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Lefler DS, Manobianco SA, Bashir B. Immunotherapy resistance in solid tumors: mechanisms and potential solutions. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2315655. [PMID: 38389121 PMCID: PMC10896138 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2024.2315655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
While the emergence of immunotherapies has fundamentally altered the management of solid tumors, cancers exploit many complex biological mechanisms that result in resistance to these agents. These encompass a broad range of cellular activities - from modification of traditional paradigms of immunity via antigen presentation and immunoregulation to metabolic modifications and manipulation of the tumor microenvironment. Intervening on these intricate processes may provide clinical benefit in patients with solid tumors by overcoming resistance to immunotherapies, which is why it has become an area of tremendous research interest with practice-changing implications. This review details the major ways cancers avoid both natural immunity and immunotherapies through primary (innate) and secondary (acquired) mechanisms of resistance, and it considers available and emerging therapeutic approaches to overcoming immunotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S. Lefler
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Steven A. Manobianco
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Babar Bashir
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Ou A, Hu W, Jiang P, Lu J, Zheng Y, Ke C, Mou Y, Sai K, Li D. Alterations in intratumoral and peripheral immune status in recurrent gliomas and their prognostic implications for patients underwent reoperation. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 140:112797. [PMID: 39083926 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reoperation is a treatment option for recurrent gliomas, yet factors impacting survival following reoperation remain poorly defined. Tumor immunity is profoundly associated with disease progression. Here, we analyze the immune status characteristics and their prognostic implications in recurrent gliomas. METHODS Intratumoral and peripheral immune characteristics between primary and recurrent gliomas were compared by conducting immunohistological staining and hematological examination with our in-house samples, and analyzing bulk and single-cell sequencing data from publicly available sources. Survival analysis was conducted to identify immunological markers with prognostic significances. RESULTS We observed a significant reduction in peripheral lymphocyte count, while an elevation in neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and red cell distribution width-to-platelet ratio (RPR) in patients with recurrent gliomas than in newly-diagnosed patients. Higher NLR and RPR indicated worse survival following reoperation in recurrent patients. Transcriptomic and immunohistological analysis showed an increased infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and CD8+ T cell in recurrent gliomas compared to primary gliomas in both IDH-wildtype and mutant subtypes. Moreover, the abundance of TAMs emerged as an independent indicator for an inferior prognosis in recurrent gliomas. Single-cell profiling revealed a significant heterogeneity in the phenotypes of TAMs between primary and recurrent gliomas. Notably, TAMs enriched in recurrent gliomas exhibited elevated expression of interferon-γ-induced genes, multiple immunosuppressive molecules (TGFB1, CD276), and increased activity in glycose and lipid metabolism, indicating metabolic reprogramming. CONCLUSION Recurrent gliomas demonstrate augmented immune cell infiltration, but they fail to overcome TAMs-induced immunosuppression. Immunosuppressive indices, including TAM abundance, peripheral NLR and RPR, have prognostic implications for recurrent gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailian Ou
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Wanming Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China; Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Pingping Jiang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Yongqiang Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Chao Ke
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Yonggao Mou
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Ke Sai
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China.
| | - Depei Li
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, PR China.
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3
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Gang X, Yan J, Li X, Shi S, Xu L, Liu R, Cai L, Li H, Zhao M. Immune checkpoint inhibitors rechallenge in non-small cell lung cancer: Current evidence and future directions. Cancer Lett 2024; 604:217241. [PMID: 39260670 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217241] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy, remarkably immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has significantly altered the treatment landscape for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Despite their success, the discontinuation of ICIs therapy may occur due to factors such as prior treatment completion, disease progression during ICIs treatment, or immune-related adverse events (irAEs). As numerous studies highlight the dynamic nature of immune responses and the sustained benefits of ICIs, ICIs rechallenge has become an attractive and feasible option. However, the decision-making process for ICIs rechallenge in clinical settings is complicated by numerous uncertainties. This review systematically analyses existing clinical research evidence, classifying ICIs rechallenge into distinct clinical scenarios, exploring methods to overcome ICIs resistance in rechallenge instances, and identifying biomarkers to select patients likely to benefit from rechallenge. By integrating recent studies and new technologies, we offer crucial recommendations for future clinical trial design and provide a practical guideline to maximize the therapeutic benefits of immunotherapy for NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Gang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Jinshan Yan
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Sha Shi
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Lu Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Ruotong Liu
- Clinical Medicine, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Lutong Cai
- Psychological Medicine, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Heming Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China; Guangdong Association of Clinical Trials (GACT)/Chinese Thoracic Oncology Group (CTONG) and Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Translational Medicine in Lung Cancer, Guangzhou, 510000, China.
| | - Mingfang Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.
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Ghisoni E, Morotti M, Sarivalasis A, Grimm AJ, Kandalaft L, Laniti DD, Coukos G. Immunotherapy for ovarian cancer: towards a tailored immunophenotype-based approach. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024:10.1038/s41571-024-00937-4. [PMID: 39232212 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00937-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Despite documented evidence that ovarian cancer cells express immune-checkpoint molecules, such as PD-1 and PD-L1, and of a positive correlation between the presence of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes and favourable overall survival outcomes in patients with this tumour type, the results of trials testing immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in these patients thus far have been disappointing. The lack of response to ICIs can be attributed to tumour heterogeneity as well as inherent or acquired resistance associated with the tumour microenvironment (TME). Understanding tumour immunobiology, discovering biomarkers for patient selection and establishing optimal treatment combinations remains the hope but also a key challenge for the future application of immunotherapy in ovarian cancer. In this Review, we summarize results from trials testing ICIs in patients with ovarian cancer. We propose the implementation of a systematic CD8+ T cell-based immunophenotypic classification of this malignancy, followed by discussions of the preclinical data providing the basis to treat such immunophenotypes with combination immunotherapies. We posit that the integration of an accurate TME immunophenotype characterization with genetic data can enable the design of tailored therapeutic approaches and improve patient recruitment in clinical trials. Lastly, we propose a roadmap incorporating tissue-based profiling to guide future trials testing adoptive cell therapy approaches and assess novel immunotherapy combinations while promoting collaborative research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Ghisoni
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Matteo Morotti
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Apostolos Sarivalasis
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alizée J Grimm
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lana Kandalaft
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center of Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Denarda Dangaj Laniti
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - George Coukos
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Curigliano G, Curigliano H, Mach N, Doi T, Tai D, Forde PM, Sarantopoulos J, Bedard PL, Lin CC, Hodi FS, Wilgenhof S, Santoro A, Sabatos-Peyton CA, Longmire TA, Xyrafas A, Sun H, Gutzwiller S, Manenti L, Naing A. Correction: Phase I/Ib Clinical Trial of Sabatolimab, an Anti-TIM-3 Antibody, Alone and in Combination with Spartalizumab, an Anti-PD-1 Antibody, in Advanced Solid Tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:3957. [PMID: 39224022 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-24-2131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
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6
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Ge J, Yin X, Chen L. Regulatory T cells: masterminds of immune equilibrium and future therapeutic innovations. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1457189. [PMID: 39290699 PMCID: PMC11405253 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1457189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs), a subset of CD4+T cells marked by the expression of the transcription factor forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3), are pivotal in maintaining immune equilibrium and preventing autoimmunity. In our review, we addressed the functional distinctions between Foxp3+Tregs and other T cells, highlighting their roles in autoimmune diseases and cancer. We uncovered the dual nature of Tregs: they prevented autoimmune diseases by maintaining self-tolerance while contributing to tumor evasion by suppressing anti-tumor immunity. This study underscored the potential for targeted therapeutic strategies, such as enhancing Treg activity to restore balance in autoimmune diseases or depleting Foxp3+Tregs to augment anti-tumor immune responses in cancer. These insights laid the groundwork for future research and clinical applications, emphasizing the critical role of Foxp3+Tregs in immune regulation and the advancement of next-generation immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junwei Ge
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuan Yin
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lujun Chen
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Qiu S, Zhou G, Ke J, Zhou J, Zhang H, Jin Z, Xie W, Huang S, He Z, Qin H, Huang H, Li Q, Huang H, Tang H, Liang Y, Duan M. Impairment of Gal-9 and Tim-3 crosstalk between Tregs and Th17 cells drives tobacco smoke-induced airway inflammation. Immunology 2024; 173:152-171. [PMID: 38829009 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3) on T cells has been observed in smokers. However, whether and how galectin-9 (Gal-9)/TIM-3 signal between T-regulatory cells (Tregs) and type 17 helper (Th17) cells contributes to tobacco smoke-induced airway inflammation remains unclear. Here, we aimed to explore the role of the Gal-9/TIM-3 signal between Tregs and Th17 cells during chronic tobacco smoke exposure. Tregs phenotype and the expression of TIM-3 on CD4+ T cells were detected in a mouse model of experimental emphysema. The role of TIM-3 in CD4+ T cells was explored in a HAVCR2-/- mouse model and in mice that received recombinant anti-TIM3. The crosstalk between Gal-9 and Tim-3 was evaluated by coculture Tregs with effector CD4+ T cells. We also invested the expression of Gal-9 in Tregs in patients with COPD. Our study revealed that chronic tobacco smoke exposure significantly reduces the frequency of Tregs in the lungs of mice and remarkably shapes the heterogeneity of Tregs by downregulating the expression of Gal-9. We observed a pro-inflammatory but restrained phenotypic transition of CD4+ T cells after tobacco smoke exposure, which was maintained by TIM-3. The restrained phenotype of CD4+ T cells was perturbed when TIM-3 was deleted or neutralised. Tregs from the lungs of mice with emphysema displayed a blunt ability to inhibit the differentiation and proliferation of Th17 cells. The inhibitory function of Tregs was partially restored by using recombinant Gal-9. The interaction between Gal-9 and TIM-3 inhibits the differentiation of Th17 cells and promotes apoptosis of CD4+ T cells, possibly by interfering with the expression of retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor gamma t. The expression of Gal-9 in Tregs was reduced in patients with COPD, which was associated with Th17 response and lung function. These findings present a new paradigm that impairment of Gal-9/Tim-3 crosstalk between Tregs and Th17 cells during chronic tobacco smoke exposure promotes tobacco smoke-induced airway/lung inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilin Qiu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Guang Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Junyi Ke
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Wuming Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jianpeng Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhitao Jin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Wenli Xie
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Shu Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Wuming Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Zaiqin He
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Wuming Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Huajiao Qin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Wuming Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Wuming Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Qiuming Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Wuming Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Hongchun Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Wuming Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Haijuan Tang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yi Liang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Minchao Duan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Wuming Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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Fattahi AS, Jafari M, Farahavar G, Abolmaali SS, Tamaddon AM. Expanding horizons in cancer therapy by immunoconjugates targeting tumor microenvironments. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 201:104437. [PMID: 38977144 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunoconjugates are promising molecules combining antibodies with different agents, such as toxins, drugs, radionuclides, or cytokines that primarily aim to target tumor cells. However, tumor microenvironment (TME), which comprises a complex network of various cells and molecular cues guiding tumor growth and progression, remains a major challenge for effective cancer therapy. Our review underscores the pivotal role of TME in cancer therapy with immunoconjugates, examining the intricate interactions with TME and recent advancements in TME-targeted immunoconjugates. We explore strategies for targeting TME components, utilizing diverse antibodies such as neutralizing, immunomodulatory, immune checkpoint inhibitors, immunostimulatory, and bispecific antibodies. Additionally, we discuss different immunoconjugates, elucidating their mechanisms of action, advantages, limitations, and applications in cancer immunotherapy. Furthermore, we highlight emerging technologies enhancing the safety and efficacy of immunoconjugates, such as antibody engineering, combination therapies, and nanotechnology. Finally, we summarize current advancements, perspectives, and future developments of TME-targeted immunoconjugates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Saamaan Fattahi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mahboobeh Jafari
