1
|
Farhangnia P, Khorramdelazad H, Nickho H, Delbandi AA. Current and future immunotherapeutic approaches in pancreatic cancer treatment. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:40. [PMID: 38835055 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01561-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a major cause of cancer-related death, but despondently, the outlook and prognosis for this resistant type of tumor have remained grim for a long time. Currently, it is extremely challenging to prevent or detect it early enough for effective treatment because patients rarely exhibit symptoms and there are no reliable indicators for detection. Most patients have advanced or spreading cancer that is difficult to treat, and treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy can only slightly prolong their life by a few months. Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of pancreatic cancer, yet its effectiveness is limited by the tumor's immunosuppressive and hard-to-reach microenvironment. First, this article explains the immunosuppressive microenvironment of pancreatic cancer and highlights a wide range of immunotherapy options, including therapies involving oncolytic viruses, modified T cells (T-cell receptor [TCR]-engineered and chimeric antigen receptor [CAR] T-cell therapy), CAR natural killer cell therapy, cytokine-induced killer cells, immune checkpoint inhibitors, immunomodulators, cancer vaccines, and strategies targeting myeloid cells in the context of contemporary knowledge and future trends. Lastly, it discusses the main challenges ahead of pancreatic cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pooya Farhangnia
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Board for Transplantation and Cell-Based Therapeutics (ImmunoTACT), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Khorramdelazad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Hamid Nickho
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali-Akbar Delbandi
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Guan M, Liu S, Yang YG, Song Y, Zhang Y, Sun T. Chemokine systems in oncology: From microenvironment modulation to nanocarrier innovations. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 268:131679. [PMID: 38641274 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, significant strides have been made in understanding the pivotal roles that chemokine networks play in tumor biology. These networks, comprising chemokines and their receptors, wield substantial influence over cancer immune regulation and therapeutic outcomes. As a result, targeting these chemokine systems has emerged as a promising avenue for cancer immunotherapy. However, therapies targeting chemokines face significant challenges in solid tumor treatment, due to the complex and fragile of the chemokine networks. A nuanced comprehension of the complicacy and functions of chemokine networks, and their impact on the tumor microenvironment, is essential for optimizing their therapeutic utility in oncology. This review elucidates the ways in which chemokine networks interact with cancer immunity and tumorigenesis. We particularly elaborate on recent innovations in manipulating these networks for cancer treatment. The review also highlights future challenges and explores potential biomaterial strategies for clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Guan
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Shuhan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yong-Guang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yanqiu Song
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China.
| | - Yuning Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China.
| | - Tianmeng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pei J, Gao Y, Wu A. An inflammation-related subtype classification for analyzing tumor microenvironment and clinical prognosis in colorectal cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1369726. [PMID: 38742117 PMCID: PMC11089903 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1369726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The inflammatory response plays an essential role in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of colorectal cancer (CRC) by modulating tumor growth, progression, and response to therapy through the recruitment of immune cells, production of cytokines, and activation of signaling pathways. However, the molecular subtypes and risk score prognostic model based on inflammatory response remain to be further explored. Methods Inflammation-related genes were collected from the molecular signature database and molecular subtypes were identified using nonnegative matrix factorization based on the TCGA cohort. We compared the clinicopathological features, immune infiltration, somatic mutation profile, survival prognosis, and drug sensitivity between the subtypes. The risk score model was developed using LASSO and multivariate Cox regression in the TCGA cohort. The above results were independently validated in the GEO cohort. Moreover, we explored the biological functions of the hub gene, receptor interacting protein kinase 2 (RIPK2), leveraging proteomics data, in vivo, and in vitro experiments. Results We identified two inflammation-related subtypes (inflammation-low and inflammation-high) and have excellent internal consistency and stability. Inflammation-high subtype showed higher immune cell infiltration and increased sensitivity to common chemotherapeutic drugs, while inflammation-low subtype may be more suitable for immunotherapy. Besides, the two subtypes differ significantly in pathway enrichment and biological functions. In addition, the 11-gene signature prognostic model constructed from inflammation-related genes showed strong prognostic assessment power and could serve as a novel prognostic marker to predict the survival of CRC patients. Finally, RIPK2 plays a crucial role in promoting malignant proliferation of CRC cell validated by experiment. Conclusions This study provides new insights into the heterogeneity of CRC and provides novel opportunities for treatment development and clinical decision making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aiwen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Beijing Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Unit III, Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gao F, You X, Yang L, Zou X, Sui B. Boosting immune responses in lung tumor immune microenvironment: A comprehensive review of strategies and adjuvants. Int Rev Immunol 2024:1-29. [PMID: 38525925 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2024.2333275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The immune system has a substantial impact on the growth and expansion of lung malignancies. Immune cells are encompassed by a stroma comprising an extracellular matrix (ECM) and different cells like stromal cells, which are known as the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). TME is marked by the presence of immunosuppressive factors, which inhibit the function of immune cells and expand tumor growth. In recent years, numerous strategies and adjuvants have been developed to extend immune responses in the TIME, to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy. In this comprehensive review, we outline the present knowledge of immune evasion mechanisms in lung TIME, explain the biology of immune cells and diverse effectors on these components, and discuss various approaches for overcoming suppressive barriers. We highlight the potential of novel adjuvants, including toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, cytokines, phytochemicals, nanocarriers, and oncolytic viruses, for enhancing immune responses in the TME. Ultimately, we provide a summary of ongoing clinical trials investigating these strategies and adjuvants in lung cancer patients. This review also provides a broad overview of the current state-of-the-art in boosting immune responses in the TIME and highlights the potential of these approaches for improving outcomes in lung cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Gao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xiaoqing You
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Oncology, Da Qing Long Nan Hospital, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xiangni Zou
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Bowen Sui
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li Y, Liu W, Xu H, Zhou Y, Xie W, Guo Y, Liao Z, Jiang X, Liu J, Ren C. Aptamers combined with immune checkpoints for cancer detection and targeted therapy: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 262:130032. [PMID: 38342267 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, remarkable strides have been made in the field of immunotherapy, which has emerged as a standard treatment for many cancers. As a kind of immunotherapy drug, monoclonal antibodies employed in immune checkpoint therapy have proven beneficial for patients with diverse cancer types. However, owing to the extensive heterogeneity of clinical responses and the complexity and variability of the immune system and tumor microenvironment (TME), accurately predicting its efficacy remains a challenge. Recent advances in aptamers provide a promising approach for monitoring alterations within the immune system and TME, thereby facilitating targeted immunotherapy, particularly focused on immune checkpoint blockade, with enhanced antitumor efficiency. Aptamers have been widely used in tumor cell detection, biosensors, drug discovery, and biomarker screening due to their high specificity and high affinity with their targets. This review aims to comprehensively examine the research status and progress of aptamers in cancer diagnosis and immunotherapy, with a specific emphasis on those related to immune checkpoints. Additionally, we will discuss the future research directions and potential therapeutic targets for aptamer-based immune checkpoint therapy, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for targeting immunotherapy molecules and blocking tumor immune escape.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yihan Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Weidong Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Hongjuan Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Yao Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Wen Xie
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Youwei Guo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Ziling Liao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Xingjun Jiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Critical care medicine, Hainan Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hosptial; project supported by Hainan Province Clinical Medical Center, China.
| | - Caiping Ren
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang L, Cascio S, Mellors JW, Buckanovich RJ, Osmanbeyoglu HU. Single-cell analysis reveals the stromal dynamics and tumor-specific characteristics in the microenvironment of ovarian cancer. Commun Biol 2024; 7:20. [PMID: 38182756 PMCID: PMC10770164 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05733-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is a heterogeneous disease, and a highstromal/desmoplastic tumor microenvironment (TME) is associated with a poor outcome. Stromal cell subtypes, including fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and cancer-associated mesenchymal stem cells, establish a complex network of paracrine signaling pathways with tumor-infiltrating immune cells that drive effector cell tumor immune exclusion and inhibit the antitumor immune response. In this work, we integrate single-cell transcriptomics of the HGSOC TME from public and in-house datasets (n = 20) and stratify tumors based upon high vs. low stromal cell content. Although our cohort size is small, our analyses suggest a distinct transcriptomic landscape for immune and non-immune cells in high-stromal vs. low-stromal tumors. High-stromal tumors have a lower fraction of certain T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and macrophages, and increased expression of CXCL12 in epithelial cancer cells and cancer-associated mesenchymal stem cells (CA-MSCs). Analysis of cell-cell communication indicate that epithelial cancer cells and CA-MSCs secrete CXCL12 that interacte with the CXCR4 receptor, which is overexpressed on NK and CD8+ T cells. Dual IHC staining show that tumor infiltrating CD8 T cells localize in proximity of CXCL12+ tumor area. Moreover, CXCL12 and/or CXCR4 antibodies confirm the immunosuppressive role of CXCL12-CXCR4 in high-stromal tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linan Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, USA
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA
- Department of Applied Mathematics, School of Mathematics and Statistics, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, China
| | - Sandra Cascio
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - John W Mellors
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Ronald J Buckanovich
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA
| | - Hatice Ulku Osmanbeyoglu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, USA.
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh School of Engineering, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA.
