1
|
Wang W, Albadari N, Du Y, Fowler JF, Sang HT, Xian W, McKeon F, Li W, Zhou J, Zhang R. MDM2 Inhibitors for Cancer Therapy: The Past, Present, and Future. Pharmacol Rev 2024; 76:414-453. [PMID: 38697854 PMCID: PMC11068841 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.123.001026] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Since its discovery over 35 years ago, MDM2 has emerged as an attractive target for the development of cancer therapy. MDM2's activities extend from carcinogenesis to immunity to the response to various cancer therapies. Since the report of the first MDM2 inhibitor more than 30 years ago, various approaches to inhibit MDM2 have been attempted, with hundreds of small-molecule inhibitors evaluated in preclinical studies and numerous molecules tested in clinical trials. Although many MDM2 inhibitors and degraders have been evaluated in clinical trials, there is currently no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved MDM2 inhibitor on the market. Nevertheless, there are several current clinical trials of promising agents that may overcome the past failures, including agents granted FDA orphan drug or fast-track status. We herein summarize the research efforts to discover and develop MDM2 inhibitors, focusing on those that induce MDM2 degradation and exert anticancer activity, regardless of the p53 status of the cancer. We also describe how preclinical and clinical investigations have moved toward combining MDM2 inhibitors with other agents, including immune checkpoint inhibitors. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and future directions to accelerate the clinical application of MDM2 inhibitors. In conclusion, targeting MDM2 remains a promising treatment approach, and targeting MDM2 for protein degradation represents a novel strategy to downregulate MDM2 without the side effects of the existing agents blocking p53-MDM2 binding. Additional preclinical and clinical investigations are needed to finally realize the full potential of MDM2 inhibition in treating cancer and other chronic diseases where MDM2 has been implicated. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Overexpression/amplification of the MDM2 oncogene has been detected in various human cancers and is associated with disease progression, treatment resistance, and poor patient outcomes. This article reviews the previous, current, and emerging MDM2-targeted therapies and summarizes the preclinical and clinical studies combining MDM2 inhibitors with chemotherapy and immunotherapy regimens. The findings of these contemporary studies may lead to safer and more effective treatments for patients with cancers overexpressing MDM2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy (W.W., Y.D., J.F.F., H.T.S., R.Z.), Drug Discovery Institute (W.W., R.Z.), Stem Cell Center, Department of Biology and Biochemistry (W.X., F.M.), University of Houston, Houston, Texas; College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee (N.A., W.L.); and Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (J.Z.)
| | - Najah Albadari
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy (W.W., Y.D., J.F.F., H.T.S., R.Z.), Drug Discovery Institute (W.W., R.Z.), Stem Cell Center, Department of Biology and Biochemistry (W.X., F.M.), University of Houston, Houston, Texas; College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee (N.A., W.L.); and Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (J.Z.)
| | - Yi Du
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy (W.W., Y.D., J.F.F., H.T.S., R.Z.), Drug Discovery Institute (W.W., R.Z.), Stem Cell Center, Department of Biology and Biochemistry (W.X., F.M.), University of Houston, Houston, Texas; College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee (N.A., W.L.); and Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (J.Z.)
| | - Josef F Fowler
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy (W.W., Y.D., J.F.F., H.T.S., R.Z.), Drug Discovery Institute (W.W., R.Z.), Stem Cell Center, Department of Biology and Biochemistry (W.X., F.M.), University of Houston, Houston, Texas; College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee (N.A., W.L.); and Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (J.Z.)
| | - Hannah T Sang
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy (W.W., Y.D., J.F.F., H.T.S., R.Z.), Drug Discovery Institute (W.W., R.Z.), Stem Cell Center, Department of Biology and Biochemistry (W.X., F.M.), University of Houston, Houston, Texas; College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee (N.A., W.L.); and Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (J.Z.)
| | - Wa Xian
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy (W.W., Y.D., J.F.F., H.T.S., R.Z.), Drug Discovery Institute (W.W., R.Z.), Stem Cell Center, Department of Biology and Biochemistry (W.X., F.M.), University of Houston, Houston, Texas; College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee (N.A., W.L.); and Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (J.Z.)
| | - Frank McKeon
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy (W.W., Y.D., J.F.F., H.T.S., R.Z.), Drug Discovery Institute (W.W., R.Z.), Stem Cell Center, Department of Biology and Biochemistry (W.X., F.M.), University of Houston, Houston, Texas; College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee (N.A., W.L.); and Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (J.Z.)
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy (W.W., Y.D., J.F.F., H.T.S., R.Z.), Drug Discovery Institute (W.W., R.Z.), Stem Cell Center, Department of Biology and Biochemistry (W.X., F.M.), University of Houston, Houston, Texas; College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee (N.A., W.L.); and Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (J.Z.)
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy (W.W., Y.D., J.F.F., H.T.S., R.Z.), Drug Discovery Institute (W.W., R.Z.), Stem Cell Center, Department of Biology and Biochemistry (W.X., F.M.), University of Houston, Houston, Texas; College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee (N.A., W.L.); and Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (J.Z.)
