Mechanism-based epigenetic chemosensitization therapy of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Design and Synthesis of Novel Deazapurine DNMT 1 Inhibitors with In Vivo Efficacy in DLBCL

The application of drugs to regulate abnormal epigenetic changes has become an important means of tumor treatment. In this study, we employed computer-aided design methods to develop a novel deazapurine compound targeting DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1). Through screening for enzyme activity, selectivity, and cellular efficacy, we optimized three structural skeletons, ultimately yielding compound 55, exhibiting an IC50 of 2.42 μM for DNMT1. Compound 55 displayed excellent in vitro inhibitory effects on various hematological tumor and solid tumor cell lines, especially lymphoma cells, with IC50 values in the nanomolar range. In vitro studies confirmed compound 55 selectively inhibited DNMT1 and exhibited demethylation ability. In vivo mouse model validated the DNA methylation inhibition of compound 55. Compound 55 demonstrated good antitumor activity in vivo. Specifically, compound 55 combined with chidamide demonstrated a superior therapeutic effect over the first-line therapy RTX-CHOP in both the DEL and TP53 mutant DLBCL PDX tumor models.

Cancer epigenetic therapy: recent advances, challenges, and emerging opportunities

Epigenetic dysregulation is an important nexus in the development and maintenance of human cancers. This review provides an overview of how understanding epigenetic dysregulation in cancers has led to insights for novel cancer therapy development. Over the past two decades, significant strides have been made in drug discovery efforts targeting cancer epigenetic mechanisms, leading to successes in clinical development and approval of cancer epigenetic therapeutics. This article will discuss the current therapeutic rationale guiding the discovery and development of epigenetic therapeutics, key learnings from clinical experiences and new opportunities on the horizon.

Epigenetics-targeted drugs: current paradigms and future challenges

Epigenetics governs a chromatin state regulatory system through five key mechanisms: DNA modification, histone modification, RNA modification, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNA regulation. These mechanisms and their associated enzymes convey genetic information independently of DNA base sequences, playing essential roles in organismal development and homeostasis. Conversely, disruptions in epigenetic landscapes critically influence the pathogenesis of various human diseases. This understanding has laid a robust theoretical groundwork for developing drugs that target epigenetics-modifying enzymes in pathological conditions. Over the past two decades, a growing array of small molecule drugs targeting epigenetic enzymes such as DNA methyltransferase, histone deacetylase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, and enhancer of zeste homolog 2, have been thoroughly investigated and implemented as therapeutic options, particularly in oncology. Additionally, numerous epigenetics-targeted drugs are undergoing clinical trials, offering promising prospects for clinical benefits. This review delineates the roles of epigenetics in physiological and pathological contexts and underscores pioneering studies on the discovery and clinical implementation of epigenetics-targeted drugs. These include inhibitors, agonists, degraders, and multitarget agents, aiming to identify practical challenges and promising avenues for future research. Ultimately, this review aims to deepen the understanding of epigenetics-oriented therapeutic strategies and their further application in clinical settings.

SOHO State of the Art Updates and Next Questions | Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in Older Adults: A Comprehensive Review

Older adults (OA) with DLBCL are a heterogenous population with suboptimal outcomes. In this review, we identify and address the unique challenges encountered in the care of OA with DLBCL. We elaborate on the role and limitations of current geriatric assessment (GA) tools and ways to incorporate fitness in therapeutic decision making. We suggest best practices to implement GA in routine practice and clinical trials. The most widely used tool is simplified GA (sGA) which categorizes patients into fit, unfit and frail groups. Patients who are fit benefit from full dose/curative approach, whereas consideration should be made to reduce the intensity of chemotherapy for unfit patients. Frail patients with DLBCL are a major unmet need without any satisfactory treatment options. Ongoing investigations combining novel therapies into chemotherapy-free regimens are underway with promising early results. In the relapsed/refractory (R/R) setting, anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy (CART) is now the standard of care for primary refractory disease or relapse within 12 months of completing therapy. Autologous stem cell transplant is still a consideration for fit OA with relapse >12 months after completing therapy. The recent approval of bispecific antibodies is a welcome advance that will greatly benefit OA not eligible for CART. Other regimens available for patients ineligible for CART or for those who experience progression post-CART include polatuzumab-rituximab±bendamustine, tafasitamab-lenalidomide, loncastuximab or chemotherapy-based approaches such as rituximab-gemcitabine-oxaliplatin. We discuss the changing paradigm in R/R DLBCL and spotlight emerging data from recent congresses that can improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Circulating tumor DNA methylation detection as biomarker and its application in tumor liquid biopsy: advances and challenges

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) methylation, an innovative liquid biopsy biomarker, has emerged as a promising tool in early cancer diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis prediction. As a noninvasive approach, liquid biopsy overcomes the limitations of traditional tissue biopsy. Among various biomarkers, ctDNA methylation has garnered significant attention due to its high specificity and early detection capability across diverse cancer types. Despite its immense potential, the clinical application of ctDNA methylation faces substantial challenges pertaining to sensitivity, specificity, and standardization. In this review, we begin by introducing the basic biology and common detection techniques of ctDNA methylation. We then explore recent advancements and the challenges faced in the clinical application of ctDNA methylation in liquid biopsies. This includes progress in early screening and diagnosis, identification of clinical molecular subtypes, monitoring of recurrence and minimal residual disease (MRD), prediction of treatment response and prognosis, assessment of tumor burden, and determination of tissue origin. Finally, we discuss the future perspectives and challenges of ctDNA methylation detection in clinical applications. This comprehensive overview underscores the vital role of ctDNA methylation in enhancing cancer diagnostic accuracy, personalizing treatments, and effectively monitoring disease progression, providing valuable insights for future research and clinical practice.

Targeting YTHDF2 inhibits tumorigenesis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma through ACER2-mediated ceramide catabolism

INTRODUCTION

Epigenetic alterations play crucial roles in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Disturbances in lipid metabolism contribute to tumor progression. However, studies in epigenetics, especially its critical regulator YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 2 (YTHDF2), on lipid metabolism regulation in DLBCL are unidentified.

OBJECTIVES

Elucidate the prognostic value and biological functions of YTHDF2 in DLBCL and illuminate the underlying epigenetic regulation mechanism of lipid metabolism by YTHDF2 in DLBCL development.

METHODS

The expression and clinical value of YTHDF2 in DLBCL were performed in public databases and clinical specimens. The biological functions of YTHDF2 in DLBCL were determined in vivo and in vitro through overexpression and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of YTHDF2. RNA sequencing, lipidomics, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing, RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR, luciferase activity assay, and RNA stability experiments were used to explore the potential mechanism by which YTHDF2 contributed to DLBCL progression.

RESULTS

YTHDF2 was highly expressed in DLBCL, and related to poor prognosis. YTHDF2 overexpression exerted a tumor-promoting effect in DLBCL, and knockdown of YTHDF2 restricted DLBCL cell proliferation, arrested cell cycle in the G2/M phase, facilitated apoptosis, and enhanced drug sensitivity to ibrutinib and venetoclax. In addition, YTHDF2 knockout drastically suppressed tumor growth in xenograft DLBCL models. Furthermore, a regulatory role of YTHDF2 in ceramide metabolism was identified in DLBCL cells. Exogenous ceramide effectively inhibited the malignant phenotype of DLBCL cells in vitro. The binding of YTHDF2 to m6A sites on alkaline ceramidase 2 (ACER2) mRNA promoted its stability and expression. Enhanced ACER2 expression hydrolyzed ceramides, disrupting the balance between ceramide and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), activating the ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways, and leading to DLBCL tumorigenesis.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that YTHDF2 contributed to the progression of DLBCL by regulating ACER2-mediated ceramide metabolism in an m6A-dependent manner, providing novel insights into targeted therapies.