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yue M, Chen MM, Zhang B, Wang Y, Li P, Zhao Y. The functional roles of chemokines and chemokine receptors in colorectal cancer progression. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:116040. [PMID: 38113624 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is a common malignancy with significant rates of morbidity and mortality. A number of factors, including the tumor microenvironment, chemokines, the inflammatory response, have an impact on the development of colorectal cancer. A critical component of the tumor microenvironment is chemokines. Various cell subsets are attracted to the tumor microenvironment through interactions with chemokine receptors. These cells have varying effects on the development of the tumor and the effectiveness of treatment. Additionally, chemokines can participate in inflammatory processes and have effects that are either pro- or anti-tumor. Chemokines can be exploited as targets for medication resistance and treatment in colorectal cancer. In this review, we discuss the expression of chemokines and chemokine receptors, and their relationship with immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. At the same time, we also collect and discuss the significance of chemokines and chemokine receptors in colorectal cancer progression, and their potential as molecular targets for CRC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingli Yue
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Meng-Meng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cancer and Immune Cells of Qingdao, Qingdao 266021, China; Qingdao Restore Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Qingdao, Shandong 266111, PR China
| | - Bingqiang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cancer and Immune Cells of Qingdao, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Yin Wang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Peifeng Li
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Yi Zhao
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province affiliated to Qingdao University, Shandong Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abizanda-Campo S, Virumbrales-Muñoz M, Humayun M, Marmol I, Beebe DJ, Ochoa I, Oliván S, Ayuso JM. Microphysiological systems for solid tumor immunotherapy: opportunities and challenges. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2023; 9:154. [PMID: 38106674 PMCID: PMC10724276 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00616-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy remains more effective for hematologic tumors than for solid tumors. One of the main challenges to immunotherapy of solid tumors is the immunosuppressive microenvironment these tumors generate, which limits the cytotoxic capabilities of immune effector cells (e.g., cytotoxic T and natural killer cells). This microenvironment is characterized by hypoxia, nutrient starvation, accumulated waste products, and acidic pH. Tumor-hijacked cells, such as fibroblasts, macrophages, and T regulatory cells, also contribute to this inhospitable microenvironment for immune cells by secreting immunosuppressive cytokines that suppress the antitumor immune response and lead to immune evasion. Thus, there is a strong interest in developing new drugs and cell formulations that modulate the tumor microenvironment and reduce tumor cell immune evasion. Microphysiological systems (MPSs) are versatile tools that may accelerate the development and evaluation of these therapies, although specific examples showcasing the potential of MPSs remain rare. Advances in microtechnologies have led to the development of sophisticated microfluidic devices used to recapitulate tumor complexity. The resulting models, also known as microphysiological systems (MPSs), are versatile tools with which to decipher the molecular mechanisms driving immune cell antitumor cytotoxicity, immune cell exhaustion, and immune cell exclusion and to evaluate new targeted immunotherapies. Here, we review existing microphysiological platforms to study immuno-oncological applications and discuss challenges and opportunities in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Abizanda-Campo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI USA
- Tissue Microenvironment Lab (TME lab), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IISA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red. Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Virumbrales-Muñoz
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Mouhita Humayun
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Ines Marmol
- Tissue Microenvironment Lab (TME lab), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IISA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - David J Beebe
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI USA
| | - Ignacio Ochoa
- Tissue Microenvironment Lab (TME lab), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IISA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red. Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sara Oliván
- Tissue Microenvironment Lab (TME lab), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IISA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jose M Ayuso
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wu H, Wang R, Li S, Chen S, Liu S, Li X, Yang X, Zeng Q, Zhou Y, Zhu X, Zhang K, Tu C, Zhang X. Aspect ratio-dependent dual-regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment against osteosarcoma by hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. Acta Biomater 2023; 170:427-441. [PMID: 37634831 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.08.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating studies demonstrated that hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HANPs) showed a selective anti-tumor effect, making them a good candidate for osteosarcoma (OS) treatment. However, the capacity of HANPs with different aspect ratios to regulate tumor immune microenvironment (TIM) was scarcely reported before. To explore it, the three HANPs with aspect ratios from 1.86 to 6.25 were prepared by wet chemical method. After a 24 or 72 h-exposure of OS UMR106 cells or macrophages to the nanoparticles, the tumor cells exhibited immunogenic cell death (ICD) indicated by the increased production of calreticulin (CRT), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), and macrophages were activated with the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Next, the beneficial crosstalk between tumor cells and macrophages generated in the presence of HANPs for improved anti-tumor immunity activation. In the OS-bearing cognate rat model, HANPs inhibited OS growth, which was positively correlated with CRT and HMGB1 expression, and macrophage polarization in the tumor tissues. Additionally, HANPs promoted CD8+ T cell infiltration into the tumor and systemic dendritic cell maturation. Particularly, HANPs bearing the highest aspect ratio exhibited the strongest immunomodulatory and anti-tumor function. This study suggested the potential of HANPs to be a safe and effective drug-free nanomaterial to control the TIM for OS therapy. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Emerging studies demonstrated that hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HANPs) inhibited tumor cell proliferation and tumor growth. However, the underlying anti-tumor mechanism still remains unclear, and the capacity of HANPs without any other additive to regulate tumor immune microenvironment (TIM) was scarcely reported before. Herein, we demonstrated that HANPs, in an aspect ratio-dependent manner, showed the potential to delay the growth of osteosarcoma (OS) and to regulate TIM by promoting the invasion of CD8+ T cells and F4/80+ macrophages, and inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD) in tumors. This work revealed the new molecular mechanism for HANPs against OS, and suggested HANPs might be a novel ICD inducer for OS treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongfeng Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Ruiqi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shu Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Control of Tissue Regenerative Biomaterials & Institute of Regulatory Science for Medical Devices & NMPA Research Base of Regulatory Science for Medical Devices, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Shuo Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Xiangfeng Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; Provincial Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials Genome of Sichuan & Research Center for Materials Genome Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; Provincial Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials Genome of Sichuan & Research Center for Materials Genome Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Qin Zeng
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Control of Tissue Regenerative Biomaterials & Institute of Regulatory Science for Medical Devices & NMPA Research Base of Regulatory Science for Medical Devices, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China.
| | - Yong Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiangdong Zhu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; Provincial Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials Genome of Sichuan & Research Center for Materials Genome Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China.
| | - Kai Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Control of Tissue Regenerative Biomaterials & Institute of Regulatory Science for Medical Devices & NMPA Research Base of Regulatory Science for Medical Devices, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Chongqi Tu
- Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xingdong Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Control of Tissue Regenerative Biomaterials & Institute of Regulatory Science for Medical Devices & NMPA Research Base of Regulatory Science for Medical Devices, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; Provincial Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials Genome of Sichuan & Research Center for Materials Genome Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pich-Bavastro C, Yerly L, Di Domizio J, Tissot-Renaud S, Gilliet M, Kuonen F. Activin A-Mediated Polarization of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and Macrophages Confers Resistance to Checkpoint Immunotherapy in Skin Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:3498-3513. [PMID: 37327314 PMCID: PMC10472111 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cemiplimab is approved for the treatment of locally advanced basal cell carcinomas (BCC), although with mitigated results. We sought to interrogate the cellular and molecular transcriptional reprogramming underlying BCC resistance to immunotherapy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Here, we combined spatial and single-cell transcriptomics to deconvolute the spatial heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment in regard with response to immunotherapy, in a cohort of both naïve and resistant BCCs. RESULTS We identified subsets of intermingled cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) and macrophages contributing the most to CD8 T-cell exclusion and immunosuppression. Within this spatially resolved peritumoral immunosuppressive niche, CAFs and adjacent macrophages were found to display Activin A-mediated transcriptional reprogramming towards extracellular matrix remodeling, suggesting active participation to CD8 T-cell exclusion. In independent datasets of human skin cancers, Activin A-conditioned CAFs and macrophages were associated with resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). CONCLUSIONS Altogether, our data identify the cellular and molecular plasticity of tumor microenvironment (TME) and the pivotal role of Activin A in polarizing the TME towards immune suppression and ICI resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Pich-Bavastro
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laura Yerly
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jeremy Di Domizio
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stéphanie Tissot-Renaud
- Department of Oncology, Immune Landscape Laboratory, Center of Experimental Therapeutics, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michel Gilliet
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - François Kuonen
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Li M, Wu B, Li L, Lv C, Tian Y. Reprogramming of cancer-associated fibroblasts combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors: A potential therapeutic strategy for cancers. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188945. [PMID: 37356739 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Activated fibroblasts, namely cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), are highly heterogeneous in phenotypes, functions, and origins. CAFs originated from varieties of cell types, including local resident fibroblasts, epithelial cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, or others. These cells participate in tumor angiogenesis, mechanics, drug access, and immune suppression, with the latter being particularly important. It was difficult to distinguish CAFs by subsets due to their complex origins until the use of scRNA-seq. Reprogramming CAFs with TGFβ-RI inhibitor, a CXCR4 blocker, or other methods increases T cells activation and infiltration, together with a decrease in CAFs recruitment, thus improving the prognosis. As depletion of CAFs can't bring clinical benefit, the combination of reprogramming CAFs and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) come into consideration. It has shown better outcomes compared with monotherapy respectively in basic/preclinical researches, and needs more data on clinical trials. Combination therapy may be a promising and expecting method for treatment of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Department of Mammary Gland, Dalian Women and Children's Medical Center(Group), No. 1 Dunhuang Road, Dalian 116000, Liaoning Province, China; Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Baokang Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Lunxu Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Chao Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhang L, Cascio S, Mellors JW, Buckanovich RJ, Osmanbeyoglu HU. Single-cell analysis reveals the stromal dynamics and tumor-specific characteristics in the microenvironment of ovarian cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.07.544095. [PMID: 37333262 PMCID: PMC10274812 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.07.544095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is a heterogeneous disease, and a high stromal/desmoplastic tumor microenvironment (TME) is associated with a poor outcome. Stromal cell subtypes, including fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and cancer-associated mesenchymal stem cells, establish a complex network of paracrine signaling pathways with tumor-infiltrating immune cells that drive effector cell tumor immune exclusion and inhibit the antitumor immune response. Single-cell transcriptomics of the HGSOC TME from public and in-house datasets revealed a distinct transcriptomic landscape for immune and non-immune cells in high-stromal vs. low-stromal tumors. High-stromal tumors had a lower fraction of certain T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and macrophages and increased expression of CXCL12 in epithelial cancer cells and cancer-associated mesenchymal stem cells (CA-MSCs). Analysis of cell-cell communication indicated that epithelial cancer cells and CA-MSCs secreted CXCL12 that interacted with the CXCR4 receptor, which was overexpressed on NK and CD8 + T cells. CXCL12 and/or CXCR4 antibodies confirmed the immunosuppressive role of CXCL12-CXCR4 in high-stromal tumors.
