cabukusta
- Oncode Institute and Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, LUMC, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - René Platzer
- Institut für Hygiene und Angewandte Immunologie, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vincent A Blomen
- Oncode Institute, Division of Biochemistry, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anastasia Xagara
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tamara Verkerk
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sophie Bliss
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Xiangrui Kong
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Carolin Gerke
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lennert Janssen
- Oncode Institute and Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, LUMC, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Elmer Stickel
- Oncode Institute, Division of Biochemistry, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Stephanie Holst
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolics, LUMC, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Rosina Plomp
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolics, LUMC, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Arend Mulder
- Department of Immunology, LUMC, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Mirjam H M Heemskerk
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke Griffioen
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Anne Halenius
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hermen Overkleeft
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Johannes B Huppa
- Institut für Hygiene und Angewandte Immunologie, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manfred Wuhrer
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolics, LUMC, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Thijn R Brummelkamp
- Oncode Institute, Division of Biochemistry, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria; Cancer Genomics Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jacques Neefjes
- Oncode Institute and Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, LUMC, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Robbert M Spaapen
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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6
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Zhao Z, Zhang N, Li A, Zhou B, Chen Y, Chen S, Huang M, Wu F, Zhang L. Insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor induces immunosuppression in lung cancer by upregulating B7–H4 expression through the MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Cancer Lett 2020; 485:14-26. [PMID: 32417396 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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7
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Day D, Prawira A, Spreafico A, Waldron J, Karithanam R, Giuliani M, Weinreb I, Kim J, Cho J, Hope A, Bayley A, Ringash J, Bratman SV, Jang R, O'Sullivan B, Siu LL, Hansen AR. Phase I trial of alpelisib in combination with concurrent cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy in patients with locoregionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Oral Oncol 2020; 108:104753. [PMID: 32464516 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2020.104753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deregulation of the PI3K signalling pathway is frequent in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and may be implicated in radioresistance. We report on the results from a phase I 3 + 3 dose escalation study of alpelisib, a class I α-specific PI3K inhibitor in combination with concurrent cisplatin-based chemoradiation (CRT) in patients with locoregionally advanced SCCHN (LA-SCCHN). METHODS Eligible patients had previously untreated LA-SCCHN and were candidates for CRT. The primary objective was to evaluate safety and determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D). Alpelisib was given orally once daily at two dose levels: 200 mg and 250 mg. CRT consisted of cisplatin 100 mg/m2 IV every three weeks and standard fractionation radiotherapy (IMRT) 70 Gy in 35 fractions. RESULTS Nine patients were enrolled (six alpelisib 200 mg, three 250 mg). Oropharynx was the primary site in all patients (seven p16-positive; five T1-2N2M0, four T3-4N2-3M0 [AJCC 7th edition]). All patients completed CRT within seven weeks. Grade 3 alpelisib-related toxicities occurred in four patients. No dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was observed at 200 mg among three DLT-evaluable patients. Two of two DLT-evaluable patients treated at 250 mg experienced DLTs (inability to complete ≥75% alpelisib secondary to radiation dermatitis and febrile neutropenia). Thus, RP2D was declared at 200 mg. After median follow-up of 39.7 months, two patients developed pulmonary metastases despite locoregional control. Three-year overall survival was 77.8% (95% CI 36.5%-93.9%). CONCLUSION Alpelisib at 200 mg has a manageable safety profile in combination with cisplatin-based CRT in LA-SCCHN.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Day
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - A Prawira
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - A Spreafico
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - J Waldron
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - R Karithanam
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - M Giuliani
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - I Weinreb
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - J Kim
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - J Cho
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - A Hope
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - A Bayley
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - J Ringash
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - S V Bratman
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - R Jang
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - B O'Sullivan
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - L L Siu
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - A R Hansen
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Tuo Z, Zong Y, Li J, Xiao G, Zhang F, Li G, Wang S, Lv Y, Xia J, Liu J. PD-L1 regulation by SDH5 via β-catenin/ZEB1 signaling. Oncoimmunology 2019; 8:1655361. [PMID: 31741753 PMCID: PMC6844322 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2019.1655361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a crucial target for lung cancer immunotherapy. In lung cancer patients with high PD-L1 expression, blocking or reducing its expression can inhibit tumor growth. PD-L1 is regulated by signaling pathways, transcription factors and epigenetic factors, such as the GSK3β/β-catenin pathway, P53 protein and EMT. In our previous study, succinate dehydrogenase 5 (SDH5) was reported to regulate ZEB1 expression, induce EMT and lead to lung cancer metastasis via the GSK3β/β-catenin pathway. It is possible that SDH5 is involved in the mechanisms of PD-L1 regulation.In the present study, we observed a negative correlation between the expression of PD-L1 and SDH5 in vivo and in vitro. The examination of patient tissues also confirmed our results. Furthermore, we also found that SDH5 could reverse PD-L1 expression by the GSK3β/β-catenin/ZEB1 pathways. All these results reveal that SDH5 regulates PD-L1 expression and suggest that SDH5 can be used as a marker to predict tumor immune micro-states and provide guidance for clinical immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan Tuo
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Zong
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Li
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guangqin Xiao
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Furong Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guiling Li
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sihua Wang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Lv
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiahong Xia
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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9
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Miyauchi S, Kim SS, Pang J, Gold KA, Gutkind JS, Califano JA, Mell LK, Cohen EEW, Sharabi AB. Immune Modulation of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and the Tumor Microenvironment by Conventional Therapeutics. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 25:4211-4223. [PMID: 30814108 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-0871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) accounts for more than 600,000 cases and 380,000 deaths annually worldwide. Although human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated HNSCCs have better overall survival compared with HPV-negative HNSCC, loco-regional recurrence remains a significant cause of mortality and additional combinatorial strategies are needed to improve outcomes. The primary conventional therapies to treat HNSCC are surgery, radiation, and chemotherapies; however, multiple other targeted systemic options are used and being tested including cetuximab, bevacizumab, mTOR inhibitors, and metformin. In 2016, the first checkpoint blockade immunotherapy was approved for recurrent or metastatic HNSCC refractory to platinum-based chemotherapy. This immunotherapy approval confirmed the critical importance of the immune system and immunomodulation in HNSCC pathogenesis, response to treatment, and disease control. However, although immuno-oncology agents are rapidly expanding, the role that the immune system plays in the mechanism of action and clinical efficacy of standard conventional therapies is likely underappreciated. In this article, we focus on how conventional and targeted therapies may directly modulate the immune system and the tumor microenvironment to better understand the effects and combinatorial potential of these therapies in the context and era of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayuri Miyauchi
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Sangwoo S Kim
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - John Pang
- Division of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Kathryn A Gold
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - J Silvio Gutkind
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Joseph A Califano
- Division of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Loren K Mell
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Ezra E W Cohen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Andrew B Sharabi
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California. .,Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
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10
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Immune checkpoint blockade and its combination therapy with small-molecule inhibitors for cancer treatment. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2018; 1871:199-224. [PMID: 30605718 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Initially understood for its physiological maintenance of self-tolerance, the immune checkpoint molecule has recently been recognized as a promising anti-cancer target. There has been considerable interest in the biology and the action mechanism of the immune checkpoint therapy, and their incorporation with other therapeutic regimens. Recently the small-molecule inhibitor (SMI) has been identified as an attractive combination partner for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and is becoming a novel direction for the field of combination drug design. In this review, we provide a systematic discussion of the biology and function of major immune checkpoint molecules, and their interactions with corresponding targeting agents. With both preclinical studies and clinical trials, we especially highlight the ICI + SMI combination, with its recent advances as well as its application challenges.
