1
|
Saba E, Farhat M, Daoud A, Khashan A, Forkush E, Menahem NH, Makkawi H, Pandi K, Angabo S, Kawasaki H, Plaschkes I, Parnas O, Zamir G, Atlan K, Elkin M, Katz L, Nussbaum G. Oral bacteria accelerate pancreatic cancer development in mice. Gut 2024; 73:770-786. [PMID: 38233197 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-330941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epidemiological studies highlight an association between pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and oral carriage of the anaerobic bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis, a species highly linked to periodontal disease. We analysed the potential for P. gingivalis to promote pancreatic cancer development in an animal model and probed underlying mechanisms. DESIGN We tracked P. gingivalis bacterial translocation from the oral cavity to the pancreas following administration to mice. To dissect the role of P. gingivalis in PDAC development, we administered bacteria to a genetically engineered mouse PDAC model consisting of inducible acinar cell expression of mutant Kras (Kras +/LSL-G12D; Ptf1a-CreER, iKC mice). These mice were used to study the cooperative effects of Kras mutation and P. gingivalis on the progression of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) to PDAC. The direct effects of P. gingivalis on acinar cells and PDAC cell lines were studied in vitro. RESULTS P. gingivalis migrated from the oral cavity to the pancreas in mice and can be detected in human PanIN lesions. Repetitive P. gingivalis administration to wild-type mice induced pancreatic acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM), and altered the composition of the intrapancreatic microbiome. In iKC mice, P. gingivalis accelerated PanIN to PDAC progression. In vitro, P. gingivalis infection induced acinar cell ADM markers SOX9 and CK19, and intracellular bacteria protected PDAC cells from reactive oxygen species-mediated cell death resulting from nutrient stress. CONCLUSION Taken together, our findings demonstrate a causal role for P. gingivalis in pancreatic cancer development in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elias Saba
- Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research, Hebrew University-Hadassah, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Maria Farhat
- Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research, Hebrew University-Hadassah, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Alaa Daoud
- Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research, Hebrew University-Hadassah, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Arin Khashan
- Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research, Hebrew University-Hadassah, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Esther Forkush
- Gastroenterology, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Noam Hallel Menahem
- Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research, Hebrew University-Hadassah, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Hasnaa Makkawi
- Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research, Hebrew University-Hadassah, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Karthikeyan Pandi
- Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research, Hebrew University-Hadassah, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sarah Angabo
- Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research, Hebrew University-Hadassah, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Hiromichi Kawasaki
- Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research, Hebrew University-Hadassah, Jerusalem, Israel
- Central Research Institute, Wakunaga Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, Koda-cho, Akitakata-shi, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Inbar Plaschkes
- Info-CORE, Bioinformatics Unit of the I-CORE, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Oren Parnas
- Immunology and Cancer Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gideon Zamir
- Experimental Surgery, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Michael Elkin
- Oncology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Lior Katz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gabriel Nussbaum
- Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research, Hebrew University-Hadassah, Jerusalem, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bao S, Darvishi M, H Amin A, Al-Haideri MT, Patra I, Kashikova K, Ahmad I, Alsaikhan F, Al-Qaim ZH, Al-Gazally ME, Kiasari BA, Tavakoli-Far B, Sidikov AA, Mustafa YF, Akhavan-Sigari R. CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) blockade in cancer treatment. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:7945-7968. [PMID: 36905421 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04444-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: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
CXC chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) is a member of the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) superfamily and is specific for CXC chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12, also known as SDF-1), which makes CXCL12/CXCR4 axis. CXCR4 interacts with its ligand, triggering downstream signaling pathways that influence cell proliferation chemotaxis, migration, and gene expression. The interaction also regulates physiological processes, including hematopoiesis, organogenesis, and tissue repair. Multiple evidence revealed that CXCL12/CXCR4 axis is implicated in several pathways involved in carcinogenesis and plays a key role in tumor growth, survival, angiogenesis, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Several CXCR4-targeting compounds have been discovered and used for preclinical and clinical cancer therapy, most of which have shown promising anti-tumor activity. In this review, we summarized the physiological signaling of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis and described the role of this axis in tumor progression, and focused on the potential therapeutic options and strategies to block CXCR4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shunshun Bao
- The First Clinical Medical College, Xuzhou Medical University, 221000, Xuzhou, China
| | - Mohammad Darvishi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center (IDTMRC), Department of Aerospace and Subaquatic Medicine, AJA University of Medicinal Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali H Amin
- Deanship of Scientific Research, Umm Al-Qura University, 21955, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, 35516, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Maysoon T Al-Haideri