Long noncoding RNA XIST: a novel independent prognostic biomarker for patients with ABC-DLBCL receiving R-CHOP treatment

Approximately one-third of activated B-cell-like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (ABC-DLBCL) cases were unresponsive to standard first-line therapy; thus, identifying biomarkers to evaluate therapeutic efficacy and assessing the emergence of drug resistance is crucial. Through early-stage screening, long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) was found to be correlated with the R-CHOP treatment response. This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of XIST in ABC-DLBCL. The expression level of XIST in 161 patients with ABC-DLBCL receiving R-CHOP therapy was examined via RNA in situ hybridization, and the association between XIST expression and clinicopathological features, treatment response and prognosis was analyzed in the study cohort and validated in the Gene Expression Omnibus cohort. Cell biological experiments and bioinformatics analyses were conducted to reveal aberrant signaling. The proportion of complete response in patients with high XIST expression was lower than that in patients with low XIST expression (53.8% versus 77.1%) (P = 0.002). High XIST expression was remarkably associated with the characteristics of tumor progression and was an independent prognostic element for overall survival (P = 0.039) and progression-free survival (P = 0.027) in ABC-DLBCL. XIST was proven to be involved in m6A-related methylation and ATF6-associated autophagy. XIST knockdown repressed ABC-DLBCL cellular proliferation by regulating Raf/MEK/ERK signaling. High XIST expression was associated with ABC-DLBCL tumorigenesis and development and contributed to R-CHOP treatment resistance. XIST may be a promising signal to predict ABC-DLBCL prognosis.

Vitamin C Supplementation in the Treatment of Autoimmune and Onco-Hematological Diseases: From Prophylaxis to Adjuvant Therapy

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin introduced through the diet with anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, and antioxidant activities. Today, this vitamin is integrated into the treatment of many inflammatory pathologies. However, there is increasing evidence of possible use in treating autoimmune and neoplastic diseases. We reviewed the literature to delve deeper into the rationale for using vitamin C in treating this type of pathology. There is much evidence in the literature regarding the beneficial effects of vitamin C supplementation for treating autoimmune diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and neoplasms, particularly hematological neoplastic diseases. Vitamin C integration regulates the cytokines microenvironment, modulates immune response to autoantigens and cancer cells, and regulates oxidative stress. Moreover, integration therapy has an enhanced effect on chemotherapies, ionizing radiation, and target therapy used in treating hematological neoplasm. In the future, integrative therapy will have an increasingly important role in preventing pathologies and as an adjuvant to standard treatments.

The inhibitory and transcriptional effects of the epigenetic repurposed drugs hydralazine and valproate in lymphoma cells

Lymphoma is a disease that affects countless lives each year. In order to combat this disease, researchers have been exploring the potential of DNMTi and HDACi drugs. These drugs target the cellular processes that contribute to lymphomagenesis and treatment resistance. Our research evaluated the effectiveness of a combination of two such drugs, hydralazine (DNMTi) and valproate (HDACi), in B-cell and T-cell lymphoma cell lines. Here we show that the combination of hydralazine and valproate decreased the viability of cells over time, leading to the arrest of cell-cycle and apoptosis in both B and T-cells. This combination of drugs proved to be synergistic, with each drug showing significant growth inhibition individually. Microarray analyses of HuT 78 and Raji cells showed that the combination of hydralazine and valproate resulted in the up-regulation of 562 and 850 genes, respectively, while down-regulating 152 and 650 genes. Several proapoptotic and cell cycle-related genes were found to be up-regulated. Notably, three and five of the ten most up-regulated genes in HuT 78 and Raji cells, respectively, were related to immune function. In summary, our study suggests that the combination of hydralazine and valproate is an effective treatment option for both B- and T-lymphomas. These findings are highly encouraging, and we urge further clinical evaluation to validate our research and potentially improve lymphoma treatment.

Biological signatures of the International Prognostic Index in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

ABSTRACT

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a highly aggressive subtype of lymphoma with clinical and biological heterogeneity. The International Prognostic Index (IPI) shows great prognostic capability in the era of rituximab, but the biological signatures of IPI remain to be discovered. In this study, we analyzed the clinical data in a large cohort of 2592 patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL. Among them, 1233 underwent DNA sequencing for oncogenic mutations, and 487 patients underwent RNA sequencing for lymphoma microenvironment (LME) alterations. Based on IPI scores, patients were categorized into 4 distinct groups, with 5-year overall survival of 41.6%, 55.3%, 71.7%, and 89.7%, respectively. MCD-like subtype was associated with age of >60 years, multiple extranodal involvement, elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and IPI scores ranging from 2 to 5, whereas ST2-like subtype showed an opposite trend. Patients with EZB-like MYC+ and TP53Mut subtypes exhibited poor clinical outcome independent of the IPI; integrating TP53Mut into IPI could better distinguish patients with dismal survival. The EZB-like MYC-, BN2-like, N1-like, and MCD-like subtypes had inferior prognosis in patients with IPI scores of ≥2, indicating necessity for enhanced treatment. Regarding LME categories, the germinal center-like LME was more prevalent in patients with normal LDH and IPI scores of 0 to 1. The mesenchymal LME served as an independent protective factor, whereas the germinal center-like, inflammatory, and depleted LME categories correlated with inferior prognosis for IPI scores of 2 to 5. In summary, our work explored the biological signatures of IPI, thus providing useful rationale for future optimization of the IPI-based treatment strategies with multi-omics information in DLBCL.

Genetic mechanisms underlying tumor microenvironment composition and function in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

ABSTRACT

Cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) show enormous diversity and plasticity, with functions that can range from tumor inhibitory to tumor supportive. The patient's age, immune status, and DLBCL treatments are factors that contribute to the shaping of this TME, but evidence suggests that genetic factors, arising principally in lymphoma cells themselves, are among the most important. Here, we review the current understanding of the role of these genetic drivers of DLBCL in establishing and modulating the lymphoma microenvironment. A better comprehension of the relationship between lymphoma genetic factors and TME biology should lead to better therapeutic interventions, especially immunotherapies.

Bifunctional Inhibitor Reveals NEK2 as a Therapeutic Target and Regulator of Oncogenic Pathways in Lymphoma

Expression of the serine/threonine kinase never in mitosis gene A (NIMA)-related kinase 2 (NEK2) is essential for entry into mitosis via its role in facilitating centrosome separation. Its overactivity can lead to tumorigenesis and drug resistance through the activation of several oncogenic pathways, including AKT. Although the cancer-enabling activities of NEK2 are documented in many malignancies, including correlations with poor survival in myeloma, breast, and non-small cell lung cancer, little is known about the role of NEK2 in lymphoma. Here, in tumors from patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common, aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma, we found a high abundance of NEK2 mRNA and protein associated with an inferior overall survival. Using our recently developed NEK2 inhibitor, NBI-961, we discovered that DLBCL cell lines and patient-derived cells exhibit a dependency on NEK2 for their viability. This compromised cell fitness was directly attributable to efficient NEK2 inhibition and proteasomal degradation by NBI-961. In a subset of particularly sensitive DLBCL cells, NBI-961 induced G2/mitosis arrest and apoptosis. In contrast, an existing indirect NEK2 inhibitor, INH154, did not prevent NEK2 autophosphorylation, induce NEK2 proteasomal degradation, or affect cell viability. Global proteomics and phospho-proteomics revealed that NEK2 orchestrates cell-cycle and apoptotic pathways through regulation of both known and new signaling molecules. We show the loss of NEK2-sensitized DLBCL to the chemotherapy agents, doxorubicin and vincristine, and effectively suppressed tumor growth in mice. These studies establish the oncogenic activity of NEK2 in DLBCL and set the foundation for development of anti-NEK2 therapeutic strategies in this frequently refractory and relapse-prone cancer.