| | - Ruiwen Zhang
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy (W.W., Y.D., J.F.F., H.T.S., R.Z.), Drug Discovery Institute (W.W., R.Z.), Stem Cell Center, Department of Biology and Biochemistry (W.X., F.M.), University of Houston, Houston, Texas; College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee (N.A., W.L.); and Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (J.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Di Matteo S, Bilotta MT, Pelosi A, Haas D, Theinert T, Weber G, Schlegel PG, Berg M, Moretta L, Maggi E, Azzarone B, Vacca P, Tumino N, Caruana I. Transition to a mesenchymal state in neuroblastoma may be characterized by a high expression of GD2 and by the acquisition of immune escape from NK cells. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1382931. [PMID: 38736882 PMCID: PMC11082345 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1382931] [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: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Neuroblastoma (NB) is characterized by both adrenergic (ADRN) and undifferentiated mesenchymal (MES) subsets. The ganglioside sialic acid-containing glycosphingolipid (GD2) is widely overexpressed on tumors of neuroectodermal origin promoting malignant phenotypes. MES cells are greatly enriched in post-therapy and relapsing tumors and are characterized by decreased expression of GD2. This event may cause failure of GD2-based immunotherapy. NK cells represent a key innate cell subset able to efficiently kill tumors. However, the tumor microenvironment (TME) that includes tumor cells and tumor-associated (TA) cells could inhibit their effector function. Methods We studied eight NB primary cultures that, in comparison with commercial cell lines, more faithfully reflect the tumor cell characteristics. We studied four primary NB-MES cell cultures and two pairs of MES/ADRN (691 and 717) primary cultures, derived from the same patient. In particular, in the six human NB primary cultures, we assessed their phenotype, the expression of GD2, and the enzymes that control its expression, as well as their interactions with NK cells, using flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, and cytotoxicity assays. Results We identified mature (CD105+/CD133-) and undifferentiated (CD133+/CD105-) NB subsets that express high levels of the MES transcripts WWTR1 and SIX4. In addition, undifferentiated MES cells display a strong resistance to NK-mediated killing. On the contrary, mature NB-MES cells display an intermediate resistance to NK-mediated killing and exhibit some immunomodulatory capacities on NK cells but do not inhibit their cytolytic activity. Notably, independent from their undifferentiated or mature phenotype, NB-MES cells express GD2 that can be further upregulated in undifferentiated NB-MES cells upon co-culture with NK cells, leading to the generation of mature mesenchymal GD2bright neuroblasts. Concerning 691 and 717, they show high levels of GD2 and resistance to NK cell-mediated killing that can be overcome by the administration of dinutuximab beta, the anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody applied in the clinic. Conclusions NB is a heterogeneous tumor representing a further hurdle in NB immunotherapy. However, different from what was reported with NB commercial cells and independent of their MES/ADRN phenotype, the expression of GD2 and its displayed sensitivity to anti-GD2 mAb ADCC indicated the possible effectiveness of anti-GD2 immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Di Matteo
- Tumour Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Bilotta
- Innate Lymphoid Cells Unit, Immunology Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Pelosi
- Tumour Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Dorothee Haas
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Theinert
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Gerrit Weber
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Paul-Gerhardt Schlegel
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Berg
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Tumour Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Maggi
- Tumour Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Azzarone
- Tumour Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Vacca
- Innate Lymphoid Cells Unit, Immunology Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Tumino
- Innate Lymphoid Cells Unit, Immunology Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Ignazio Caruana
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lin Z, Li X, Shi H, Cao R, Zhu L, Dang C, Sheng Y, Fan W, Yang Z, Wu S. Decoding the tumor microenvironment and molecular mechanism: unraveling cervical cancer subpopulations and prognostic signatures through scRNA-Seq and bulk RNA-seq analyses. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1351287. [PMID: 38482016 PMCID: PMC10933018 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1351287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cervical carcinoma (CC) represents a prevalent gynecological neoplasm, with a discernible rise in prevalence among younger cohorts observed in recent years. Nonetheless, the intrinsic cellular heterogeneity of CC remains inadequately investigated. Methods We utilized single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) transcriptomic analysis to scrutinize the tumor epithelial cells derived from four specimens of cervical carcinoma (CC) patients. This method enabled the identification of pivotal subpopulations of tumor epithelial cells and elucidation of their contributions to CC progression. Subsequently, we assessed the influence of associated molecules in bulk RNA sequencing (Bulk RNA-seq) cohorts and performed cellular experiments for validation purposes. Results Through our analysis, we have discerned C3 PLP2+ Tumor Epithelial Progenitor Cells as a noteworthy subpopulation in cervical carcinoma (CC), exerting a pivotal influence on the differentiation and progression of CC. We have established an independent prognostic indicator-the PLP2+ Tumor EPCs score. By stratifying patients into high and low score groups based on the median score, we have observed that the high-score group exhibits diminished survival rates compared to the low-score group. The correlations observed between these groups and immune infiltration, enriched pathways, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), drug sensitivity, among other factors, further underscore their impact on CC prognosis. Cellular experiments have validated the significant impact of ATF6 on the proliferation and migration of CC cell lines. Conclusion This study enriches our comprehension of the determinants shaping the progression of CC, elevates cognizance of the tumor microenvironment in CC, and offers valuable insights for prospective CC therapies. These discoveries contribute to the refinement of CC diagnostics and the formulation of optimal therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiheng Lin
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xinhan Li
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hengmei Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Renshuang Cao
- Wangjing Hospital of Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lijun Zhu
- Longhua Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunxiao Dang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yawen Sheng
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Weisen Fan