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11
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Park S, Kim YS, Kim DY, So I, Jeon JH. PI3K pathway in prostate cancer: All resistant roads lead to PI3K. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2018; 1870:198-206. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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12
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Day TA, Shirai K, O'Brien PE, Matheus MG, Godwin K, Sood AJ, Kompelli A, Vick JA, Martin D, Vitale-Cross L, Callejas-Varela JL, Wang Z, Wu X, Harismendy O, Molinolo AA, Lippman SM, Van Waes C, Szabo E, Gutkind JS. Inhibition of mTOR Signaling and Clinical Activity of Rapamycin in Head and Neck Cancer in a Window of Opportunity Trial. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 25:1156-1164. [PMID: 30420444 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 09/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We studied the impact of mTOR signaling inhibition with rapamycin in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in the neoadjuvant setting. The goals were to evaluate the mTOR pathway as a therapeutic target for patients with advanced HNSCC, and the clinical safety, antitumor, and molecular activity of rapamycin administration on HNSCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with untreated stage II-IVA HNSCC received rapamycin for 21 days (day 1, 15 mg; days 2-12, 5 mg) prior to definitive treatment with surgery or chemoradiation. Treatment responses were assessed clinically and radiographically with CT and FDG-PET. Pre- and posttreatment biopsies and blood were obtained for toxicity, immune monitoring, and IHC assessment of mTOR signaling, as well as exome sequencing. RESULTS Sixteen patients (eight oral cavity, eight oropharyngeal) completed rapamycin and definitive treatment. Half of patients were p16 positive. One patient had a pathologic complete response and four (25%) patients met RECIST criteria for response (1 CR, 3 PR, 12 SD). Treatment was well tolerated with no grade 4 or unexpected toxicities. No significant immune suppression was observed. Downstream mTOR signaling was downregulated in tumor tissues as measured by phosphorylation of S6 (P < 0.0001), AKT (P < 0.0001), and 4EBP (P = 0.0361), with a significant compensatory increase in phosphorylated ERK in most patients (P < 0.001). Ki67 was reduced in tumor biopsies in all patients (P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS Rapamycin treatment was well tolerated, reduced mTOR signaling and tumor growth, and resulted in significant clinical responses despite the brief treatment duration, thus supporting the potential role of mTOR inhibitors in treatment regimens for HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry A Day
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Keisuke Shirai
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Paul E O'Brien
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | | | - Kristina Godwin
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Amit J Sood
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Anvesh Kompelli
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | | | - Daniel Martin
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH, Bethesda
| | - Lynn Vitale-Cross
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH, Bethesda
| | | | - Zhiyong Wang
- University of California San Diego (UCSD) Moores Cancer Center, San Diego, California
| | - Xingyu Wu
- University of California San Diego (UCSD) Moores Cancer Center, San Diego, California
| | - Olivier Harismendy
- University of California San Diego (UCSD) Moores Cancer Center, San Diego, California
| | - Alfredo A Molinolo
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH, Bethesda.,University of California San Diego (UCSD) Moores Cancer Center, San Diego, California
| | - Scott M Lippman
- University of California San Diego (UCSD) Moores Cancer Center, San Diego, California
| | - Carter Van Waes
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Eva Szabo
- National Cancer Institute, Potomac, Maryland
| | - J Silvio Gutkind
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH, Bethesda. .,University of California San Diego (UCSD) Moores Cancer Center, San Diego, California
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13
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Kasper S, Reis H, Ziegler S, Nothdurft S, Mueller A, Goetz M, Wiesweg M, Phasue J, Ting S, Wieczorek S, Even A, Worm K, Pogorzelski M, Breitenbuecher S, Meiler J, Paul A, Trarbach T, Schmid KW, Breitenbuecher F, Schuler M. Molecular dissection of effector mechanisms of RAS-mediated resistance to anti-EGFR antibody therapy. Oncotarget 2018; 8:45898-45917. [PMID: 28507280 PMCID: PMC5542236 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), cetuximab and panitumumab, are a mainstay of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treatment. However, a significant number of patients suffer from primary or acquired resistance. RAS mutations are negative predictors of clinical efficacy of anti-EGFR antibodies in patients with mCRC. Oncogenic RAS activates the MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways, which are considered the main effectors of resistance. However, the relative impact of these pathways in RAS-mutant CRC is less defined. A better mechanistic understanding of RAS-mediated resistance may guide development of rational intervention strategies. To this end we developed cancer models for functional dissection of resistance to anti-EGFR therapy in vitro and in vivo. To selectively activate MAPK- or AKT-signaling we expressed conditionally activatable RAF-1 and AKT in cancer cells. We found that either pathway independently protected sensitive cancer models against anti-EGFR antibody treatment in vitro and in vivo. RAF-1- and AKT-mediated resistance was associated with increased expression of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins. Biomarkers of MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathway activation correlated with inferior outcome in a cohort of mCRC patients receiving cetuximab-based therapy. Dual pharmacologic inhibition of PI3K and MEK successfully sensitized primary resistant CRC models to anti-EGFR therapy. In conclusion, combined targeting of MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling, but not single pathways, may be required to enhance the efficacy of anti-EGFR antibody therapy in patients with RAS-mutated CRC as well as in RAS wild type tumors with clinical resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kasper
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Henning Reis
- Institute of Pathology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Sophie Ziegler
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Silke Nothdurft
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Andre Mueller
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Moritz Goetz
- Institute of Pathology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Marcel Wiesweg
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Jeannette Phasue
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Saskia Ting
- Institute of Pathology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Sarah Wieczorek
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Anna Even
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Karl Worm
- Institute of Pathology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Michael Pogorzelski
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Sandra Breitenbuecher
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Johannes Meiler
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Andreas Paul
- Department of General, Visceral und Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Tanja Trarbach
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany.,Present address: Center for Tumor Biology and Integrative Medicine, Hospital Wilhelmshaven, 26389 Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - Kurt Werner Schmid
- Institute of Pathology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Frank Breitenbuecher
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Martin Schuler
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site University Hospital Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
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14
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Wang Z, Valera JC, Zhao X, Chen Q, Gutkind JS. mTOR co-targeting strategies for head and neck cancer therapy. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2018; 36:491-502. [PMID: 28822012 PMCID: PMC5613059 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-017-9688-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide. There is an urgent need to develop effective therapeutic approaches to prevent and treat HNSCC. Recent deep sequencing of the HNSCC genomic landscape revealed a multiplicity and diversity of genetic alterations in this malignancy. Although a large variety of specific molecules were found altered in each individual tumor, they all participate in only a handful of driver signaling pathways. Among them, the PI3K/mTOR pathway is the most frequently activated, which plays a central role in cancer initiation and progression. In turn, targeting of mTOR may represent a precision therapeutic approach for HNSCC. Indeed, mTOR inhibition exerts potent anti-tumor activity in HNSCC experimental systems, and mTOR targeting clinical trials show encouraging results. However, advanced HNSCC patients may exhibit unpredictable drug resistance, and the analysis of its molecular basis suggests that co-targeting strategies may provide a more effective option. In addition, although counterintuitive, emerging evidence suggests that mTOR inhibition may enhance the anti-tumor immune response. These new findings raise the possibility that the combination of mTOR inhibitors and immune oncology agents may provide novel precision therapeutic options for HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Wang
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases,West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | | | - Xuefeng Zhao
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases,West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Qianming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases,West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
| | - J Silvio Gutkind
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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15
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Yahya MA, Sharon SM, Hantisteanu S, Hallak M, Bruchim I. The Role of the Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Pathway in Immune Tumor Microenvironment and Its Clinical Ramifications in Gynecologic Malignancies. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:297. [PMID: 29922232 PMCID: PMC5996273 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of patients with gynecologic malignancies diagnosed at advanced stages remains a therapeutic challenge. Survival rates of these patients remain significantly low, despite surgery and chemotherapy. Advances in understanding the role of the immune system in the pathogenesis of cancer have led to the rapid evolution of immunotherapeutic approaches. Immunotherapeutic strategies, including targeting specific immune checkpoints, as well as dendritic cell (DC) immunotherapy are being investigated in several malignancies, including gynecological cancers. Another important approach in cancer therapy is to inhibit molecular pathways that are crucial for tumor growth and maintenance, such as the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) pathway. The IGF axis has been shown to play a significant role in carcinogenesis of several types of tissue, including ovarian cancer. Preclinical studies reported significant anti-proliferative activity of IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) inhibitors in gynecologic malignancies. However, recent clinical studies have shown variable response rates with advanced solid tumors. This study provides an overview on current immunotherapy strategies and on IGF-targeted therapy for gynecologic malignancies. We focus on the involvement of IGF1R signaling in DCs and present our preliminary results which imply that the IGF axis contributes to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). For the long term, we believe that restoring the TME function by IGF1R targeting in combination with immunotherapy can serve as a new clinical approach for gynecological cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muna Alemi Yahya