- Department of Physiotherapy, Cihan University-Erbil, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Indrajit Patra
- An Independent Researcher, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Irfan Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad Alsaikhan
- College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Bahman Abedi Kiasari
- Virology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Bahareh Tavakoli-Far
- Dietary Supplements and Probiotic Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
| | - Akmal A Sidikov
- Rector, Ferghana Medical Institute of Public Health, Ferghana, Uzbekistan
| | - Yasser Fakri Mustafa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul, Mosul, 41001, Iraq
| | - Reza Akhavan-Sigari
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Health Care Management and Clinical Research, Collegium Humanum Warsaw Management University, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ahmed A, Klotz R, Köhler S, Giese N, Hackert T, Springfeld C, Jäger D, Halama N. Immune features of the peritumoral stroma in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:947407. [PMID: 36131941 PMCID: PMC9483939 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.947407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The peritumoral stroma is a hallmark of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) with implications for disease development, progression and therapy resistance. We systematically investigated immune features of the stroma in PDA patients to identify markers of clinical importance and potential therapeutic targets. Methods Tissue and blood samples of 51 PDA patients with clinical and follow-up information were included. Laser Capture Microdissection allowed us to analyze the stromal compartment in particular. Systematic immunohistochemistry, followed by software-based image analysis were conducted. Also, multiplex cytokine analyses (including 50 immune-related molecules) were performed. Functional analyses were performed using patient-derived 3D bioprints. Clinical information was used for survival analyses. Intercompartmental IL9 and IL18 gradients were assessed in matched samples of tumor epithelium, stroma, and serum of patients. Serum levels were compared to an age-matched healthy control group. Results Stromal IL9 and IL18 are significantly associated with patient survival. While IL9 is a prognostic favorable marker (p=0.041), IL18 associates with poor patient outcomes (p=0.030). IL9 correlates with an anti-tumoral cytokine network which connects regulation of T helper (Th) 9, Th1 and Th17 cells (all: p<0.05 and r>0.5). IL18 correlates with a Th1-type cytokine phenotype and stromal CXCL12 expression (all: p<0.05 and r>0.5). Further, IL18 associates with a higher level of exhausted T cells. Inhibition of IL18 results in diminished Th1- and Th2-type cytokines. Patients with high stromal IL9 expression have a tumor-to-stroma IL9 gradient directed towards the stroma (p=0.019). Low IL18 expression associates with a tumor-to-stroma IL18 gradient away from the stroma (p=0.007). PDA patients showed higher serum levels of IL9 than healthy controls while serum IL18 levels were significantly lower than in healthy individuals. The stromal immune cell composition is distinct from the tumor epithelium. Stromal density of FoxP3+ regulatory T cells showed a tendency towards improved patient survival (p=0.071). Conclusion An unexpected high expression of the cytokines IL9 and IL18 at different ends is of significance in the stroma of PDA and relates to opposing patient outcomes. Sub-compartmental cytokine analyses highlight the importance of a differentiated gradient assessment. The findings suggest stromal IL9 and/or IL18 as markers for patient stratification and as potential therapeutic targets. Future steps include investigating e. g. the role of local microbiota as both cytokines are also regulated by microbial compositions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Azaz Ahmed
- Translational Immunotherapy (D240), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine VI, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- BioQuant, Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rosa Klotz
- General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sophia Köhler
- Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine VI, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nathalia Giese
- General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thilo Hackert
- General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Springfeld
- Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine VI, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Jäger
- Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine VI, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Applied Tumor Immunity Clinical Cooperation Unit (D120), National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Niels Halama
- Translational Immunotherapy (D240), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine VI, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- BioQuant, Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Translational Oncology Mainz (HI-TRON), Mainz, Germany
- *Correspondence: Niels Halama,
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhao R, Liu J, Li Z, Zhang W, Wang F, Zhang B. Recent Advances in CXCL12/CXCR4 Antagonists and Nano-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081541. [PMID: 35893797 PMCID: PMC9332179 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemokines can induce chemotactic cell migration by interacting with G protein-coupled receptors to play a significant regulatory role in the development of cancer. CXC chemokine-12 (CXCL12) can specifically bind to CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and is closely associated with the progression of cancer via multiple signaling pathways. Over recent years, many CXCR4 antagonists have been tested in clinical trials; however, Plerixafor (AMD3100) is the only drug that has been approved for marketing thus far. In this review, we first summarize the mechanisms that mediate the physiological effects of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis. Then, we describe the use of CXCL12/CXCR4 antagonists. Finally, we discuss the use of nano-based drug delivery systems that exert action on the CXCL12/CXCR4 biological axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Feng Wang
- Correspondence: (F.W.); (B.Z.); Tel.: +86-536-8462490 (B.Z.)