Collapse
|
13
|
Herzog BH, Baer JM, Borcherding N, Kingston NL, Belle JI, Knolhoff BL, Hogg GD, Ahmad F, Kang LI, Petrone J, Lin CY, Govindan R, DeNardo DG. Tumor-associated fibrosis impairs immune surveillance and response to immune checkpoint blockade in non-small cell lung cancer. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadh8005. [PMID: 37285399 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adh8005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Immune checkpoint blockade has improved survival for many patients with NSCLC, but most fail to obtain long-term benefit. Understanding the factors leading to reduced immune surveillance in NSCLC is critical in improving patient outcomes. Here, we show that human NSCLC harbors large amounts of fibrosis that correlates with reduced T cell infiltration. In murine NSCLC models, the induction of fibrosis led to increased lung cancer progression, impaired T cell immune surveillance, and failure of immune checkpoint blockade efficacy. Associated with these changes, we observed that fibrosis leads to numerically and functionally impaired dendritic cells and altered macrophage phenotypes that likely contribute to immunosuppression. Within cancer-associated fibroblasts, distinct changes within the Col13a1-expressing population suggest that these cells produce chemokines to recruit macrophages and regulatory T cells while limiting recruitment of dendritic cells and T cells. Targeting fibrosis through transforming growth factor-β receptor signaling overcame the effects of fibrosis to enhance T cell responses and improved the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade but only in the context of chemotherapy. Together, these data suggest that fibrosis in NSCLC leads to reduced immune surveillance and poor responsiveness to checkpoint blockade and highlight antifibrotic therapies as a candidate strategy to overcome immunotherapeutic resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brett H Herzog
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - John M Baer
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Nicholas Borcherding
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Natalie L Kingston
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jad I Belle
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Brett L Knolhoff
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Graham D Hogg
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Faiz Ahmad
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Liang-I Kang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jessica Petrone
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Chieh-Yu Lin
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Ramaswamy Govindan
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David G DeNardo
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bocchi M, de Sousa Pereira N, de Oliveira KB, Amarante MK. Involvement of CXCL12/CXCR4 axis in colorectal cancer: a mini-review. Mol Biol Rep 2023:10.1007/s11033-023-08479-1. [PMID: 37219666 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08479-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Migration of metastatic tumor cells is similar to the traffic of leukocytes and has been reported that can be guided by chemokines and their receptors, through the circulation to distant organs. The chemokine CXCL12 and its receptor CXCR4 play an essential role in hematopoietic stem cell homing and the activation of this axis supports malignant events. Binding of CXCL12 to CXCR4 activates signal transduction pathways, with broad effects on chemotaxis, cell proliferation, migration and gene expression. Thus, this axis serves as a bridge for tumor-stromal cell communication, creating a permissive microenvironment for tumor development, survival, angiogenesis and metastasis. Evidence suggests that this axis may be involved in the colorectal cancer (CRC) carcinogenesis. Therefore, we review emerging data and correlations between CXCL12/CXCR4 axis in CRC, the implications for cancer progression and possible therapeutic strategies that exploit this system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mayara Bocchi
- Oncology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Health Sciences Center, Londrina State University, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Nathália de Sousa Pereira
- Oncology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Health Sciences Center, Londrina State University, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Karen Brajão de Oliveira
- Oncology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Health Sciences Center, Londrina State University, Londrina, PR, Brazil
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Biological Sciences Center, Londrina State University, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Marla Karine Amarante
- Oncology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Health Sciences Center, Londrina State University, Londrina, PR, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ding D, Zhao H, Wei D, Yang Q, Yang C, Wang R, Chen Y, Li L, An S, Xia Q, Huang G, Liu J, Xiao Z, Tan W. The First-in-Human Whole-Body Dynamic Pharmacokinetics Study of Aptamer. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2023; 6:0126. [PMID: 37223462 PMCID: PMC10202413 DOI: 10.34133/research.0126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Serving as targeting ligands, aptamers have shown promise in precision medicine. However, the lack of knowledge of the biosafety and metabolism patterns in the human body largely impeded aptamers' clinical translation. To bridge this gap, here we report the first-in-human pharmacokinetics study of protein tyrosine kinase 7 targeted SGC8 aptamer via in vivo PET tracking of gallium-68 (68Ga) radiolabeled aptamers. The specificity and binding affinity of a radiolabeled aptamer, named 68Ga[Ga]-NOTA-SGC8, were maintained as proven in vitro. Further preclinical biosafety and biodistribution evaluation confirmed that aptamers have no biotoxicity, potential mutation risks, or genotoxicity at high dosage (40 mg/kg). Based on this result, a first-in-human clinical trial was approved and carried out to evaluate the circulation and metabolism profiles, as well as biosafety, of the radiolabeled SGC8 aptamer in the human body. Taking advantage of the cutting-edge total-body PET, the aptamers' distribution pattern in the human body was acquired in a dynamic fashion. This study revealed that radiolabeled aptamers are harmless to normal organs and most of them are accumulated in the kidney and cleared from the bladder via urine, which agrees with preclinical studies. Meanwhile, a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model of aptamer was developed, which could potentially predict therapeutic responses and plan personalized treatment strategies. This research studied the biosafety and dynamic pharmacokinetics of aptamers in the human body for the first time, as well as demonstrated the capability of novel molecular imaging fashion in drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ding Ding
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Haitao Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Dali Wei
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qinglai Yang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Center for Molecular Imaging Probes, Cancer Research Institute,
University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Cai Yang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital,Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering,
Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Ruowen Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yumei Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Lianghua Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Shuxian An
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Qian Xia
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Gang Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging,
Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Jianjun Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Zeyu Xiao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Weihong Tan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital,Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering,
Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Caligiuri G, Tuveson DA. Activated fibroblasts in cancer: Perspectives and challenges. Cancer Cell 2023; 41:434-449. [PMID: 36917949 PMCID: PMC11022589 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Activated fibroblasts in tumors, or cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), have become a popular research area over the past decade. As important players in many aspects of tumor biology, with functions ranging from collagen deposition to immunosuppression, CAFs have been the target of clinical and pre-clinical studies that have revealed their potential pro- and anti-tumorigenic dichotomy. In this review, we describe the important role of CAFs in the tumor microenvironment and the technological advances that made these discoveries possible, and we detail the models that are currently available for CAF investigation. Additionally, we present evidence to support the value of encompassing CAF investigation as a future therapeutic avenue alongside immune and cancer cells while highlighting the challenges that must be addressed for successful clinical translation of new findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Caligiuri
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA; Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - David A Tuveson
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA; Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Promises and challenges for targeting the immunological players in the tumor micro-environment – Critical determinants for NP-based therapy. OPENNANO 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.onano.2023.100134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
|
18
|
Huang K, Luo W, Fang J, Yu C, Liu G, Yuan X, Liu Y, Wu W. Notch3 signaling promotes colorectal tumor growth by enhancing immunosuppressive cells infiltration in the microenvironment. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:55. [PMID: 36647017 PMCID: PMC9843853 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-10526-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Macrophage infiltration in the tumor microenvironment participates in the regulation of tumor progression. Previous studies have found that Notch signaling pathway is involved in regulating the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), however, the specific mechanism is still unclear. METHODS The correlation between Notch signaling pathway and macrophage infiltration was investigated in TCGA database and verified in clinical samples of patients with CRC using immunohistochemistry. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis was used to find out genes related to Notch3 expression. Colony formation assay, and flow cytometry were utilized to test tumor growth and immune cell infiltration in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS Using bioinformatics analysis and clinical sample validation, we found that Notch3 was highly expressed in colon tumor tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues, and it participated in regulating the recruitment of macrophages to the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, we found that the Notch3 expression was positively correlated with the expression of macrophage recruitment-related cytokines in colon tumor tissues. Finally, we demonstrated that depletion of Notch3 had no significant effect on the growth of colon tumor cells in vitro, while, attenuated the growth of colon cancer tumors in vivo. Simultaneous, immunosuppressive cells, macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) infiltration were dramatically reduced in the tumor microenvironment. CONCLUSION Our study illustrated that Notch3 could facilitate the progression of CRC by increasing the infiltration of macrophages and MDSCs to promote the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Targeting Notch3 specifically is a potentially effective treatment for CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Huang
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022 Anhui China
| | - Wenwu Luo
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022 Anhui China
| | - Jinmei Fang
- grid.59053.3a0000000121679639Department of Radiation Oncology, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Changjun Yu