BMP-ACVR1 Axis is Critical for Efficacy of PRC2 Inhibitors in B-Cell Lymphoma

EZH2 is the catalytic subunit of the histone methyltransferase Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), and its somatic activating mutations drive lymphoma, particularly the germinal center B-cell type. Although PRC2 inhibitors, such as tazemetostat, have demonstrated anti-lymphoma activity in patients, the clinical efficacy is not limited to EZH2-mutant lymphoma. In this study, Activin A Receptor Type 1 (ACVR1), a type I Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) receptor, is identified as critical for the anti-lymphoma efficacy of PRC2 inhibitors through a whole-genome CRISPR screen. BMP6, BMP7, and ACVR1 are repressed by PRC2-mediated H3K27me3, and PRC2 inhibition upregulates their expression and signaling in cell and patient-derived xenograft models. Through BMP-ACVR1 signaling, PRC2 inhibitors robustly induced cell cycle arrest and B cell lineage differentiation in vivo. Remarkably, blocking ACVR1 signaling using an inhibitor or genetic depletion significantly compromised the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of PRC2 inhibitors. Furthermore, high levels of BMP6 and BMP7, along with ACVR1, are associated with longer survival in lymphoma patients, underscoring the clinical relevance of this study. Altogether, BMP-ACVR1 exhibits anti-lymphoma function and represents a critical PRC2-repressed pathway contributing to the efficacy of PRC2 inhibitors.

SOHO State-of-the-Art Updates and Next Questions: Treatment for Newly Diagnosed Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas

Although a rare subset of non-Hodgkin lymphomas, peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) account for a disproportionate proportion of patient mortality. Conventional therapies are derived from experience treating aggressive B-cell lymphomas and center around CHOP-based chemotherapy. However, due to the unique biology and diverse subtypes of PTCL, most patients fail to durably respond to this approach and 5-year survival is only 20% to 30%. There have been multiple attempts to improve outcomes for patients with PTCL. Among the more successful strategies are the use of consolidative autologous stem cell transplant, the augmentation of CHOP with etoposide (CHOEP), and the use of brentuximab vedotin in CD30-positive PTCL. Advances in the understanding of histology-specific biology has cultivated enthusiasm to evaluate hypomethylating agents, histone deacetylate inhibitors, and phosphoinositol-3-kinase inhibitors in the frontline setting. Improvements in monitoring disease response and prognostication including the use of cell-free DNA, mutational profiling, and interim PET/CT imaging are also on the horizon. For patients with acute T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, the use of mogamulizumab-based therapy in the frontline setting may lead to advances in care. The true impact of these new-era therapies will only be elucidated as clinical practices incorporate the rapidly changing evidence.

XPO1 Enables Adaptive Regulation of mRNA Export Required for Genotoxic Stress Tolerance in Cancer Cells

Exportin-1 (XPO1), the main soluble nuclear export receptor in eukaryotic cells, is frequently overexpressed in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). A selective XPO1 inhibitor, selinexor, received approval as single agent for relapsed or refractory (R/R) DLBCL. Elucidating the mechanisms by which XPO1 overexpression supports cancer cells could facilitate further clinical development of XPO1 inhibitors. We uncovered here that XPO1 overexpression increases tolerance to genotoxic stress, leading to a poor response to chemoimmunotherapy. Upon DNA damage induced by MYC expression or exogenous compounds, XPO1 bound and exported EIF4E and THOC4 carrying DNA damage repair mRNAs, thereby increasing synthesis of DNA damage repair proteins under conditions of increased turnover. Consequently, XPO1 inhibition decreased the capacity of lymphoma cells to repair DNA damage and ultimately resulted in increased cytotoxicity. In a phase I clinical trial conducted in R/R DLBCL, the combination of selinexor with second-line chemoimmunotherapy was tolerated with early indication of efficacy. Overall, this study reveals that XPO1 overexpression plays a critical role in the increased tolerance of cancer cells to DNA damage while providing new insights to optimize the clinical development of XPO1 inhibitors.

SIGNIFICANCE

XPO1 regulates the dynamic ribonucleoprotein nuclear export in response to genotoxic stress to support tolerance and can be targeted to enhance the sensitivity of cancer cells to endogenous and exogenous DNA damage. See related commentary by Knittel and Reinhardt, p. 3.

Human endogenous retroviruses as epigenetic therapeutic targets in TP53-mutated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

TP53 mutation (TP53mut) occurs in 10-20% of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cases and serves as an unfavorable biomarker of DLBCL progression. It confers resistance to immunochemotherapy, high-dose chemotherapy, autologous stem cell transplantation, and anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. Therapeutic targeting of TP53mut remains a significant challenge in DLBCL treatment. Here we assessed TP53mut in 667 patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL, including 576 patients treated with immunochemotherapy rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) and 91 patients with decitabine plus R-CHOP (DR-CHOP, NCT02951728 and NCT04025593). TP53mut independently predicted an inferior prognosis in R-CHOP-treated DLBCL, although this could be mitigated by DR-CHOP treatment. In TP53mut patients, multiple viral regulation pathways were repressed, resulting in the inhibition of immune modulation, as revealed by gene set enrichment analysis. TP53mut DLBCL exhibited increased methyltransferase SUV39H1 expression and H3K9 trimethylation (H3K9me3), contributing to repression of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In TP53mut DLBCL cell lines, decitabine down-regulated SUV39H1, inhibited H3K9me3 occupancy on ERVs, and triggered ERV expression, thereby unleashing interferons program and CD4+T/CD8+T cell activation. Molecular silencing of SUV39H1 significantly abrogated decitabine-induced H3K9me3 inhibition and ERV expression. In TP53mut patient-derived xenograft models and TP53mut patients, the anti-tumor effect was improved upon the use of combined treatment of decitabine and doxorubicin via SUV39H1-H3K9me3-ERVs axis. Collectively, our findings highlight an ERV regulatory circuitry in TP53mut DLBCL and the crucial roles ERVs for epigenetically reprogramming tumor microenvironment for treating TP53mut-driven cancers.

Multicenter phase 2 study of oral azacitidine (CC-486) plus CHOP as initial treatment for PTCL

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) with T-follicular helper phenotype (PTCL-TFH) has recurrent mutations affecting epigenetic regulators, which may contribute to aberrant DNA methylation and chemoresistance. This phase 2 study evaluated oral azacitidine (CC-486) plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) as initial treatment for PTCL. CC-486 at 300 mg daily was administered for 7 days before C1 of CHOP, and for 14 days before CHOP C2-6. The primary end point was end-of-treatment complete response (CR). Secondary end points included safety and survival. Correlative studies assessed mutations, gene expression, and methylation in tumor samples. Grade 3 to 4 hematologic toxicities were mostly neutropenia (71%), with febrile neutropenia uncommon (14%). Nonhematologic toxicities included fatigue (14%) and gastrointestinal symptoms (5%). In 20 evaluable patients, CR was 75%, including 88.2% for PTCL-TFH (n = 17). The 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 65.8% for all and 69.2% for PTCL-TFH, whereas 2-year overall survival (OS) was 68.4% for all and 76.1% for PTCL-TFH. The frequencies of the TET2, RHOA, DNMT3A, and IDH2 mutations were 76.5%, 41.1%, 23.5%, and 23.5%, respectively, with TET2 mutations significantly associated with CR (P = .007), favorable PFS (P = .004) and OS (P = .015), and DNMT3A mutations associated with adverse PFS (P = .016). CC-486 priming contributed to the reprograming of the tumor microenvironment by upregulation of genes related to apoptosis (P < .01) and inflammation (P < .01). DNA methylation did not show significant shift. This safe and active regimen is being further evaluated in the ALLIANCE randomized study A051902 in CD30-negative PTCL. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03542266.