- Gynecologic Oncology Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel
- Gynecology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center (Affiliated with the Technion Israel Institute of Technology), Hadera, Israel
| | - Shilhav Meisel Sharon
- Gynecology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center (Affiliated with the Technion Israel Institute of Technology), Hadera, Israel
| | - Shay Hantisteanu
- Gynecology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center (Affiliated with the Technion Israel Institute of Technology), Hadera, Israel
| | - Mordechai Hallak
- Gynecologic Oncology Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel
- Gynecology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center (Affiliated with the Technion Israel Institute of Technology), Hadera, Israel
| | - Ilan Bruchim
- Gynecologic Oncology Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel
- Gynecology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center (Affiliated with the Technion Israel Institute of Technology), Hadera, Israel
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- *Correspondence: Ilan Bruchim,
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16
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Mansour M, Teo ZL, Luen SJ, Loi S. Advancing Immunotherapy in Metastatic Breast Cancer. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2017; 18:35. [PMID: 28534250 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-017-0478-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Despite many advances in the treatment of breast cancer, the development of metastatic disease remains an incurable and frequent cause of cancer death for women worldwide. An improved understanding of the role of host immunosurveillance in modulating breast cancer disease biology, as well as impressive survival benefits seen to checkpoint blockade in other malignancies have provided great hope for an expanding role of immunotherapies in breast cancer management. While these novel therapies are currently being investigated in clinical trials, signals of efficacy, and tolerability in early phase studies suggest these will eventually make their way into standard practice algorithms. Ongoing research has highlighted a high degree of intertumoural heterogeneity in tumour lymphocytic infiltrates, suggesting some tumours or subtypes are more immunogenic than others. Furthermore, tumour intrinsic mechanisms of immune evasion are beginning to be uncovered, potentially representing key therapeutic targets to use in combination with checkpoint blockade, exemplifying the emerging concept of personalised medicine approaches to immune therapies. Subsequently, different immunotherapeutic strategies may be required based on stratification by these factors-for the minority of tumours with a high level of pre-existing immunity, immune checkpoint blockade monotherapy may be sufficient. However, for the majority of tumours with lower levels of pre-existing immunity, combination approaches will likely be required to achieve maximal therapeutic effect. Results of ongoing clinical trials including combinations with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies are eagerly awaited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Mansour
- Division of Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum, Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Zhi Ling Teo
- Division of Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum, Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Stephen J Luen
- Division of Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
| | - Sherene Loi
- Division of Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia. .,Sir Peter MacCallum, Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia.
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17
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Liu X, Zhou Q, Xu Y, Chen M, Zhao J, Wang M. Harness the synergy between targeted therapy and immunotherapy: what have we learned and where are we headed? Oncotarget 2017; 8:86969-86984. [PMID: 29156850 PMCID: PMC5689740 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the introduction of imatinib for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia, several oncogenic mutations have been identified in various malignancies that can serve as targets for therapy. More recently, a deeper insight into the mechanism of antitumor immunity and tumor immunoevasion have facilitated the development of novel immunotherapy agents. Certain targeted agents have the ability of inhibiting tumor growth without causing severe lymphocytopenia and amplifying antitumor immune response by increasing tumor antigenicity, enhancing intratumoral T cell infiltration, and altering the tumor immune microenvironment, which provides a rationale for combining targeted therapy with immunotherapy. Targeted therapy can elicit dramatic responses in selected patients by interfering with the tumor-intrinsic driver mutations. But in most cases, resistance will occur over a relatively short period of time. In contrast, immunotherapy can yield durable, albeit generally mild, responses in several tumor types via unleashing host antitumor immunity. Thus, combination approaches might be able to induce a rapid tumor regression and a prolonged duration of response. We examine the available evidence regarding immune effects of targeted therapy, and review preclinical and clinical studies on the combination of targeted therapy and immunotherapy for cancer treatment. Furthermore, we discuss challenges of the combined therapy and highlight the need for continued translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Liu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Lung Cancer Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Lung Cancer Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Lung Cancer Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Minjiang Chen
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Lung Cancer Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Lung Cancer Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengzhao Wang
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Lung Cancer Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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18
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CAR T-cell therapy of solid tumors. Immunol Cell Biol 2016; 95:356-363. [PMID: 28003642 DOI: 10.1038/icb.2016.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The potential for immunotherapy as a treatment option for cancer is clear from remarkable responses of some leukemia patients to adoptive cell transfer using autologous T cells genetically modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). However, the vast majority of cancers, in particular the more common solid cancers, such as those of the breast, colon and lung, fail to respond significantly to infusions of CAR T cells. Solid cancers present some formidable barriers to adoptive cell transfer, including suppression of T-cell function and inhibition of T-cell localization. In this review, we discuss the current state of CAR T-cell therapy in solid cancers, the variety of concepts being investigated to overcome these barriers as well as approaches aimed at increasing the specificity and safety of adoptive cell transfer.
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19
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Kulkarni A, Natarajan SK, Chandrasekar V, Pandey PR, Sengupta S. Combining Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Kinase-Inhibiting Supramolecular Therapeutics for Enhanced Anticancer Efficacy. ACS NANO 2016; 10:9227-9242. [PMID: 27656909 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.6b01600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A major limitation of immune checkpoint inhibitors is that only a small subset of patients achieve durable clinical responses. This necessitates the development of combinatorial regimens with immunotherapy. However, some combinations, such as MEK- or PI3K-inhibitors with a PD1-PDL1 checkpoint inhibitor, are pharmacologically challenging to implement. We rationalized that such combinations can be enabled using nanoscale supramolecular targeted therapeutics, which spatially home into tumors and exert temporally sustained inhibition of the target. Here we describe two case studies where nanoscale MEK- and PI3K-targeting supramolecular therapeutics were engineered using a quantum mechanical all-atomistic simulation-based approach. The combinations of nanoscale MEK- and PI3K-targeting supramolecular therapeutics with checkpoint PDL1 and PD1 inhibitors exert enhanced antitumor outcome in melanoma and breast cancers in vivo, respectively. Additionally, the temporal sequence of administration impacts the outcome. The combination of supramolecular therapeutics and immunotherapy could emerge as a paradigm shift in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Kulkarni
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Siva Kumar Natarajan
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Vineethkrishna Chandrasekar
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Prithvi Raj Pandey
- India Innovation Research Center and Invictus Oncology , New Delhi 110092, India
| | - Shiladitya Sengupta
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute , Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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20
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Lastwika KJ, Wilson W, Li QK, Norris J, Xu H, Ghazarian SR, Kitagawa H, Kawabata S, Taube JM, Yao S, Liu LN, Gills JJ, Dennis PA. Control of PD-L1 Expression by Oncogenic Activation of the AKT-mTOR Pathway in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancer Res 2015; 76:227-38. [PMID: 26637667 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-3362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 541] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in EGFR, KRAS, and ALK are oncogenic drivers in lung cancer, but how oncogenic signaling influences immunity in the tumor microenvironment is just beginning to be understood. Immunosuppression likely contributes to lung cancer, because drugs that inhibit immune checkpoints like PD-1 and PD-L1 have clinical benefit. Here, we show that activation of the AKT-mTOR pathway tightly regulates PD-L1 expression in vitro and in vivo. Both oncogenic and IFNγ-mediated induction of PD-L1 was dependent on mTOR. In human lung adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, membranous expression of PD-L1 was significantly associated with mTOR activation. These data suggest that oncogenic activation of the AKT-mTOR pathway promotes immune escape by driving expression of PD-L1, which was confirmed in syngeneic and genetically engineered mouse models of lung cancer where an mTOR inhibitor combined with a PD-1 antibody decreased tumor growth, increased tumor-infiltrating T cells, and decreased regulatory T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin J Lastwika
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland. The George Washington University, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Willie Wilson
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Qing Kay Li
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jeffrey Norris
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Haiying Xu
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sharon R Ghazarian
- Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Data Management Core, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Hiroshi Kitagawa
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Shigeru Kawabata
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Janis M Taube
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sheng Yao
- Amplimmune, Inc., Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | | | - Joell J Gills
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Phillip A Dennis
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.