| | - Bo Zhang
- Correspondence: (F.W.); (B.Z.); Tel.: +86-536-8462490 (B.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Harper MM, Lin M, Cavnar MJ, Pandalai PK, Patel RA, Gao M, Kim J. Interaction of immune checkpoint PD-1 and chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) promotes a malignant phenotype in pancreatic cancer cells. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270832. [PMID: 35797269 PMCID: PMC9262213 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent therapeutic advances, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a devastating disease with limited therapeutic options. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated promising results in many cancers, but thus far have yielded little clinical benefit in PDAC. Based on recent combined targeting of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) in patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) and a pilot clinical trial, we sought to elucidate potential interactions between PD-1 and CXCR4. We observed concomitant expression and direct interaction of PD-1 and CXCR4 in PDAC cells. This interaction was disrupted upon CXCR4 antagonism with AMD3100 and led to increased cell surface expression of PD-1. Importantly, CXCR4-mediated PDAC cell migration was also blocked by PD-1 inhibition. Our work provides a possible mechanism by which prior studies have demonstrated that combined CXCR4 and PD-1 inhibition leads to decreased tumor growth. This is the first report investigating PD-1 and CXCR4 interactions in PDAC cells and our results can serve as the basis for further investigation of combined therapeutic targeting of CXCR4 and PD-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan M. Harper
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Miranda Lin
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Michael J. Cavnar
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Prakash K. Pandalai
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Reema A. Patel
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Mei Gao
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Joseph Kim
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ghasemi K, Ghasemi K. MSX-122: Is an effective small molecule CXCR4 antagonist in cancer therapy? Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 108:108863. [PMID: 35623288 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108863] [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: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Chemokines, a subgroup of cytokines along with their receptors, are involved in various biologic processes and regulation of a wide range of immune responses in different physiologic and pathologic states such as tissue repair, infection, and inflammation. C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), has one identified natural ligand termed stromal-derived factor-1(SDF-1 or CXCL12). Evidence demonstrated that the ligation of SDF-1 to CXCR4 initiates several intracellular signaling pathways, regulating cell proliferation, survival, chemotaxis, migration, angiogenesis, adhesion, as well as bone marrow (BM)-resident cells homing and mobilization. Additionally, CXCR4 is expressed by tumor cells in blood malignancies and solid tumors. Therefore, CXCR4 is considered a potential therapeutic target in cancer therapy, and CXCR4 antagonists, including AMD3100, MSX-122, BPRCX807, WZ811, Motixafortide, TN14003, AMD3465, and AMD1170, have been employed in experimental and clinical studies to enhance cancer therapy. MSX-122 is a specific small-molecule antagonist of CXCR4/CXCL12 and the only orally available non-peptide CXCR4 antagonist with promising anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that MSX-122 is particularly important in treating metastatic cancers and has great therapeutic potential. Accordingly, this review summarized the characteristics of MSX-122 and its effects on the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis as well as cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimia Ghasemi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Kosar Ghasemi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Clinicopathological significance and prognostic role of chemokine receptor CXCR4 expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, a meta-analysis and literature review. Int J Surg 2019; 65:32-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2019.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|
8
|