Epigenetic priming improves salvage chemotherapy in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma via endogenous retrovirus-induced cGAS-STING activation

BACKGROUND

Although most patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) achieve complete remission after first-line rituximab-containing immunochemotherapy, up to 40% of patients relapse and require salvage therapy. Among those patients, a substantial proportion remain refractory to salvage therapy due to insufficient efficacy or intolerance of toxicities. A hypomethylating agent, 5-azacytidine, showed a chemosensitizing effect when primed before chemotherapy in lymphoma cell lines and newly diagnosed DLBCL patients. However, its potential to improve outcomes of salvage chemotherapy in DLBCL has not been investigated.

RESULTS

In this study, we demonstrated the mechanism of 5-azacytidine priming as a chemosensitizer in a platinum-based salvage regimen. This chemosensitizing effect was associated with endogenous retrovirus (ERV)-induced viral mimicry responses via the cGAS-STING axis. We found deficiency of cGAS impaired the chemosensitizing effect of 5-azacytidine. Furthermore, combining vitamin C and 5-azacytidine to synergistically activate STING could be a potential remedy for insufficient priming induced by 5-azacytidine alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, the chemosensitizing effect of 5-azacytidine could be exploited to overcome the limitations of the current platinum-containing salvage chemotherapy in DLBCL and the status of cGAS-STING has the potential to predict the efficacy of 5-azacytidine priming.

Clinical advances in epigenetic therapies for lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Advances in understanding of cancer biology, genomics, epigenomics, and immunology have resulted in development of several therapeutic options that expand cancer care beyond traditional chemotherapy or radiotherapy, including individualized treatment strategies, novel treatments based on monotherapies or combination therapy to reduce toxicities, and implementation of strategies for overcoming resistance to anticancer therapy.

RESULTS

This review covers the latest applications of epigenetic therapies for treatment of B cell, T cell, and Hodgkin lymphomas, highlighting key clinical trial results with monotherapies and combination therapies from the main classes of epigenetic therapies, including inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases, protein arginine methyltransferases, enhancer of zeste homolog 2, histone deacetylases, and the bromodomain and extraterminal domain.

CONCLUSION

Epigenetic therapies are emerging as an attractive add-on to traditional chemotherapy and immunotherapy regimens. New classes of epigenetic therapies promise low toxicity and may work synergistically with other cancer treatments to overcome drug resistance mechanisms.

The Immunology of DLBCL

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive malignancy and is the most common type of malignant lymphoid neoplasm. While some DLBCLs exhibit strong cell-autonomous survival and proliferation activity, others depend on interactions with non-malignant cells for their survival and proliferation. Recent next-generation sequencing studies have linked these interactions with the molecular classification of DLBCL. For example, germinal center B-cell-like DLBCL tends to show strong associations with follicular T cells and epigenetic regulation of immune recognition molecules, whereas activated B-cell-like DLBCL shows frequent genetic aberrations affecting the class I major histocompatibility complex. Single-cell technologies have also provided detailed information about cell-cell interactions and the cell composition of the microenvironment of DLBCL. Aging-related immunological deterioration, i.e., immunosenescence, also plays an important role in DLBCL pathogenesis, especially in Epstein-Barr virus-positive DLBCL. Moreover, DLBCL in "immune-privileged sites"-where multiple immune-modulating mechanisms exist-shows unique biological features, including frequent down-regulation of immune recognition molecules and an immune-tolerogenic tumor microenvironment. These advances in understanding the immunology of DLBCL may contribute to the development of novel therapies targeting immune systems.

Decitabine combined with RDHAP regimen in relapsed/refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma

BACKGROUND

There is an urgent need for effective treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (R/R-DLBCL). This trial investigated the efficacy of decitabine in combination with rituximab, cisplatin, cytarabine, dexamethasone (RDHAP) in R/R-DLBCL.

METHODS

56 patients were divided into two groups (decitabine-RDHAP group. n = 35; RDHAP group, n = 21). The primary endpoints were the overall response rate (ORR) and duration of remission (DOR). Secondary objectives were toxicity, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

The ORR was 40% and 33% for decitabine-RDHAP and RDHAP groups, respectively, with no difference between the groups. The DOR for the decitabine-RDHAP regimen was higher than that for the RDHAP regimen (p = 0.044). After a median follow-up of 12.0 months, the median PFS and OS were 7.0 and 17.0 months for in the decitabine-RDHAP group and 5.0 and 9.0 months in the RDHAP group with no significant differences between the two groups (p = 0.47, 0.17). The incidence of adverse events was not significantly different between groups.

CONCLUSION

The decitabine-RDHAP regimen is effective and well tolerated, and is a promising salvage regimen for R/R-DLBCL.

Targeting DNA Methylation in Leukemia, Myelodysplastic Syndrome, and Lymphoma: A Potential Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Tool

DNA methylation represents a crucial mechanism of epigenetic regulation in hematologic malignancies. The methylation process is controlled by specific DNA methyl transferases and other regulators, which are often affected by genetic alterations. Global hypomethylation and hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes are associated with hematologic cancer development and progression. Several epi-drugs have been successfully implicated in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, including the hypomethylating agents (HMAs) decitabine and azacytidine. However, combinations with other treatment modalities and the discovery of new molecules are still the subject of research to increase sensitivity to anti-cancer therapies and improve patient outcomes. In this review, we summarized the main functions of DNA methylation regulators and genetic events leading to changes in methylation landscapes. We provide current knowledge about target genes with aberrant methylation levels in leukemias, myelodysplastic syndromes, and malignant lymphomas. Moreover, we provide an overview of the clinical trials, focused mainly on the combined therapy of HMAs with other treatments and its impact on adverse events, treatment efficacy, and survival rates among hematologic cancer patients. In the era of precision medicine, a transition from genes to their regulation opens up the possibility of an epigenetic-based approach as a diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tool.

Genomic profiling for clinical decision making in lymphoid neoplasms

With the introduction of large-scale molecular profiling methods and high-throughput sequencing technologies, the genomic features of most lymphoid neoplasms have been characterized at an unprecedented scale. Although the principles for the classification and diagnosis of these disorders, founded on a multidimensional definition of disease entities, have been consolidated over the past 25 years, novel genomic data have markedly enhanced our understanding of lymphomagenesis and enriched the description of disease entities at the molecular level. Yet, the current diagnosis of lymphoid tumors is largely based on morphological assessment and immunophenotyping, with only few entities being defined by genomic criteria. This paper, which accompanies the International Consensus Classification of mature lymphoid neoplasms, will address how established assays and newly developed technologies for molecular testing already complement clinical diagnoses and provide a novel lens on disease classification. More specifically, their contributions to diagnosis refinement, risk stratification, and therapy prediction will be considered for the main categories of lymphoid neoplasms. The potential of whole-genome sequencing, circulating tumor DNA analyses, single-cell analyses, and epigenetic profiling will be discussed because these will likely become important future tools for implementing precision medicine approaches in clinical decision making for patients with lymphoid malignancies.

Clinical Application of Biomarkers for Hematologic Malignancies

Over the last decade, significant advancements have been made in the molecular mechanisms, diagnostic methods, prognostication, and treatment options in hematologic malignancies. As the treatment landscape continues to expand, personalized treatment is much more important.