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | | | - Siyu Wu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sun D, Qian H, Li J, Xing P. Targeting MDM2 in malignancies is a promising strategy for overcoming resistance to anticancer immunotherapy. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:17. [PMID: 38281981 PMCID: PMC10823613 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-01004-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
MDM2 has been established as a biomarker indicating poor prognosis for individuals undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment for different malignancies by various pancancer studies. Specifically, patients who have MDM2 amplification are vulnerable to the development of hyperprogressive disease (HPD) following anticancer immunotherapy, resulting in marked deleterious effects on survival rates. The mechanism of MDM2 involves its role as an oncogene during the development of malignancy, and MDM2 can promote both metastasis and tumor cell proliferation, which indirectly leads to disease progression. Moreover, MDM2 is vitally involved in modifying the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) as well as in influencing immune cells, eventually facilitating immune evasion and tolerance. Encouragingly, various MDM2 inhibitors have exhibited efficacy in relieving the TIME suppression caused by MDM2. These results demonstrate the prospects for breakthroughs in combination therapy using MDM2 inhibitors and anticancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dantong Sun
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Haili Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Junling Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Puyuan Xing
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tan G, Spillane KM, Maher J. The Role and Regulation of the NKG2D/NKG2D Ligand System in Cancer. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1079. [PMID: 37626965 PMCID: PMC10452210 DOI: 10.3390/biology12081079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
The family of human NKG2D ligands (NKG2DL) consists of eight stress-induced molecules. Over 80% of human cancers express these ligands on the surface of tumour cells and/or associated stromal elements. In mice, NKG2D deficiency increases susceptibility to some types of cancer, implicating this system in immune surveillance for malignancy. However, NKG2DL can also be shed, released via exosomes and trapped intracellularly, leading to immunosuppressive effects. Moreover, NKG2D can enhance chronic inflammatory processes which themselves can increase cancer risk and progression. Indeed, tumours commonly deploy a range of countermeasures that can neutralise or even corrupt this surveillance system, tipping the balance away from immune control towards tumour progression. Consequently, the prognostic impact of NKG2DL expression in human cancer is variable. In this review, we consider the underlying biology and regulation of the NKG2D/NKG2DL system and its expression and role in a range of cancer types. We also consider the opportunities for pharmacological modulation of NKG2DL expression while cautioning that such interventions need to be carefully calibrated according to the biology of the specific cancer type.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ge Tan
- CAR Mechanics Group, Guy’s Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK;
| | | | - John Maher
- CAR Mechanics Group, Guy’s Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK;
- Department of Immunology, Eastbourne Hospital, Kings Drive, Eastbourne BN21 2UD, UK
- Leucid Bio Ltd., Guy’s Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Carannante V, Wiklund M, Önfelt B. In vitro models to study natural killer cell dynamics in the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1135148. [PMID: 37457703 PMCID: PMC10338882 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1135148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is revolutionizing cancer therapy. The rapid development of new immunotherapeutic strategies to treat solid tumors is posing new challenges for preclinical research, demanding novel in vitro methods to test treatments. Such methods should meet specific requirements, such as enabling the evaluation of immune cell responses like cytotoxicity or cytokine release, and infiltration into the tumor microenvironment using cancer models representative of the original disease. They should allow high-throughput and high-content analysis, to evaluate the efficacy of treatments and understand immune-evasion processes to facilitate development of new therapeutic targets. Ideally, they should be suitable for personalized immunotherapy testing, providing information for patient stratification. Consequently, the application of in vitro 3-dimensional (3D) cell culture models, such as tumor spheroids and organoids, is rapidly expanding in the immunotherapeutic field, coupled with the development of novel imaging-based techniques and -omic analysis. In this paper, we review the recent advances in the development of in vitro 3D platforms applied to natural killer (NK) cell-based cancer immunotherapy studies, highlighting the benefits and limitations of the current methods, and discuss new concepts and future directions of the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Carannante
- Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Wiklund
- Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Björn Önfelt
- Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Parodi M, Astigiano S, Carrega P, Pietra G, Vitale C, Damele L, Grottoli M, Guevara Lopez MDLL, Ferracini R, Bertolini G, Roato I, Vitale M, Orecchia P. Murine models to study human NK cells in human solid tumors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1209237. [PMID: 37388731 PMCID: PMC10301748 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1209237] [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: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the first studies, the mouse models have provided crucial support for the most important discoveries on NK cells, on their development, function, and circulation within normal and tumor tissues. Murine tumor models were initially set to study murine NK cells, then, ever more sophisticated human-in-mice models have been developed to investigate the behavior of human NK cells and minimize the interferences from the murine environment. This review presents an overview of the models that have been used along time to study NK cells, focusing on the most popular NOG and NSG models, which work as recipients for the preparation of human-in-mice tumor models, the study of transferred human NK cells, and the evaluation of various enhancers of human NK cell function, including cytokines and chimeric molecules. Finally, an overview of the next generation humanized mice is also provided along with a discussion on how traditional and innovative in-vivo and in-vitro approaches could be integrated to optimize effective pre-clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Parodi
- Unità Operativa UO Patologia e Immunologia Sperimentale, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Simonetta Astigiano
- Animal Facility, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Paolo Carrega
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biotherapy, Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- Unità Operativa UO Patologia e Immunologia Sperimentale, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Chiara Vitale
- Unità Operativa UO Patologia e Immunologia Sperimentale, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Laura Damele
- Unità Operativa UO Patologia e Immunologia Sperimentale, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Melania Grottoli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Ferracini