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022 Anhui China
| | - Guangjie Liu
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022 Anhui China
| | - Xiaodong Yuan
- grid.59053.3a0000000121679639Organ Transplant Center, Department of Hepatobiliary and Transplantation Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yun Liu
- grid.59053.3a0000000121679639Department of Radiation Oncology, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wenyong Wu
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022 Anhui China ,Department of General Surgery, Anhui No.2 Provincial People’s Hospital, Hefei, 230011 China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Panigaj M, Skelly E, Beasock D, Marriott I, Johnson MB, Salotti J, Afonin KA. Therapeutic immunomodulation by rationally designed nucleic acids and nucleic acid nanoparticles. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1053550. [PMID: 36798121 PMCID: PMC9927404 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1053550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system has evolved to defend organisms against exogenous threats such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites by distinguishing between "self" and "non-self". In addition, it guards us against other diseases, such as cancer, by detecting and responding to transformed and senescent cells. However, for survival and propagation, the altered cells and invading pathogens often employ a wide range of mechanisms to avoid, inhibit, or manipulate the immunorecognition. As such, the development of new modes of therapeutic intervention to augment protective and prevent harmful immune responses is desirable. Nucleic acids are biopolymers essential for all forms of life and, therefore, delineating the complex defensive mechanisms developed against non-self nucleic acids can offer an exciting avenue for future biomedicine. Nucleic acid technologies have already established numerous approaches in therapy and biotechnology; recently, rationally designed nucleic acids nanoparticles (NANPs) with regulated physiochemical properties and biological activities has expanded our repertoire of therapeutic options. When compared to conventional therapeutic nucleic acids (TNAs), NANP technologies can be rendered more beneficial for synchronized delivery of multiple TNAs with defined stabilities, immunological profiles, and therapeutic functions. This review highlights several recent advances and possible future directions of TNA and NANP technologies that are under development for controlled immunomodulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Panigaj
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States.,Institute of Biology & Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Elizabeth Skelly
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Damian Beasock
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Ian Marriott
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - M Brittany Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Jacqueline Salotti
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Kirill A Afonin
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Woldekidan HB, Woldesemayat AA, Adam G, Tafesse M, Thimiri Govinda Raj DB. Aptamer-Based Tumor-Targeted Diagnosis and Drug Delivery. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1409:173-192. [PMID: 35896892 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2022_732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Early cancer identification is crucial for providing patients with safe and timely therapy. Highly dependable and adaptive technologies will be required to detect the presence of biological markers for cancer at very low levels in the early stages of tumor formation. These techniques have been shown to be beneficial in encouraging patients to develop early intervention plans, which could lead to an increase in the overall survival rate of cancer patients. Targeted drug delivery (TDD) using aptamer is promising due to its favorable properties. Aptamer is suitable for superior TDD system candidates due to its desirable properties including a high binding affinity and specificity, a low immunogenicity, and a chemical composition that can be simply changed.Due to these properties, aptamer-based TDD application has limited drug side effect along with organ damages. The development of aptasensor has been promising in TDD for cancer cell treatment. There are biomarkers and expressed molecules during cancer cell development; however, only few are addressed in aptamer detection study of those molecules. Its great potential of attachment of binding to specific target molecule made aptamer a reliable recognition element. Because of their unique physical, chemical, and biological features, aptamers have a lot of potential in cancer precision medicine.In this review, we summarized aptamer technology and its application in cancer. This includes advantages properties of aptamer technology over other molecules were thoroughly discussed. In addition, we have also elaborated the application of aptamer as a direct therapeutic function and as a targeted drug delivery molecule (aptasensor) in cancer cells with several examples in preclinical and clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haregewoin Bezu Woldekidan
- Synthetic Nanobiotechnology and Biomachines, Synthetic Biology and Precision Medicine Centre, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Adugna A Woldesemayat
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Getachew Adam
- Sustainable Energy Center of Excellence, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mesfin Tafesse
- Synthetic Nanobiotechnology and Biomachines, Synthetic Biology and Precision Medicine Centre, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa
- Biotechnology and Bioprocessing Center of Excellence, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Deepak B Thimiri Govinda Raj
- Synthetic Nanobiotechnology and Biomachines, Synthetic Biology and Precision Medicine Centre, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Eulberg D, Frömming A, Lapid K, Mangasarian A, Barak A. The prospect of tumor microenvironment-modulating therapeutical strategies. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1070243. [PMID: 36568151 PMCID: PMC9772844 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1070243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple mechanisms promote tumor prosperity, which does not only depend on cell-autonomous, inherent abnormal characteristics of the malignant cells that facilitate rapid cell division and tumor expansion. The neoplastic tissue is embedded in a supportive and dynamic tumor microenvironment (TME) that nurtures and protects the malignant cells, maintaining and perpetuating malignant cell expansion. The TME consists of different elements, such as atypical vasculature, various innate and adaptive immune cells with immunosuppressive or pro-inflammatory properties, altered extracellular matrix (ECM), activated stromal cells, and a wide range of secreted/stroma-tethered bioactive molecules that contribute to malignancy, directly or indirectly. In this review, we describe the various TME components and provide examples of anti-cancer therapies and novel drugs under development that aim to target these components rather than the intrinsic processes within the malignant cells. Combinatory TME-modulating therapeutic strategies may be required to overcome the resistance to current treatment options and prevent tumor recurrence.
Collapse
|
22
|
Mechanisms of Resistance and Strategies to Combat Resistance in PD-(L)1 Blockade. IMMUNO 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/immuno2040041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolonged survival and durable responses in several late-stage cancers such as melanoma and lung cancer have been made possible with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the programmed cell-death protein 1 (PD-1) or its ligand PD-L1. While it is prudent to focus on the unprecedented and durable clinical responses, there are subsets of cancer patients that do not respond to immunotherapies or respond early and then relapse later. Many pathways of resistance have been characterized, and more continue to be uncovered. To overcome the development of resistance, an in-depth investigation is necessary to identify alternative immune receptors and signals with the overarching goal of expanding treatment options for those with demonstrated resistance to PD1 checkpoint immunotherapy. In this mini-review, we will discuss the mechanisms by which tumors exhibit resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy and explore strategies to overcome such resistances.
Collapse
|
23
|
Li C, Qiu Y, Zhang Y. Research Progress on Therapeutic Targeting of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts to Tackle Treatment-Resistant NSCLC. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:1411. [PMID: 36422541 PMCID: PMC9696940 DOI: 10.3390/ph15111411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for most lung cancer cases and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Treatment options for lung cancer are no longer limited to surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, as targeted therapy and immunotherapy offer a new hope for patients. However, drug resistance in chemotherapy and targeted therapy, and the low response rates to immunotherapy remain important challenges. Similar to tumor development, drug resistance occurs because of significant effects exerted by the tumor microenvironment (TME) along with cancer cell mutations. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a key component of the TME and possess multiple functions, including cross-talking with cancer cells, remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM), secretion of various cytokines, and promotion of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, which in turn provide support for the growth, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance of cancer cells. Therefore, CAFs represent valuable therapeutic targets for lung cancer. Herein, we review the latest progress in the use of CAFs as potential targets and mediators of drug resistance for NSCLC treatment. We explored the role of CAFs on the regulation of the TME and surrounding ECM, with particular emphasis on treatment strategies involving combined CAF targeting within the current framework of cancer treatment.
Collapse
|
24
|
Nakamura K, Ashida A, Kiniwa Y, Okuyama R. Chemokine level predicts the therapeutic effect of anti-PD-1 antibody (nivolumab) therapy for malignant melanoma. Arch Dermatol Res 2022; 314:887-895. [PMID: 34842960 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-021-02305-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) antibody drugs, nivolumab and pembrolizumab, are regarded as first-line therapies for advanced malignant melanoma. Anti-PD-1 therapy suppresses tumor immunity, and the therapeutic effect is frequently correlated with the number of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and tumor mutation burden (TMB). However, sampling tumor tissues from the metastatic sites to examine the number of TILs and TMB level is often challenging. Herein, we focused on chemokines in blood to determine whether they can predict the therapeutic effect of anti-PD-1 (nivolumab) therapy. First, we measured 44 types of chemokines and cytokines in the blood of 8 advanced malignant melanomas before anti-PD-1 (nivolumab) treatment and examined the relationship between the levels of these proteins and therapeutic effect of the drug treatment, which suggested that C-C motif chemokine 5 (CCL5) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) were candidates for biomarkers to predict the therapeutic effect of anti-PD-1 therapy. Next, we measured the blood levels of CCL5 and CXCL12 in 22 patients with advanced malignant melanomas before the administration of anti-PD-1 antibody. We evaluated tumor infiltration of CD8-positive T cells by immunostaining in nine patients in whom the metastatic site could be sampled at the beginning of the treatment. The patients with lower than average levels of CCL5 and CXCL12 had a large number of TILs (P = 0.04) and good disease-specific survival rate (P = 0.04). Therefore, CCL5 and CXCL12 could likely be used as biomarkers to predict the therapeutic effect of anti-PD-1 (nivolumab) therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Nakamura
- Department of Dermatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano, 390-8621, Japan.