Yan W, Xiangyu C, Ya L, Yu W, Feng X. An orally antitumor chalcone hybrid inhibited HepG2 cells growth and migration as the tubulin binding agent. Invest New Drugs 2019; 37:784-790. [PMID: 30740631 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-019-00737-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Liver cancer is a kind of high mortality cancer due to the difficulty of early diagnosis. It is necessary to develop the anticancer agents to treat liver cancer. Here, a novel chalcone derivative was synthesized and evaluated for anticancer activity in vitro against liver cancer cell lines (HepG2, SNU-423, SMMC7221, and SNU-398). The chalcone hybrid 9 displayed the antiproliferative effect against HepG2, SNU-423, SMMC7221 and SNU-398 cells with IC50 values of 0.9 μM, 2.7 μM, 6.2 μM and 4.6 μM, respectively. Cellular mechanisms showed that derivative 9 could obviously inhibit HepG2 cells growth and colony formation in a concentration-dependent manner. Analogue 9 inhibited the migration by regulating the expression levels of migration-releated markers and transcription factors (Snail and Slug). Tubulin polymerization inhibition assay illustrated that chalcone hybrid 9 might be a potent tubulin polymerization inhibitor. Importantly, compound 9 displayed the antitumor activity against liver cancer HepG2 cells in vivo with the low toxicity toward mice. Therefore, compound 9 as a novel tubulin polymerization inhibitor deserves further investigation to treat liver cancer. Graphical abstract Compound 9 displayed the antitumor activity against liver cancer HepG2 cells in vivo and low toxicity toward mice Figure: Orally antitumor chalcone hybrid 9 inhibited HepG2 cells growth and migration as the tubulin binding agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wang Yan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Chen Xiangyu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Li Ya
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Wang Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xu Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Peng D, Cao B, Zhou YJ, Long YQ. The chemical diversity and structure-based evolution of non-peptide CXCR4 antagonists with diverse therapeutic potential. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 149:148-169. [PMID: 29500940 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.02.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 02/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is a highly reserved G-protein coupled 7-transmembrane (TM) chemokine receptor which consists of 352 amino acids. CXCR4 has only one endogenous chemokine ligand of CXCL12, besides several other natural nonchemokine ligands such as extracellular ubiquitin and noncognate ligand of MIF. CXCR4 strongly binds to CXCL12 and the resulting CXCLl2/CXCR4 axis is the molecular basis of their various biological functions, which include: (1) mediating immune and inflammatory response; (2) regulation of hematopoietic stem cell migration and homing; (3) an essential co-receptor for HIV entry into host cells; (4) participation in the process of embryonic development; (5) malignant tumor invasion and metastasis; (6) myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke and acute kidney injury. Correspondingly, CXCR4 antagonists find potential therapeutic applications in HIV infection, as well as hematopoietic stem cell migration, inflammation, immune-related diseases, tumor and ischemic diseases. Recently, great achievements have been made and a number of non-peptide CXCR4 antagonists with diversity scaffolds have been discovered. In this review, the discovery of small molecule CXCR4 antagonists focused on the structures, activities, evolution and development of representative CXCR4 antagonists is comprehensively described. The central role of CXCR4 in diverse cellular signaling pathways and its involvement in several diseases progressions are discussed as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dian Peng
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Bin Cao
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ying-Jun Zhou
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Ya-Qiu Long
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University Medical College, Suzhou 215123, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Johnson BA, Yarchoan M, Lee V, Laheru DA, Jaffee EM. Strategies for Increasing Pancreatic Tumor Immunogenicity. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 23:1656-1669. [PMID: 28373364 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-16-2318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has changed the standard of care for multiple deadly cancers, including lung, head and neck, gastric, and some colorectal cancers. However, single-agent immunotherapy has had little effect in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Increasing evidence suggests that the PDAC microenvironment is comprised of an intricate network of signals between immune cells, PDAC cells, and stroma, resulting in an immunosuppressive environment resistant to single-agent immunotherapies. In this review, we discuss differences between immunotherapy-sensitive cancers and PDAC, the complex interactions between PDAC stroma and suppressive tumor-infiltrating cells that facilitate PDAC development and progression, the immunologic targets within these complex networks that are druggable, and data supporting combination drug approaches that modulate multiple PDAC signals, which should lead to improved clinical outcomes. Clin Cancer Res; 23(7); 1656-69. ©2017 AACRSee all articles in this CCR Focus section, "Pancreatic Cancer: Challenge and Inspiration."