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21
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Bonnefond ML, Lambert B, Giffard F, Abeilard E, Brotin E, Louis MH, Gueye MS, Gauduchon P, Poulain L, N’Diaye M. Calcium signals inhibition sensitizes ovarian carcinoma cells to anti-Bcl-xL strategies through Mcl-1 down-regulation. Apoptosis 2015; 20:535-50. [PMID: 25627260 PMCID: PMC4348506 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-015-1095-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian carcinoma is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancer in the developed world and is characterized by acquired chemoresistance leading to an overall 5-year survival rate of about 30 %. We previously showed that Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 cooperatively protect platinum-resistant ovarian cancer cells from apoptosis. Despite BH3-mimetics represent promising drugs to target Bcl-xL, anti-Mcl-1 strategies are still in pre-clinical studies and required new investigations. Calcium is a universal second messenger and dysregulation of calcium signal is often observed during carcinogenesis. As change in cytosolic free calcium concentration [Ca(2+)]i is known to control the fate of the cell by regulating Bcl-2 family members, we wonder if calcium signal could impact on Mcl-1 expression and if its pharmacological inhibition could be useful to sensitize ovarian carcinoma cells to anti-Bcl-xL strategies. We therefore studied the effect of different calcium signals inhibitors in ovarian carcinoma cell lines SKOV3 and IGROV1-R10 and analysed their effects on proliferation and Mcl-1 expression. We also exposed these cells to these inhibitors in combination with anti-Bcl-xL strategies (siRNA or BH3-mimetic: ABT-737). We found that calcium signaling regulates Mcl-1 through translational events and a calmodulin-mediated pathway. BAPTA-AM and calmodulin inhibitor combination with ABT-737 leads to apoptosis, a process that is reversed by Mcl-1 enforced expression. As Mcl-1 represents a crucial hurdle to the success of chemotherapy, these results could open to new area of investigation using calcium modulators to directly or indirectly target Mcl-1 and thus efficiently sensitize ovarian carcinoma cells to anti-Bcl-xL strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Laure Bonnefond
- Normandy University, Caen, France
- UNICAEN, INSERM U1199 “Biology and Innovative Therapeutics of Locally Aggressive Cancers” Unit, Caen, France
- François Baclesse Comprehensive Cancer Center, 3 Avenue du Général Harris, BP5026, 14076 Caen Cedex 05, France
| | - Bernard Lambert
- Normandy University, Caen, France
- UNICAEN, INSERM U1199 “Biology and Innovative Therapeutics of Locally Aggressive Cancers” Unit, Caen, France
- François Baclesse Comprehensive Cancer Center, 3 Avenue du Général Harris, BP5026, 14076 Caen Cedex 05, France
- CNRS (placed at the disposition of EA4656 by CNRS), Délégation régionale Ile-de-France Est, 94532 Thiais Cedex, France
| | - Florence Giffard
- Normandy University, Caen, France
- UNICAEN, INSERM U1199 “Biology and Innovative Therapeutics of Locally Aggressive Cancers” Unit, Caen, France
- François Baclesse Comprehensive Cancer Center, 3 Avenue du Général Harris, BP5026, 14076 Caen Cedex 05, France
| | - Edwige Abeilard
- Normandy University, Caen, France
- UNICAEN, INSERM U1199 “Biology and Innovative Therapeutics of Locally Aggressive Cancers” Unit, Caen, France
- François Baclesse Comprehensive Cancer Center, 3 Avenue du Général Harris, BP5026, 14076 Caen Cedex 05, France
| | - Emilie Brotin
- Normandy University, Caen, France
- UNICAEN, INSERM U1199 “Biology and Innovative Therapeutics of Locally Aggressive Cancers” Unit, Caen, France
- François Baclesse Comprehensive Cancer Center, 3 Avenue du Général Harris, BP5026, 14076 Caen Cedex 05, France
| | - Marie-Hélène Louis
- Normandy University, Caen, France
- UNICAEN, INSERM U1199 “Biology and Innovative Therapeutics of Locally Aggressive Cancers” Unit, Caen, France
- François Baclesse Comprehensive Cancer Center, 3 Avenue du Général Harris, BP5026, 14076 Caen Cedex 05, France
| | - Mor Sény Gueye
- Normandy University, Caen, France
- UNICAEN, INSERM U1199 “Biology and Innovative Therapeutics of Locally Aggressive Cancers” Unit, Caen, France
- François Baclesse Comprehensive Cancer Center, 3 Avenue du Général Harris, BP5026, 14076 Caen Cedex 05, France
| | - Pascal Gauduchon
- Normandy University, Caen, France
- UNICAEN, INSERM U1199 “Biology and Innovative Therapeutics of Locally Aggressive Cancers” Unit, Caen, France
- François Baclesse Comprehensive Cancer Center, 3 Avenue du Général Harris, BP5026, 14076 Caen Cedex 05, France
| | - Laurent Poulain
- Normandy University, Caen, France
- UNICAEN, INSERM U1199 “Biology and Innovative Therapeutics of Locally Aggressive Cancers” Unit, Caen, France
- François Baclesse Comprehensive Cancer Center, 3 Avenue du Général Harris, BP5026, 14076 Caen Cedex 05, France
| | - Monique N’Diaye
- Normandy University, Caen, France
- UNICAEN, INSERM U1199 “Biology and Innovative Therapeutics of Locally Aggressive Cancers” Unit, Caen, France
- François Baclesse Comprehensive Cancer Center, 3 Avenue du Général Harris, BP5026, 14076 Caen Cedex 05, France
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Brown KK, Toker A. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway and therapy resistance in cancer. F1000PRIME REPORTS 2015; 7:13. [PMID: 25750731 PMCID: PMC4335789 DOI: 10.12703/p7-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling network is a master regulator of processes that contribute to tumorigenesis and tumor maintenance. The PI3K pathway also plays a critical role in driving resistance to diverse anti-cancer therapies. This review article focuses on mechanisms by which the PI3K pathway contributes to therapy resistance in cancer, and highlights potential combination therapy strategies to circumvent resistance driven by PI3K signaling. In addition, resistance mechanisms that limit the clinical efficacy of small molecule inhibitors of the PI3K pathway are discussed.