| | - Atsuko Ashida
- Department of Dermatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano, 390-8621, Japan
| | - Yukiko Kiniwa
- Department of Dermatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano, 390-8621, Japan
| | - Ryuhei Okuyama
- Department of Dermatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano, 390-8621, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Skorupan N, Palestino Dominguez M, Ricci SL, Alewine C. Clinical Strategies Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4209. [PMID: 36077755 PMCID: PMC9454553 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer has a complex tumor microenvironment which engages in extensive crosstalk between cancer cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and immune cells. Many of these interactions contribute to tumor resistance to anti-cancer therapies. Here, new therapeutic strategies designed to modulate the cancer-associated fibroblast and immune compartments of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas are described and clinical trials of novel therapeutics are discussed. Continued advances in our understanding of the pancreatic cancer tumor microenvironment are generating stromal and immune-modulating therapeutics that may improve patient responses to anti-tumor treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nebojsa Skorupan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Medical Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mayrel Palestino Dominguez
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Samuel L. Ricci
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Christine Alewine
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Lugand L, Mestrallet G, Laboureur R, Dumont C, Bouhidel F, Djouadou M, Masson-Lecomte A, Desgrandchamps F, Culine S, Carosella ED, Rouas-Freiss N, LeMaoult J. Methods for Establishing a Renal Cell Carcinoma Tumor Spheroid Model With Immune Infiltration for Immunotherapeutic Studies. Front Oncol 2022; 12:898732. [PMID: 35965544 PMCID: PMC9366089 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.898732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor spheroids play an increasingly important role in cancer research. Their ability to recapitulate crucial features of tumor biology that are lost in the classically used 2D models along with their relative simplicity and handiness have made them the most studied 3D tumor model. Their application as a theranostic tool or as a means to study tumor-host interaction is now well-established in various cancers. However, their use in the field of Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) remains very limited. The aim of this work is to present methods to implement a basic RCC spheroid model. These methods cover the steps from RCC tumor dissociation to spheroid infiltration by immune cells. We present a protocol for RCC dissociation using Liberase TM and introduce a culture medium containing Epithelial Growth Factor and Hydrocortisone allowing for faster growth of RCC primary cells. We show that the liquid overlay technique allows for the formation of spheroids from cell lines and from primary cultures. We present a method using morphological criteria to select a homogeneous spheroid population based on a Fiji macro. We then show that spheroids can be infiltrated by PBMCs after activation with OKT3 or IL-15. Finally, we provide an example of application by implementing an immune spheroid killing assay allowing observing increased spheroid destruction after treatment with PD-1 inhibitors. Thus the straightforward methods presented here allow for efficient spheroid formation for a simple RCC 3D model that can be standardized and infused with immune cells to study immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonard Lugand
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA, DRF-Francois Jacob Institute, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France - U976 HIPI Unit, IRSL, Paris University, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Mestrallet
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA, DRF-Francois Jacob Institute, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France - U976 HIPI Unit, IRSL, Paris University, Paris, France
| | - Rebecca Laboureur
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA, DRF-Francois Jacob Institute, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France - U976 HIPI Unit, IRSL, Paris University, Paris, France
| | - Clement Dumont
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA, DRF-Francois Jacob Institute, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France - U976 HIPI Unit, IRSL, Paris University, Paris, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Saint-Louis Hospital, AP-HP.Nord - Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Fatiha Bouhidel
- Service d’Anatomopathologie Saint-Louis Hospital, AP-HP.Nord - Université de Paris, Laboratory of Pathology, UMR-S728, Paris, France
| | - Malika Djouadou
- Department of Urology, Saint-Louis Hospital, AP-HP.Nord - Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Francois Desgrandchamps
- Department of Urology, Saint-Louis Hospital, AP-HP.Nord - Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Stephane Culine
- Department of Medical Oncology, Saint-Louis Hospital, AP-HP.Nord - Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Edgardo D. Carosella
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA, DRF-Francois Jacob Institute, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France - U976 HIPI Unit, IRSL, Paris University, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Rouas-Freiss
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA, DRF-Francois Jacob Institute, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France - U976 HIPI Unit, IRSL, Paris University, Paris, France
| | - Joel LeMaoult
- Hemato-Immunology Research Department, CEA, DRF-Francois Jacob Institute, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France - U976 HIPI Unit, IRSL, Paris University, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Joel LeMaoult,
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zou Q, Lei X, Xu A, Li Z, He Q, Huang X, Xu G, Tian F, Ding Y, Zhu W. Chemokines in progression, chemoresistance, diagnosis, and prognosis of colorectal cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:724139. [PMID: 35935996 PMCID: PMC9353076 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.724139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Plenty of factors affect the oncogenesis and progression of colorectal cancer in the tumor microenvironment, including various immune cells, stromal cells, cytokines, and other factors. Chemokine is a member of the cytokine superfamily. It is an indispensable component in the tumor microenvironment. Chemokines play an antitumor or pro-tumor role by recruitment or polarization of recruiting immune cells. Meanwhile, chemokines, as signal molecules, participate in the formation of a cross talk among signaling pathways and non-coding RNAs, which may be involved in promoting tumor progression. In addition, they also function in immune escape. Chemokines are related to drug resistance of tumor cells and may even provide reference for the diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zou
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Xue Lei
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Aijing Xu
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziqi Li
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Qinglian He
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Xiujuan Huang
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
- Department of Hematology, Longgang District People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guangxian Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Institute of Clinical Laboratory, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Faqing Tian
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Faqing Tian, ; Yuanlin Ding, ; Wei Zhu,
| | - Yuanlin Ding
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
- *Correspondence: Faqing Tian, ; Yuanlin Ding, ; Wei Zhu,
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
- *Correspondence: Faqing Tian, ; Yuanlin Ding, ; Wei Zhu,
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Mackenzie NJ, Nicholls C, Templeton AR, Perera MPJ, Jeffery PL, Zimmermann K, Kulasinghe A, Kenna TJ, Vela I, Williams ED, Thomas PB. Modelling the tumor immune microenvironment for precision immunotherapy. CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 11:e1400. [PMID: 35782339 PMCID: PMC9234475 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J Mackenzie
- School of Biomedical Sciences at Translational Research Institute (TRI) Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Brisbane QLD Australia
- Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI) Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Clarissa Nicholls
- School of Biomedical Sciences at Translational Research Institute (TRI) Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Brisbane QLD Australia
- Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI) Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Abby R Templeton
- School of Biomedical Sciences at Translational Research Institute (TRI) Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Brisbane QLD Australia
- Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI) Brisbane QLD Australia
- Centre for Personalised Analysis of Cancers (CPAC) Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Mahasha PJ Perera
- School of Biomedical Sciences at Translational Research Institute (TRI) Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Brisbane QLD Australia
- Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI) Brisbane QLD Australia
- Centre for Personalised Analysis of Cancers (CPAC) Brisbane QLD Australia
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre – Queensland (APCRC‐Q) Brisbane QLD Australia
- Department of Urology Princess Alexandra Hospital Woolloongabba QLD Australia
| | - Penny L Jeffery
- School of Biomedical Sciences at Translational Research Institute (TRI) Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Brisbane QLD Australia
- Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI) Brisbane QLD Australia
- Centre for Personalised Analysis of Cancers (CPAC) Brisbane QLD Australia
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre – Queensland (APCRC‐Q) Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Kate Zimmermann
- School of Biomedical Sciences at Translational Research Institute (TRI) Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Brisbane QLD Australia
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Control School of Biomedical Sciences Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Brisbane QLD Australia
- Centre for Microbiome Research School of Biomedical Sciences Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Arutha Kulasinghe
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Tony J Kenna
- School of Biomedical Sciences at Translational Research Institute (TRI) Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Brisbane QLD Australia
- Centre for Personalised Analysis of Cancers (CPAC) Brisbane QLD Australia
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Control School of Biomedical Sciences Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Brisbane QLD Australia
- Centre for Microbiome Research School of Biomedical Sciences Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Ian Vela
- School of Biomedical Sciences at Translational Research Institute (TRI) Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Brisbane QLD Australia
- Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI) Brisbane QLD Australia
- Centre for Personalised Analysis of Cancers (CPAC) Brisbane QLD Australia
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre – Queensland (APCRC‐Q) Brisbane QLD Australia
- Department of Urology Princess Alexandra Hospital Woolloongabba QLD Australia
| | - Elizabeth D Williams
- School of Biomedical Sciences at Translational Research Institute (TRI) Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Brisbane QLD Australia
- Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI) Brisbane QLD Australia
- Centre for Personalised Analysis of Cancers (CPAC) Brisbane QLD Australia
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre – Queensland (APCRC‐Q) Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Patrick B Thomas
- School of Biomedical Sciences at Translational Research Institute (TRI) Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Brisbane QLD Australia
- Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI) Brisbane QLD Australia
- Centre for Personalised Analysis of Cancers (CPAC) Brisbane QLD Australia
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre – Queensland (APCRC‐Q) Brisbane QLD Australia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Nguyen DT, Ogando-Rivas E, Liu R, Wang T, Rubin J, Jin L, Tao H, Sawyer WW, Mendez-Gomez HR, Cascio M, Mitchell DA, Huang J, Sawyer WG, Sayour EJ, Castillo P. CAR T Cell Locomotion in Solid Tumor Microenvironment. Cells 2022; 11:1974. [PMID: 35741103 PMCID: PMC9221866 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The promising outcomes of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy in hematologic malignancies potentiates its capability in the fight against many cancers. Nevertheless, this immunotherapy modality needs significant improvements for the treatment of solid tumors. Researchers have incrementally identified limitations and constantly pursued better CAR designs. However, even if CAR T cells are armed with optimal killer functions, they must overcome and survive suppressive barriers imposed by the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this review, we will discuss in detail the important role of TME in CAR T cell trafficking and how the intrinsic barriers contribute to an immunosuppressive phenotype and cancer progression. It is of critical importance that preclinical models can closely recapitulate the in vivo TME to better predict CAR T activity. Animal models have contributed immensely to our understanding of human diseases, but the intensive care for the animals and unreliable representation of human biology suggest in vivo models cannot be the sole approach to CAR T cell therapy. On the other hand, in vitro models for CAR T cytotoxic assessment offer valuable insights to mechanistic studies at the single cell level, but they often lack in vivo complexities, inter-individual heterogeneity, or physiologically relevant spatial dimension. Understanding the advantages and limitations of preclinical models and their applications would enable more reliable prediction of better clinical outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Duy T. Nguyen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (D.T.N.); (W.W.S.); (W.G.S.)
| | - Elizabeth Ogando-Rivas
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
| | - Ruixuan Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
| | - Theodore Wang
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Jacob Rubin
- Warrington College of Business, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Linchun Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
| | - Haipeng Tao
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
| | - William W. Sawyer
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (D.T.N.); (W.W.S.); (W.G.S.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Hector R. Mendez-Gomez
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
| | - Matthew Cascio
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Duane A. Mitchell
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
| | - Jianping Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
| | - W. Gregory Sawyer
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (D.T.N.); (W.W.S.); (W.G.S.)
