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He X, Wedn A, Wang J, Gu Y, Liu H, Zhang J, Lin Z, Zhou R, Pang X, Cui Y. IUPHAR ECR review: The cGAS-STING pathway: Novel functions beyond innate immune and emerging therapeutic opportunities. Pharmacol Res 2024; 201:107063. [PMID: 38216006 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107063] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is a crucial innate immune sensor responsible for distinguishing pathogens and cytosolic DNA, mediating innate immune signaling pathways to defend the host. Recent studies have revealed additional regulatory functions of STING beyond its innate immune-related activities, including the regulation of cellular metabolism, DNA repair, cellular senescence, autophagy and various cell deaths. These findings highlight the broader implications of STING in cellular physiology beyond its role in innate immunity. Currently, approximately 10 STING agonists have entered the clinical stage. Unlike inhibitors, which have a maximum inhibition limit, agonists have the potential for infinite amplification. STING signaling is a complex process that requires precise regulation of STING to ensure balanced immune responses and prevent detrimental autoinflammation. Recent research on the structural mechanism of STING autoinhibition and its negative regulation by adaptor protein complex 1 (AP-1) provides valuable insights into its different effects under physiological and pathological conditions, offering a new perspective for developing immune regulatory drugs. Herein, we present a comprehensive overview of the regulatory functions and molecular mechanisms of STING beyond innate immune regulation, along with updated details of its structural mechanisms. We discuss the implications of these complex regulations in various diseases, emphasizing the importance and feasibility of targeting the immunity-dependent or immunity-independent functions of STING. Moreover, we highlight the current trend in drug development and key points for clinical research, basic research, and translational research related to STING.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu He
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Abdalla Wedn
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 5051 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Yanlun Gu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Hongjin Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Juqi Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Zhiqiang Lin
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Renpeng Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui 230601, China; Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT06519, USA.
| | - Xiaocong Pang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100034, China.
| | - Yimin Cui
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100034, China.
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Hao Y, Ji Z, Zhou H, Wu D, Gu Z, Wang D, ten Dijke P. Lipid-based nanoparticles as drug delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e339. [PMID: 37560754 PMCID: PMC10407046 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown remarkable success in cancer treatment. However, in cancer patients without sufficient antitumor immunity, numerous data indicate that blocking the negative signals elicited by immune checkpoints is ineffective. Drugs that stimulate immune activation-related pathways are emerging as another route for improving immunotherapy. In addition, the development of nanotechnology presents a promising platform for tissue and cell type-specific delivery and improved uptake of immunomodulatory agents, ultimately leading to enhanced cancer immunotherapy and reduced side effects. In this review, we summarize and discuss the latest developments in nanoparticles (NPs) for cancer immuno-oncology therapy with a focus on lipid-based NPs (lipid-NPs), including the characteristics and advantages of various types. Using the agonists targeting stimulation of the interferon genes (STING) transmembrane protein as an exemplar, we review the potential of various lipid-NPs to augment STING agonist therapy. Furthermore, we present recent findings and underlying mechanisms on how STING pathway activation fosters antitumor immunity and regulates the tumor microenvironment and provide a summary of the distinct STING agonists in preclinical studies and clinical trials. Ultimately, we conduct a critical assessment of the obstacles and future directions in the utilization of lipid-NPs to enhance cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Hao
- Department of Laboratory AnimalsCollege of Animal SciencesJilin UniversityChangchunChina
- Department of Basic MedicineChangzhi Medical CollegeChangzhiChina
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode InstituteLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Zhonghao Ji
- Department of Laboratory AnimalsCollege of Animal SciencesJilin UniversityChangchunChina
- Department of Basic MedicineChangzhi Medical CollegeChangzhiChina
| | - Hengzong Zhou
- Department of Laboratory AnimalsCollege of Animal SciencesJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Dongrun Wu
- Departure of Philosophy, Faculty of HumanitiesLeiden UniversityLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Zili Gu
- Department of RadiologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Dongxu Wang
- Department of Laboratory AnimalsCollege of Animal SciencesJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Peter ten Dijke
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode InstituteLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
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Schunke J, Mailänder V, Landfester K, Fichter M. Delivery of Immunostimulatory Cargos in Nanocarriers Enhances Anti-Tumoral Nanovaccine Efficacy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12174. [PMID: 37569548 PMCID: PMC10419017 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Finding a long-term cure for tumor patients still represents a major challenge. Immunotherapies offer promising therapy options, since they are designed to specifically prime the immune system against the tumor and modulate the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Using nucleic-acid-based vaccines or cellular vaccines often does not achieve sufficient activation of the immune system in clinical trials. Additionally, the rapid degradation of drugs and their non-specific uptake into tissues and cells as well as their severe side effects pose a challenge. The encapsulation of immunomodulatory molecules into nanocarriers provides the opportunity of protected cargo transport and targeted uptake by antigen-presenting cells. In addition, different immunomodulatory cargos can be co-delivered, which enables versatile stimulation of the immune system, enhances anti-tumor immune responses and improves the toxicity profile of conventional chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Schunke