With the development of new technologies, more sensitive evaluation of residual disease using flow cytometry and next generation sequencing is possible nowadays. Although some conventional biomarkers preserve their significance, novel potential biomarkers accurately detect the mutational landscape of different cancers, and also, serve as prognostic and predictive biomarkers, which can be used in evaluating therapy responses and relapses. It is likely that we will be able to offer a more targeted and risk-adapted therapeutic approach to patients with hematologic malignancies guided by these potential biomarkers. This chapter summarizes the biomarkers used (or proposed to be used) in the diagnosis and/or monitoring of hematologic neoplasms.;

Epigenetic gene alterations in metastatic solid tumours: results from the prospective precision medicine MOSCATO and MATCH-R trials

INTRODUCTION

Although the role of epigenetic alterations in oncogenesis has been well studied, their prevalence in metastatic solid tumours is still poorly described. We therefore aimed at: (i) describing the presence of epigenetic gene alterations (EGA) - defined by an alteration in a gene encoding an epigenetic regulator; and (ii) evaluating their relationship with clinical characteristics and outcome in patients (pts) included in prospective molecular profiling trials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

On-purpose tumour biopsies from pts with metastatic solid tumours enrolled in the Gustave Roussy-sponsored MOSCATO (NCT01566019) and MATCHR (NCT02517892) trials were molecularly profiled using whole exome sequencing (WES). Alterations in 176 epigenetic genes were assessed and classified as pathogenic variants (PV) or non-pathogenic variants by a molecular tumour board. Clinical characteristics and outcome were collected.

RESULTS

Between Dec 2011 and Oct 2016, WES was successfully performed in 292 pts presenting various solid tumours. We found 496 epigenetic gene alterations in 134 patients (49%), including 237 pathogenic variants in 86 patients; 63 tumour samples (47%) presented ≥3 EGAs. The median number of previous treatment lines was 3 (1-10). The most frequently altered genes were KMT2D and KMT2C (16% each), ARID1A and SETD2 (10% each) and KMT2A (8%).; 31% of EGA co-occurred with a driver gene alteration (p < 0.001). Outcome was not correlated with the presence of EGA.

CONCLUSIONS

Epigenetic alterations occur frequently in metastatic solid tumours. With the current development of epigenetic modifiers, they increasingly represent actionable targets. Such genes should now be systematically analysed in molecular profiling studies.

Transforming Growth Factor-Beta Orchestrates Tumour and Bystander Cells in B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFB) is a critical regulator of normal haematopoiesis. Dysregulation of the TGFB pathway is associated with numerous haematological malignancies including myelofibrosis, acute myeloid leukaemia, and lymphoid disorders. TGFB has classically been seen as a negative regulator of proliferation in haematopoiesis whilst stimulating differentiation and apoptosis, as required to maintain homeostasis. Tumours frequently develop intrinsic resistant mechanisms to homeostatic TGFB signalling to antagonise its tumour-suppressive functions. Furthermore, elevated levels of TGFB enhance pathogenesis through modulation of the immune system and tumour microenvironment. Here, we review recent advances in the understanding of TGFB signalling in B-cell malignancies with a focus on the tumour microenvironment. Malignant B-cells harbour subtype-specific alterations in TGFB signalling elements including downregulation of surface receptors, modulation of SMAD signalling proteins, as well as genetic and epigenetic aberrations. Microenvironmental TGFB generates a protumoural niche reprogramming stromal, natural killer (NK), and T-cells. Increasingly, evidence points to complex bi-directional cross-talk between cells of the microenvironment and malignant B-cells. A greater understanding of intercellular communication and the context-specific nature of TGFB signalling may provide further insight into disease pathogenesis and future therapeutic strategies.

Genome-wide DNA methylation patterns reveal clinically relevant predictive and prognostic subtypes in human osteosarcoma

Aberrant methylation of genomic DNA has been reported in many cancers. Specific DNA methylation patterns have been shown to provide clinically useful prognostic information and define molecular disease subtypes with different response to therapy and long-term outcome. Osteosarcoma is an aggressive malignancy for which approximately half of tumors recur following standard combined surgical resection and chemotherapy. No accepted prognostic factor save tumor necrosis in response to adjuvant therapy currently exists, and traditional genomic studies have thus far failed to identify meaningful clinical associations. We studied the genome-wide methylation state of primary tumors and tested how they predict patient outcomes. We discovered relative genomic hypomethylation to be strongly predictive of response to standard chemotherapy. Recurrence and survival were also associated with genomic methylation, but through more site-specific patterns. Furthermore, the methylation patterns were reproducible in three small independent clinical datasets. Downstream transcriptional, in vitro, and pharmacogenomic analysis provides insight into the clinical translation of the methylation patterns. Our findings suggest the assessment of genomic methylation may represent a strategy for stratifying patients for the application of alternative therapies.

SWOG 1918: A phase II/III randomized study of R-miniCHOP with or without oral azacitidine (CC-486) in participants age 75 years or older with newly diagnosed aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas - Aiming to improve therapy, outcomes, and validate a prospective frailty tool

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive but potentially curable malignancy; however, cure is highly dependent on the ability to deliver intensive, anthracycline-based chemoimmunotherapy. Nearly one third of cases of DLBCL occur in patients over age 75 years, and advanced age is an important adverse feature in prognostic models. Despite this incidence in older patients, there is no clear accepted standard of care due to under-representation of this group in large randomized clinical trials. Furthermore, insufficient assessments of baseline frailty and prediction of toxicity hamper clinical decision-making. Here, we present an ongoing randomized study of R-miniCHOP chemoimmunotherapy with or without oral azacitidine (CC-486, Onureg) for patients age 75 and older with newly diagnosed DLBCL and associated aggressive lymphomas. The incorporation of an oral hypomethylating agent is based on increased tumor methylation as a biologic feature of older patients with DLBCL and a desire to minimize the injection burden for this population. This is the first randomized study in this population conducted in North America by the National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN) and will enroll up to 422 patients including 40 patients in a safety run-in phase. This study incorporates an objective assessment of baseline frailty (the FIL Tool) and a serial comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). Key correlative tests will include circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) assays at pre-specified timepoints to explore if ctDNA quantity and methylation patterns correlate with response. S1918 has the potential to impact future trial design and to change the standard of care for patients 75 years and older with aggressive lymphoma given its randomized design, prospective incorporation of geriatric assessments, and exploration of ctDNA correlatives. Trial registration: The trial is registered with ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier NCT04799275.

Phase 1 study of oral azacitidine (CC-486) plus R-CHOP in previously untreated intermediate- to high-risk DLBCL

Resistance to standard immunochemotherapy remains an unmet challenge in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and aberrant DNA methylation may contribute to chemoresistance. Promising early-phase results were reported with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) plus subcutaneous azacitidine, a hypomethylating agent. In this phase 1 study, we evaluated CC-486 (oral azacitidine) plus 6 cycles of R-CHOP in patients with previously untreated intermediate- to high-risk DLBCL or grade 3B/transformed follicular lymphoma. CC-486 doses of 100, 150, 200, or 300 mg given 7 days before cycle 1 and on days 8-21 of cycles 1-5 were evaluated; additional patients were enrolled in the expansion phase to examine preliminary efficacy. The primary objectives were to determine the safety and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of CC-486 in combination with R-CHOP. The most common grade 3/4 toxicities were hematologic, including neutropenia (62.7%) and febrile neutropenia (25.4%); grade 3/4 nonhematologic toxicities were uncommon (<7%). The MTD was not established; 2 patients had dose-limiting toxicities (1 with grade 4 febrile neutropenia; 1 with grade 4 prolonged neutropenia). The recommended phase 2 dose was established as 300 mg. The overall response rate was 94.9%, with 52 patients (88.1%) achieving complete responses. With a median follow-up of 28.9 months, estimated 1- and 2-year progression-free survival rates were 84.1% and 78.6%, respectively. Overall, epigenetic priming with CC-486 before R-CHOP can be delivered with acceptable safety to patients with previously untreated intermediate- to high-risk DLBCL or grade 3B/transformed follicular lymphoma. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02343536.