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Bone and Dental Bioengineering Laboratory, C.I.R Dental School, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Department of Surgical Sciences (DISC), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giulia Bertolini
- “Epigenomics and Biomarkers of Solid Tumors”, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Roato
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Bone and Dental Bioengineering Laboratory, C.I.R Dental School, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Massimo Vitale
- Unità Operativa UO Patologia e Immunologia Sperimentale, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Paola Orecchia
- Unità Operativa UO Patologia e Immunologia Sperimentale, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cifaldi L, Melaiu O, Giovannoni R, Benvenuto M, Focaccetti C, Nardozi D, Barillari G, Bei R. DNAM-1 chimeric receptor-engineered NK cells: a new frontier for CAR-NK cell-based immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1197053. [PMID: 37359555 PMCID: PMC10285446 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1197053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
DNAM-1 is a major NK cell activating receptor and, together with NKG2D and NCRs, by binding specific ligands, strongly contributes to mediating the killing of tumor or virus-infected cells. DNAM-1 specifically recognizes PVR and Nectin-2 ligands that are expressed on some virus-infected cells and on a broad spectrum of tumor cells of both hematological and solid malignancies. So far, while NK cells engineered for different antigen chimeric receptors (CARs) or chimeric NKG2D receptor have been extensively tested in preclinical and clinical studies, the use of DNAM-1 chimeric receptor-engineered NK cells has been proposed only in our recent proof-of-concept study and deserves further development. The aim of this perspective study is to describe the rationale for using this novel tool as a new anti-cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Cifaldi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Ombretta Melaiu
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Departmental Faculty of Medicine, Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Focaccetti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Nardozi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Barillari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Focaccetti C, Benvenuto M, Pighi C, Vitelli A, Napolitano F, Cotugno N, Fruci D, Palma P, Rossi P, Bei R, Cifaldi L. DNAM-1-chimeric receptor-engineered NK cells, combined with Nutlin-3a, more effectively fight neuroblastoma cells in vitro: a proof-of-concept study. Front Immunol 2022; 13:886319. [PMID: 35967339 PMCID: PMC9367496 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.886319] [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: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of engineered NK cells, one of clinical approaches to fight cancer, is gaining great interest in the last decade. However, the development of new strategies is needed to improve clinical efficacy and safety of NK cell-based immunotherapy. NK cell-mediated recognition and lysis of tumor cells are strictly dependent on the expression of ligands for NK cell-activating receptors NKG2D and DNAM-1 on tumor cells. Of note, the PVR/CD155 and Nectin-2/CD112 ligands for DNAM-1 are expressed primarily on solid tumor cells and poorly expressed in normal tissue cells. Here, we generated human NK cells expressing either the full length DNAM-1 receptor or three different DNAM-1-based chimeric receptor that provide the expression of DNAM-1 fused to a costimulatory molecule such as 2B4 and CD3ζ chain. Upon transfection into primary human NK cells isolated from healthy donors, we evaluated the surface expression of DNAM-1 and, as a functional readout, we assessed the extent of degranulation, cytotoxicity and the production of IFNγ and TNFα in response to human leukemic K562 cell line. In addition, we explored the effect of Nutlin-3a, a MDM2-targeting drug able of restoring p53 functions and known to have an immunomodulatory effect, on the degranulation of DNAM-1-engineered NK cells in response to human neuroblastoma (NB) LA-N-5 and SMS-KCNR cell lines. By comparing NK cells transfected with four different plasmid vectors and through blocking experiments, DNAM-1-CD3ζ-engineered NK cells showed the strongest response. Furthermore, both LA-N-5 and SMS-KCNR cells pretreated with Nutlin-3a were significantly more susceptible to DNAM-1-engineered NK cells than NK cells transfected with the empty vector. Our results provide a proof-of-concept suggesting that the combined use of DNAM-1-chimeric receptor-engineered NK cells and Nutlin-3a may represent a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of solid tumors, such as NB, carrying dysfunctional p53.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Focaccetti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Pighi
- Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Dipartimento Pediatrico Universitario Ospedaliero (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Nicola Cotugno
- Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Dipartimento Pediatrico Universitario Ospedaliero (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
- Chair of Pediatrics, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Doriana Fruci
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Palma
- Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Dipartimento Pediatrico Universitario Ospedaliero (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
- Chair of Pediatrics, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Rossi
- Chair of Pediatrics, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Academic Department of Pediatrics (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Cifaldi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Academic Department of Pediatrics (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Loredana Cifaldi,
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
The metabolism of cells regulates their sensitivity to NK cells depending on p53 status. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3234. [PMID: 35217717 PMCID: PMC8881467 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07281-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukemic cells proliferate faster than non-transformed counterparts. This requires them to change their metabolism to adapt to their high growth. This change can stress cells and facilitate recognition by immune cells such as cytotoxic lymphocytes, which express the activating receptor Natural Killer G2-D (NKG2D). The tumor suppressor gene p53 regulates cell metabolism, but its role in the expression of metabolism-induced ligands, and subsequent recognition by cytotoxic lymphocytes, is unknown. We show here that dichloroacetate (DCA), which induces oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in tumor cells, induces the expression of such ligands, e.g. MICA/B, ULBP1 and ICAM-I, by a wtp53-dependent mechanism. Mutant or null p53 have the opposite effect. Conversely, DCA sensitizes only wtp53-expressing cells to cytotoxic lymphocytes, i.e. cytotoxic T lymphocytes and NK cells. In xenograft in vivo models, DCA slows down the growth of tumors with low proliferation. Treatment with DCA, monoclonal antibodies and NK cells also decreased tumors with high proliferation. Treatment of patients with DCA, or a biosimilar drug, could be a clinical option to increase the effectiveness of CAR T cell or allogeneic NK cell therapies.