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Burles A Johnson
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mark Yarchoan
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Valerie Lee
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Daniel A Laheru
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Elizabeth M Jaffee
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland. .,Department of Pathology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Targeting the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis with the peptide antagonist E5 to inhibit breast tumor progression. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2017; 2:17033. [PMID: 29263923 PMCID: PMC5661635 DOI: 10.1038/sigtrans.2017.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence has demonstrated that stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) and its cognate receptor CXCR4 have critical roles in tumorigenesis, angiogenesis and metastasis. In this study, we demonstrated the significant inhibitory effects of a novel chemically synthetic peptide (E5) on the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis in breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo. E5 was capable of specifically binding to the murine breast cancer cell line 4T1, remarkably inhibiting CXCL12- or stromal cell (MS-5)-induced migration, and adhesion and sensitizing 4T1 cells to multiple chemotherapeutic drugs. Furthermore, E5 combined with either paclitaxel or cyclophosphamide significantly inhibited tumor growth in a breast cancer model. Mechanistic studies implied that E5 can inhibit the expression of CXCR4 to block the CXCL12-mediated recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells and repress CXCR4 downstream of the Akt and Erk signaling pathway, which are involved in tumor angiogenesis and progression. Further pharmacokinetic evaluation suggested that E5 has an acceptable stability, with a half-life of 10 h in healthy mice. In conclusion, E5 demonstrates a promising anti-tumor effect and could be a potential chemotherapeutic sensitizer to improve current clinical breast cancer therapies.
Collapse
|
12
|
Barbieri F, Bajetto A, Thellung S, Würth R, Florio T. Drug design strategies focusing on the CXCR4/CXCR7/CXCL12 pathway in leukemia and lymphoma. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2016; 11:1093-1109. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2016.1233176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
|
13
|
Morimoto M, Matsuo Y, Koide S, Tsuboi K, Shamoto T, Sato T, Saito K, Takahashi H, Takeyama H. Enhancement of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis due to acquisition of gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer: effect of CXCR4 antagonists. BMC Cancer 2016; 16:305. [PMID: 27175473 PMCID: PMC4866076 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-016-2340-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling axis in malignant tumor biology has increased in importance, and these peptides are implicated in tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. The aim of our study was to examine the important role of the axis in pancreatic cancer (PaCa) cells' relationship with stromal cells in gemcitabine-resistant (GEM-R) tumors and to confirm the effectiveness of CXCR4 antagonists for the treatment of GEM-R PaCa cells. METHODS We established two GEM-R PaCa cell lines using MIA PaCa-2 and AsPC-1 cells. The expression of CXCR4 mRNA in PaCa cells and the expression of CXCL12 mRNA in fibroblasts were examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The expression of CXCR4 protein in PaCa cells was examined by immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunocytochemistry. Using Matrigel invasion assays and animal studies, we then examined the effects of two CXCR4 antagonists, AMD11070 and KRH3955, on the invasiveness and tumorigenicity of GEM-R PaCa cells stimulated by CXCL12. RESULTS We found that the expression of CXCR4 in GEM-R PaCa cells was significantly enhanced by GEM but not in normal GEM-sensitive (GEM-S) PaCa cells. In RT-PCR and ELISA assays, the production and secretion of CXCL12 from fibroblasts was significantly enhanced by co-culturing with GEM-R PaCa cells treated with GEM. In Matrigel invasion assays, the invasiveness of GEM-R PaCa cells treated with GEM was significantly activated by fibroblast-derived CXCL12 and was significantly inhibited by CXCR4 antagonists, AMD11070 and KRH3955. In vivo, the tumorigenicity of GEM-R PaCa cells was activated by GEM, and it was significantly inhibited by the addition with CXCR4 antagonists. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that the CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling axis plays an important role in PaCa cells' resistance to GEM. CXCR4 expression was significantly enhanced by the exposure to GEM in GEM-R PaCa cells but not in GEM-S PaCa cells. Furthermore, CXCR4 antagonists can inhibit the growth and invasion of GEM-R PaCa cells. These agents may be useful as second-line chemotherapy for GEM-R PaCa in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mamoru Morimoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kawasumi 1, Mizuho-cho, Mizuhoku, Nagoya, 467-8601, Japan
| | - Yoichi Matsuo
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kawasumi 1, Mizuho-cho, Mizuhoku, Nagoya, 467-8601, Japan.