Epigenetic, Metabolic, and Immune Crosstalk in Germinal-Center-Derived B-Cell Lymphomas: Unveiling New Vulnerabilities for Rational Combination Therapies

B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (B-NHLs) are highly heterogenous by genetic, phenotypic, and clinical appearance. Next-generation sequencing technologies and multi-dimensional data analyses have further refined the way these diseases can be more precisely classified by specific genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic characteristics. The molecular and genetic heterogeneity of B-NHLs may contribute to the poor outcome of some of these diseases, suggesting that more personalized precision-medicine approaches are needed for improved therapeutic efficacy. The germinal center (GC) B-cell like diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (GCB-DLBCLs) and follicular lymphomas (FLs) share specific epigenetic programs. These diseases often remain difficult to treat and surprisingly do not respond advanced immunotherapies, despite arising in secondary lymphoid organs at sites of antigen recognition. Epigenetic dysregulation is a hallmark of GCB-DLBCLs and FLs, with gain-of-function (GOF) mutations in the histone methyltransferase EZH2, loss-of-function (LOF) mutations in histone acetyl transferases CREBBP and EP300, and the histone methyltransferase KMT2D representing the most prevalent genetic lesions driving these diseases. These mutations have the common effect to disrupt the interactions between lymphoma cells and the immune microenvironment, via decreased antigen presentation and responsiveness to IFN-γ and CD40 signaling pathways. This indicates that immune evasion is a key step in GC B-cell lymphomagenesis. EZH2 inhibitors are now approved for the treatment of FL and selective HDAC3 inhibitors counteracting the effects of CREBBP LOF mutations are under development. These treatments can help restore the immune control of GCB lymphomas, and may represent optimal candidate agents for more effective combination with immunotherapies. Here, we review recent progress in understanding the impact of mutant chromatin modifiers on immune evasion in GCB lymphomas. We provide new insights on how the epigenetic program of these diseases may be regulated at the level of metabolism, discussing the role of metabolic intermediates as cofactors of epigenetic enzymes. In addition, lymphoma metabolic adaptation can negatively influence the immune microenvironment, further contributing to the development of immune cold tumors, poorly infiltrated by effector immune cells. Based on these findings, we discuss relevant candidate epigenetic/metabolic/immune targets for rational combination therapies to investigate as more effective precision-medicine approaches for GCB lymphomas.

Effect of Tumor Microenvironment and Angiogenesis on Clinical Outcomes of Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare lymphoma, and the disease course is often aggressive with poor prognosis outcomes. PCNSL undergoes germinal center reactions and impairs B-cell maturation. However, angiogenesis is also involved in the tumorigenesis and progression of PCNSL. This study investigated the effects of the tumor microenvironment and angiogenesis-associated genomic alterations on the outcomes of PCNSL. The analysis also evaluated the influence of treatment modality and timing on PCNSL survival using partial least squares variance-based path modeling (PLS-PM). PLS-PM can be used to evaluate the complex relationship between prognostic variables and disease outcomes with a small sample of measurements and structural models. A total of 19 immunocompetent PCNSL samples were analyzed by exome sequencing. Our results suggest that the timing of radiotherapy and mutations of ROBO1 and KAT2B are potential indicators of PCNSL outcomes and may be affected by baseline characteristics such as age and sex. Our results also showed that patients with no mutations of ROBO1 and KAT2B, SubRT subgroup showed favorable survival outcomes compared with no SubRT subgroup in short-term follow-up. All SubRT patients have received high-dose methotrexate induction chemotherapy in the initial treatment. Therefore, initial induction chemotherapy combined with subsequent radiotherapy might improve survival outcomes in PCNSL patients who have no ROBO1 and KAT2B somatic mutations in short-term follow-up. The overall findings suggest that the tumor microenvironment and angiogenesis-associated genomic alterations and treatment modalities are potential indicators of overall survival and may be affected by the baseline characteristics of PCNSL patients.

One Omics Approach Does Not Rule Them All: The Metabolome and the Epigenome Join Forces in Haematological Malignancies

Aberrant DNA methylation, dysregulation of chromatin-modifying enzymes, and microRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in haematological malignancies. These epimutations, with an impact on chromatin accessibility and transcriptional output, are often associated with genomic instability and the emergence of drug resistance, disease progression, and poor survival. In order to exert their functions, epigenetic enzymes utilize cellular metabolites as co-factors and are highly dependent on their availability. By affecting the expression of metabolic enzymes, epigenetic modifiers may aid the generation of metabolite signatures that could be utilized as targets and biomarkers in cancer. This interdependency remains often neglected and poorly represented in studies, despite well-established methods to study the cellular metabolome. This review critically summarizes the current knowledge in the field to provide an integral picture of the interplay between epigenomic alterations and the cellular metabolome in haematological malignancies. Our recent findings defining a distinct metabolic signature upon response to enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) inhibition in multiple myeloma (MM) highlight how a shift of preferred metabolic pathways may potentiate novel treatments. The suggested link between the epigenome and the metabolome in haematopoietic tumours holds promise for the use of metabolic signatures as possible biomarkers of response to treatment.

Treatment resistance in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a highly heterogeneous disease and represents the most common subtype of lymphoma. Although 60-70% of all patients can be cured by the current standard of care in the frontline setting, the majority of the remaining patients will experience treatment resistance and have a poor clinical outcome. Numerous efforts have been made to improve the efficacy of the standard regimen by, for example, dose intensification or adding novel agents. However, these results generally failed to demonstrate significant clinical benefits. Hence, understanding treatment resistance is a pressing need to optimize the outcome of those patients. In this Review, we first describe the conceptual sources of treatment resistance in DLBCL and then provide detailed and up-to-date molecular insight into the mechanisms of resistance to the current treatment options in DLBCL. We lastly highlight the potential strategies for rationally managing treatment resistance from both the preventive and interventional perspectives.

Apoptotic and Non-Apoptotic Modalities of Thymoquinone-Induced Lymphoma Cell Death: Highlight of the Role of Cytosolic Calcium and Necroptosis

Simple Summary

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) represents the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma with a high curability rate. However, 40% of patients will relapse or exhibit refractory disease, and compromised apoptotic pathways is among the prognosis-worsening factors. Therefore, drugging non-apoptotic modalities might be therapeutically promising. Thymoquinone (TQ) has been reported to promote apoptosis in cancer cells. Herein, we show that TQ selectively kills DLBCL cells, either cell lines or primary lymphoma cells bearing resistance features to standard treatment. Investigations show that, although TQ induced apoptotic markers, non-apoptotic death was the major mechanism responsible for TQ-induced cellular demise. We demonstrate critical and selective roles of cytosolic calcium and necroptosis in TQ-induced non-apoptotic cell death. Finally, TQ exhibits an improved selectivity profile over conventional chemotherapy. Collectively, this work provides new insights into the mode of action of TQ and points to the therapeutic relevance of non-apoptotic modalities as a fail-safe mechanism for pro-apoptotic DLBCL therapies.

Abstract

Targeting non-apoptotic modalities might be therapeutically promising in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients with compromised apoptotic pathways. Thymoquinone (TQ) has been reported to promote apoptosis in cancer cells, but little is known about its effect on non-apoptotic pathways. This work investigates TQ selectivity against DLBCL cell lines and the cell death mechanisms. TQ reduces cell viability and kills cell lines with minimal toxicity on normal hematological cells. Mechanistically, TQ promotes the mitochondrial caspase pathway and increases genotoxicity. However, insensitivity of most cell lines to caspase inhibition by z-VAD-fmk (benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethyl ketone) pointed to a critical role of non-apoptotic signaling. In cells dying through non-apoptotic death, TQ increases endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers and substantially increases cytosolic calcium ([Ca²⁺]_c) through ER calcium depletion and activation of store-operated calcium entry (SOCE). Chelation of [Ca²⁺]_c, but not SOCE inhibitors, reduces TQ-induced non-apoptotic cell death, highlighting the critical role of calcium in a non-apoptotic effect of TQ. Investigations showed that TQ-induced [Ca²⁺]_c signaling is primarily initiated by necroptosis upstream to SOCE, and inhibition necroptosis by necrostatin-1 alone or with z-VAD-fmk blocks the cell death. Finally, TQ exhibits an improved selectivity profile over standard chemotherapy agents, suggesting a therapeutic relevance of the pro-necroptotic effect of TQ as a fail-safe mechanism for DLBCL therapies targeting apoptosis.