| | - Elias J. Sayour
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (E.O.-R.); (R.L.); (L.J.); (H.T.); (H.R.M.-G.); (D.A.M.); (J.H.); (E.J.S.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Paul Castillo
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Li H. Intercellular crosstalk of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Dig Liver Dis 2022; 54:598-613. [PMID: 34344577 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2021.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Intercellular crosstalk among various liver cells plays an important role in liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Capillarization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) precedes fibrosis and accumulating evidence suggests that the crosstalk between LSECs and other liver cells is critical in the development and progression of liver fibrosis. LSECs dysfunction, a key event in the progression from fibrosis to cirrhosis, and subsequently obstruction of hepatic sinuses and increased intrahepatic vascular resistance (IHVR) contribute to development of portal hypertension (PHT) and cirrhosis. More importantly, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), which is closely related to the crosstalk between LSECs and immune liver cells like CD8+ T cells, promotes advances tumorigenesis, especially HCC. However, the connections within the crosstalk between LSECs and other liver cells during the progression from liver fibrosis to cirrhosis to HCC have yet to be discussed. In this review, we first summarize the current knowledge of how different crosstalk between LSECs and other liver cells, including hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), macrophoges, immune cells in liver and extra cellular matrix (ECM) contribute to the physiological function and the progrssion from liver fibrosis to cirrhosis, or even to HCC. Then we examine current treatment strategies for LSECs crosstalk in liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Central Laboratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, NO. 39 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Goïta AA, Guenot D. Colorectal Cancer: The Contribution of CXCL12 and Its Receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071810. [PMID: 35406582 PMCID: PMC8997717 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Many signaling pathways are involved in cancer progression, and among these pathways, the CXCL12 axis and its two receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7 are well described for many cancers. This review presents the current knowledge on the role played by each of the actors of this axis in colorectal cancer and on its consideration in the development of new therapeutic strategies. Abstract Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers, and diagnosis at late metastatic stages is the main cause of death related to this cancer. This progression to metastasis is complex and involves different molecules such as the chemokine CXCL12 and its two receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7. The high expression of receptors in CRC is often associated with a poor prognosis and aggressiveness of the tumor. The interaction of CXCL12 and its receptors activates signaling pathways that induce chemotaxis, proliferation, migration, and cell invasion. To this end, receptor inhibitors were developed, and their use in preclinical and clinical studies is ongoing. This review provides an overview of studies involving CXCR4 and CXCR7 in CRC with an update on their targeting in anti-cancer therapies.
Collapse
|
32
|
Märkl F, Huynh D, Endres S, Kobold S. Utilizing chemokines in cancer immunotherapy. Trends Cancer 2022; 8:670-682. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
|
33
|
Marofi F, Achmad H, Bokov D, Abdelbasset WK, Alsadoon Z, Chupradit S, Suksatan W, Shariatzadeh S, Hasanpoor Z, Yazdanifar M, Shomali N, Khiavi FM. Hurdles to breakthrough in CAR T cell therapy of solid tumors. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:140. [PMID: 35365241 PMCID: PMC8974159 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02819-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autologous T cells genetically engineered to express chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) have shown promising outcomes and emerged as a new curative option for hematological malignancy, especially malignant neoplasm of B cells. Notably, when T cells are transduced with CAR constructs, composed of the antigen recognition domain of monoclonal antibodies, they retain their cytotoxic properties in a major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-independent manner. Despite its beneficial effect, the current CAR T cell therapy approach faces myriad challenges in solid tumors, including immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor antigen heterogeneity, stromal impediment, and tumor accessibility, as well as tribulations such as on-target/off-tumor toxicity and cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Herein, we highlight the complications that hamper the effectiveness of CAR T cells in solid tumors and the strategies that have been recommended to overcome these hurdles and improve infused T cell performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faroogh Marofi
- Immunology Research Center (IRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Harun Achmad
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Dmitry Bokov
- Institute of Pharmacy, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 8 Trubetskaya St., bldg. 2, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation.,Laboratory of Food Chemistry, Federal Research Center of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety, 2/14 Ustyinsky pr., Moscow, 109240, Russian Federation
| | - Walid Kamal Abdelbasset
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Physical Therapy, Kasr Al-Aini Hospital, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Zeid Alsadoon
- Dentistry Department, College of Technical Engineering, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Supat Chupradit
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Wanich Suksatan
- Faculty of Nursing, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
| | - Siavash Shariatzadeh
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Hasanpoor
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahboubeh Yazdanifar
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Navid Shomali
- Immunology Research Center (IRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Park K, Veena MS, Shin DS. Key Players of the Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment and Emerging Therapeutic Strategies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:830208. [PMID: 35345849 PMCID: PMC8957227 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.830208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex, dynamic battlefield for both immune cells and tumor cells. The advent of the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) since 2011, such as the anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein (CTLA)-4 and anti-programmed cell death receptor (PD)-(L)1 antibodies, provided powerful weapons in the arsenal of cancer treatments, demonstrating unprecedented durable responses for patients with many types of advanced cancers. However, the response rate is generally low across tumor types and a substantial number of patients develop acquired resistance. These primary or acquired resistance are attributed to various immunosuppressive elements (soluble and cellular factors) and alternative immune checkpoints in the TME. Therefore, a better understanding of the TME is absolutely essential to develop therapeutic strategies to overcome resistance. Numerous clinical studies are underway using ICIs and additional agents that are tailored to the characteristics of the tumor or the TME. Some of the combination treatments are already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), such as platinum-doublet chemotherapy, tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) -targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) combined with anti-PD-(L)1 antibodies or immuno-immuno combinations (anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1). In this review, we will discuss the key immunosuppressive cells, metabolites, cytokines or chemokines, and hypoxic conditions in the TME that contribute to tumor immune escape and the prospect of relevant clinical trials by targeting these elements in combination with ICIs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Park
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mysore S Veena
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Daniel Sanghoon Shin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Molecular Biology Institute, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Zogg H, Singh R, Ro S. Current Advances in RNA Therapeutics for Human Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052736. [PMID: 35269876 PMCID: PMC8911101 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Following the discovery of nucleic acids by Friedrich Miescher in 1868, DNA and RNA were recognized as the genetic code containing the necessary information for proper cell functioning. In the years following these discoveries, vast knowledge of the seemingly endless roles of RNA have become better understood. Additionally, many new types of RNAs were discovered that seemed to have no coding properties (non-coding RNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs). The discovery of these new RNAs created a new avenue for treating various human diseases. However, RNA is relatively unstable and is degraded fairly rapidly once administered; this has led to the development of novel delivery mechanisms, such as nanoparticles to increase stability as well as to prevent off-target effects of these molecules. Current advances in RNA-based therapies have substantial promise in treating and preventing many human diseases and disorders through fixing the pathology instead of merely treating the symptomology similarly to traditional therapeutics. Although many RNA therapeutics have made it to clinical trials, only a few have been FDA approved thus far. Additionally, the results of clinical trials for RNA therapeutics have been ambivalent to date, with some studies demonstrating potent efficacy, whereas others have limited effectiveness and/or toxicity. Momentum is building in the clinic for RNA therapeutics; future clinical care of human diseases will likely comprise promising RNA therapeutics. This review focuses on the current advances of RNA therapeutics and addresses current challenges with their development.
Collapse
|
36
|
Pandey PR, Young KH, Kumar D, Jain N. RNA-mediated immunotherapy regulating tumor immune microenvironment: next wave of cancer therapeutics. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:58. [PMID: 35189921 PMCID: PMC8860277 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01528-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractAccumulating research suggests that the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) plays an essential role in regulation of tumor growth and metastasis. The cellular and molecular nature of the TIME influences cancer progression and metastasis by altering the ratio of immune- suppressive versus cytotoxic responses in the vicinity of the tumor. Targeting or activating the TIME components show a promising therapeutic avenue to combat cancer. The success of immunotherapy is both astounding and unsatisfactory in the clinic. Advancements in RNA-based technology have improved understanding of the complexity and diversity of the TIME and its effects on therapy. TIME-related RNA or RNA regulators could be promising targets for anticancer immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the available RNA-based cancer immunotherapies targeting the TIME. More importantly, we summarize the potential of various RNA-based therapeutics clinically available for cancer treatment. RNA-dependent targeting of the TIME, as monotherapy or combined with other evolving therapeutics, might be beneficial for cancer patients’ treatment in the near future.
Collapse
|
37
|
LIGHT enhanced bispecific antibody armed T-cells to treat immunotherapy resistant colon cancer. Oncogene 2022; 41:2054-2068. [PMID: 35177811 PMCID: PMC8975745 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02209-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Increased tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) are associated with improved patient responses to immunotherapy. As a result, there is interest in enhancing lymphocyte trafficking particularly to colon cancers since the majority are checkpoint blockade-resistant and microsatellite stable. Here, we demonstrate that activated T-cells (ATC) armed with anti-CD3 x anti-EGFR bispecific antibody increases TIL and mediate anti-tumor cytotoxicity while decreasing tumor cell viability. Furthermore, treatment induces endogenous anti-tumor immunity that resisted tumor rechallenge and increased memory T-cell subsets in the tumor. When combined with targeted tumor expression of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily member LIGHT, activated T-cell proliferation and infiltration were further enhanced, and human colorectal tumor regressions were observed. Our data indicate that tumor-targeted armed bispecific antibody increases TIL trafficking and is a potentially potent strategy that can be paired with combination immunotherapy to battle microsatellite stable colon cancer. Significance Enhancing trafficking of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) to solid tumors has been shown to improve outcomes. Unfortunately, few strategies have been successful in the clinical setting for solid tumors, particularly for “cold” microsatellite stable colon cancers. In order to address this gap in knowledge, this study combined TNFSF14/LIGHT immunomodulation with a bispecific antibody armed with activated T-cells targeted to the tumor. This unique T-cell trafficking strategy successfully generated anti-tumor immunity in a microsatellite stable colon cancer model, stimulated T-cell infiltration, and holds promise as a combination immunotherapy for treating advanced and metastatic colorectal cancer.