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
| | - Ghazal Farahavar
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
| | - Samira Sadat Abolmaali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
| | - Ali Mohammad Tamaddon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
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Lin CC, Curigliano G, Santoro A, Kim DW, Tai D, Hodi FS, Wilgenhof S, Doi T, Sabatos-Peyton C, Szpakowski S, Chitnis S, Xyrafas A, Gutzwiller S, Pastore A, Mach N. Sabatolimab in combination with spartalizumab in patients with non-small cell lung cancer or melanoma who received prior treatment with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy: a phase 2 multicentre study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e079132. [PMID: 39209782 PMCID: PMC11367382 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study evaluates the safety/efficacy of sabatolimab plus spartalizumab in patients with melanoma or non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS This is a phase 1-1b/2, open-label, multinational, multicentre study of patients with advanced/metastatic melanoma or NSCLC with ≥1 measurable lesion. INTERVENTIONS Patients were given sabatolimab 800 mg every 4 weeks plus spartalizumab 400 mg every 4 weeks until unacceptable toxicity, disease progression and/or treatment discontinuation. OUTCOME MEASURES The phase 2 primary outcome measure was overall response rate and secondary objectives included evaluation of the safety, tolerability, efficacy and pharmacokinetics of sabatolimab in combination with spartalizumab. RESULTS 33 patients (melanoma n=16, NSCLC n=17) received sabatolimab plus spartalizumab. 31 (94%) experienced ≥1 adverse event (AE); 15 (46%) experienced grade 3/4 events. The most frequent grade ≥3 AEs for NSCLC were anaemia, dyspnoea and pneumonia (each n=2, 12%); for patients with melanoma, the most frequent grade ≥3 AEs were physical health deterioration, hypokalaemia, hypophosphataemia, pathological fracture and tumour invasion (each n=1; 6%). One (3%) patient discontinued treatment due to AE. Stable disease was seen in three patients with melanoma (19%) and six patients with NSCLC (35%). Median progression-free survival was 1.8 (90% CI 1.7 to 1.9) and 1.7 (90% CI 1.1 to 3.4) months for patients with melanoma and NSCLC, respectively. Patients with stable disease had higher expression levels of CD8, LAG3, programmed death-ligand 1 and anti-T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 at baseline. The pharmacokinetics profile of sabatolimab was consistent with the phase 1 study. CONCLUSIONS Sabatolimab plus spartalizumab was well tolerated in patients with advanced/metastatic melanoma or NSCLC who had progressed following antiprogrammed death-1/antiprogrammed death-ligand 1 treatment. Limited antitumour activity was observed. The tolerability of sabatolimab administration supports the potential to explore treatment with sabatolimab in various combination regimens and across a spectrum of tumour types. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02608268.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Chi Lin
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
- Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies Division, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Armando Santoro
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | - Dong-Wan Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - David Tai
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - F Stephen Hodi
- Melanoma Center and Center for Immuno-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sofie Wilgenhof
- Department of Medical Oncology, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Toshihiko Doi
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, National Cancer Center-Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | | | | | - Shripad Chitnis
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Alessandro Pastore
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, East Hanover, New Jersey, USA
| | - Nicolas Mach
- Swiss Cancer Center Leman, Geneva University Hospitals Oncology Division, Geneva, Switzerland
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Nakayama I, Shitara K. The current status of immunotherapy and future horizon in the treatment of metastatic and locally advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2024:1-13. [PMID: 39171531 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2024.2395921] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immunochemotherapy with PD-1 blockade has been established as the current standard first-line therapy for patients with mGEA. Reviewing the history of clinical trials offers valuable insight into the evolution of immune oncology in mGEA, paving the way for future advancements in this field. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the findings of previous clinical trials related to immunotherapy for patients with GEA in the metastatic and locally advanced setting. We also introduce ongoing clinical trials to address the current challenging issues in clinical practice. EXPERT OPINION In general, GEA exhibits intermediate immunogenic characteristics with heterogeneous expressions, and responders to anti-PD-(L)1 therapy are mostly enriched to patients with specific genomic profiles such as MSI-H, high PD-L1 expression, high TMB, and EBV-associated type. Co-administration with anti-angiogenic agents or simultaneous blockade of immune checkpoint molecules is being explored to offer benefit of immunotherapy for more patients. We hope that CLDN18.2 and upcoming targets like FGFR2b will complement the treatment niche of immunotherapy in the field of mGEA. Bispecific antibodies, antibody drug conjugates, CAR-T, and vaccine are anticipated to enhance efficacy and expand the scope of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izuma Nakayama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Kohei Shitara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
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11
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Chang X, Miao J. Role of TIM-3 in ovarian cancer: the forsaken cop or a new noble. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1407403. [PMID: 39206199 PMCID: PMC11350557 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1407403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3 (TIM-3), a crucial immune checkpoint following PD1 and CTLA4, is widely found in several immune cells. Nonetheless, its performance in recent clinical trials appears disappointing. Ovarian cancer (OC), a malignant tumor with a high mortality rate in gynecology, faces significant hurdles in immunotherapy. The broad presence of TIM-3 offers a new opportunity for immunotherapy in OC. This study reviews the role of TIM-3 in OC and assesses its potential as a target for immunotherapy. The regulatory effects of TIM-3 on the immune microenvironment in OC are discussed, with a focus on preclinical studies that demonstrate TIM-3's modulation of various immune cells in OC. Additionally, the potential therapeutic advantages and challenges of targeting TIM-3 in OC are examined.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jinwei Miao
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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12
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Elmusrati A, Wang CY. The expression of immune checkpoint proteins PD-L1 and TIM3 in mouse and human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Eur J Oral Sci 2024:e13010. [PMID: 39090710 DOI: 10.1111/eos.13010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and of T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein (TIM3) in oral epithelial dysplasia and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Mouse HNSCC was induced with 4-nitroquinoline-1 oxide (4NQO). Oral epithelial dysplastic lesions, carcinoma in situ and HNSCC lesions were stained with anti-PD-L1 and TIM3 antibodies. The expression of PD-L1 and TIM3 in tumor cells and immune cells was semiquantitatively measured and compared. In parallel, human dysplasia and HNSCC were stained with anti-PD-L1 and anti-TIM3. The expression pattern of PD-L1+ and TIM3+ cells was further compared. In human and mouse samples both PD-L1 and TIM3 were found to be expressed in neoplastic and immune cells in HNSCC, but not in dysplasia. There was no significant difference in PD-L1 and TIM3 expression between metastatic and nonmetastatic HNSCC. We conclude that the 4NQO-induced mouse HNSCC model may be an excellent preclinical model for immune checkpoint therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areeg Elmusrati
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Cun-Yu Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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13
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Wang X, Chen Z, Tang J, Cao J. Identification and Validation of a Necroptosis-Related Prognostic Model in Tumor Recurrence and Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Breast Cancer Management. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:5057-5076. [PMID: 39081870 PMCID: PMC11288355 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s460551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Necroptosis, a form of programmed necrotic cell death, occurs in many solid tumors, including breast cancer, and influences anti-tumor immunity. The role of necroptosis in managing breast cancer recurrence remains unclear. Methods Gene expression profiles and clinical data of breast cancer patients were obtained from the GEO (GSE20685, GSE21653, GSE25055) and TCGA databases. Data analysis and visualization were performed using R. Unsupervised Consensus Clustering and LASSO-COX regression stratified breast cancer patients. GO, KEGG, GSVA, ESTIMATE, and ROC analyses were used to investigate necroptotic signatures. In vitro and in vivo experiments validated necroptosis's role in breast cancer immunity. Results The potential function of necroptotic signature in immunity was first indicated with GO analysis in BRCA cohort. Next, two prognostic models based on the necroptotic profiles both suggested a link between low-risk group with a particular necroptotic immune signature. And a variety of immune cells and immune pathways were shown to be positively associated with a patient's risk score. As an altered immune checkpoint pattern was observed after regulating necroptotic genes, where TIM-3 and LAGLS9 elevated significantly in low-risk group, further validation in vitro and in vivo demonstrated that manipulating a subset of necroptotic gene set could sensitize tumor response to the co-blockade immunotherapy of anti-TIM-3 and anti-PD-1. Conclusion We demonstrated two strategies to stratify breast cancer patients based on their necroptotic profiles and showed that necroptotic signature could assign patients with different tumor immune microenvironment patterns and different recurrence-related prognosis. A subset of necroptotic gene set, composed of TLR3, RIPK3, NLRP3, CASP1, ALDH2 and EZH2, was identified as a biomarker set for predicting immunotherapy-response and recurrence-related prognosis. Targeting necroptosis could helpfacilitate the development of novel breast cancer treatments and tailor personalized medical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Wang
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zongyao Chen
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianing Tang
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Cao
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
- Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
- Clinical Research Center for Breast Cancer in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
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Yoshida T, Nakamoto T, Atsumi N, Ohe C, Sano T, Yasukochi Y, Tsuta K, Kinoshita H. Impact of LAG-3/FGL1 pathway on immune evasive contexture and clinical outcomes in advanced urothelial carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e009358. [PMID: 39043605 PMCID: PMC11268076 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2024-009358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1)/anti-PD-ligand-1 (PD-L1) pathway inhibition is a standard regimen for advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC); however, its limited efficacy has been reflected in reported medium response rates. This study explored the role of next-generation coinhibitory receptors (IRs; lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3), T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3), and T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT)) and their ligands (LGs) in the response to PD-(L)1 blockade therapy and the oncological outcomes in patients with UC. METHODS We investigated metastatic UC cases who underwent PD-(L)1 therapy (cohort 1: n=348, cohort 2: n=89, and cohort 4: n=29) or advanced UC cases involving surgery (cohort 3: n=293 and cohort 5: n=90). We assessed the mRNA expression profiles and corresponding clinical information regarding IRs and LGs using cohorts 1, 2, and 3. Additionally, we elucidated the spatial features of these targeted markers using multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples from cohorts 4 and 5. Survival, differential expressed gene, and Gene Set Enrichment analyses were performed. For mIHC, quantitative analyses were also performed to correlate immune and tumor cell densities with patient survival. RESULTS LAG-3 expression was strongly associated with the responsiveness of PD-(L)1 blockade compared with the expression of TIM-3 and TIGIT. In tumors with high LAG-3 levels, the increased expression of fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1) had a significantly negative effect on the response to PD-(L)1 blockade and overall survival. Moreover, high FGL1 levels were associated with elevated CD4+ regulatory T-cell gene signatures and the upregulation of CD39 and neuropilin-1, with both indicating CD8+ T-cell exhaustion. mIHC analyses revealed that patients with stromal CD8+LAG-3+cellshigh-tumor FGL1+cellshigh exhibited a significant negative correlation with survival rates compared with those with stromal CD8+LAG-3+cellshigh-tumor FGL1+cellslow. CONCLUSIONS LAG-3 expression and high FGL1 coexpression are important predictive factors of adverse oncological outcomes related to the presence of immunosuppressive contextures. These findings are hypothesis-generating, warranting further mechanistic and clinical studies aimed to evaluate LAG-3/FGL1 blockade in UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yoshida
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
- Department of Urology, Osaka Saiseikai-Noe Hospital, Osaka, Japan
- Corporate Sponsored Research Programs for Multicellular Interactions in Cancer, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takahiro Nakamoto
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naho Atsumi
- Corporate Sponsored Research Programs for Multicellular Interactions in Cancer, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Chisato Ohe
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Sano
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Yasukochi
- Department of Genome Analysis, Institute of Biomedical Science, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koji Tsuta
- Corporate Sponsored Research Programs for Multicellular Interactions in Cancer, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hidefumi Kinoshita
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
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15