Collapse
|
11
|
Veneziani I, Alicata C, Pelosi A, Landolina N, Ricci B, D'Oria V, Fagotti A, Scambia G, Moretta L, Maggi E. Toll-like receptor 8 agonists improve NK-cell function primarily targeting CD56brightCD16− subset. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-003385. [PMID: 35091452 PMCID: PMC8804697 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are pattern-recognition sensors mainly expressed in innate immune cells that directly recognize conserved pathogen structures (pathogen-associated molecular patterns-PAMPs). Natural killer (NK) cells have been described to express different endosomal TLRs triggered by RNA and DNA sequences derived from both viruses and bacteria. This study was addressed to establish which endosomal TLR could directly mediate NK activation and function after proper stimuli. It was also important to establish the most suitable TLR agonist to be used as adjuvant in tumor vaccines or in combined cancer immunotherapies. Methods We assessed endosomal TLR expression in total NK cells by using RT-qPCR and western blotting technique. In some experiments, we purified CD56brightCD16− and CD56dimCD16+ cells subsets by using NK Cell Isolation Kit Activation marker, cytokine production, CD107a expression and cytotoxicity assay were evaluated by flow cytometry. Cytokine release was quantified by ELISA. NK cells obtained from ovarian ascites underwent the same analyses. Results Although the four endosomal TLRs (TLR3, TLR7/8, and TLR9) were uniformly expressed on CD56brightCD16− and CD56dimCD16+ cell subsets, the TLR7/8 (R848), TLR3 (polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid, Poly I:C) and TLR9 (ODN2395) ligands promoted NK-cell function only in the presence of suboptimal doses of cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18, produced in vivo by other environmental cells. We showed that R848 rather than TLR3 and TLR9 agonists primarily activated CD56brightCD16− NK cells by increasing their proliferation, cytokine production and cytotoxic activity. Moreover, we demonstrated that R848, which usually triggers TLR7 and TLR8 on dendritic cells, macrophages and neutrophils cells, activated CD56brightCD16− NK-cell subset only via TLR8. Indeed, specific TLR8 but not TLR7 agonists increased cytokine production and cytotoxic activity of CD56brightCD16− NK cells. Importantly, these activities were also observed in peritoneal NK cells from patients with metastatic ovarian carcinoma, prevalently belonging to the CD56brightCD16− subset. Conclusion These data highlight the potential value of TLR8 in NK cells as a new target for immunotherapy in patients with cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Veneziani
- Department of Immunology, Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital, Roma, Italy
| | - Claudia Alicata
- Department of Immunology, Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital, Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Pelosi
- Department of Immunology, Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital, Roma, Italy
| | - Nadine Landolina
- Department of Immunology, Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital, Roma, Italy
| | - Biancamaria Ricci
- Department of Immunology, Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital, Roma, Italy
| | - Valentina D'Oria
- Confocal Microscopy Core Facility, Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital, Roma, Italy
| | - Anna Fagotti
- Department of Woman's Health Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Campus di Roma, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Giovanni Scambia
- Department of Woman's Health Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Campus di Roma, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Department of Immunology, Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital, Roma, Italy
| | - Enrico Maggi
- Department of Immunology, Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital, Roma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Haronikova L, Bonczek O, Zatloukalova P, Kokas-Zavadil F, Kucerikova M, Coates PJ, Fahraeus R, Vojtesek B. Resistance mechanisms to inhibitors of p53-MDM2 interactions in cancer therapy: can we overcome them? Cell Mol Biol Lett 2021; 26:53. [PMID: 34911439 PMCID: PMC8903693 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-021-00293-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of the first MDM2 inhibitors, we have gained deeper insights into the cellular roles of MDM2 and p53. In this review, we focus on MDM2 inhibitors that bind to the p53-binding domain of MDM2 and aim to disrupt the binding of MDM2 to p53. We describe the basic mechanism of action of these MDM2 inhibitors, such as nutlin-3a, summarise the determinants of sensitivity to MDM2 inhibition from p53-dependent and p53-independent points of view and discuss the problems with innate and acquired resistance to MDM2 inhibition. Despite progress in MDM2 inhibitor design and ongoing clinical trials, their broad use in cancer treatment is not fulfilling expectations in heterogenous human cancers. We assess the MDM2 inhibitor types in clinical trials and provide an overview of possible sources of resistance to MDM2 inhibition, underlining the need for patient stratification based on these aspects to gain better clinical responses, including the use of combination therapies for personalised medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Haronikova
- RECAMO, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Ondrej Bonczek
- RECAMO, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Umea University, 901 87, Umea, Vasterbotten, Sweden
| | - Pavlina Zatloukalova
- RECAMO, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Filip Kokas-Zavadil
- RECAMO, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Kucerikova
- RECAMO, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53, Brno, Czech Republic
- National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Philip J Coates
- RECAMO, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Robin Fahraeus
- RECAMO, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Umea University, 901 87, Umea, Vasterbotten, Sweden
- Inserm UMRS1131, Institut de Génétique Moléculaire, Université Paris 7, Hôpital St. Louis, 75010, Paris, France
| | - Borivoj Vojtesek
- RECAMO, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53, Brno, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Roulleaux Dugage M, Nassif EF, Italiano A, Bahleda R. Improving Immunotherapy Efficacy in Soft-Tissue Sarcomas: A Biomarker Driven and Histotype Tailored Review. Front Immunol 2021; 12:775761. [PMID: 34925348 PMCID: PMC8678134 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.775761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-PD-(L)1 therapies yield a disappointing response rate of 15% across soft-tissue sarcomas, even if some subtypes benefit more than others. The proportions of TAMs and TILs in their tumor microenvironment are variable, and this heterogeneity correlates to histotype. Tumors with a richer CD8+ T cell, M1 macrophage, and CD20+ cells infiltrate have a better prognosis than those infiltrated by M0/M2 macrophages and a high immune checkpoint protein expression. PD-L1 and CD8+ infiltrate seem correlated to response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), but tertiary lymphoid structures have the best predictive value and have been validated prospectively. Trials for combination therapies are ongoing and focus on the association of ICI with chemotherapy, achieving encouraging results especially with pembrolizumab and doxorubicin at an early stage, or ICI with antiangiogenics. A synergy with oncolytic viruses is seen and intratumoral talimogene laherpavec yields an impressive 35% ORR when associated to pembrolizumab. Adoptive cellular therapies are also of great interest in tumors with