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Max Planck Insitute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Volker Mailänder
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Max Planck Insitute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Michael Fichter
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Max Planck Insitute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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Seok JK, Kim M, Kang HC, Cho YY, Lee HS, Lee JY. Beyond DNA sensing: expanding the role of cGAS/STING in immunity and diseases. Arch Pharm Res 2023:10.1007/s12272-023-01452-3. [PMID: 37354378 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-023-01452-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS) is a DNA sensor that elicits a robust type I interferon response by recognizing ubiquitous danger-associated molecules. The cGAS/stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS/STING) is activated by endogenous DNA, including DNA released from mitochondria and extranuclear chromatin, as well as exogenous DNA derived from pathogenic microorganisms. cGAS/STING is positioned as a key axis of autoimmunity, the inflammatory response, and cancer progression, suggesting that the cGAS/STING signaling pathway represents an efficient therapeutic target. Based on the accumulated evidence, we present insights into the prevention and treatment of cGAS/STING-related chronic immune and inflammatory diseases. This review presents the current state of clinical and nonclinical development of modulators targeting cGAS/STING, providing useful information on the design of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Kyung Seok
- College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Minhyuk Kim
- College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Chang Kang
- College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Yeon Cho
- College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Suk Lee
- College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo Young Lee
- College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, 14662, Republic of Korea.
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Chen R, Liu M, Jiang Q, Meng X, Wei J. The cyclic guanosine monophosphate synthase-stimulator of interferon genes pathway as a potential target for tumor immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1121603. [PMID: 37153627 PMCID: PMC10160662 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1121603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS) detects infections or tissue damage by binding to microbial or self-DNA in the cytoplasm. Upon binding DNA, cGAS produces cGAMP that binds to and activates the adaptor protein stimulator of interferon genes (STING), which then activates the kinases IKK and TBK1 to induce the secretion of interferons and other cytokines. Recently, a series of studies demonstrated that the cGAS-STING pathway, a vital component of host innate immunity, might play an important role in anticancer immunity, though its mechanism remains to be elucidated. In this review, we highlight the latest understanding of the cGAS-STING pathway in tumor development and the advances in combination therapy of STING agonists and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Mingxia Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Quanhong Jiang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Meili Lake Translational Research Park, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiangbo Meng
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Meili Lake Translational Research Park, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- *Correspondence: Junmin Wei, ; Xiangbo Meng,
| | - Junmin Wei
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- *Correspondence: Junmin Wei, ; Xiangbo Meng,
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Amouzegar A, Chelvanambi M, Filderman JN, Storkus WJ, Luke JJ. STING Agonists as Cancer Therapeutics. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2695. [PMID: 34070756 PMCID: PMC8198217 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The interrogation of intrinsic and adaptive resistance to cancer immunotherapy has identified lack of antigen presentation and type I interferon signaling as biomarkers of non-T-cell-inflamed tumors and clinical progression. A myriad of pre-clinical studies have implicated the cGAS/stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway, a cytosolic DNA-sensing pathway that drives activation of type I interferons and other inflammatory cytokines, in the host immune response against tumors. The STING pathway is also increasingly understood to have other anti-tumor functions such as modulation of the vasculature and augmentation of adaptive immunity via the support of tertiary lymphoid structure development. Many natural and synthetic STING agonists have entered clinical development with the first generation of intra-tumor delivered cyclic dinucleotides demonstrating safety but only modest systemic activity. The development of more potent and selective STING agonists as well as novel delivery systems that would allow for sustained inflammation in the tumor microenvironment could potentially augment response rates to current immunotherapy approaches and overcome acquired resistance. In this review, we will focus on the latest developments in STING-targeted therapies and provide an update on the clinical development and application of STING agonists administered alone, or in combination with immune checkpoint blockade or other approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afsaneh Amouzegar
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
| | - Manoj Chelvanambi
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (M.C.); (J.N.F.); (W.J.S.)
| | - Jessica N. Filderman
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (M.C.); (J.N.F.); (W.J.S.)
| | - Walter J. Storkus
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (M.C.); (J.N.F.); (W.J.S.)
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Jason J. Luke
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
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