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Vanmeerbeek I, Naulaerts S, Sprooten J, Laureano RS, Govaerts J, Trotta R, Pretto S, Zhao S, Cafarello ST, Verelst J, Jacquemyn M, Pociupany M, Boon L, Schlenner SM, Tejpar S, Daelemans D, Mazzone M, Garg AD. Targeting conserved TIM3 +VISTA + tumor-associated macrophages overcomes resistance to cancer immunotherapy. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadm8660. [PMID: 39028818 PMCID: PMC11259173 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adm8660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Despite the success of immunotherapy, overcoming immunoresistance in cancer remains challenging. We identified a unique niche of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), coexpressing T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing 3 (TIM3) and V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA), that dominated human and mouse tumors resistant to most of the currently used immunotherapies. TIM3+VISTA+ TAMs were sustained by IL-4-enriching tumors with low (neo)antigenic and T cell-depleted features. TIM3+VISTA+ TAMs showed an anti-inflammatory and protumorigenic phenotype coupled with inability to sense type I interferon (IFN). This was established with cancer cells succumbing to immunogenic cell death (ICD). Dying cancer cells not only triggered autocrine type I IFNs but also exposed HMGB1/VISTA that engaged TIM3/VISTA on TAMs to suppress paracrine IFN-responses. Accordingly, TIM3/VISTA blockade synergized with paclitaxel, an ICD-inducing chemotherapy, to repolarize TIM3+VISTA+ TAMs to proinflammatory TAMs that killed cancer cells via tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) signaling. We propose targeting TIM3+VISTA+ TAMs to overcome immunoresistant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaure Vanmeerbeek
- Laboratory of Cell Stress and Immunity, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stefan Naulaerts
- Laboratory of Cell Stress and Immunity, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jenny Sprooten
- Laboratory of Cell Stress and Immunity, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Raquel S. Laureano
- Laboratory of Cell Stress and Immunity, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jannes Govaerts
- Laboratory of Cell Stress and Immunity, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rosa Trotta
- Laboratory of Tumour Inflammation and Angiogenesis, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumour Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Samantha Pretto
- Laboratory of Tumour Inflammation and Angiogenesis, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumour Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Shikang Zhao
- Laboratory of Tumour Inflammation and Angiogenesis, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumour Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sarah Trusso Cafarello
- Laboratory of Tumour Inflammation and Angiogenesis, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumour Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joren Verelst
- Laboratory of Tumour Inflammation and Angiogenesis, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumour Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maarten Jacquemyn
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Rega Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Martyna Pociupany
- Laboratory of Cell Stress and Immunity, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Susan M. Schlenner
- Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sabine Tejpar
- Laboratory for Molecular Digestive Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk Daelemans
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Rega Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Massimiliano Mazzone
- Laboratory of Tumour Inflammation and Angiogenesis, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumour Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Abhishek D. Garg
- Laboratory of Cell Stress and Immunity, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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16
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Cheng Z, Fobian SF, Gurrieri E, Amin M, D'Agostino VG, Falahati M, Zalba S, Debets R, Garrido MJ, Saeed M, Seynhaeve ALB, Balcioglu HE, Ten Hagen TLM. Lipid-based nanosystems: the next generation of cancer immune therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:53. [PMID: 39030582 PMCID: PMC11265205 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01574-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has become an important part of the oncotherapy arsenal. Its applicability in various cancer types is impressive, as well as its use of endogenous mechanisms to achieve desired ends. However, off-target or on-target-off-tumor toxicity, limited activity, lack of control in combination treatments and, especially for solid tumors, low local accumulation, have collectively limited clinical use thereof. These limitations are partially alleviated by delivery systems. Lipid-based nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as revolutionary carriers due to favorable physicochemical characteristics, with specific applications and strengths particularly useful in immunotherapeutic agent delivery. The aim of this review is to highlight the challenges faced by immunotherapy and how lipid-based NPs have been, and may be further utilized to address such challenges. We discuss recent fundamental and clinical applications of NPs in a range of areas and provide a detailed discussion of the main obstacles in immune checkpoint inhibition therapies, adoptive cellular therapies, and cytokine therapies. We highlight how lipid-based nanosystems could address these through either delivery, direct modulation of the immune system, or targeting of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. We explore advanced and emerging liposomal and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) systems for nucleic acid delivery, intrinsic and extrinsic stimulus-responsive formulations, and biomimetic lipid-based nanosystems in immunotherapy. Finally, we discuss the key challenges relating to the clinical use of lipid-based NP immunotherapies, suggesting future research directions for the near term to realize the potential of these innovative lipid-based nanosystems, as they become the crucial steppingstone towards the necessary enhancement of the efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyun Cheng
- Precision Medicine in Oncology (PrMiO), Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Nanomedicine Innovation Center Erasmus (NICE), Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Seth-Frerich Fobian
- Precision Medicine in Oncology (PrMiO), Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Nanomedicine Innovation Center Erasmus (NICE), Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elena Gurrieri
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Mohamadreza Amin
- Precision Medicine in Oncology (PrMiO), Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Nanomedicine Innovation Center Erasmus (NICE), Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vito Giuseppe D'Agostino
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Mojtaba Falahati
- Precision Medicine in Oncology (PrMiO), Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sara Zalba
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Reno Debets
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - María J Garrido
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Mesha Saeed
- Precision Medicine in Oncology (PrMiO), Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ann L B Seynhaeve
- Precision Medicine in Oncology (PrMiO), Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hayri E Balcioglu
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Timo L M Ten Hagen
- Precision Medicine in Oncology (PrMiO), Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Nanomedicine Innovation Center Erasmus (NICE), Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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17
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Hu W, Li D, Yang Y, Zheng Y, Zeng J, Sai K. TIM-3/CD68 double-high expression in Glioma: Prognostic characteristics and potential therapeutic approaches. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 139:112665. [PMID: 39002523 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112665] [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: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of various types of tumors, but there has been no breakthrough in the treatment of gliomas. The aim of this study is to discover valuable immunotherapy target in glioma, analyze its expression in glioma and the related microenvironment, explore potential immunotherapy strategies, and propose new possibilities for the treatment of gliomas. METHODS Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry (mIHC) were used to analyze the expression of common immune markers and checkpoints in 187 glioma patients from Sun Yat-sen University Caner Center (SYSUCC). Bioinformatics analysis was used to examine the expression of TIM-3 in different macrophages using the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) single-cell sequencing database. The Kaplan-Meier curve was used to predict the prognostic value of samples with high TIM-3 and CD68 expression. The R package was used to analyze the somatic mutation status and the sensitivity of small molecule inhibitors in TIM-3/CD68 double-high expression samples. RESULTS TIM-3 is a relatively highly expressed immune checkpoint in glioma. Unlike other tumors, TIM-3 is mainly expressed on macrophages in the glioma microenvironment. TIM-3/CD68 double-high expression suggests poor survival in glioma and may be a new upgrade marker in both IDH-mutant glioma and IDH-wildtype low-grade glioma (LGG) glioma (P < 0.01). Exploring the combination of TIM-3 inhibitors and p38 MAPK inhibitor may be a potential treatment direction for TIM-3/CD68 double high expression gliomas in the future. CONCLUSIONS The combination of TIM-3 and CD68 holds significant importance as a potential target for both prognosis and therapeutic intervention in glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanming Hu
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Depei Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yuanzhong Yang
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yongqiang Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Jing Zeng
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, PR China.
| | - Ke Sai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, PR China.
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Fang H, Wang T, Dai J, Hu JJ, Chen Z, Yuan L, Hong Y, Xia F, Lou X. Spatiotemporally Controllable Covalent Bonding of RNA for Multi-Protein Interference. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2304108. [PMID: 38979870 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202304108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Many diseases are associated with genetic mutation and expression of mutated proteins, such as cancers. Therapeutic approaches that selectively target the synthesis process of multiple proteins show greater potential compared to single-protein approaches in oncological diseases. However, conventional agents to regulate the synthesis of multiple protein still suffer from poor spatiotemporal selectivity and stability. Here, a new method using a dye-peptide conjugate, PRFK, for multi-protein interference with spatiotemporal selectivity and reliable stability, is reported. By using the peptide sequence that targets tumor cells, PRFK can be efficiently taken up, followed by specific binding to the KDELR (KDEL receptor) protein located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The dye generates 1O2 under light irradiation, enabling photodynamic therapy. This process converts the furan group into a cytidine-reactive intermediate, which covalently binds to mRNA, thereby blocking protein synthesis. Upon treating 4T1 cells, the proteomics data show alterations in apoptosis, ferroptosis, proliferation, migration, invasion, and immune infiltration, suggesting that multi-protein interference leads to the disruption of cellular physiological activities, ultimately achieving tumor treatment. This study presents a multi-protein interference probe with the potential for protein interference within various subcellular organelles in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Jun Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Jing-Jing Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Zhaojun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Lizhen Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Yuning Hong
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Fan Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Xiaoding Lou
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
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Wu Y, Yu G, Jin K, Qian J. Advancing non-small cell lung cancer treatment: the power of combination immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1349502. [PMID: 39015563 PMCID: PMC11250065 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1349502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains an unsolved challenge in oncology, signifying a substantial global health burden. While considerable progress has been made in recent years through the emergence of immunotherapy modalities, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), monotherapies often yield limited clinical outcomes. The rationale behind combining various immunotherapeutic or other anticancer agents, the mechanistic underpinnings, and the clinical evidence supporting their utilization is crucial in NSCLC therapy. Regarding the synergistic potential of combination immunotherapies, this study aims to provide insights to help the landscape of NSCLC treatment and improve clinical outcomes. In addition, this review article discusses the challenges and considerations of combination regimens, including toxicity management and patient selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanlin Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guangmao Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ketao Jin
- Department of Gastrointestinal, Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun Qian
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Xinchang People’s Hospital, Affiliated Xinchang Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Xinchang, Zhejiang, China
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Yang M, Cui M, Sun Y, Liu S, Jiang W. Mechanisms, combination therapy, and biomarkers in cancer immunotherapy resistance. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:338. [PMID: 38898505 PMCID: PMC11186190 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01711-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Anti-programmed death 1/programmed death ligand 1 (anti-PD-1/PD-L1) antibodies exert significant antitumor effects by overcoming tumor cell immune evasion and reversing T-cell exhaustion. However, the emergence of drug resistance causes most patients to respond poorly to these immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Studies have shown that insufficient T-cell infiltration, lack of PD-1 expression, deficient interferon signaling, loss of tumor antigen presentation, and abnormal lipid metabolism are all considered to be closely associated with immunotherapy resistance. To address drug resistance in tumor immunotherapy, a lot of research has concentrated on developing combination therapy strategies. Currently, ICIs such as anti-PD-1 /PD-L1 antibody combined with chemotherapy and targeted therapy have been approved for clinical treatment. In this review, we analyze the mechanisms of resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in terms of the tumor microenvironment, gut microbiota, epigenetic regulation, and co-inhibitory immune checkpoint receptors. We also discuss various promising combination therapeutic strategies to address resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 drugs, including combining these therapies with traditional Chinese medicine, non-coding RNAs, targeted therapy, other ICIs, and personalized cancer vaccines. Moreover, we focus on biomarkers that predict resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy as well as combination therapy efficacy. Finally, we suggest ways to further expand the application of immunotherapy through personalized combination strategies using biomarker systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manshi Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Mengying Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Orthopaedic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Shui Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Weibo Jiang
- Department of Orthopaedic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China.