a high expression of cancer-testis antigens (CTA), such as synovial sarcomas or myxoid round cell liposarcomas with an ORR ranging from 20 to 50%. It seems crucial to adapt the design of clinical trials to histology. Leiomyosarcomas are characterized by complex genomics but are poorly infiltrated by immune cells and do not benefit from ICI. They should be tested with PIK3CA/AKT inhibition, IDO blockade, or treatments aiming at increasing antigenicity (radiotherapy, PARP inhibitors). DDLPS are more infiltrated and have higher PD-L1 expression, but responses to ICI remain variable across clinical studies. Combinations with MDM2 antagonists or CDK4/6 inhibitors may improve responses for DDLPS. UPS harbor the highest copy number alterations (CNA) and mutation rates, with a rich immune infiltrate containing TLS. They have a promising 15-40% ORR to ICI. Trials for ICB should focus on immune-high UPS. Association of ICI with FGFR inhibitors warrants further exploration in the immune-low group of UPS. Finally translocation-related sarcomas are heterogeneous, and although synovial sarcomas a poorly infiltrated and have a poor response rate to ICI, ASPS largely benefit from ICB monotherapy or its association with antiangiogenics agents. Targeting specific neoantigens through vaccine or adoptive cellular therapies is probably the most promising approach in synovial sarcomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Roulleaux Dugage
- Département d’Innovation Thérapeutique et des Essais Précoces (DITEP), Gustave Roussy, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Elise F. Nassif
- Département d’Innovation Thérapeutique et des Essais Précoces (DITEP), Gustave Roussy, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Antoine Italiano
- Département d’Innovation Thérapeutique et des Essais Précoces (DITEP), Gustave Roussy, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
- Département d’Oncologie Médicale, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
| | - Rastislav Bahleda
- Département d’Innovation Thérapeutique et des Essais Précoces (DITEP), Gustave Roussy, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Brandetti E, Focaccetti C, Pezzolo A, Ognibene M, Folgiero V, Cotugno N, Benvenuto M, Palma P, Manzari V, Rossi P, Fruci D, Bei R, Cifaldi L. Enhancement of Neuroblastoma NK-Cell-Mediated Lysis through NF-kB p65 Subunit-Induced Expression of FAS and PVR, the Loss of Which Is Associated with Poor Patient Outcome. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13174368. [PMID: 34503178 PMCID: PMC8430542 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174368] [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: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Neuroblastoma (NB) cells adopt several molecular strategies to evade the Natural Killer (NK)-mediated response. Herein, we found that the overexpression of the NF-kB p65 subunit in NB cell lines upregulates the expression of both the death receptor FAS and the activating ligand PVR, thus rendering NB cells more susceptible to NK-cell-mediated apoptosis, recognition, and killing. These data could provide a clue for a novel NK-cell-based immunotherapy of NB. In addition, array CGH analysis performed in our cohort of NB patients showed that loss of both the FAS and PVR genes correlated with low survival, thus revealing a novel biomarker predicting the outcome of NB patients. Abstract High-risk neuroblastoma (NB) is a rare childhood cancer whose aggressiveness is due to a variety of chromosomal genetic aberrations, including those conferring immune evasion. Indeed, NB cells adopt several molecular strategies to evade recognition by the immune system, including the downregulation of ligands for NK-cell-activating receptors. To date, while molecular strategies aimed at enhancing the expression of ligands for NKG2D- and DNAM-1-activating receptors have been explored, no evidence has been reported on the immunomodulatory mechanisms acting on the expression of death receptors such as Fas in NB cells. Here, we demonstrated that transient overexpression of the NF-kB p65 subunit upregulates the surface expression of Fas and PVR, the ligand of DNAM-1, thus making NB cell lines significantly more susceptible to NK-cell-mediated apoptosis, recognition, and killing. In contrast, IFNγ and TNFα treatment, although it induced the upregulation of FAS in NB cells and consequently enhanced NK-cell-mediated apoptosis, triggered immune evasion processes, including the strong upregulation of MHC class I and IDO1, both of which are involved in mechanisms leading to the impairment of a proper NK-cell-mediated killing of NB. In addition, high-resolution array CGH analysis performed in our cohort of NB patients revealed that the loss of FAS and/or PVR genes correlated with low survival independently of the disease stage. Our data identify the status of the FAS and PVR genes as prognostic biomarkers of NB that may predict the efficacy of NK-cell-based immunotherapy of NB. Overall, restoration of surface expression of Fas and PVR, through transient upregulation of NF-kB, may be a clue to a novel NK-cell-based immunotherapy of NB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Brandetti
- Academic Department of Pediatrics (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (P.R.)
| | - Chiara Focaccetti
- Department of Human Science and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (V.M.); (R.B.)
| | | | - Marzia Ognibene
- U.O.C. Genetica Medica, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Valentina Folgiero
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (V.F.); (D.F.)
| | - Nicola Cotugno
- Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, DPUO, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (N.C.); (P.P.)
| | - Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (V.M.); (R.B.)
- Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Palma
- Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, DPUO, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (N.C.); (P.P.)
| | - Vittorio Manzari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (V.M.); (R.B.)
| | - Paolo Rossi
- Academic Department of Pediatrics (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (P.R.)
| | - Doriana Fruci
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (V.F.); (D.F.)
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (V.M.); (R.B.)
| | - Loredana Cifaldi
- Academic Department of Pediatrics (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (P.R.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (V.M.); (R.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-72596520
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Unleashing the power of NK cells in anticancer immunotherapy. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 100:337-349. [PMID: 34374809 PMCID: PMC8843917 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02120-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Due to their physiological role in removing damaged cells, natural killer (NK) cells represent ideal candidates for cellular immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer. Thereby, the cytotoxicity of NK cells is regulated by signals on both, the NK cells as well as the targeted tumor cells, and the interplay and balance of these signals determine the killing capacity of NK cells. One promising avenue in cancer treatment is therefore the combination of NK cell therapy with agents that either help to increase the killing capacity of NK cells or sensitize tumor cells to an NK cell-mediated attack. In this mini-review, we present different strategies that can be explored to unleash the potential of NK cell immunotherapy. In particular, we summarize how modulation of apoptosis signaling within tumor cells can be exploited to sensitize tumor cells to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity.