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23
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Göbel C, Breitenbuecher F, Kalkavan H, Hähnel PS, Kasper S, Hoffarth S, Merches K, Schild H, Lang KS, Schuler M. Functional expression cloning identifies COX-2 as a suppressor of antigen-specific cancer immunity. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1568. [PMID: 25501829 PMCID: PMC4649842 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2014.531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Revised: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of immune surveillance and antigen-specific cancer immunotherapy equally depends on the activation of a sustained immune response targeting cancer antigens and the susceptibility of cancer cells to immune effector mechanisms. Using functional expression cloning and T-cell receptor (TCR) transgenic mice, we have identified cyclooxygenase 2/prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (COX-2) as resistance factor against the cytotoxicity induced by activated, antigen-specific T cells. Expressing COX-2, but not a catalytically inactive COX-2 mutant, increased the clonogenic survival of E1A-transformed murine cancer cells when cocultured with lymphocytes from St42Rag2−/− mice harboring a transgenic TCR directed against an E1A epitope. COX-2 expressing tumors established in immune-deficient mice were less susceptible to adoptive immunotherapy with TCR transgenic lymphocytes in vivo. Also, immune surveillance of COX-2-positive tumor cells in TCR transgenic mice was less efficient. The growth of murine MC-GP tumors, which show high endogenous COX-2 expression, in immunocompetent mice was effectively suppressed by treatment with a selective COX-2 inhibitor, celecoxib. Mechanistically, COX-2 expression blunted the interferon-gamma release of antigen-specific T cells exposed to their respective cellular targets, and increased the expression of interleukin-4 and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase by tumor cells. Addition of interferon-gamma sensitized COX-2 expressing cancer cells to tumor suppression by antigen-specific T cells. In conclusion, COX-2, which is frequently induced in colorectal cancer, contributes to immune evasion and resistance to antigen-specific cancer immunotherapy by local suppression of T-cell effector functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Göbel
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45122, Germany
| | - F Breitenbuecher
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45122, Germany
| | - H Kalkavan
- 1] Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45122, Germany [2] Department of Immunology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45122, Germany
| | - P S Hähnel
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45122, Germany
| | - S Kasper
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45122, Germany
| | - S Hoffarth
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45122, Germany
| | - K Merches
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45122, Germany
| | - H Schild
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center, Mainz 55101, Germany
| | - K S Lang
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45122, Germany
| | - M Schuler
- 1] Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45122, Germany [2] German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
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24
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Abstract
The therapeutic potential of host-specific and tumour-specific immune responses is well recognized and, after many years, active immunotherapies directed at inducing or augmenting these responses are entering clinical practice. Antitumour immunization is a complex, multi-component task, and the optimal combinations of antigens, adjuvants, delivery vehicles and routes of administration are not yet identified. Active immunotherapy must also address the immunosuppressive and tolerogenic mechanisms deployed by tumours. This Review provides an overview of new results from clinical studies of therapeutic cancer vaccines directed against tumour-associated antigens and discusses their implications for the use of active immunotherapy.
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25
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Shan Y, Cheng Y, Zhang Y, Guan FQ, Sun H, Ren XC, Chen Y, Feng X, Yang JM. Triticuside A, a Dietary Flavonoid, Inhibits Proliferation of Human Breast Cancer Cells Via Inducing Apoptosis. Nutr Cancer 2013; 65:891-9. [DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2013.802001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Shan
- a Departments of Pharmacology, The Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute , The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and Milton S. Hershey Medical Center , Hershey , Pennsylvania , USA
- b Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences , Nanjing , Jiangsu , China
| | - Yan Cheng
- a Departments of Pharmacology, The Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute , The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and Milton S. Hershey Medical Center , Hershey , Pennsylvania , USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- a Departments of Pharmacology, The Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute , The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and Milton S. Hershey Medical Center , Hershey , Pennsylvania , USA
| | - Fu-Qin Guan
- b Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences , Nanjing , Jiangsu , China
| | - Hao Sun
- b Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences , Nanjing , Jiangsu , China
| | - Xing-cong Ren
- a Departments of Pharmacology, The Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute , The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and Milton S. Hershey Medical Center , Hershey , Pennsylvania , USA
| | - Yu Chen
- b Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences , Nanjing , Jiangsu , China
| | - Xu Feng
- b Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences , Nanjing , Jiangsu , China
| | - Jin-Ming Yang
- b Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences , Nanjing , Jiangsu , China
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26
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Strategies for enhancing vaccine-induced CTL antitumor immune responses. J Biomed Biotechnol 2012; 2012:605045. [PMID: 23093850 PMCID: PMC3470898 DOI: 10.1155/2012/605045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccine-induced cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) play a critical role in adaptive immunity against cancers. An important goal of current vaccine research is to induce durable and long-lasting functional CTLs that can mediate cytotoxic effects on tumor cells. To attain this goal, there are four distinct steps that must be achieved. To initiate a vaccine-induced CTL antitumor immune response, dendritic cells (DCs) must capture antigens derived from exogenous tumor vaccines in vivo or autologous DCs directly loaded in vitro with tumor antigens must be injected. Next, tumor-antigen-loaded DCs must activate CTLs in lymphoid organs. Subsequently, activated CTLs must enter the tumor microenvironment to perform their functions, at which point a variety of negative regulatory signals suppress the immune response. Finally, CTL-mediated cytotoxic effects must overcome the tolerance induced by tumor cells. Each step is a complex process that may be impeded in many ways. However, if these steps happen under appropriate regulation, the vaccine-induced CTL antitumor immune response will be more successful. For this reason, we should gain a better understanding of the basic mechanisms that govern the immune response. This paper, based on the steps necessary to induce an immune response, discusses current strategies for enhancing vaccine-induced CTL antitumor immune responses.
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Oncogenic RAS simultaneously protects against anti-EGFR antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and EGFR signaling blockade. Oncogene 2012; 32:2873-81. [PMID: 22797062 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2012.302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are effective cancer therapeutics, but tumors harboring RAS mutations are resistant. To functionally dissect RAS-mediated resistance, we have studied clinically approved anti-EGFR antibodies, cetuximab and panitumumab, in cancer models. Both antibodies were equally cytotoxic in vitro. However, cetuximab, which also triggers antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), was more effective than panitumumab in vivo. Oncogenic RAS neutralized the activity of both antibodies in vivo. Mechanistically, RAS upregulated BCL-XL in cancer cell lines and in primary colorectal cancers. Suppression of BCL-XL by short hairpin RNA or treatment with a BH3 mimetic overcame RAS-mediated antibody resistance. In conclusion, RAS-mutant tumors escape anti-EGFR antibody-mediated receptor blockade as well as ADCC in vivo. Pharmacological targeting of RAS effectors can restore sensitivity to antibody therapy.