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21
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Rahmat JN, Liu J, Chen T, Li Z, Zhang Y. Engineered biological nanoparticles as nanotherapeutics for tumor immunomodulation. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:5862-5903. [PMID: 38716589 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00602f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Biological nanoparticles, or bionanoparticles, are small molecules manufactured in living systems with complex production and assembly machinery. The products of the assembly systems can be further engineered to generate functionalities for specific purposes. These bionanoparticles have demonstrated advantages such as immune system evasion, minimal toxicity, biocompatibility, and biological clearance. Hence, bionanoparticles are considered the new paradigm in nanoscience research for fabricating safe and effective nanoformulations for therapeutic purposes. Harnessing the power of the immune system to recognize and eradicate malignancies is a viable strategy to achieve better therapeutic outcomes with long-term protection from disease recurrence. However, cancerous tissues have evolved to become invisible to immune recognition and to transform the tumor microenvironment into an immunosuppressive dwelling, thwarting the immune defense systems and creating a hospitable atmosphere for cancer growth and progression. Thus, it is pertinent that efforts in fabricating nanoformulations for immunomodulation are mindful of the tumor-induced immune aberrations that could render cancer nanotherapy inoperable. This review systematically categorizes the immunosuppression mechanisms, the regulatory immunosuppressive cellular players, and critical suppressive molecules currently targeted as breakthrough therapies in the clinic. Finally, this review will summarize the engineering strategies for affording immune moderating functions to bionanoparticles that tip the tumor microenvironment (TME) balance toward cancer elimination, a field still in the nascent stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juwita N Rahmat
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117585, Singapore
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore
| | - Jiayi Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Taili Chen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - ZhiHong Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.
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22
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Paul S, Konig MF, Pardoll DM, Bettegowda C, Papadopoulos N, Wright KM, Gabelli SB, Ho M, van Elsas A, Zhou S. Cancer therapy with antibodies. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:399-426. [PMID: 38740967 PMCID: PMC11180426 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00690-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The greatest challenge in cancer therapy is to eradicate cancer cells with minimal damage to normal cells. Targeted therapy has been developed to meet that challenge, showing a substantially increased therapeutic index compared with conventional cancer therapies. Antibodies are important members of the family of targeted therapeutic agents because of their extraordinarily high specificity to the target antigens. Therapeutic antibodies use a range of mechanisms that directly or indirectly kill the cancer cells. Early antibodies were developed to directly antagonize targets on cancer cells. This was followed by advancements in linker technologies that allowed the production of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) that guide cytotoxic payloads to the cancer cells. Improvement in our understanding of the biology of T cells led to the production of immune checkpoint-inhibiting antibodies that indirectly kill the cancer cells through activation of the T cells. Even more recently, bispecific antibodies were synthetically designed to redirect the T cells of a patient to kill the cancer cells. In this Review, we summarize the different approaches used by therapeutic antibodies to target cancer cells. We discuss their mechanisms of action, the structural basis for target specificity, clinical applications and the ongoing research to improve efficacy and reduce toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Paul
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Maximilian F Konig
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Drew M Pardoll
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chetan Bettegowda
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Katharine M Wright
- Discovery Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratory, Merck and Co, West Point, PA, USA
| | - Sandra B Gabelli
- Discovery Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratory, Merck and Co, West Point, PA, USA.
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Antibody Engineering Program, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | | | - Shibin Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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23
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Konen JM, Wu H, Gibbons DL. Immune checkpoint blockade resistance in lung cancer: emerging mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:520-536. [PMID: 38744552 PMCID: PMC11189143 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy works by inhibiting suppressive checkpoints that become upregulated after T cell activation, like PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4. While the initial FDA approvals of ICB have revolutionized cancer therapies and fueled a burgeoning immuno-oncology field, more recent clinical development of new agents has been slow. Here, focusing on lung cancer, we review the latest research uncovering tumor cell intrinsic and extrinsic ICB resistance mechanisms as major hurdles to treatment efficacy and clinical progress. These include genomic and non-genomic tumor cell alterations, along with host and microenvironmental factors like the microbiome, metabolite accumulation, and hypoxia. Together, these factors can cooperate to promote immunosuppression and ICB resistance. Opportunities to prevent resistance are constantly evolving in this rapidly expanding field, with the goal of moving toward personalized immunotherapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Konen
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Haoyi Wu
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Don L Gibbons
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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24
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Butterfield LH, Najjar YG. Immunotherapy combination approaches: mechanisms, biomarkers and clinical observations. Nat Rev Immunol 2024; 24:399-416. [PMID: 38057451 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-023-00973-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The approval of the first immune checkpoint inhibitors provided a paradigm shift for the treatment of malignancies across a broad range of indications. Whereas initially, single-agent immune checkpoint inhibition was used, increasing numbers of patients are now treated with combination immune checkpoint blockade, where non-redundant mechanisms of action of the individual agents generally lead to higher response rates. Furthermore, immune checkpoint therapy has been combined with various other therapeutic modalities, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other immunotherapeutics such as vaccines, adoptive cellular therapies, cytokines and others, in an effort to maximize clinical efficacy. Currently, a large number of clinical trials test combination therapies with an immune checkpoint inhibitor as a backbone. However, proceeding without inclusion of broad, if initially exploratory, biomarker investigations may ultimately slow progress, as so far, few combinations have yielded clinical successes based on clinical data alone. Here, we present the rationale for combination therapies and discuss clinical data from clinical trials across the immuno-oncology spectrum. Moreover, we discuss the evolution of biomarker approaches and highlight the potential new directions that comprehensive biomarker studies can yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa H Butterfield
- University of California San Francisco, Microbiology and Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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25
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Yin N, Li X, Zhang X, Xue S, Cao Y, Niedermann G, Lu Y, Xue J. Development of pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer therapeutics: current mechanistic studies and clinical opportunities. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:126. [PMID: 38773064 PMCID: PMC11109181 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01826-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy represented by anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 inhibitors has revolutionized cancer treatment, but challenges related to resistance and toxicity still remain. Due to the advancement of immuno-oncology, an increasing number of novel immunoregulatory targets and mechanisms are being revealed, with relevant therapies promising to improve clinical immunotherapy in the foreseeable future. Therefore, comprehending the larger picture is important. In this review, we analyze and summarize the current landscape of preclinical and translational mechanistic research, drug development, and clinical trials that brought about next-generation pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer agents and drug candidates beyond classical immune checkpoint inhibitors. Along with further clarification of cancer immunobiology and advances in antibody engineering, agents targeting additional inhibitory immune checkpoints, including LAG-3, TIM-3, TIGIT, CD47, and B7 family members are becoming an important part of cancer immunotherapy research and discovery, as are structurally and functionally optimized novel anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 agents and agonists of co-stimulatory molecules of T cells. Exemplified by bispecific T cell engagers, newly emerging bi-specific and multi-specific antibodies targeting immunoregulatory molecules can provide considerable clinical benefits. Next-generation agents also include immune epigenetic drugs and cytokine-based therapeutics. Cell therapies, cancer vaccines, and oncolytic viruses are not covered in this review. This comprehensive review might aid in further development and the fastest possible clinical adoption of effective immuno-oncology modalities for the benefit of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanhao Yin
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xintong Li
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xuanwei Zhang
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Shaolong Xue
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 20, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Laboratory of Emergency Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
- Institute of Disaster Medicine & Institute of Emergency Medicine, Sichuan University, No. 17, Gaopeng Avenue, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Gabriele Niedermann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site DKTK-Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Strasse 3, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - You Lu
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Jianxin Xue
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
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26
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Sakuma M, Katagata M, Okayama H, Nakajima S, Saito K, Sato T, Fukai S, Tsumuraya H, Onozawa H, Sakamoto W, Saito M, Saze Z, Momma T, Mimura K, Kono K. TIM-3 Expression on Dendritic Cells in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1888. [PMID: 38791963 PMCID: PMC11120027 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101888] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
TIM-3 was originally identified as a negative regulator of helper T cells and is expressed on dendritic cells (DCs). Since the inhibition of TIM-3 on DCs has been suggested to enhance T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity, we examined its expression on DCs within the tumor microenvironment (TME) in colorectal cancer (CRC) using transcriptomic data from a public database (n = 592) and immunohistochemical evaluations from our cohorts of CRC (n = 115). The expression of TIM-3 on DCs in vitro was examined by flow cytometry, while the expression of its related molecules, cGAS and STING, on immature and mature DCs was assessed by Western blotting. The expression of HAVCR2 (TIM-3) was strongly associated with the infiltration of DCs within the TME of CRC. Immunohistochemical staining of clinical tissue samples revealed that tumor-infiltrating DCs expressed TIM-3; however, their number at the tumor-invasive front significantly decreased with stage progression. TIM-3 expression was higher on immature DCs than on mature DCs from several different donors (n = 6). Western blot analyses showed that the expression of STING was higher on mature DCs than on immature DCs, which was opposite to that of TIM-3. We demonstrated that TIM-3 was highly expressed on tumor-infiltrating DCs of CRC and that its expression was higher on immature DCs than on mature DCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Sakuma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (M.S.); (H.O.)
| | - Masanori Katagata
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (M.S.); (H.O.)
| | - Hirokazu Okayama
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (M.S.); (H.O.)
| | - Shotaro Nakajima
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (M.S.); (H.O.)
- Department of Multidisciplinary Treatment of Cancer and Regional Medical Support, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Katsuharu Saito
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (M.S.); (H.O.)
| | - Takahiro Sato
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (M.S.); (H.O.)
| | - Satoshi Fukai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (M.S.); (H.O.)
| | - Hideaki Tsumuraya
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (M.S.); (H.O.)
| | - Hisashi Onozawa
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (M.S.); (H.O.)
| | - Wataru Sakamoto
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (M.S.); (H.O.)
| | - Motonobu Saito
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (M.S.); (H.O.)
| | - Zenichiro Saze
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (M.S.); (H.O.)
| | - Tomoyuki Momma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (M.S.); (H.O.)
| | - Kosaku Mimura
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (M.S.); (H.O.)