Collapse
|
38
|
Tondepu C, Karumbaiah L. Glycomaterials to Investigate the Functional Role of Aberrant Glycosylation in Glioblastoma. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2101956. [PMID: 34878733 PMCID: PMC9048137 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a stage IV astrocytoma that carries a dismal survival rate of ≈10 months postdiagnosis and treatment. The highly invasive capacity of GBM and its ability to escape therapeutic challenges are key factors contributing to the poor overall survival rate. While current treatments aim to target the cancer cell itself, they fail to consider the significant role that the GBM tumor microenvironment (TME) plays in promoting tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. The GBM tumor glycocalyx and glycan-rich extracellular matrix (ECM), which are important constituents of the TME have received little attention as therapeutic targets. A wide array of aberrantly modified glycans in the GBM TME mediate tumor growth, invasion, therapeutic resistance, and immunosuppression. Here, an overview of the landscape of aberrant glycan modifications in GBM is provided, and the design and utility of 3D glycomaterials are discussed as a tool to evaluate glycan-mediated GBM progression and therapeutic efficacy. The development of alternative strategies to target glycans in the TME can potentially unveil broader mechanisms of restricting tumor growth and enhancing the efficacy of tumor-targeting therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C. Tondepu
- Regenerative Bioscience Science Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - L. Karumbaiah
- Regenerative Bioscience Science Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA,Division of Neuroscience, Biomedical & Translational Sciences Institute, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA,Edgar L. Rhodes center for ADS, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Chen L, Jiang X, Zhang Q, Li Q, Zhang X, Zhang M, Yu Q, Gao D. How to overcome tumor resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy by immunotherapy modifying the tumor microenvironment in MSS CRC. Clin Immunol 2022; 237:108962. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2022.108962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
40
|
Malik S, Westcott JM, Brekken RA, Burrows FJ. CXCL12 in Pancreatic Cancer: Its Function and Potential as a Therapeutic Drug Target. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010086. [PMID: 35008248 PMCID: PMC8750050 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic cancer is a challenging disease to treat effectively. Fibroblasts associated with pancreatic cancer contribute to disease progression by secreting factors that enhance tumor cell survival and help tumor cells avoid detection by the immune system. This overview focuses on a chemokine, CXCL12, produced by cancer-associated fibroblasts and how CXCL12 signaling enhances pancreatic cancer progression by contributing to various hallmarks of cancer including, but not limited to, tumor growth and evasion of immune response. These pro-oncogenic functions of CXCL12 make it an attractive target in pancreatic cancer. We discuss the different approaches in development to therapeutically target CXCL12 and finally propose a novel approach, the use of the farnesyl transferase inhibitor tipifarnib to inhibit CXCL12 expression in pancreatic fibroblasts. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a disease with limited therapeutic options and dismal long-term survival. The unique tumor environment of PDAC, consisting of desmoplastic stroma, immune suppressive cells, and activated fibroblasts, contributes to its resistance to therapy. Activated fibroblasts (cancer-associated fibroblasts and pancreatic stellate cells) secrete chemokines and growth factors that support PDAC growth, spread, chemoresistance, and immune evasion. In this review, we focus on one such chemokine, CXCL12, secreted by the cancer-associated fibroblasts and discuss its contribution to several of the classical hallmarks of PDAC and other tumors. We review the various therapeutic approaches in development to target CXCL12 signaling in PDAC. Finally, we propose an unconventional use of tipifarnib, a farnesyl transferase inhibitor, to inhibit CXCL12 production in PDAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jill M. Westcott
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
| | - Rolf A. Brekken
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
- Correspondence: (R.A.B.); (F.J.B.)
| | - Francis J. Burrows
- Kura Oncology, Inc., San Diego, CA 92130, USA;
- Correspondence: (R.A.B.); (F.J.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Lu L, Liu YJ, Cheng PQ, Hu D, Xu HC, Ji G. Macrophages play a role in inflammatory transformation of colorectal cancer. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 13:2013-2028. [PMID: 35070038 PMCID: PMC8713318 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v13.i12.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and fatal cancers worldwide, and it is also a typical inflammatory cancer. The function of macrophages is very important in the tissue immune microenvironment during inflammatory and carcinogenic transformation. Here, we evaluated the function and mechanism of macrophages in intestinal physiology and in different pathological stages. Furthermore, the role of macrophages in the immune microenvironment of CRC and the influence of the intestinal population and hypoxic environment on macrophage function are summarized. In addition, in the era of tumor immunotherapy, CRC currently has a limited response rate to immune checkpoint inhibitors, and we summarize potential therapeutic strategies for targeting tumor-associated macrophages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Lu
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yu-Jing Liu
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Pei-Qiu Cheng
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Dan Hu
- Shanghai Pudong New Area Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Han-Chen Xu
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai Pudong New Area Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Guang Ji
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Suarez-Carmona M, Williams A, Schreiber J, Hohmann N, Pruefer U, Krauss J, Jäger D, Frömming A, Beyer D, Eulberg D, Jungelius JU, Baumann M, Mangasarian A, Halama N. Combined inhibition of CXCL12 and PD-1 in MSS colorectal and pancreatic cancer: modulation of the microenvironment and clinical effects. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e002505. [PMID: 34607895 PMCID: PMC8491418 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapy in microsatellite stable colorectal or pancreatic cancer has not shown promising results. It has been hypothesized that targeting immunosuppressive molecules like SDF1-alpha/CXCL12 could contribute to immunotherapy and animal models showed promising results on T cell activation and migration in combination with immune checkpoint inhibition. METHODS Here, we describe the successful application of anti-CXCL12 (NOX-A12) in patients with advanced stage pretreated metastatic colorectal and pancreatic cancer (OPERA trial). The treatment consisted of 2 weeks of anti-CXCL12 monotherapy with NOX-A12 followed by combination therapy with pembrolizumab (n=20 patients) until progression or intolerable toxicity had occurred. RESULTS The treatment was safe and well tolerated with 83.8% grade I/II, 15.5% grade III and 0.7% grade V adverse events. Of note, for a majority of patients, time on trial treatment was prolonged compared with their last standard treatment preceding trial participation. Systematic serial biopsies revealed distinct patterns of modulation. Tissue and clinical responses were associated with Th1-like tissue reactivity upon CXCL12 inhibition. A downregulation of a cytokine cassette of interleukin (IL)-2/IL-16/CXCL-10 was associated with tumor resistance and furthermore linked to a rare, CXCL12-associated CD14+CD15+promonocytic population. T cells showed aggregation and directed movement towards the tumor cells in responding tissues. Serum analyses detected homogeneous immunomodulatory patterns in all patients, regardless of tissue responses. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that the combination of CXCL12 inhibition and checkpoint inhibition is safe and grants further exploration of synergistic combinatorial strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meggy Suarez-Carmona
- Department of Translational Immunotherapy, German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anja Williams
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center of Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Jutta Schreiber
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center of Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Nicolas Hohmann
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center of Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Pruefer
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center of Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Krauss
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center of Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Jäger
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center of Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Niels Halama
- Department of Translational Immunotherapy, German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Ando Y, Mariano C, Shen K. Engineered in vitro tumor models for cell-based immunotherapy. Acta Biomater 2021; 132:345-359. [PMID: 33857692 PMCID: PMC8434941 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.03.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Tumor immunotherapy is rapidly evolving as one of the major pillars of cancer treatment. Cell-based immunotherapies, which utilize patient's own immune cells to eliminate cancer cells, have shown great promise in treating a range of malignancies, especially those of hematopoietic origins. However, their performance on a broader spectrum of solid tumor types still fall short of expectations in the clinical stage despite promising preclinical assessments. In this review, we briefly introduce cell-based immunotherapies and the inhibitory mechanisms in tumor microenvironments that may have contributed to this discrepancy. Specifically, a major obstacle to the clinical translation of cell-based immunotherapies is in the lack of preclinical models that can accurately assess the efficacies and mechanisms of these therapies in a (patho-)physiologically relevant manner. Lately, tissue engineering and organ-on-a-chip tools and microphysiological models have allowed for more faithful recapitulation of the tumor microenvironments, by incorporating crucial tumor tissue features such as cellular phenotypes, tissue architecture, extracellular matrix, physical parameters, and their dynamic interactions. This review summarizes the existing engineered tumor models with a focus on tumor immunology and cell-based immunotherapy. We also discuss some key considerations for the future development of engineered tumor models for immunotherapeutics. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Cell-based immunotherapies have shown great promise in treating hematological malignancies and some epithelial tumors. However, their performance on a broader spectrum of solid tumor types still fall short of expectations. Major obstacles include the inhibitory mechanisms in tumor microenvironments (TME) and the lack of preclinical models that can accurately assess the efficacies and mechanisms of cellular therapies in a (patho-)physiologically relevant manner. In this review, we introduce recent progress in tissue engineering and microphysiological models for more faithful recapitulation of TME for cell-based immunotherapies, and some key considerations for the future development of engineered tumor models. This overview will provide a better understanding on the role of engineered models in accelerating immunotherapeutic discoveries and clinical translations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Ando
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States
| | - Chelsea Mariano
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States
| | - Keyue Shen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States; Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, United States; USC Stem Cell, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
New Advances in the Research of Resistance to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179644. [PMID: 34502549 PMCID: PMC8431789 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer has an extremely high incidence in women, and its morbidity and mortality rank first among female tumors. With the increasing development of medicine today, the clinical application of neoadjuvant chemotherapy has brought new hope to the treatment of breast cancer. Although the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy has been confirmed, drug resistance is one of the main reasons for its treatment failure, contributing to the difficulty in the treatment of breast cancer. This article focuses on multiple mechanisms of action and expounds a series of recent research advances that mediate drug resistance in breast cancer cells. Drug metabolizing enzymes can mediate a catalytic reaction to inactivate chemotherapeutic drugs and develop drug resistance. The drug efflux system can reduce the drug concentration in breast cancer cells. The combination of glutathione detoxification system and platinum drugs can cause breast cancer cells to be insensitive to drugs. Changes in drug targets have led to poorer efficacy of HER2 receptor inhibitors. Moreover, autophagy, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and tumor microenvironment can all contribute to the development of resistance in breast cancer cells. Based on the relevant research on the existing drug resistance mechanism, the current treatment plan for reversing the resistance of breast cancer to neoadjuvant chemotherapy is explored, and the potential drug targets are analyzed, aiming to provide a new idea and strategy to reverse the resistance of neoadjuvant chemotherapy drugs in breast cancer.