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28
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Hegde GV, Nordgren TM, Munger CM, Mittal AK, Bierman PJ, Weisenburger DD, Vose JM, Sharp JG, Joshi SS. Novel therapy for therapy-resistant mantle cell lymphoma: multipronged approach with targeting of hedgehog signaling. Int J Cancer 2012; 131:2951-60. [PMID: 22511234 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.27602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2011] [Accepted: 03/22/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is one of the most aggressive B-cell lymphomas with a median patient survival of only 5-7 years. The failure of existing therapies is mainly due to disease relapse when therapy-resistant tumor cells remain after chemotherapy. Therefore, development and testing of novel therapeutic strategies to target these therapy-resistant MCL are needed. Here, we developed an in vivo model of therapy-resistant MCL by transplanting a patient-derived MCL cell line (Granta 519) into NOD/SCID mice followed by treatment with combination chemotherapy. Cytomorphologic, immunophenotypic, in vitro and in vivo growth analyses of these therapy-resistant MCL cells confirm their MCL origin and resistance to chemotherapy. Moreover, quantitative real-time PCR revealed the upregulation of GLI transcription factors, which are mediators of the hedgehog signaling pathway, in these therapy-resistant MCL cells. Therefore, we developed an effective therapeutic strategy for resistant MCL by treating the NOD/SCID mice bearing Granta 519 MCL with CHOP chemotherapy to reduce tumor burden combined with GLI-antisense oligonucleotides or bortezomib, a proteosome inhibitor, to target therapy-resistant MCL cells that remained after chemotherapy. This regimen was followed by treatment with MCL-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes to eliminate all detectable leftover minimal residual disease. Mice treated with this strategy showed a significantly increased survival and decreased tumor burden compared to the mice in all other groups. Such therapeutic strategies that combine chemotherapy with targeted therapy followed by tumor-specific immunotherapy are effective and have excellent potential for clinical application to provide long-term, disease-free survival in MCL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganapati V Hegde
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6395, USA
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29
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Harashima N, Inao T, Imamura R, Okano S, Suda T, Harada M. Roles of the PI3K/Akt pathway and autophagy in TLR3 signaling-induced apoptosis and growth arrest of human prostate cancer cells. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2012; 61:667-76. [PMID: 22038398 PMCID: PMC11029084 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-011-1132-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2011] [Accepted: 10/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are widely expressed in immune cells and play a crucial role in many aspects of the immune response. Although some types of TLRs are also expressed in cancer cells, the effects and mechanisms of TLR signaling in cancer cells have not yet been fully elucidated. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)], a TLR3 ligand, on three TLR3-expressing human prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP, PC3, and DU145). We then further characterized the underlying mechanisms, focusing on the poly(I:C)-sensitive LNCaP cell line. Poly(I:C) significantly reduced the viability of LNCaP cells TLR3 and endosome dependently. One mechanism for the antitumor effect was caspase-dependent apoptosis, and another mechanism was poly(I:C)-induced growth arrest. Cell survival and proliferation of LNCaP cells depended on the PI3K/Akt pathway, and PI3K/Akt inhibitors induced apoptosis and growth arrest similar to poly(I:C) treatment. Additionally, poly(I:C) treatment caused dephosphorylation of Akt in LNCaP cells, but transduction of the constitutively active form of Akt rendered LNCaP cells resistant to poly(I:C). Immunoblot analysis of proliferation- and apoptosis-related molecules in poly(I:C)-treated LNCaP cells revealed participation of cyclinD1, c-Myc, p53, and NOXA. Interestingly, poly(I:C) treatment of LNCaP cells was accompanied by autophagy, which was cytoprotective toward poly(I:C)-induced apoptosis. Together, these findings indicate that TLR3 signaling triggers apoptosis and growth arrest of LNCaP cells partially through inactivation of the PI3K/Akt pathway and that treatment-associated autophagy plays a cytoprotective role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanae Harashima
- Department of Immunology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo, Shimane, 693-8501 Japan
| | - Tohko Inao
- Department of Immunology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo, Shimane, 693-8501 Japan
- Department of Surgery, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Shimane, Japan
| | - Ryu Imamura
- Division of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shinji Okano
- Division of Pathophysiological and Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takashi Suda
- Division of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Mamoru Harada
- Department of Immunology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo, Shimane, 693-8501 Japan
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30
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Abstract
During the past two decades, the paradigm for cancer treatment has evolved from relatively nonspecific cytotoxic agents to selective, mechanism-based therapeutics. Cancer chemotherapies were initially identified through screens for compounds that killed rapidly dividing cells. These drugs remain the backbone of current treatment, but they are limited by a narrow therapeutic index, significant toxicities and frequently acquired resistance. More recently, an improved understanding of cancer pathogenesis has given rise to new treatment options, including targeted agents and cancer immunotherapy. Targeted approaches aim to inhibit molecular pathways that are crucial for tumour growth and maintenance; whereas, immunotherapy endeavours to stimulate a host immune response that effectuates long-lived tumour destruction. Targeted therapies and cytotoxic agents also modulate immune responses, which raises the possibility that these treatment strategies might be effectively combined with immunotherapy to improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Vanneman
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Vaccine Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
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31
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Yan J, Wang ZY, Yang HZ, Liu HZ, Mi S, Lv XX, Fu XM, Yan HM, Zhang XW, Zhan QM, Hu ZW. Timing is critical for an effective anti-metastatic immunotherapy: the decisive role of IFNγ/STAT1-mediated activation of autophagy. PLoS One 2011; 6:e24705. [PMID: 21931823 PMCID: PMC3172290 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2011] [Accepted: 08/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Immunotherapy is often recommended as an adjuvant treatment to reduce the chance of cancer recurrence or metastasis. Interestingly, timing is very important for a successful immunotherapy against metastasis, although the precise mechanism is still unknown. Methods and Findings Using a mouse model of melanoma metastasis induced by intravenous injection of B16-F10 cells, we investigated the mechanism responsible for the diverse efficacy of the prophylactic or therapeutic TLR4 and TLR9 agonist complex against metastasis. We found that the activation of TLR4 and TLR9 prevented, but did not reverse, metastasis because the potency of this combination was neither sufficient to overcome the tumor cell-educated immune tolerance nor to induce efficacious autophagy in tumor cells. The prophylactic application of the complex promoted antimetastatic immunity, leading to the autophagy-associated death of melanoma cells via IFNγ/STAT1 activation and attenuated tumor metastasis. IFNγ neutralization reversed the prophylactic benefit induced by the complex by suppressing STAT1 activation and attenuating autophagy in mice. However, the therapeutic application of the complex did not suppress metastasis because the complex could not reverse tumor cell-induced STAT3 activation and neither activate IFNγ/STAT1 signaling and autophagy. Suppressing STAT3 activation with the JAK/STAT antagonist AG490 restored the antimetastatic effect of the TLR4/9 agonist complex. Activation of autophagy after tumor inoculation by using rapamycin, with or without the TLR4/9 agonist complex, could suppress metastasis. Conclusion and Significance Our studies suggest that activation of IFNγ/STAT1 signaling and induction of autophagy are critical for an efficacious anti-metastatic immunotherapy and that autophagy activators may overcome the timing barrier for immunotherapy against metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yan
- Molecular Immunology and Pharmacology Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zi-Yan Wang
- Molecular Immunology and Pharmacology Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Zhen Yang
- Molecular Immunology and Pharmacology Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Han-Zhi Liu
- Molecular Immunology and Pharmacology Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Su Mi
- Molecular Immunology and Pharmacology Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Xi Lv
- Molecular Immunology and Pharmacology Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Fu
- Molecular Immunology and Pharmacology Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hui-Min Yan
- Molecular Immunology and Pharmacology Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Wei Zhang
- Molecular Immunology and Pharmacology Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qi-Min Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute and Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuo-Wei Hu
- Molecular Immunology and Pharmacology Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
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32
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Huye LE, Nakazawa Y, Patel MP, Yvon E, Sun J, Savoldo B, Wilson MH, Dotti G, Rooney CM. Combining mTor inhibitors with rapamycin-resistant T cells: a two-pronged approach to tumor elimination. Mol Ther 2011; 19:2239-48. [PMID: 21878902 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2011.179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite activity as single agent cancer therapies, Rapamycin (rapa) and its rapalogs may have their greatest effects when combined with other therapeutic modalities. In addition to direct antitumor activity, rapalogs reverse multiple tumor-intrinsic immune evasion mechanisms. These should facilitate tumor-specific T cell activity, but since rapa directly inhibits effector T cells, this potential immune enhancement is lost. We hypothesized that if T cells were rendered resistant to rapa they could capitalize on its downregulation of tumor immune evasion. We therefore modified T cells with a rapa-resistant mutant of mTor, mTorRR, and directed them to B lymphomas by coexpressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) for CD19 (CAR.CD19-28ζ). T cells expressing transgenic mTorRR from a piggyBac transposon maintain mTor signaling, proliferate in the presence of rapa and retain their cytotoxic function and ability to secrete interferon-γ (IFNγ) after stimulation, effector functions that were inhibited by rapa in control T cells. In combination, rapa and rapa-resistant-CAR.CD19-28ζ-expressing T cells produced greater antitumor activity against Burkitt's lymphoma and pre-B ALL cell lines in vitro than CAR.CD19-28ζ T cells or rapa alone. In conclusion, the combination of rapa and rapa-resistant, CAR.CD19-28ζ-expressing T cells may provide a novel therapy for the treatment of B cell malignancies and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie E Huye
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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33
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Abstract
Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for metastatic melanoma, including interferon alpha and interleukin-2, offer a modest benefit. Immunotherapy, although has not enjoyed high overall response rates, is capable of providing durable responses in a subset of patients. In recent years, new molecular-targeted therapies have become available and offer promise of clinical benefit, although low durability of response. It is not yet clear how best to integrate these 2 novel modalities that target the immune response to melanoma (immune therapy) or that target molecular signaling pathways in the melanoma cells (targeted therapy). Many signal transduction pathways are important in both tumor cell and T-cell proliferation and survival, which generate risk in combining targeted therapy and immunotherapy. This review focuses on the role of targeted therapy and immunotherapy in melanoma, and discusses how to combine the 2 modalities rationally for increased duration and response.