- Department of Blood Transfusion and Transplantation Immunology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Koji Kono
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan; (M.S.); (H.O.)
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27
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Zhang W, Qin H, Wang G, Zhang J, He W, Feng C, Wan H, Wang F, Guo Z. Deciphering the potential role of PGRN in regulating CD8 + T cell antitumor immunity. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:233. [PMID: 38744851 PMCID: PMC11094002 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02001-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
A key factor contributing to resistance in immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies is CD8+ T-cell tolerance in the tumor microenvironment (TME), partly resulting from upregulating coinhibitory receptors. Here, we describe the role of PGRN as a coinhibitory molecule that modulates the antitumor response of CD8+ T cells, thus presenting a novel immunosuppressive target for lung cancer. The in vivo subcutaneous transplanted lung cancer model showed that PGRN expression was elevated on CD8+ T cells that infiltrated transplanted lung cancers. Furthermore, PGRN deficiency was found to specifically encourage the infiltration of CD8+ T cells, enhance their proliferation, migration, and activation, and resist apoptosis, ultimately inhibiting tumor growth. This was achieved by PGRN knockout, increasing the production of T cell chemokine CCL3, which boosts the antitumor immune response induced by CD8+ T cells. Critically, the PD-L1 inhibitor exhibited a synergistic effect in enhancing the antitumor response in PGRN-/- mice. In summary, our findings highlight the significance of PGRN as a novel target for boosting CD8+ T cells antitumor immunity and its potential to overcome the resistance in ICB therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Medical College, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Huan Qin
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Medical College, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Guosheng Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Medical College, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Wenjuan He
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Medical College, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Chunmei Feng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Medical College, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Huimin Wan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Medical College, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Feilong Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Zhongliang Guo
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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28
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Isaak AJ, Clements GR, Buenaventura RGM, Merlino G, Yu Y. Development of Personalized Strategies for Precisely Battling Malignant Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5023. [PMID: 38732242 PMCID: PMC11084485 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25095023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most severe and fatal form of skin cancer, resulting from multiple gene mutations with high intra-tumor and inter-tumor molecular heterogeneity. Treatment options for patients whose disease has progressed beyond the ability for surgical resection rely on currently accepted standard therapies, notably immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies. Acquired resistance to these therapies and treatment-associated toxicity necessitate exploring novel strategies, especially those that can be personalized for specific patients and/or populations. Here, we review the current landscape and progress of standard therapies and explore what personalized oncology techniques may entail in the scope of melanoma. Our purpose is to provide an up-to-date summary of the tools at our disposal that work to circumvent the common barriers faced when battling melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yanlin Yu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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29
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Qin Y, Rouatbi N, Wang JTW, Baker R, Spicer J, Walters AA, Al-Jamal KT. Plasmid DNA ionisable lipid nanoparticles as non-inert carriers and potent immune activators for cancer immunotherapy. J Control Release 2024; 369:251-265. [PMID: 38493950 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is currently a standard of care in the treatment of many malignancies. However, predictable side effects caused by systemic administration of highly immunostimulatory molecules have been a serious concern within this field. Intratumoural expression or silencing of immunogenic and immunoinhibitory molecules using nucleic acid-based approaches such as plasmid DNA (pDNA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA), respectively, could represent a next generation of cancer immunotherapy. Here, we employed lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to deliver either non-specific pDNA and siRNA, or constructs targeting two prominent immunotherapeutic targets OX40L and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO), to tumours in vivo. In the B16F10 mouse model, intratumoural delivery of LNP-formulated non-specific pDNA and siRNA led to strong local immune activation and tumour growth inhibition even at low doses due to the pDNA immunogenic nature. Replacement of these non-specific constructs by pOX40L and siIDO resulted in more prominent immune activation as evidenced by increased immune cell infiltration in tumours and tumour-draining lymph nodes. Consistently, pOX40L alone or in combination with siIDO could prolong overall survival, resulting in complete tumour regression and the formation of immunological memory in tumour rechallenge models. Our results suggest that intratumoural administration of LNP-formulated pDNA and siRNA offers a promising approach for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Qin
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Nadia Rouatbi
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Julie Tzu-Wen Wang
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Rafal Baker
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, UK
| | - James Spicer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT), London SE1 9RT, UK; School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Adam A Walters
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, UK.
| | - Khuloud T Al-Jamal
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, UK.
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30
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Mitra A, Kumar A, Amdare NP, Pathak R. Current Landscape of Cancer Immunotherapy: Harnessing the Immune Arsenal to Overcome Immune Evasion. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:307. [PMID: 38785789 PMCID: PMC11118874 DOI: 10.3390/biology13050307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immune evasion represents a leading hallmark of cancer, posing a significant obstacle to the development of successful anticancer therapies. However, the landscape of cancer treatment has significantly evolved, transitioning into the era of immunotherapy from conventional methods such as surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapy. Immunotherapy has emerged as a pivotal component in cancer treatment, harnessing the body's immune system to combat cancer and offering improved prognostic outcomes for numerous patients. The remarkable success of immunotherapy has spurred significant efforts to enhance the clinical efficacy of existing agents and strategies. Several immunotherapeutic approaches have received approval for targeted cancer treatments, while others are currently in preclinical and clinical trials. This review explores recent progress in unraveling the mechanisms of cancer immune evasion and evaluates the clinical effectiveness of diverse immunotherapy strategies, including cancer vaccines, adoptive cell therapy, and antibody-based treatments. It encompasses both established treatments and those currently under investigation, providing a comprehensive overview of efforts to combat cancer through immunological approaches. Additionally, the article emphasizes the current developments, limitations, and challenges in cancer immunotherapy. Furthermore, by integrating analyses of cancer immunotherapy resistance mechanisms and exploring combination strategies and personalized approaches, it offers valuable insights crucial for the development of novel anticancer immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Mitra
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Anoop Kumar
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, National Institute of Biologicals, Noida 201309, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Nitin P. Amdare
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Rajiv Pathak
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
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Wang J, Wang Y, Jiang X, Xu M, Wang M, Wang R, Zheng B, Chen M, Ke Q, Long J. Unleashing the power of immune checkpoints: Post-translational modification of novel molecules and clinical applications. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216758. [PMID: 38401885 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint molecules play a pivotal role in the initiation, regulation, and termination of immune responses. Tumor cells exploit these checkpoints to dampen immune cell function, facilitating immune evasion. Clinical interventions target this mechanism by obstructing the binding of immune checkpoints to their ligands, thereby restoring the anti-tumor capabilities of immune cells. Notably, therapies centered on immune checkpoint inhibitors, particularly PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 blocking antibodies, have demonstrated significant clinical promise. However, a considerable portion of patients still encounter suboptimal efficacy and develop resistance. Recent years have witnessed an exponential surge in preclinical and clinical trials investigating novel immune checkpoint molecules such as TIM3, LAG3, TIGIT, NKG2D, and CD47, along with their respective ligands. The processes governing immune checkpoint molecules, from their synthesis to transmembrane deployment, interaction with ligands, and eventual degradation, are intricately tied to post-translational modifications. These modifications encompass glycosylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination, neddylation, SUMOylation, palmitoylation, and ectodomain shedding. This discussion proceeds to provide a concise overview of the structural characteristics of several novel immune checkpoints and their ligands. Additionally, it outlines the regulatory mechanisms governed by post-translational modifications, offering insights into their potential clinical applications in immune checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Oncology & Diagnostic Pathology Center, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
| | - Yian Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, The Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xianjie Jiang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Meifang Xu
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Oncology & Diagnostic Pathology Center, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Meifeng Wang
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Oncology & Diagnostic Pathology Center, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Oncology & Diagnostic Pathology Center, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Boshu Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Oncology & Diagnostic Pathology Center, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Mingfen Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Qi Ke
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jun Long
- Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute & Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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Yıldırım C. Galectin-9, a pro-survival factor inducing immunosuppression, leukemic cell transformation and expansion. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:571. [PMID: 38662155 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09563-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Leukemia is a malignancy of the bone marrow and blood originating from self-renewing cancerous immature blast cells or transformed leukocytes. Despite improvements in treatments, leukemia remains still a serious disease with poor prognosis because of disease heterogeneity, drug resistance and relapse. There is emerging evidence that differentially expression of co-signaling molecules play a critical role in tumor immune evasion. Galectin-9 (Gal-9) is one of the key proteins that leukemic cells express, secrete, and use to proliferate, self-renew, and survive. It also suppresses host immune responses controlled by T and NK cells, enabling leukemic cells to evade immune surveillance. The present review provides the molecular mechanisms of Gal-9-induced immune evasion in leukemia. Understanding the complex immune evasion machinery driven by Gal-9 expressing leukemic cells will enable the identification of novel therapeutic strategies for efficient immunotherapy in leukemic patients. Combined treatment approaches targeting T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3 (Tim-3)/Gal-9 and other immune checkpoint pathways can be considered, which may enhance the efficacy of host effector cells to attack leukemic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cansu Yıldırım
- Atatürk Vocational School of Health Services, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey.
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Fu C, Wang J, Ma T, Yin C, Zhou L, Clausen BE, Mi QS, Jiang A. β-Catenin in Dendritic Cells Negatively Regulates CD8 T Cell Immune Responses through the Immune Checkpoint Molecule Tim-3. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:460. [PMID: 38793711 PMCID: PMC11125945 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12050460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that β-catenin in dendritic cells (DCs) serves as a key mediator in promoting both CD4 and CD8 T cell tolerance, although the mechanisms underlying how β-catenin exerts its functions remain incompletely understood. Here, we report that activation of β-catenin leads to the up-regulation of inhibitory molecule T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (Tim-3) in type 1 conventional DCs (cDC1s). Using a cDC1-targeted vaccine model with anti-DEC-205 engineered to express the melanoma antigen human gp100 (anti-DEC-205-hgp100), we demonstrated that CD11c-β-cateninactive mice exhibited impaired cross-priming and memory responses of gp100-specific CD8 T (Pmel-1) cells upon immunization with anti-DEC-205-hgp100. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis revealed that β-catenin in DCs negatively regulated transcription programs for effector function and proliferation of primed Pmel-1 cells, correlating with suppressed CD8 T cell immunity in CD11c-β-cateninactive mice. Further experiments showed that treating CD11c-β-cateninactive mice with an anti-Tim-3 antibody upon anti-DEC-205-hgp100 vaccination led to restored cross-priming and memory responses of gp100-specific CD8 T cells, suggesting that anti-Tim-3 treatment likely synergizes with DC vaccines to improve their efficacy. Indeed, treating B16F10-bearing mice with DC vaccines using anti-DEC-205-hgp100 in combination with anti-Tim-3 treatment resulted in significantly reduced tumor growth compared with treatment with the DC vaccine alone. Taken together, we identified the β-catenin/Tim-3 axis as a potentially novel mechanism to inhibit anti-tumor CD8 T cell immunity and that combination immunotherapy of a DC-targeted vaccine with anti-Tim-3 treatment leads to improved anti-tumor efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunmei Fu
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (C.F.); (J.W.); (C.Y.); (L.Z.)