| | - Shuji Koide
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kawasumi 1, Mizuho-cho, Mizuhoku, Nagoya, 467-8601, Japan
| | - Ken Tsuboi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kawasumi 1, Mizuho-cho, Mizuhoku, Nagoya, 467-8601, Japan
| | - Tomoya Shamoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kawasumi 1, Mizuho-cho, Mizuhoku, Nagoya, 467-8601, Japan
| | - Takafumi Sato
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kawasumi 1, Mizuho-cho, Mizuhoku, Nagoya, 467-8601, Japan
| | - Kenta Saito
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kawasumi 1, Mizuho-cho, Mizuhoku, Nagoya, 467-8601, Japan
| | - Hiroki Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kawasumi 1, Mizuho-cho, Mizuhoku, Nagoya, 467-8601, Japan
| | - Hiromitsu Takeyama
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kawasumi 1, Mizuho-cho, Mizuhoku, Nagoya, 467-8601, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Shim H, Oishi S, Fujii N. Chemokine receptor CXCR4 as a therapeutic target for neuroectodermal tumors. Semin Cancer Biol 2008; 19:123-34. [PMID: 19084067 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2008.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2008] [Revised: 11/17/2008] [Accepted: 11/17/2008] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Chemokines (chemotactic cytokines) are a family of proteins associated with the trafficking and activation of leukocytes and other cell types in immune surveillance and inflammatory response. Besides their roles in the immune system, they play pleiotropic roles in tumor initiation, promotion, and progression. Chemokines can be classified into four subfamilies of chemokines, CXC, CC, C, or CX3C, based on their number and spacing of conserved cysteine residues near the N-terminus. This CXC subfamily can be further subclassified into two groups, depending on the presence or absence of a tripeptide motif glutamic acid-leucine-arginine (ELR) in the N-terminal domain. ELR(-)CXCL12, which binds to CXCR4 has been frequently implicated in various cancers. Over the past several years, studies have increasingly shown that the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis plays critical roles in tumor progression, such as invasion, angiogenesis, survival, homing to metastatic sites. This review focuses on involvement of CXCR4/CXCL12 interaction in neuroectodermal cancers and their therapeutic potentials. As an attractive therapeutic target of CXCR4/CXCL12 axis for cancer chemotherapy, development history and application of CXCR4 antagonists are described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyunsuk Shim
- Department of Radiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Schimanski CC, Schwald S, Simiantonaki N, Jayasinghe C, Gönner U, Wilsberg V, Junginger T, Berger MR, Galle PR, Moehler M. Effect of chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CCR7 on the metastatic behavior of human colorectal cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2005; 11:1743-50. [PMID: 15755995 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-04-1195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The expression of chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CCR7 has been associated with tumor dissemination and poor prognosis in a limited number of tumor entities. However, no data are currently available on the impact of chemokine receptor expression on disease progression and prognosis in human colorectal cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The expression of CXCR4 and CCR7 was evaluated in 96 patients with histologically confirmed colorectal cancers and in four colorectal cancer cell lines by immunohistochemical staining. Furthermore, cell migration assays were done with SW480, SW620, and LS174T cancer cells to confirm the effect of the CXCR4 ligand stromal cell-derived factor 1alpha on migration. RESULTS Human colorectal cancer specimens and cell lines displayed a CXCR4 and CCR7 expression with variable intensities. Interestingly, strong expression of CXCR4, but not of CCR7, was significantly associated with higher Union International Contre Cancer stages 3/4 (P = 0.0017), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.00375), and distant metastasis (P = 0.00003) and further correlated with a reduced 3-year survival rate (P = 0.1). Strong CXCR4 and CCR7 expression positively correlated with the location of the primary tumor in the rectum (P < 0.01). Furthermore, activation of CXCR4-expressing cancer cells by stromal cell-derived factor 1alpha resulted in a significant increase of cell migration (P < 0.014). CONCLUSION Strong expression of CXCR4 by colorectal cancer cells is significantly associated with lymphatic and distant dissemination in patients with colorectal cancer as well as with cancer cell migration in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carl C Schimanski