Collapse
|
16
|
ANP32B-mediated repression of p53 contributes to maintenance of normal and CML stem cells. Blood 2021; 138:2485-2498. [PMID: 34359074 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020010400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Proper regulation of p53 signaling is critical for the maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and leukemic stem cells (LSCs). The hematopoietic cell-specific mechanisms regulating p53 activity remain largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that conditional deletion of acidic leucine-rich nuclear phosphoprotein 32B (ANP32B) in hematopoietic cells impairs repopulation capacity and post-injury regeneration of HSCs. Mechanistically, ANP32B forms a repressive complex with and thus inhibits the transcriptional activity of p53 in hematopoietic cells, and p53 deletion rescues the functional defect in Anp32b-deficient HSCs. Of great interest, ANP32B is highly expressed in leukemic cells from chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patients. Anp32b deletion enhances p53 transcriptional activity to impair LSCs function in a murine CML model, and exhibits synergistic therapeutic effects with tyrosine kinase inhibitors in inhibiting CML propagation. In summary, our findings provide a novel strategy to enhance p53 activity in LSCs by inhibiting ANP32B, and identify ANP32B as a potential therapeutic target in treating CML.
Collapse
|
17
|
Three-Dimensional Culture Models to Study Innate Anti-Tumor Immune Response: Advantages and Disadvantages. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143417. [PMID: 34298630 PMCID: PMC8303518 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143417] [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: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Several approaches have shown that the immune response against tumors strongly affects patients' clinical outcome. Thus, the study of anti-tumor immunity is critical to understand and potentiate the mechanisms underlying the elimination of tumor cells. Natural killer (NK) cells are members of innate immunity and represent powerful anti-tumor effectors, able to eliminate tumor cells without a previous sensitization. Thus, the study of their involvement in anti-tumor responses is critical for clinical translation. This analysis has been performed in vitro, co-incubating NK with tumor cells and quantifying the cytotoxic activity of NK cells. In vivo confirmation has been applied to overcome the limits of in vitro testing, however, the innate immunity of mice and humans is different, leading to discrepancies. Different activating receptors on NK cells and counter-ligands on tumor cells are involved in the antitumor response, and innate immunity is strictly dependent on the specific microenvironment where it takes place. Thus, three-dimensional (3D) culture systems, where NK and tumor cells can interact in a tissue-like architecture, have been created. For example, tumor cell spheroids and primary organoids derived from several tumor types, have been used so far to analyze innate immune response, replacing animal models. Herein, we briefly introduce NK cells and analyze and discuss in detail the properties of 3D tumor culture systems and their use for the study of tumor cell interactions with NK cells.
Collapse
|
18
|
Nassif EF, Auclin E, Bahleda R, Honoré C, Mir O, Dumont S, Mery B, Hodroj K, Brahmi M, Trédan O, Ray-Coquard I, Blay JY, Massard C, Le Cesne A, Dufresne A. TP53 Mutation as a Prognostic and Predictive Marker in Sarcoma: Pooled Analysis of MOSCATO and ProfiLER Precision Medicine Trials. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3362. [PMID: 34282771 PMCID: PMC8268242 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: locally resected high-grade sarcomas relapse in 40% of cases. There is no prognostic or predictive genomic marker for response to peri-operative chemotherapy. (2) Methods: MOSCATO and ProfiLER are pan-tumor prospective precision medicine trials for advanced tumors. Molecular analysis in both trials comprised targeted next-generation sequencing and comparative genomic hybridization array. We investigated if molecular alterations identified in these trials in sarcomas were associated with disease-free survival (DFS) and response to anthracyclines. (3) Results: this analysis included 215 sarcomas, amongst which 53 leiomyosarcomas, 27 rhabdomyosarcomas, 20 undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas, and 17 liposarcomas. The most frequently altered gene was TP53 (46 mutations and eight deletions). There were 149 surgically resected localized sarcomas. Median DFS in TP53 wild type (WT), deleted, and mutated sarcomas was 16, 10, and 10 months, respectively (p = 0.028; deletions: HR = 1.55; 95% CI = 0.75-3.19; mutations: HR = 1.70; 95%CI = 1.13-2.64). In multivariate analysis, TP53 mutations remained associated with shorter DFS (p = 0.027; HR = 2.30; 95%CI = 1.10-4.82). There were 161 localized and advanced sarcomas evaluable for response to anthracyclines. Objective response rates were 35% and 55% in TP53 WT and mutated sarcomas, respectively (OR = 2.24; 95%CI = 1.01-5.03; p = 0.05). In multivariate analysis, TP53 mutations remained associated with increased response (OR = 3.24; 95%CI = 1.30-8.45; p = 0.01). (4) Conclusions: TP53 mutations are associated with shorter DFS and increased response to anthracyclines. Post-validation, these findings could assist in decision-making for peri-operative treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elise F. Nassif
- Centre Léon Bérard, Medical Oncology Department, 69008 Lyon, France; (E.F.N.); (B.M.); (K.H.); (M.B.); (O.T.); (I.R.-C.); (J.-Y.B.); (A.D.)
| | - Edouard Auclin
- Oncology Department, Hopital Européen Georges Pompidou, 75015 Paris, France;
| | - Rastilav Bahleda
- DITEP (Département d’Innovation Therapeutique et d’Essais Précoces), Drug Development Department, Gustave Roussy, 94805 Villejuif, France; (R.B.); (C.M.)
| | - Charles Honoré
- Surgical Oncology Department, Gustave Roussy, 94805 Villejuif, France;
| | - Olivier Mir
- Ambulatory Cancer Care Department, Gustave Roussy, 94805 Villejuif, France;
| | - Sarah Dumont
- Medical Oncology Department, Gustave Roussy, 94805 Villejuif, France;
| | - Benoite Mery
- Centre Léon Bérard, Medical Oncology Department, 69008 Lyon, France; (E.F.N.); (B.M.); (K.H.); (M.B.); (O.T.); (I.R.-C.); (J.-Y.B.); (A.D.)
| | - Khalil Hodroj
- Centre Léon Bérard, Medical Oncology Department, 69008 Lyon, France; (E.F.N.); (B.M.); (K.H.); (M.B.); (O.T.); (I.R.-C.); (J.-Y.B.); (A.D.)