- Immunology Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Jie Wang
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (C.F.); (J.W.); (C.Y.); (L.Z.)
- Immunology Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Tianle Ma
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Computer Science, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA;
| | - Congcong Yin
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (C.F.); (J.W.); (C.Y.); (L.Z.)
- Immunology Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Li Zhou
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (C.F.); (J.W.); (C.Y.); (L.Z.)
- Immunology Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Björn E. Clausen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Paul Klein Center for Immune Intervention, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Qing-Sheng Mi
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (C.F.); (J.W.); (C.Y.); (L.Z.)
- Immunology Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Aimin Jiang
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (C.F.); (J.W.); (C.Y.); (L.Z.)
- Immunology Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Sharma S, Singh N, Turk AA, Wan I, Guttikonda A, Dong JL, Zhang X, Opyrchal M. Molecular insights into clinical trials for immune checkpoint inhibitors in colorectal cancer: Unravelling challenges and future directions. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:1815-1835. [PMID: 38659481 PMCID: PMC11036501 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i13.1815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a complex disease with diverse etiologies and clinical outcomes. Despite considerable progress in development of CRC therapeutics, challenges remain regarding the diagnosis and management of advanced stage metastatic CRC (mCRC). In particular, the five-year survival rate is very low since mCRC is currently rarely curable. Over the past decade, cancer treatment has significantly improved with the introduction of cancer immunotherapies, specifically immune checkpoint inhibitors. Therapies aimed at blocking immune checkpoints such as PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4 target inhibitory pathways of the immune system, and thereby enhance anti-tumor immunity. These therapies thus have shown promising results in many clinical trials alone or in combination. The efficacy and safety of immunotherapy, either alone or in combination with CRC, have been investigated in several clinical trials. Clinical trials, including KEYNOTE-164 and CheckMate 142, have led to Food and Drug Administration approval of the PD-1 inhibitors pembrolizumab and nivolumab, respectively, for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high or deficient mismatch repair CRC. Unfortunately, these drugs benefit only a small percentage of patients, with the benefits of immunotherapy remaining elusive for the vast majority of CRC patients. To this end, primary and secondary resistance to immunotherapy remains a significant issue, and further research is necessary to optimize the use of immunotherapy in CRC and identify biomarkers to predict the response. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical trials involving immune checkpoint inhibitors in CRC. The underlying rationale, challenges faced, and potential future steps to improve the prognosis and enhance the likelihood of successful trials in this field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Sharma
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Naresh Singh
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Anita Ahmed Turk
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Isabella Wan
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Akshay Guttikonda
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Julia Lily Dong
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Xinna Zhang
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Mateusz Opyrchal
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
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An S, Li W, Do H, Kwon HY, Kim B, Kim K, Kim Y, Cho MY. The Expression Patterns of Immune Checkpoint Molecules in Colorectal Cancer: An Analysis Based on Microsatellite Status. Biomedicines 2024; 12:752. [PMID: 38672108 PMCID: PMC11048643 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040752] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, immunotherapy has arisen as a novel treatment approach for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), but the effectiveness of immunotherapy varies in these patients. We hypothesized that immune checkpoint molecules (ICMs), which are the targets of immunotherapy, are often exhibited concomitantly. Our objective was to investigate the patterns of ICM expression in patients with CRC and the differences in ICM expression based on microsatellite instability status. The immunohistochemical expression of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3), and lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) in the tumor center and periphery was assessed in patients with non-metastatic colorectal cancer. We enrolled 83 patients with CRC: a total of 40 microsatellite-stable (MSS) and 43 microsatellite-instability-high (MSI-H) cancer patients. PD-L1 was more frequently expressed in the tumor center in the MSI-H patients with than that in the MSS patients (18 [41.9%] vs. 3 [7.5%], respectively; p < 0.001), and the same trend was observed for TIM-3 expression (30 [69.8%] vs. 19 [47.5%], respectively; p = 0.047). The concomitant expression of two or more ICMs was more frequently observed than no expression or the expression of a single molecule in both the MSS and MSI-H groups; a total of 34 (79.7%) patients with MSI-H cancer and 23 (57.5%) with MSS cancer showed ICM expression at the tumor center, whereas 34 (79.7%) patients with MSI-H cancer and 22 (55%) with MSS cancer showed expression at the tumor periphery. Patients with the genetic characteristics of MSI-H cancer showed higher expression levels of ICMs than those in patients with MSS cancer, and predominantly, two or more ICMs were concurrently expressed. Our findings highlight the potential efficacy of the dual-blockade approach in immunotherapy, particularly in patients with MSI-H CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanghyun An
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea; (S.A.); (H.Y.K.); (K.K.)
| | - Wanlu Li
- Department of Pathology, Jiaxing University College of Medicine, Jiaxing 314001, China
| | - Hyejin Do
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hye Youn Kwon
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea; (S.A.); (H.Y.K.); (K.K.)
- Wonju Surgical Research Collaboration, Wonju 26465, Republic of Korea
| | - Bora Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea;
| | - Kwangmin Kim
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea; (S.A.); (H.Y.K.); (K.K.)
- Wonju Surgical Research Collaboration, Wonju 26465, Republic of Korea
- Trauma Center, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngwan Kim
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea; (S.A.); (H.Y.K.); (K.K.)
- Wonju Surgical Research Collaboration, Wonju 26465, Republic of Korea
| | - Mee-Yon Cho
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea
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Lu C, Tan Y. Promising immunotherapy targets: TIM3, LAG3, and TIGIT joined the party. MOLECULAR THERAPY. ONCOLOGY 2024; 32:200773. [PMID: 38596295 PMCID: PMC10905042 DOI: 10.1016/j.omton.2024.200773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown great promise as immunotherapy for restoring T cell function and reactivating anti-tumor immunity. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first immune checkpoint inhibitor, ipilimumab, in 2011 for advanced melanoma patients, leading to significant improvements in survival rates. Subsequently, other immune checkpoint-targeting antibodies were tested. Currently, seven ICIs, namely ipilimumab (anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 [CTLA4]), pembrolizumab, nivolumab (anti-programmed cell death protein 1 [PD-1]), atezolizumab, avelumab, durvalumab, and cemiplimab (anti-PD-L1), have been approved for various cancer types. However, the efficacy of antibodies targeting CTLA4 or PD-1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) remains suboptimal. Consequently, ongoing studies are evaluating the next generation of ICIs, such as lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG3), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing 3 (TIM3), and T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT). Our review provides a summary of clinical trials evaluating these novel immune checkpoints in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Lu
- Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuanyan Tan
- Institute of Advanced Biotechnology and School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Microbial Genetic Engineering, Vascular Disease Research Center, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Disease, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518061, Guangdong, China
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Yang Y, Xin D, Guan L, Luo X, Wu H, Chu J, Xing J, Liu C, Wang F. Dual immunotherapy in advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer: A network meta-analysis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27576. [PMID: 38463838 PMCID: PMC10923855 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Recently, there has been extensive research on dual immunotherapy for advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), yet a comprehensive evaluation is lacking. This study aimed to rank the available treatment options and assess the efficacy and safety of dual immunotherapy regimens through the implementation of a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA). Materials and methods A thorough search was conducted to recognize eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on March 20, 2023. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) and grade ≥3 TRAEs were evaluated to identify the efficacy and safety of dual immunotherapy regimens. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) and P score were employed to rank the treatments. Results Eleven clinical trials involving six different regimens were included in this study. The combination of anti-programmed cell death protein 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) antibodies with anti-T-cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT) antibodies emerged as the most promising regimen for improving OS and PFS, followed by anti-PD-1/PD-L1 + anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) + chemotherapy treatment and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 + anti-CTLA-4 treatment. The forest plots demonstrated that these three regimens were all superior to chemotherapy. The above results were observed in both unselected treatment line and first-line settings. The least likely to be associated with TRAEs and grade ≥3 TRAEs were respectively anti-CTLA-4 treatment and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 + anti-TIGIT treatment, with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 + anti-CTLA-4 + chemotherapy treatment to be the worst. Conclusions This NMA validated the promising efficacy and safety of dual immunotherapy in advanced or metastatic NSCLC. Among them, anti-PD-1/PD-L1 + anti-TIGIT regimen emerges as a highly potential therapeutic approach. Ongoing research efforts should focus on improving treatment regimens, identifying biomarkers, and managing TRAEs to optimize the patient benefits of dual immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Yang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Dao Xin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Lulu Guan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Xi Luo
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Han Wu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Jingwen Chu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Jianxiang Xing
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Chengjiang Liu
- Department of General Medicine, Affiliated Anqing First People's Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anqing 246000, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
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Amanati A, Van Manen R, Sajedianfard S, Shojaadini H, Boroughani M, Molavi Vardanjani H. Antineoplastic agents associated with neutropenic enterocolitis in patients with malignancy: A quantitative safety signal analysis. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2024:10781552241238195. [PMID: 38477542 DOI: 10.1177/10781552241238195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of certain chemotherapy agents is associated with the development of a condition called "chemotherapy-associated neutropenic enterocolitis" (CANE). OBJECTIVE To determine the risk of CANE associated with the use of each antineoplastic agent. METHODS The FDA FAERS database of spontaneous adverse reactions was searched for the occurrence of the MedDRA preferred term "neutropenic colitis." RESULTS The search resulted in 1134 records of patients (535 [47.3%] females, 479 [42.2%] males, sex not specified in 120 [10.6%]) with neutropenic colitis receiving immunosuppressive chemotherapy. The mean age of patients was 47 (SD 22). 22 antineoplastic agents were found to have a strong association (reported odds ratio [ROR] > 100) with the occurrence of CANE; 9 had ROR < 2. CONCLUSION Drug databases have several limitations in providing updated information about newly approved pharmaceutical adverse events. Signal detection is a diagnostic method recognized as practical in pharmacovigilance. It may be utilized in the FDA's adverse event reporting database and has demonstrated a reasonable predictive performance in signaling adverse events. Our study emphasized the substantial knowledge gap between what we know about the potential risk of CANE caused by antineoplastic agents and the reports of the FDA on their new approved products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Amanati
- Department of Pediatrics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Professor Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Sarvin Sajedianfard
- Department of Pediatrics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hafez Shojaadini
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohadese Boroughani
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hossein Molavi Vardanjani
- Department of Pediatrics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Research Center for Traditional Medicine and History of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Ouyang P, Wang L, Wu J, Tian Y, Chen C, Li D, Yao Z, Chen R, Xiang G, Gong J, Bao Z. Overcoming cold tumors: a combination strategy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1344272. [PMID: 38545114 PMCID: PMC10965539 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1344272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs) therapy has advanced significantly in treating malignant tumors, though most 'cold' tumors show no response. This resistance mainly arises from the varied immune evasion mechanisms. Hence, understanding the transformation from 'cold' to 'hot' tumors is essential in developing effective cancer treatments. Furthermore, tumor immune profiling is critical, requiring a range of diagnostic techniques and biomarkers for evaluation. The success of immunotherapy relies on T cells' ability to recognize and eliminate tumor cells. In 'cold' tumors, the absence of T cell infiltration leads to the ineffectiveness of ICI therapy. Addressing these challenges, especially the impairment in T cell activation and homing, is crucial to enhance ICI therapy's efficacy. Concurrently, strategies to convert 'cold' tumors into 'hot' ones, including boosting T cell infiltration and adoptive therapies such as T cell-recruiting bispecific antibodies and Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cells, are under extensive exploration. Thus, identifying key factors that impact tumor T cell infiltration is vital for creating effective treatments targeting 'cold' tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Ouyang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianlong Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yao Tian
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Caiyun Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dengsheng Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zengxi Yao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruichang Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guoan Xiang
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jin Gong