An Overview on Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Models: Towards a Functional Genomics Approach

Simple Summary

Lymphoma research is a paradigm of integrating basic and applied research within the fields of molecular marker-based diagnosis and therapy. In recent years, major advances in next-generation sequencing have substantially improved the understanding of the genomics underlying diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most frequent type of B-cell lymphoma. This review addresses the various approaches that have helped unveil the biology and intricate alterations in this pathology, from cell lines to more sophisticated last-generation experimental models, such as organoids. We also provide an overview of the most recent findings in the field, their potential relevance for designing targeted therapies and the corresponding applicability to personalized medicine.

Abstract

Lymphoma research is a paradigm of the integration of basic and clinical research within the fields of diagnosis and therapy. Clinical, phenotypic, and genetic data are currently used to predict which patients could benefit from standard treatment. However, alternative therapies for patients at higher risk from refractoriness or relapse are usually empirically proposed, based on trial and error, without considering the genetic complexity of aggressive B-cell lymphomas. This is primarily due to the intricate mosaic of genetic and epigenetic alterations in lymphomas, which are an obstacle to the prediction of which drug will work for any given patient. Matching a patient’s genes to drug sensitivity by directly testing live tissues comprises the “precision medicine” concept. However, in the case of lymphomas, this concept should be expanded beyond genomics, eventually providing better treatment options for patients in need of alternative therapeutic approaches. We provide an overview of the most recent findings in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas genomics, from the classic functional models used to study tumor biology and the response to experimental treatments using cell lines and mouse models, to the most recent approaches with spheroid/organoid models. We also discuss their potential relevance and applicability to daily clinical practice.

Identification of super enhancer-associated key genes for prognosis of germinal center B-cell type diffuse large B-cell lymphoma by integrated analysis

BACKGROUND

The pathogenesis of germinal center B-cell type diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (GCB-DLBCL) is not fully elucidated. This study aims to explore the regulation of super enhancers (SEs) on GCB-DLBCL by identifying specific SE-target gene.

METHODS

Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to screen modules associated with GCB subtype. Functional analysis was performed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment. H3K27ac peaks were used to identify SEs. Overall survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curve with log-rank and Breslow test. The effect of ADNP, ANKRD28 and RTN4IP1 knockdown on Karpas 422 and SUDHL-4 cells proliferation was analyzed by CCK-8. Karpas 422 and SUDHL-4 cells were treated with bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitor JQ1, and the expression of ADNP, ANKRD28 and RTN4IP1was measured by qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

A total of 26 modules were screened in DLBCL. Turquoise module was closely related to GCB-DLBCL, and its eigengenes were mainly related to autophagy. There were 971 SEs in Karpas 422 cell and 1088 SEs in SUDHL-4 cell. Function of the nearest genes of overall SEs were related to cancer. Six SE-related genes associated with GCB-DLBCL were identified as prognostic markers. Knockdown of ADNP, ANKRD28 and RTN4IP1 inhibited the proliferation of Karpas 422 and SUDHL-4 cells. JQ1 treatment suppressed ADNP, ANKRD28 and RTN4IP1 expression in Karpas 422 and SUDHL-4 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

A total of 6 SE-related genes associated with GCB-DLBCL overall survival were identified in this study. These results will serve as a theoretical basis for further study of gene regulation and function of GCB-DLBCL.

Clinical and Biological Subtypes of B-cell Lymphoma Revealed by Microenvironmental Signatures

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a biologically and clinically heterogeneous disease. Transcriptomic and genetic characterization of DLBCL has increased the understanding of its intrinsic pathogenesis and provided potential therapeutic targets. However, the role of the microenvironment in DLBCL biology remains less understood. Here, we performed a transcriptomic analysis of the microenvironment of 4,655 DLBCLs from multiple independent cohorts and described four major lymphoma microenvironment categories that associate with distinct biological aberrations and clinical behavior. We also found evidence of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms deployed by cancer cells to evade microenvironmental constraints of lymphoma growth, supporting the rationale for implementing DNA hypomethylating agents in selected patients with DLBCL. In addition, our work uncovered new therapeutic vulnerabilities in the biochemical composition of the extracellular matrix that were exploited to decrease DLBCL proliferation in preclinical models. This novel classification provides a road map for the biological characterization and therapeutic exploitation of the DLBCL microenvironment. SIGNIFICANCE: In a translational relevant transcriptomic-based classification, we characterized the microenvironment as a critical component of the B-cell lymphoma biology and associated it with the DLBCL clinical behavior establishing a novel opportunity for targeting therapies.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1307.

Epigenetic Mechanisms of Therapy Resistance in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common histological subtype of non-Hodgkin B cell lymphoma (NHL), and manifests highly heterogeneous genetic/phenotypic characteristics as well as variable responses to conventional immunochemotherapy. Genetic profiling of DLBCL patients has revealed highly recurrent mutations of epigenetic regulator genes such as CREBBP, KMT2D, EZH2 and TET2. These mutations drive malignant transformation through aberrant epigenetic programming of B-cells and may influence clinical outcomes. These and other chromatin modifier genes also play critical roles in normal B-cells, as they undergo the various phenotypic transitions characteristic of the humoral immune response. Many of these functions have to do with impairing immune surveillance and may critically mediate resistance to immunotherapies. In this review, we describe how epigenetic dysfunction induces lymphomagenesis and discuss ways of implementing precision epigenetic therapies to reverse these immune resistant phenotypes.

A pilot clinical trial of oral tetrahydrouridine/decitabine for noncytotoxic epigenetic therapy of chemoresistant lymphoid malignancies

One mechanism by which lymphoid malignancies resist standard apoptosis-intending (cytotoxic) treatments is genetic attenuation of the p53/p16-CDKN2A apoptosis axis. Depletion of the epigenetic protein DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) using the deoxycytidine analog decitabine is a validated approach to cytoreduce malignancy independent of p53/p16. In vivo decitabine activity, however, is restricted by rapid catabolism by cytidine deaminase (CDA). We, therefore, combined decitabine with the CDA-inhibitor tetrahydrouridine and conducted a pilot clinical trial in patients with relapsed lymphoid malignancies: the doses of tetrahydrouridine/decitabine used (∼10/0.2 mg/kg orally (PO) 2×/week) were selected for the molecular pharmacodynamic objective of non-cytotoxic, S-phase dependent, DNMT1-depletion, guided by previous Phase 1 studies. Patients with relapsed/refractory B- or T-cell malignancies (n = 7) were treated for up to 18 weeks. Neutropenia without concurrent thrombocytopenia is an expected toxicity of DNMT1-depletion and occurred in all patients (Grade 3/4). Subjective and objective clinical improvements occurred in 4 of 7 patients, but these responses were lost upon treatment interruptions and reductions to manage neutropenia. We thus performed parallel experiments in a preclinical in vivo model of lymphoma to identify regimen refinements that might sustain DNMT1-targeting in malignant cells but limit neutropenia. We found that timed-alternation of decitabine with the related molecule 5-azacytidine, and combination with inhibitors of CDA and de novo pyrimidine synthesis could leverage feedback responses of pyrimidine metabolism to substantially increase lymphoma cytoreduction but with less neutropenia. In sum, regimen innovations beyond incorporation of a CDA-inhibitor are needed to sustain decitabine DNMT1-targeting and efficacy against chemo-resistant lymphoid malignancy. Such potential solutions were explored in preclinical in vivo studies.