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34
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T cells expressing constitutively active Akt resist multiple tumor-associated inhibitory mechanisms. Mol Ther 2010; 18:2006-17. [PMID: 20842106 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2010.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes has shown promise for the therapy of cancer. However, tumor-specific T cells are susceptible to diverse inhibitory signals from the tumor microenvironment. The Akt/protein kinase B plays a central role in T-cell proliferation, function, and survival and we hypothesized that expression of constitutively active Akt (caAkt) in T cells could provide resistance to many of these tumor-associated inhibitory mechanisms. caAkt expression in activated human T cells increased proliferation and cytokine production, a likely result of their sustained expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and provided resistance to apoptosis by upregulating antiapoptotic molecules. caAkt expressing T cells (caAkt-T-cells) were also relatively resistant to suppression by and conversion into regulatory T cells (Tregs). These characteristics provided a survival advantage to T cells cocultured with tumor cells in vitro; CD3/28-stimulated T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) specific for disialoganglioside (GD2) that redirected their activity to the immunosuppressive, GD2-expressing neuroblastoma cell line, LAN-1, resisted tumor-induced apoptosis when co-expressing transgenic caAkt. In conclusion, caAkt-transduced T cells showed resistance to several evasion strategies employed by tumors and may therefore enhance the antitumor activity of adoptively transferred T lymphocytes.
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McCarty MF, Barroso-Aranda J, Contreras F. Practical strategies for suppressing hypoxia-inducible factor activity in cancer therapy. Med Hypotheses 2010; 74:789-97. [PMID: 20089365 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2009.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2009] [Accepted: 12/16/2009] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The utility of anti-angiogenic strategies for cancer control is strongly compromised by hypoxia-driven phenotypic changes in cancer cells, which make cancer cells more invasive and more prone to give rise to metastases. A key mediator of this phenotypic shift is the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), which acts directly and indirectly to promote the epidermal-mesenchymal transition, boost cancer invasiveness, increase production of angiogenic factors, and induce chemoresistance. In some cancers, HIF-1 activity is constitutively elevated even in aerobic environments, making the cancer harder to treat and control. Practical strategies for suppressing HIF-1 activation may include the following: inhibiting NF-kappaB activation with salicylic acid and/or silibinin, which should decrease transcription of the HIF-1alpha gene; suppressing translation of HIF-1alpha mRNA with drugs that inhibit mTOR or topoisomerase I; supporting the effective activity of prolyl hydroxylases - which promote proteasomal degradation of HIF-1alpha under aerobic conditions - with antioxidant measures, alpha-ketoglutarate, and possibly dichloroacetate; promoting the O(2)-independent proteasomal degradation of HIF-1alpha with agents that inhibit the chaperone protein Hsp90; and blocking HIF-1 binding to its DNA response elements with anthracyclines. The utility of various combinations of these strategies should be tested in cancer cell cultures and rodent xenograft models; initial efforts in this regard have yielded encouraging results. Comprehensive strategies for suppressing HIF-1 activity can be expected to complement the efficacy of cancer chemotherapy and of effective anti-angiogenic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark F McCarty
- Oasis of Hope Hospital, Paseo Playas 19, Playas de Tijuana, Tijuana, B.C., Mexico.
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Robert F, Pelletier J. Translation initiation: a critical signalling node in cancer. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2009; 13:1279-93. [PMID: 19705976 DOI: 10.1517/14728220903241625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a master regulator of translation initiation that controls the recruitment of ribosomes to mRNA templates in response to intracellular and extracellular cues. Evidence suggests that mTOR and its direct downstream targets, S6K and eIF4E/4E-BP, play significant roles in oncogenesis, and that inhibiting this pathway holds promise as an anti-proliferative approach. Recent genome-wide analyses of mutations in human cancers indicate that transformed cells activate a handful of processes and signalling pathways that are major contributors to their phenotype. Here we review the current literature implicating mTOR and translation initiation downstream of many of these various signalling pathways and processes usurped in human cancers. This review highlights the widespread activation of mTOR/eIF4E following acquisition of oncogenic lesions and its implication in promoting the transformation phenotype and indicates that targeting the control of translation initiation makes logical sense as a broad-acting therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Robert
- Department of Biochemistry and Goodman cancer centre, McGill University, McIntyre Medical Sciences Building, Room 810, 3655 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1Y6, Canada
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Hersey P, Zhang XD. Treatment combinations targeting apoptosis to improve immunotherapy of melanoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2009; 58:1749-59. [PMID: 19551381 PMCID: PMC11030855 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-009-0732-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2009] [Accepted: 06/11/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy based on T cell responses to the tumor is believed to involve killing of cancer cells by induction of apoptosis. The predominant mechanisms are death ligand-induced signaling mainly by TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) mediated by CD4 T cells, monocytes and dendritic cells, and perforin/granzyme mediated apoptosis mediated by CD8 T cells and NK cells. Resistance against TRAIL involves loss of TRAIL death receptors and/or activation of the MEK and/or Akt signal pathways. Resistance to CD8 CTL responses also involves activation of the MEK and/or Akt pathways. Apoptosis induced by immune responses is regulated by the Bcl-2 family of proteins. Many reagents have been developed against the Bcl-2 antiapoptotic proteins and clinical trials combining them with immunotherapy are awaited. The second group of agents that regulate the Bcl-2 family of proteins are the signal pathway inhibitors. Clinical trials with inhibitors of RAS, RAF or MEK are in progress and would appear an exciting combination with immunotherapy. One of the main drivers of resistance to apoptosis are adaptive mechanisms that allow cancer cells to overcome endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. These adaptive mechanisms inhibit practically all known apoptotic pathways and create an acidic environment that may reduce infiltration of lymphocytes against the tumor. The signal pathway inhibitors may be effective against these adaptive processes but additional agents that target ER stress pathways are in development. In conclusion, combination of immunotherapy with agents that target antiapoptotic mechanisms in cancer cells offers a new approach that requires evaluation in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Hersey
- Oncology and Immunology Unit, Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital, Room 443, David Maddison Clinical Sciences Building, Cnr. King and Watt Streets, Newcastle, NSW 2300, Australia.