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhen Bao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Davoudi F, Moradi A, Sadeghirad H, Kulasinghe A. Tissue biomarkers of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Immunol Cell Biol 2024; 102:179-193. [PMID: 38228572 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has been rejuvenated by the growing understanding of the immune system's role in tumor activity over the past two decades. During cancer initiation and progression, tumor cells employ various mechanisms that resemble peripheral immune tolerance to evade the antitumor responses of the immune system. Immune checkpoint molecules are the major mechanism of immune resistance that are exploited by tumor cells to inhibit T-cell activation and suppress immune responses. The targeting of immune checkpoint pathways has led to substantial improvements in survival rates in a number of solid cancers. However, a lack of understanding of the heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) has resulted in inefficient therapy responses. A greater understanding of the TME is needed to identify patients likely to respond, and those that will have resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Advancement in spatial single-cell technologies has allowed deeper insight into the phenotypic and functional diversities of cells in the TME. In this review, we provide an overview of ICI biomarkers and highlight how high-dimensional spatially resolved, single-cell approaches provide deep molecular insights into the TME and allow for the discovery of biomarkers of clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Davoudi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Afshin Moradi
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Habib Sadeghirad
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Arutha Kulasinghe
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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La'ah AS, Chiou SH. Cutting-Edge Therapies for Lung Cancer. Cells 2024; 13:436. [PMID: 38474400 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer remains a formidable global health challenge that necessitates inventive strategies to improve its therapeutic outcomes. The conventional treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, have demonstrated limitations in achieving sustained responses. Therefore, exploring novel approaches encompasses a range of interventions that show promise in enhancing the outcomes for patients with advanced or refractory cases of lung cancer. These groundbreaking interventions can potentially overcome cancer resistance and offer personalized solutions. Despite the rapid evolution of emerging lung cancer therapies, persistent challenges such as resistance, toxicity, and patient selection underscore the need for continued development. Consequently, the landscape of lung cancer therapy is transforming with the introduction of precision medicine, immunotherapy, and innovative therapeutic modalities. Additionally, a multifaceted approach involving combination therapies integrating targeted agents, immunotherapies, or traditional cytotoxic treatments addresses the heterogeneity of lung cancer while minimizing its adverse effects. This review provides a brief overview of the latest emerging therapies that are reshaping the landscape of lung cancer treatment. As these novel treatments progress through clinical trials are integrated into standard care, the potential for more effective, targeted, and personalized lung cancer therapies comes into focus, instilling renewed hope for patients facing challenging diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Silas La'ah
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112, Taiwan
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hwa Chiou
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112, Taiwan
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
- Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
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Gürler F, Aktürk Esen S, Kurt İnci B, Sütçüoğlu O, Uçar G, Akdoğan O, Uncu D, Turhan N, Akyürek N, Özdemir N, Özet A, Yazıcı O. Retrospective Analyses of PD-L1, LAG-3, TIM-3, OX40L Expressions and MSI Status in Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms. Cancer Invest 2024; 42:141-154. [PMID: 38486421 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2024.2330102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
We investigated expressions of PD-L1, LAG-3, TIM-3, and OX40L as immune checkpoint proteins, and MSI (repetitive short-DNA-sequences due to defective DNA-repair system) status were analyzed with immunohistochemistry from tissue blocks. Of 83 patients, PD-L1 expression was observed in 18.1% (n = 15) of the patients. None of the patients exhibited LAG-3 expression. TIM-3 expression was 4.9% (n = 4), OX40L was 22.9% (n = 19), and 8.4% (n = 7) of the patients had MSI tumor. A low-to-intermediate positive correlation was observed between PD-L1 and TIM-3 expressions (rho: 0.333, p < 0.01). Although PD-L1 expression was higher in grade 3 NET/NEC, MSI status was prominent in grade 1/2 NET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatih Gürler
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Health Sciences, Dr Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Selin Aktürk Esen
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Health Sciences, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bediz Kurt İnci
- Department of Medical Oncology, Aksaray Training & Research Hospital, Aksaray, Turkey
| | - Osman Sütçüoğlu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gazi University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gökhan Uçar
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Health Sciences, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Orhun Akdoğan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yenimahalle Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Doğan Uncu
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Health Sciences, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nesrin Turhan
- Department of Pathology, University of Health Sciences, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nalan Akyürek
- Department of Pathology, Gazi University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nuriye Özdemir
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gazi University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Özet
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gazi University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ozan Yazıcı
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gazi University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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Jiang H, Zhang Q. Gut microbiota influences the efficiency of immune checkpoint inhibitors by modulating the immune system (Review). Oncol Lett 2024; 27:87. [PMID: 38249807 PMCID: PMC10797324 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are commonly utilized in tumor treatment. However, they still have limitations, including insufficient effectiveness and unavoidable adverse events. It has been demonstrated that gut microbiota can influence the effectiveness of ICIs, although the precise mechanism remains unclear. Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the formation and development of the immune system. Gut microbiota and their associated metabolites play a regulatory role in immune balance. Tumor occurrence and development are linked to their ability to evade recognition and destruction by the immune system. The purpose of ICIs treatment is to reinitiate the immune system's elimination of tumor cells. Thus, the immune system acts as a communication bridge between gut microbiota and ICIs. Varied composition and characteristics of gut microbiota result in diverse outcomes in ICIs treatment. Certain gut microbiota-related metabolites also influence the therapeutic efficacy of ICIs to some extent. The administration of antibiotics before or during ICIs treatment can diminish treatment effectiveness. The utilization of probiotics and fecal transplantation can partially alter the outcome of ICIs treatment. The present review synthesized previous studies to examine the association between gut microbiota and ICIs, elucidated the role of gut microbiota and its associated factors in ICIs treatment, and offered direction for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haihong Jiang
- Department of Oncology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475001, P.R. China
| | - Qinlu Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475001, P.R. China
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Brunner AM, Esteve J, Porkka K, Knapper S, Traer E, Scholl S, Garcia-Manero G, Vey N, Wermke M, Janssen JJWM, Narayan R, Fleming S, Loo S, Tovar N, Kontro M, Ottmann OG, Naidu P, Sun H, Han M, White R, Zhang N, Mohammed A, Sabatos-Peyton CA, Steensma DP, Rinne ML, Borate UM, Wei AH. Phase Ib study of sabatolimab (MBG453), a novel immunotherapy targeting TIM-3 antibody, in combination with decitabine or azacitidine in high- or very high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes. Am J Hematol 2024; 99:E32-E36. [PMID: 37994196 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.27161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
The safety and efficacy of sabatolimab, a novel immunotherapy targeting T-cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain-3 (TIM-3), was assessed in combination with hypomethylating agents (HMAs) in patients with HMA-naive revised International Prognostic System Score (IPSS-R) high- or very high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (HR/vHR-MDS) or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). Sabatolimab + HMA had a safety profile similar to that reported for HMA alone and demonstrated durable clinical responses in patients with HR/vHR-MDS. These results support the ongoing evaluation of sabatolimab-based combination therapy in MDS, CMML, and acute myeloid leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kimmo Porkka
- Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Elie Traer
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | | | | | | | - Martin Wermke
- TU Dresden, NCT/UCC Early Clinical Trial Unit, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Rupa Narayan
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Sun Loo
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Mika Kontro
- Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | - Haiying Sun
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, New Jersey, USA
| | - May Han
- Cure Ventures, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Na Zhang
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anisa Mohammed
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - David P Steensma
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Uma M Borate
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Andrew H Wei
- The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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45
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Li Z, Metzger Filho O, Viale G, dell'Orto P, Russo L, Goyette MA, Kamat A, Yardley DA, Gupta Abramson V, Arteaga CL, Spring LM, Chiotti K, Halsey C, Waks AG, King TA, Lester SC, Bellon JR, Winer EP, Spellman PT, Krop IE, Polyak K. HER2 heterogeneity and treatment response-associated profiles in HER2-positive breast cancer in the NCT02326974 clinical trial. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e176454. [PMID: 38300710 PMCID: PMC10977978 DOI: 10.1172/jci176454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDHER2-targeting therapies have great efficacy in HER2-positive breast cancer, but resistance, in part due to HER2 heterogeneity (HET), is a significant clinical challenge. We previously described that in a phase II neoadjuvant trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) and pertuzumab (P) clinical trial in early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer, none of the patients with HER2-HET tumors had pathologic complete response (pCR).METHODSTo investigate cellular and molecular differences among tumors according to HER2 heterogeneity and pCR, we performed RNA sequencing and ERBB2 FISH of 285 pretreatment and posttreatment tumors from 129 patients in this T-DM1+P neoadjuvant trial. A subset of cases was also subject to NanoString spatial digital profiling.RESULTSPretreatment tumors from patients with pCR had the highest level of ERBB2 mRNA and ERBB signaling. HER2 heterogeneity was associated with no pCR, basal-like features, and low ERBB2 expression yet high ERBB signaling sustained by activation of downstream pathway components. Residual tumors showed decreased HER2 protein levels and ERBB2 copy number heterogeneity and increased PI3K pathway enrichment and luminal features. HET tumors showed minimal treatment-induced transcriptomic changes compared with non-HET tumors. Immune infiltration correlated with pCR and HER2-HET status.CONCLUSIONResistance mechanisms in HET and non-HET tumors are distinct. HER2-targeting antibodies have limited efficacy in HET tumors. Our results support the stratification of patients based on HET status and the use of agents that target downstream components of the ERBB signaling pathway in patients with HET tumors.TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicalTrials.gov NCT02326974.FUNDINGThis study was funded by Roche and the National Cancer Institute.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheqi Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Otto Metzger Filho
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Giuseppe Viale
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- University of Milan, School of Medicine, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia dell'Orto
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Leila Russo
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Marie-Anne Goyette
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Avni Kamat
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Denise A Yardley
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute and Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Carlos L Arteaga
- University of Texas Southwestern, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Laura M Spring
- Department of Medical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kami Chiotti
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Carol Halsey
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Adrienne G Waks
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tari A King
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Susan C Lester
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer R Bellon
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eric P Winer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Paul T Spellman
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Ian E Krop
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Kornelia Polyak
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Wu Y, Li Y, Gao Y, Zhang P, Jing Q, Zhang Y, Jin W, Wang Y, Du J, Wu G. Immunotherapies of acute myeloid leukemia: Rationale, clinical evidence and perspective. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116132. [PMID: 38198961 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a prevalent hematological malignancy that exhibits a wide array of molecular abnormalities. Although traditional treatment modalities such as chemotherapy and allogeneic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) have become standard therapeutic approaches, a considerable number of patients continue to face relapse and encounter a bleak prognosis. The emergence of immune escape, immunosuppression, minimal residual disease (MRD), and other contributing factors collectively contribute to this challenge. Recent research has increasingly highlighted the notable distinctions between AML tumor microenvironments and those of healthy individuals. In order to investigate the potential therapeutic mechanisms, this study examines the intricate transformations occurring between leukemic cells and their surrounding cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) of AML. This review classifies immunotherapies into four distinct categories: cancer vaccines, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), antibody-based immunotherapies, and adoptive T-cell therapies. The results of numerous clinical trials strongly indicate that the identification of optimal combinations of novel agents, either in conjunction with each other or with chemotherapy, represents a crucial advancement in this field. In this review, we aim to explore the current and emerging immunotherapeutic methodologies applicable to AML patients, identify promising targets, and emphasize the crucial requirement to augment patient outcomes. The application of these strategies presents substantial therapeutic prospects within the realm of precision medicine for AML, encompassing the potential to ameliorate patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyi Wu
- Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanchun Li
- Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiangan Jing
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yinhao Zhang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weidong Jin
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jing Du
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Gongqiang Wu
- Department of Hematology, Dongyang Hospitai Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Dongyang People's Hospital, Dongyang, Zhejiang, China.