R-CHOP resistance in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: biological and molecular mechanisms

Although the first-line rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone regimen (R-CHOP) substantially improved outcomes for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), 40% of the patients suffered from relapsed/refractory disease and had poor survival outcomes. The detailed mechanism underlying R-CHOP resistance has not been well defined. For this review, we conducted a thorough search for literature and clinical trials involving DLBCL resistance. We discussed DLBCL biology, epigenetics, and aberrant signaling of the B-cell receptor (BCR), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B-cells (NF-κB), and the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathways as defining mechanisms of DLBCL heterogeneity and R-CHOP resistance. The cell of origin, double- or triple-hit lymphoma and double-protein-expression, clonal evolution, tumor microenvironment, and multi-drug resistance help to contextualize DLBCL resistance in an (epi)genetically and biologically comparative manner. With better understanding of the biological and molecular landscape of DLBCL, a more detailed classification system and tailored treatments will ideally become available to further improve the prognosis of DLBCL patients.

Genetic and epigenetic determinants of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of lymphoma and is notorious for its heterogeneity, aggressive nature, and the frequent development of resistance and/or relapse after treatment with standard chemotherapy. To address these problems, a strong emphasis has been placed on researching the molecular origins and mechanisms of DLBCL to develop effective treatments. One of the major insights produced by such research is that DLBCL almost always stems from genetic damage that occurs during the germinal center (GC) reaction, which is required for the production of high-affinity antibodies. Indeed, there is significant overlap between the mechanisms that govern the GC reaction and those that drive the progression of DLBCL. A second important insight is that some of the most frequent genetic mutations that occur in DLBCL are those related to chromatin and epigenetics, especially those related to proteins that “write” histone post-translational modifications (PTMs). Mutation or deletion of these epigenetic writers often renders cells unable to epigenetically “switch on” critical gene sets that are required to exit the GC reaction, differentiate, repair DNA, and other essential cellular functions. Failure to activate these genes locks cells into a genotoxic state that is conducive to oncogenesis and/or relapse.

Can we use epigenetics to prime chemoresistant lymphomas?

Chemoresistance remains a challenging clinical problem in the treatment of many lymphoma patients. Epigenetic derangements have been implicated in both intrinsic and acquired chemoresistance. Mutations in epigenetic processes shift entire networks of signaling pathways. They influence tumor suppressors, the DNA-damage response, cell-cycle regulators, and apoptosis. Epigenetic alterations have also been implicated in contributing to immune evasion. Although increased DNA methylation at CpG sites is the most widely studied alteration, increased histone methylation and decreased histone acetylation have also been implicated in stem-like characteristics and highly aggressive disease states as demonstrated in both preclinical models of lymphoma and patient studies. These changes are nonrandom, occur in clusters, and are observed across many lymphoma subtypes. Although caution must be taken when combining epigenetic therapies with other antineoplastic agents, epigenetic therapies have rarely induced clinical meaningful responses as single agents. Epigenetic priming of chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies in lymphoma patients may create opportunities to overcome resistance.

Epigenetic Mechanisms in Leukemias and Lymphomas

Although we are just beginning to understand the mechanisms that regulate the epigenome, aberrant epigenetic programming has already emerged as a hallmark of hematologic malignancies including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and B-cell lymphomas. Although these diseases arise from the hematopoietic system, the epigenetic mechanisms that drive these malignancies are quite different. Yet, in all of these tumors, somatic mutations in transcription factors and epigenetic modifiers are the most commonly mutated set of genes and result in multilayered disruption of the epigenome. Myeloid and lymphoid neoplasms generally manifest epigenetic allele diversity, which contributes to tumor cell population fitness regardless of the underlying genetics. Epigenetic therapies are emerging as one of the most promising new approaches for these patients. However, effective targeting of the epigenome must consider the need to restore the various layers of epigenetic marks, appropriate biological end points, and specificity of therapeutic agents to truly realize the potential of this modality.

Diagnosis and treatment of lymphomas in the era of epigenetics

Lymphomas represent a heterogeneous group of cancers characterized by clonal lymphoproliferation. Over the past decades, frequent epigenetic dysregulations have been identified in hematologic malignancies including lymphomas. Many of these impairments occur in genes with established roles and well-known functions in the regulation and maintenance of the epigenome. In hematopoietic cells, these dysfunctions can result in abnormal DNA methylation, erroneous chromatin state and/or altered miRNA expression, affecting many different cellular functions. Nowadays, it is evident that epigenetic dysregulations in lymphoid neoplasms are mainly caused by genetic alterations in genes encoding for enzymes responsible for histone or chromatin modifications. We summarize herein the recent epigenetic modifiers findings in lymphomas. We focus also on the most commonly mutated epigenetic regulators and emphasize on actual epigenetic therapies.

Epstein-Barr Virus Promotes B Cell Lymphomas by Manipulating the Host Epigenetic Machinery

Simple Summary

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-induced lymphomas have a significant global incidence, given the widespread infection to the human population. EBV adopts several mechanisms to replicate and persist in the host, by hijacking its epigenetic machinery. The main topic of this review details the current insights of EBV interactions with the host epigenetic system, and it will be discussed the potential relationship between the EBV-induced chronic inflammation and the dysregulation of epigenetic modifiers that might lead to tumorigenesis. Promising novel therapies against several types of cancer involve the use of epigenetic modifier inhibitors. To design new therapeutical strategies targeting lymphomas, it is crucial to conduct exhaustive reaserch on the regulation of these enzymes.

Abstract

During the past decade, the rapid development of high-throughput next-generation sequencing technologies has significantly reinforced our understanding of the role of epigenetics in health and disease. Altered functions of epigenetic modifiers lead to the disruption of the host epigenome, ultimately inducing carcinogenesis and disease progression. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is an endemic herpesvirus that is associated with several malignant tumours, including B-cell related lymphomas. In EBV-infected cells, the epigenomic landscape is extensively reshaped by viral oncoproteins, which directly interact with epigenetic modifiers and modulate their function. This process is fundamental for the EBV life cycle, particularly for the establishment and maintenance of latency in B cells; however, the alteration of the host epigenetic machinery also contributes to the dysregulated expression of several cellular genes, including tumour suppressor genes, which can drive lymphoma development. This review outlines the molecular mechanisms underlying the epigenetic manipulation induced by EBV that lead to transformed B cells, as well as novel therapeutic interventions to target EBV-associated B-cell lymphomas.

Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis using MethylCap-seq in canine high-grade B-cell lymphoma

DNA methylation is a comprehensively studied epigenetic modification and plays crucial roles in cancer development. In the present study, MethylCap-seq was used to characterize the genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in canine high-grade B-cell lymphoma (cHGBL). Canine methylated DNA fragments were captured and the MEDIUM-HIGH and LOW fraction of methylated DNA was obtained based on variation in CpG methylation density. In the MEDIUM-HIGH and LOW fraction, 2144 and 1987 cHGBL-specific hypermethylated genes, respectively, were identified. Functional analysis highlighted pathways strongly related to oncogenesis. The relevant signaling pathways associated with neuronal system were also revealed, echoing recent novel findings that neurogenesis plays key roles in tumor establishment. In addition, 14 genes were hypermethylated in all the cHGBL cases but not in the healthy dogs. These genes might be potential signatures for tracing cHGBL, and some of them have been reported to play roles in various types of cancers. Further, the distinct methylation pattern of cHGBL showed a concordance with the clinical outcome, suggesting that aberrant epigenetic changes may influence tumor behavior. In summary, our study characterized genome-wide DNA methylation patterns using MethylCap-seq in cHGBL; the findings suggest that specific DNA hypermethylation holds promise for dissecting tumorigenesis and uncovering biomarkers for monitoring the progression of cHGBL.