- First Department of Internal Medicine and Institutes of Pathology and Surgery, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55101 Mainz, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Laverdiere C, Hoang BH, Yang R, Sowers R, Qin J, Meyers PA, Huvos AG, Healey JH, Gorlick R. Messenger RNA Expression Levels of CXCR4 Correlate with Metastatic Behavior and Outcome in Patients with Osteosarcoma. Clin Cancer Res 2005; 11:2561-7. [PMID: 15814634 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-04-1089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine if osteosarcoma cells express chemokine receptors and if their presence or absence relates to clinical features. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Using fluorescent quantitative real-time PCR, the pattern of 17 chemokine receptors in 3 osteosarcoma cell lines and 68 osteosarcoma patient samples was analyzed. RESULTS The expression of the chemokine receptors was generally low among the cell lines. In the high-grade osteosarcoma patient samples (n = 47), CXCR4 was the most commonly expressed (63%) and its expression level was inversely correlated to overall survival (P < 0.0001), event-free survival (P < 0.001), and metastasis-free survival (MFS; P = 0.002). There was also a correlation between the expression level of CXCR4 and the presence of metastasis at diagnosis (P = 0.002). CCR7 was expressed in 43% of the samples and its expression level was inversely correlated with overall survival (P = 0.03) and MFS (P = 0.007). CCR10 mRNA expression level was inversely correlated with MFS (P = 0.009). There was no association between the expression of CXCR4, CCR7, and CCR10. Of the 26 samples studied for stromal cell-derived factor-1 expression, 77% expressed it, but there was no correlation with the clinical variables or CXCR4 expression. Multivariate analysis revealed that mRNA expression level of CXCR4 was the only significant variable for overall survival (P = 0.0006), event-free survival (P = 0.004), and MFS (P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that CXCR4 could be useful as a prognostic factor and as a predictor of potential metastatic development in osteosarcoma. If further studies confirm that it is relevant to metastases in this disease, it could represent a new therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Laverdiere
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Marchesi F, Monti P, Leone BE, Zerbi A, Vecchi A, Piemonti L, Mantovani A, Allavena P. Increased survival, proliferation, and migration in metastatic human pancreatic tumor cells expressing functional CXCR4. Cancer Res 2005; 64:8420-7. [PMID: 15548713 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-04-1343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 254] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we have evaluated 11 pancreatic tumor cell lines and tumor cells from surgical samples of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma for expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR4. Six of 11 cell lines expressed detectable mRNA of CXCR4, with three cell lines (AsPC1, Capan1, and Hs766T) having substantial amounts of transcripts. Expression was higher in lines derived from metastatic lesions compared with those derived from primary tumors. Different inflammatory cytokines did not modify expression, whereas IFN-gamma down-regulated and hypoxia up-regulated CXCR4 transcripts. Transcript expression was associated with surface expression in pancreatic carcinoma cell lines. All surgical carcinoma samples tested expressed higher levels of CXCR4 than normal pancreatic ducts, which were used as reference tissue. The chemokine CXCL12 induced chemotaxis in CXCR4-positive pancreatic carcinoma cell lines, which was inhibited by anti-CXCR4 monoclonal antibody and by the antagonist AMD3100. Transendothelial migration, Matrigel invasion, and activation of matrix metalloproteases were also enhanced by CXCL12. In CXCR4-positive cell lines, CXCL12 stimulated cell proliferation. The cell line Hs766T produces high levels of CXCL12, and addition of the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 partially inhibited proliferation, indicating an autocrine loop. Moreover, the addition of exogenous CXCL12 inhibited apoptosis induced by serum starvation. These results indicate that the CXCR4 receptor is frequently expressed in metastatic pancreatic tumor cells. CXCR4 not only stimulates cell motility and invasion but also promotes survival and proliferation. Strategies to target CXCR4 expressed on tumor cells may be of benefit in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Marchesi
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Mario Negri Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|