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Rafei-Shamsabadi D, Scholten L, Lu S, Castiglia D, Zambruno G, Volz A, Arnold A, Saleva M, Martin L, Technau-Hafsi K, Meiss F, von Bubnoff D, Has C. Epidermolysis-Bullosa-Associated Squamous Cell Carcinomas Support an Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment: Prospects for Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:471. [PMID: 38275911 PMCID: PMC10814073 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020471] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are a major complication of some subtypes of epidermolysis bullosa (EB), with high morbidity and mortality rates and unmet therapeutic needs. The high rate of endogenous mutations and the fibrotic stroma are considered to contribute to the pathogenesis. Patients with dystrophic EB (DEB) and Kindler EB (KEB) have the highest propensity for developing SCCs. Another patient group that develops high-risk SCCs is immunosuppressed (IS) patients, especially after organ transplantation. Herein, we interrogate whether immune checkpoint proteins and immunosuppressive enzymes are dysregulated in EB-associated SCCs as an immune resistance mechanism and compare the expression patterns with those in SCCs from IS patients, who frequently develop high-risk tumors and sporadic SCCs, and immunocompetent (IC) individuals. The expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain-containing protein-3 (TIM-3), lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), and inflammatory infiltrates (CD4, CD8, and CD68) was assessed via immunohistochemistry and semi-quantitative analysis in 30 DEB-SCCs, 22 KEB-SCCs, 106 IS-SCCs, and 100 sporadic IC-SCCs. DEB-SCCs expressed significantly higher levels of IDO and PD-L1 in tumor cells and PD-1 in the tumor microenvironment (TME) compared with SCCs from IC and IS individuals. The number of CD4-positive T cells per mm2 was significantly lower in DEB-SCCs compared with IC-SCCs. KEB-SCCs showed the lowest expression of the exhaustion markers TIM-3 and LAG-3 compared with all other groups. These findings identify IDO, PD-1, and PD-L1 to be increased in EB-SCCs and candidate targets for combinatory treatments, especially in DEB-SCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Rafei-Shamsabadi
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (L.S.); (S.L.); (K.T.-H.); (F.M.); (C.H.)
| | - Lena Scholten
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (L.S.); (S.L.); (K.T.-H.); (F.M.); (C.H.)
| | - Sisi Lu
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (L.S.); (S.L.); (K.T.-H.); (F.M.); (C.H.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Daniele Castiglia
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IDI-IRCCS), Via Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giovanna Zambruno
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00165 Rome, Italy;
| | - Andreas Volz
- Dermatologie am Rhein, 4051 Basel, Switzerland (A.A.)
| | | | - Mina Saleva
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital “Alexandrovska”, Faculty of Medicine, Sofia University of Medicine, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Ludovic Martin
- MAGEC Nord Reference Center for Rare Skin Diseases, Department of Dermatology, Angers University Hospital, 49933 Angers, France;
| | - Kristin Technau-Hafsi
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (L.S.); (S.L.); (K.T.-H.); (F.M.); (C.H.)
| | - Frank Meiss
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (L.S.); (S.L.); (K.T.-H.); (F.M.); (C.H.)
| | - Dagmar von Bubnoff
- Department of Dermatology, Allergology and Venerology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany;
| | - Cristina Has
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (L.S.); (S.L.); (K.T.-H.); (F.M.); (C.H.)
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Yang G, Cai S, Hu M, Li C, Yang L, Zhang W, Sun J, Sun F, Xing L, Sun X. Spatial features of specific CD103 +CD8 + tissue-resident memory T cell subsets define the prognosis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. J Transl Med 2024; 22:27. [PMID: 38183111 PMCID: PMC10770937 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04839-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells can reside in the tumor microenvironment and are considered the primary response cells to immunotherapy. Heterogeneity in functional status and spatial distribution may contribute to the controversial role of TRM cells but we know little about it. METHODS Through multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) (CD8, CD103, PD-1, Tim-3, GZMB, CK), the quantity and spatial location of TRM cell subsets were recognized in the tissue from 274 patients with NSCLC after radical surgery. By integrating multiple machine learning methods, we constructed a TRM-based spatial immune signature (TRM-SIS) to predict the prognosis. Furthermore, we conducted a CD103-related gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and verified its finding by another mIF panel (CD8, CD103, CK, CD31, Hif-1α). RESULTS The density of TRM cells was significantly correlated with the expression of PD-1, Tim-3 and GZMB. Four types of TRM cell subsets was defined, including TRM1 (PD-1-Tim-3-TRM), TRM2 (PD-1+Tim-3-TRM), TRM3 (PD-1-Tim-3+TRM) and TRM4 (PD-1+Tim-3+TRM). The cytotoxicity of TRM2 was the strongest while that of TRM4 was the weakest. Compare with TRM1 and TRM2, TRM3 and TRM4 had better infiltration and stronger interaction with cancer cells. The TRM-SIS was an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival [HR = 2.43, 95%CI (1.63-3.60), P < 0.001] and showed a better performance than the TNM staging system for recurrence prediction. Furthermore, by CD103-related GSEA and mIF validation, we found a negative association between tumor angiogenesis and infiltration of TRM cells. CONCLUSIONS These findings reveal a significant heterogeneity in the functional status and spatial distribution of TRM cells, and support it as a biomarker for the prognosis of NSCLC patients. Regulating TRM cells by targeting tumor angiogenesis may be a potential strategy to improve current immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanqun Yang
- Shandong University Cancer Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Siqi Cai
- Shandong University Cancer Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Mengyu Hu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chaozhuo Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Liying Yang
- Shandong University Cancer Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jujie Sun
- Department of Pathology, Shandong Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Science, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Fenghao Sun
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ligang Xing
- Shandong University Cancer Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaorong Sun
- Shandong University Cancer Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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49
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von Witzleben A, Ellis M, Thomas GJ, Hoffmann TK, Jackson R, Laban S, Ottensmeier CH. Tumor-Infiltrating CD103+ Tissue-Resident Memory T Cells and CD103-CD8+ T Cells in HNSCC Are Linked to Outcome in Primary but not Metastatic Disease. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:224-234. [PMID: 37874322 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE High numbers of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) are linked to better survival in patients with cancer. Tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM; CD8+CD103+) are recognized as a key player of anticancer immune response. To assess TRM cells in primary, metastatic, and recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), we developed a tissue microarray (TMA) and used multiplex IHC (MxIHC). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Samples from primary tumors of 379 HNSCC cases treated at Southampton Hospitals between 2000 and 2016 were collected and analyzed. Of these, 105 cases had lymph node metastases and 82 recurrences. A TMA was generated with triplicate cores for each sample. MxIHC with a stain-and-strip approach was performed using CD8, CD103, and TIM3. Scanned slides were analyzed (digital image analysis) and quality checked (QC). RESULTS After QC, 194 primary tumors, 76 lymph node metastases, and 65 recurrences were evaluable. Alcohol consumption was statistically significantly correlated with a reduction of TRM cells in primary tumors (nondrinker vs. heavy drinker: P = 0.0036). The known survival benefit of TRM cell infiltration in primary tumors was not found for lymph node metastasis. In recurrences, a high TRM cell number led to a favorable outcome after 12 months. The checkpoint molecule TIM3, was expressed significantly higher on TRM and non-TRM cells in the lymph node compared with primary tumors (P < 0.0001), which was also seen in recurrences (P = 0.0134 and P = 0.0007, respectively). CONCLUSIONS We confirm the prognostic impact of TIL in primary tumors and in recurrences. TRM cell density in lymph node metastases was not linked to outcome. The role of TIM3, as a therapeutic target remains to be defined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian von Witzleben
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- CRUK and NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Center and School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, H, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Ellis
- CRUK and NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Center and School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, H, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth J Thomas
- CRUK and NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Center and School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, H, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Southampton University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas K Hoffmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Richard Jackson
- Liverpool Clinical Trials Center, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Laban
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christian H Ottensmeier
- Liverpool Head and Neck Center, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology and Liverpool CRUK and NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Center, UK University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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50
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Meng L, Wu H, Wu J, Ding P, He J, Sang M, Liu L. Mechanisms of immune checkpoint inhibitors: insights into the regulation of circular RNAS involved in cancer hallmarks. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:3. [PMID: 38177102 PMCID: PMC10766988 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06389-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Current treatment strategies for cancer, especially advanced cancer, are limited and unsatisfactory. One of the most substantial advances in cancer therapy, in the last decades, was the discovery of a new layer of immunotherapy approach, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), which can specifically activate immune cells by targeting immune checkpoints. Immune checkpoints are a type of immunosuppressive molecules expressed on immune cells, which can regulate the degree of immune activation and avoid autoimmune responses. ICIs, such as anti-PD-1/PD-L1 drugs, has shown inspiring efficacy and broad applicability across various cancers. Unfortunately, not all cancer patients benefit remarkably from ICIs, and the overall response rates to ICIs remain relatively low for most cancer types. Moreover, the primary and acquired resistance to ICIs pose serious challenges to the clinical application of cancer immunotherapy. Thus, a deeper understanding of the molecular biological properties and regulatory mechanisms of immune checkpoints is urgently needed to improve clinical options for current therapies. Recently, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have attracted increasing attention, not only due to their involvement in various aspects of cancer hallmarks, but also for their impact on immune checkpoints in shaping the tumor immune microenvironment. In this review, we systematically summarize the current status of immune checkpoints in cancer and the existing regulatory roles of circRNAs on immune checkpoints. Meanwhile, we also aim to settle the issue in an evidence-oriented manner that circRNAs involved in cancer hallmarks regulate the effects and resistance of ICIs by targeting immune checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingjiao Meng
- Department of Tumor Immunotherapy, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050035, China
- Research Center and Tumor Research Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050017, China
| | - Haotian Wu
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Jiaxiang Wu
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Ping'an Ding
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Jinchen He
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Meixiang Sang
- Research Center and Tumor Research Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050017, China.
- Science and Education Department, Shanghai Electric Power Hospital, Shanghai, 20050, China.
| | - Lihua Liu
- Department of Tumor Immunotherapy, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050035, China.
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