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Honokiol-mediated inhibition of PI3K/mTOR pathway: a potential strategy to overcome immunoresistance in glioma, breast, and prostate carcinoma without impacting T cell function. J Immunother 2009; 32:585-92. [PMID: 19483651 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0b013e3181a8efe6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is an appealing method for decreasing the immunoresistance and augmenting T cell-mediated immunotherapy. A major impediment to this strategy is the impact of conventional PI3K/mTOR pathway inhibitors on T cell function. In particular, rapamycin, is a well-known immunosuppressant that can decrease the activity of the PI3K/mTOR pathway in tumor cells, but also has a profound inhibitory effect on T cells. Here we show that Honokiol, a natural dietary product isolated from an extract of seed cones from Magnolia grandiflora, can decrease PI3K/mTOR pathway-mediated immunoresistance of glioma, breast and prostate cancer cell lines, without affecting critical proinflammatory T cell functions. Specifically, we show that at doses sufficient to down-regulate levels of phospho-S6 and the negative immune regulator B7-H1 in tumor cells, Honokiol does not significantly impair T cell proliferation or proinflammatory cytokine production. In contrast to classic inhibitors, including LY294002, wortmannin, AKT inhibitor III and rapamycin, Honokiol specifically decreases the PI3K/mTOR pathway activity in tumor cells, but not in freshly stimulated T cells. Collectively, our data define a unique application for Honokiol and provide the impetus to more fully elucidate the mechanism by which T cells are resistant to the effects of this particular inhibitor. Honokiol is clinically available for human testing and may serve to augment T cell-mediated cancer immunotherapy.
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Abstract
Immune evasion is an important reason why the immune system cannot control tumor growth. To elucidate the mechanism for tumor immune evasion, we generated an immune-resistant human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) E7-expressing tumor cell line by subjecting a susceptible tumor cell line to multiple rounds of in vivo immune selection with an E7-specific vaccine. Comparison of parental and immune-resistant tumors revealed that Akt is highly activated in the immune-resistant tumors. Retroviral transfer of a constitutively active form of Akt into the parental tumor significantly increased its resistance against E7-specific CD8(+) T-cell mediated apoptosis. The observed resistance against apoptosis was found to be associated with the upregulation of antiapoptotic molecules. We also observed that intratumoral injection of an Akt inhibitor enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of E7-specific vaccine or E7-specific CD8(+) T-cell adoptive transfer against the immune-resistant tumors. Thus, our data indicate that the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway represents a new mechanism of immune escape and has important implications for the development of a novel strategy in cancer immunotherapy against immune-resistant tumor cells.
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Sabbah M, Emami S, Redeuilh G, Julien S, Prévost G, Zimber A, Ouelaa R, Bracke M, De Wever O, Gespach C. Molecular signature and therapeutic perspective of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions in epithelial cancers. Drug Resist Updat 2008; 11:123-51. [PMID: 18718806 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2008.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2008] [Revised: 06/25/2008] [Accepted: 07/01/2008] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms involved in the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) are integrated in concert with master developmental and oncogenic pathways regulating in tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, as well as the reprogrammation of specific gene repertoires ascribed to both epithelial and mesenchymal cells. Consequently, it is not unexpected that EMT has profound impacts on the neoplastic progression, patient survival, as well as the resistance of cancers to therapeutics (taxol, vincristine, oxaliplatin, EGF-R targeted therapy and radiotherapy), independent of the "classical" resistance mechanisms linked to genotoxic drugs. New therapeutic combinations using genotoxic agents and/or EMT signaling inhibitors are therefore expected to circumvent the chemotherapeutic resistance of cancers characterized by transient or sustained EMT signatures. Thus, targeting critical orchestrators at the convergence of several EMT pathways, such as the transcription pathways NF-kappaB, AKT/mTOR axis, MAPK, beta-catenin, PKC and the AP-1/SMAD factors provide a realistic strategy to control EMT and the progression of human epithelial cancers. Several inhibitors targeting these signaling platforms are already tested in preclinical and clinical oncology. In addition, upstream EMT signaling pathways induced by receptor and nonreceptor tyrosine kinases (e.g. EGF-R, IGF-R, VEGF-R, integrins/FAK, Src) and G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) constitute practical options under preclinical research, clinical trials or are currently used in the clinic for cancer treatment: e.g. small molecule inhibitors (Iressa: targeting selectively the EGF-R; CP-751,871, AMG479, NVP-AEW541, BMS-536924, PQIP, AG1024: IGF-R; AZD2171, ZD6474: VEGF-R; AZD0530, BMS-354825, SKI606: Src; BIM-46174: GPCR; rapamycin, CCI-779, RAD-001: mTOR) and humanized function blocking antibodies (Herceptin: ErbB2; Avastin: VEGF-A; Erbitux: EGF-R; Abegrin: alphavbeta3 integrins). We can assume that silencing RNA and adenovirus-based gene transfer of therapeutic miR and dominant interferring expression vectors targeting EMT pathways and signaling elements will bring additional ways for the treatment of epithelial cancers. Identification of the factors that initiate, modulate and effectuate EMT signatures and their underlying upstream oncogenic pathways should provide the basis of more efficient strategies to fight cancer progression as well as genetic and epigenetic forms of drug resistance. This goal can be accomplished using global screening of human clinical tumors by EMT-associated cDNA, proteome, miRome, and tissue arrays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michèle Sabbah
- INSERM U673, Molecular and Clinical Oncology of Solid Tumors, Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, Faculté de Médecine, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, 75571 Paris Cedex 12, France
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Targeting Bcl-2 family proteins modulates the sensitivity of B-cell lymphoma to rituximab-induced apoptosis. Blood 2008; 112:3312-21. [PMID: 18689543 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2007-11-124487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The chimeric monoclonal antibody rituximab is the standard of care for patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). Rituximab mediates complement-dependent cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity of CD20-positive human B cells. In addition, rituximab sensitizes B-NHL cells to cytotoxic chemotherapy and has direct apoptotic and antiproliferative effects. Whereas expression of the CD20 antigen is a natural prerequisite for rituximab sensitivity, cell-autonomous factors determining the response of B-NHL to rituximab are less defined. To this end, we have studied rituximab-induced apoptosis in human B-NHL models. We find that rituximab directly triggers apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway of caspase activation. Expression of antiapoptotic Bcl-xL confers resistance against rituximab-induced apoptosis in vitro and rituximab treatment of xenografted B-NHL in vivo. B-NHL cells insensitive to rituximab-induced apoptosis exhibit increased endogenous expression of multiple antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins, or activation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase signaling resulting in up-regulation of Mcl-1. The former resistance pattern is overcome by treatment with the BH3-mimetic ABT-737, the latter by combining rituximab with pharmacologic phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibitors. In conclusion, sensitivity of B-NHL cells to rituximab-induced apoptosis is determined at the level of mitochondria. Pharmacologic modulation of Bcl-2 family proteins or their upstream regulators is a promising strategy to overcome rituximab resistance.
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Magnifying endoscopic observation of the gastric mucosa, particularly in patients with atrophic gastritis. Endoscopy 1979; 138:545-54. [PMID: 738222 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-011-1123-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2011] [Accepted: 12/09/2011] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
The gastric mucosal surface was observed using the magnifying fibergastroscope (FGS-ML), and the fine gastric mucosal patterns, which were even smaller than one unit of gastric area, were examined at a magnification of about 30. For simplicification, we classified these patterns by magnifying endoscopy in the following ways; FP, FIP, FSP, SP and MP, modifying Yoshii's classification under the dissecting microscope. The FIP, which was found to have round and long elliptical gastric pits, is a new addition to our endoscopic classification. The relationship between the FIP and the intermediate zone was evaluated by superficial and histological studies of surgical and biopsy specimens. The width of the band of FIP seems to be related to the severity of atrophic gastritis. Also, the transformation of FP to FIP was assessed by comparing specimens taken from the resected and residual parts of the stomach, respectively. Moreover, it appears that severe gastritis occurs in the gastric mucosa which shows a FIP. Therefore, we consider that the FIP indicates the position of the atrophic border.
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