Collapse
|
45
|
De Zutter A, Van Damme J, Struyf S. The Role of Post-Translational Modifications of Chemokines by CD26 in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13174247. [PMID: 34503058 PMCID: PMC8428238 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemokines are a large family of small chemotactic cytokines that fulfill a central function in cancer. Both tumor-promoting and -impeding roles have been ascribed to chemokines, which they exert in a direct or indirect manner. An important post-translational modification that regulates chemokine activity is the NH2-terminal truncation by peptidases. CD26 is a dipeptidyl peptidase (DPPIV), which typically clips a NH2-terminal dipeptide from the chemokine. With a certain degree of selectivity in terms of chemokine substrate, CD26 only recognizes chemokines with a penultimate proline or alanine. Chemokines can be protected against CD26 recognition by specific amino acid residues within the chemokine structure, by oligomerization or by binding to cellular glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Upon truncation, the binding affinity for receptors and GAGs is altered, which influences chemokine function. The consequences of CD26-mediated clipping vary, as unchanged, enhanced, and reduced activities are reported. In tumors, CD26 most likely has the most profound effect on CXCL12 and the interferon (IFN)-inducible CXCR3 ligands, which are converted into receptor antagonists upon truncation. Depending on the tumor type, expression of CD26 is upregulated or downregulated and often results in the preferential generation of the chemokine isoform most favorable for tumor progression. Considering the tight relationship between chemokine sequence and chemokine binding specificity, molecules with the appropriate characteristics can be chemically engineered to provide innovative therapeutic strategies in a cancer setting.
Collapse
|
46
|
Kasperska A, Borowczak J, Szczerbowski K, Stec E, Ahmadi N, Szylber Ł. Current challenges in targeting tumor desmoplasia to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2021; 21:919-931. [PMID: 34525931 DOI: 10.2174/1568009621666210825101456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Desmoplasia is crucial for the development, progression and treatment of immune-resistant malignancies. and treatment of immune-resistant malignancies. Targeting desmoplasia-related metabolic pathways appears to be an interesting approach to expand our stock of disposable anti-tumor agents.CXCL12/CXCR4 axis inhibition reduces fibrosis, alleviates immunosuppression and significantly enhances the efficacy of PD-1 immunotherapy. CD40L substitute therapy may increase the activity of T-cells, downregulate CD40+, prolong patients' survival and prevent cancer progression. Although FAPα antagonists used in preclinical models did not lead to permanent cure, an alleviation of immune-resistance, modification of desmoplasia and a decrease in angiogenesis were observed. Targeting DDR2 may enhance the effect of anti-PD-1 treatment in multiple neoplasm cell lines and has the ability to overcome the adaptation to BRAF-targeted therapy in melanoma. Reprogramming desmoplasia could potentially cooperate not only with present treatment, but also other potential therapeutic targets. We present the most promising metabolic pathways related to desmoplasia and discuss the emerging strategies to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kasperska
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun. Poland
| | - Jędrzej Borowczak
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun. Poland
| | - Krzysztof Szczerbowski
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun. Poland
| | - Ewa Stec
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun. Poland
| | - Navid Ahmadi
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge. United Kingdom
| | - Łukasz Szylber
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun. Poland
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Hot or cold: Bioengineering immune contextures into in vitro patient-derived tumor models. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 175:113791. [PMID: 33965462 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In the past decade, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have proven to be tremendously effective for a subset of cancer patients. However, it is difficult to predict the response of individual patients and efforts are now directed at understanding the mechanisms of ICI resistance. Current models of patient tumors poorly recapitulate the immune contexture, which describe immune parameters that are associated with patient survival. In this Review, we discuss parameters that influence the induction of different immune contextures found within tumors and how engineering strategies may be leveraged to recapitulate these contextures to develop the next generation of immune-competent patient-derived in vitro models.
Collapse
|
48
|
Mascarelli DE, Rosa RSM, Toscaro JM, Semionatto IF, Ruas LP, Fogagnolo CT, Lima GC, Bajgelman MC. Boosting Antitumor Response by Costimulatory Strategies Driven to 4-1BB and OX40 T-cell Receptors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:692982. [PMID: 34277638 PMCID: PMC8277962 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.692982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy explores several strategies to enhance the host immune system’s ability to detect and eliminate cancer cells. The use of antibodies that block immunological checkpoints, such as anti–programed death 1/programed death 1 ligand and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated protein 4, is widely recognized to generate a long-lasting antitumor immune response in several types of cancer. Evidence indicates that the elimination of tumors by T cells is the key for tumor control. It is well known that costimulatory and coinhibitory pathways are critical regulators in the activation of T cells. Besides blocking checkpoints inhibitors, the agonistic signaling on costimulatory molecules also plays an important role in T-cell activation and antitumor response. Therefore, molecules driven to costimulatory pathways constitute promising targets in cancer therapy. The costimulation of tumor necrosis factor superfamily receptors on lymphocytes surface may transduce signals that control the survival, proliferation, differentiation, and effector functions of these immune cells. Among the members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, there are 4-1BB and OX40. Several clinical studies have been carried out targeting these molecules, with agonist monoclonal antibodies, and preclinical studies exploring their ligands and other experimental approaches. In this review, we discuss functional aspects of 4-1BB and OX40 costimulation, as well as the progress of its application in immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele E Mascarelli
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Rhubia S M Rosa
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Jessica M Toscaro
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil.,Medical School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Isadora F Semionatto
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Luciana P Ruas
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Carolinne T Fogagnolo
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil.,Medical School of Ribeirão Preto (FMRP), University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Gabriel C Lima
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil.,Pro Rectory of Graduation, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcio C Bajgelman
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.,Medical School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Pradhan RN, Krishnamurty AT, Fletcher AL, Turley SJ, Müller S. A bird's eye view of fibroblast heterogeneity: A pan-disease, pan-cancer perspective. Immunol Rev 2021; 302:299-320. [PMID: 34164824 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblasts, custodians of tissue architecture and function, are no longer considered a monolithic entity across tissues and disease indications. Recent advances in single-cell technologies provide an unrestricted, high-resolution view of fibroblast heterogeneity that exists within and across tissues. In this review, we summarize a compendium of single-cell transcriptomic studies and provide a comprehensive accounting of fibroblast subsets, many of which have been described to occupy specific niches in tissues at homeostatic and pathologic states. Understanding this heterogeneity is particularly important in the context of cancer, as the diverse cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) phenotypes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are directly impacted by the expression phenotypes of their predecessors. Relationships between these heterogeneous populations often accompany and influence response to therapy in cancer and fibrosis. We further highlight the importance of integrating single-cell studies to deduce common fibroblast phenotypes across disease states, which will facilitate the identification of common signaling pathways, gene regulatory programs, and cell surface markers that are going to advance drug discovery and targeting.
Collapse
|
50
|
Youssry S, Hussein A, Moaaz M. The immunoregulatory axis (programmed death-1/programmed death ligand-1) on CD4+ T cells in lupus nephritis: association with vitamin D and chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 12. Microbiol Immunol 2021; 65:392-399. [PMID: 34081342 DOI: 10.1111/1348-0421.12923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most serious complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Multiple immunomodulatory mechanisms contribute to the pathogenesis of LN. A deep understanding of the immunopathogenesis of LN is essential to identify optimal molecular targets, as most immunotherapeutic algorithms are still based on unselective drugs. The study aimed to elucidate the possible association of vitamin D deficiency with the programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) axis and inflammatory response in patients with LN, as well as the relationship between the PD-1/PD-L1 axis and chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 12 (CXCL12). Flow cytometry was used to determine the frequencies of CD279 (PD-1) and CD274 (PD-L1) in the peripheral CD3+CD4+ cell population of persons with LN. Furthermore, ELISA was used to detect serum CXCL12 and vitamin D concentrations. A distinct decrease of PD-1 and a significant increase of PD-L1 was demonstrated in patients with LN compared with either SLE patients with no LN or healthy controls. The PD-1/PD-L1 axis was negatively correlated with different disease parameters. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were more prevalent in patients with LN than in controls, being significantly associated with disease activity and inversely associated with the PD-1/PD-L1 expression. Moreover, CXCL12 was negatively correlated with the PD-1/PD-L1 axis and vitamin D concentration. The findings suggest an involvement of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in lupus nephritis, which might serve as a potential highly selective therapeutic target that is more effective but less toxic. In addition, restoring adequate vitamin D levels in lupus nephritis could be a possible simple measure to control inflammatory immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Youssry
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Amina Hussein
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mai Moaaz
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|