| | - Mehdi Brahmi
- Centre Léon Bérard, Medical Oncology Department, 69008 Lyon, France; (E.F.N.); (B.M.); (K.H.); (M.B.); (O.T.); (I.R.-C.); (J.-Y.B.); (A.D.)
| | - Olivier Trédan
- Centre Léon Bérard, Medical Oncology Department, 69008 Lyon, France; (E.F.N.); (B.M.); (K.H.); (M.B.); (O.T.); (I.R.-C.); (J.-Y.B.); (A.D.)
| | - Isabelle Ray-Coquard
- Centre Léon Bérard, Medical Oncology Department, 69008 Lyon, France; (E.F.N.); (B.M.); (K.H.); (M.B.); (O.T.); (I.R.-C.); (J.-Y.B.); (A.D.)
| | - Jean-Yves Blay
- Centre Léon Bérard, Medical Oncology Department, 69008 Lyon, France; (E.F.N.); (B.M.); (K.H.); (M.B.); (O.T.); (I.R.-C.); (J.-Y.B.); (A.D.)
| | - Christophe Massard
- DITEP (Département d’Innovation Therapeutique et d’Essais Précoces), Drug Development Department, Gustave Roussy, 94805 Villejuif, France; (R.B.); (C.M.)
| | - Axel Le Cesne
- Medical Oncology Department, Gustave Roussy, 94805 Villejuif, France;
| | - Armelle Dufresne
- Centre Léon Bérard, Medical Oncology Department, 69008 Lyon, France; (E.F.N.); (B.M.); (K.H.); (M.B.); (O.T.); (I.R.-C.); (J.-Y.B.); (A.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Quamine AE, Olsen MR, Cho MM, Capitini CM. Approaches to Enhance Natural Killer Cell-Based Immunotherapy for Pediatric Solid Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2796. [PMID: 34199783 PMCID: PMC8200074 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of metastatic pediatric solid tumors remain a significant challenge, particularly in relapsed and refractory settings. Standard treatment has included surgical resection, radiation, chemotherapy, and, in the case of neuroblastoma, immunotherapy. Despite such intensive therapy, cancer recurrence is common, and most tumors become refractory to prior therapy, leaving patients with few conventional treatment options. Natural killer (NK) cells are non-major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted lymphocytes that boast several complex killing mechanisms but at an added advantage of not causing graft-versus-host disease, making use of allogeneic NK cells a potential therapeutic option. On top of their killing capacity, NK cells also produce several cytokines and growth factors that act as key regulators of the adaptive immune system, positioning themselves as ideal effector cells for stimulating heavily pretreated immune systems. Despite this promise, clinical efficacy of adoptive NK cell therapy to date has been inconsistent, prompting a detailed understanding of the biological pathways within NK cells that can be leveraged to develop "next generation" NK cell therapies. Here, we review advances in current approaches to optimizing the NK cell antitumor response including combination with other immunotherapies, cytokines, checkpoint inhibition, and engineering NK cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) for the treatment of pediatric solid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aicha E. Quamine
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (A.E.Q.); (M.R.O.); (M.M.C.)
| | - Mallery R. Olsen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (A.E.Q.); (M.R.O.); (M.M.C.)
| | - Monica M. Cho
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (A.E.Q.); (M.R.O.); (M.M.C.)
| | - Christian M. Capitini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (A.E.Q.); (M.R.O.); (M.M.C.)
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Pelosi A, Fiore PF, Di Matteo S, Veneziani I, Caruana I, Ebert S, Munari E, Moretta L, Maggi E, Azzarone B. Pediatric Tumors-Mediated Inhibitory Effect on NK Cells: The Case of Neuroblastoma and Wilms' Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102374. [PMID: 34069127 PMCID: PMC8156764 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Neuroblastoma (NB) and Wilms’ tumor (WT) are the most common childhood solid extracranial tumors. The current treatments consist of a combination of surgery and chemotherapy or radiotherapy in high-risk patients. Such treatments are responsible for significant adverse events requiring long-term monitoring. Thus, a main challenge in NB and WT treatment is the development of novel therapeutic strategies to eliminate or minimize the adverse effects. The characterization of the immune environment could allow for the identification of new therapeutic targets. Herein, we described the interaction between these tumors and innate immune cells, in particular natural killer cells and monocytes. The detection of the immunosuppressive activity of specific NB and WT tumor cells on natural killer cells and on monocytes could offer novel cellular and molecular targets for an effective immunotherapy of NB and WT. Abstract Natural killer (NK) cells play a key role in the control of cancer development, progression and metastatic dissemination. However, tumor cells develop an array of strategies capable of impairing the activation and function of the immune system, including NK cells. In this context, a major event is represented by the establishment of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) composed of stromal cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, tumor-associated macrophages, regulatory T cells and cancer cells themselves. The different immunoregulatory cells infiltrating the TME, through the release of several immunosuppressive molecules or by cell-to-cell interactions, cause an impairment of the recruitment of NK cells and other lymphocytes with effector functions. The different mechanisms by which stromal and tumor cells impair NK cell function have been particularly explored in adult solid tumors and, in less depth, investigated and discussed in a pediatric setting. In this review, we will compare pediatric and adult solid malignancies concerning the respective mechanisms of NK cell inhibition, highlighting novel key data in neuroblastoma and Wilms’ tumor, two of the most frequent pediatric extracranial solid tumors. Indeed, both tumors are characterized by the presence of stromal cells acting through the release of immunosuppressive molecules. In addition, specific tumor cell subsets inhibit NK cell cytotoxic function by cell-to-cell contact mechanisms likely controlled by the transcriptional coactivator TAZ. These findings could lead to a more performant diagnostic approach and to the development of novel immunotherapeutic strategies targeting the identified cellular and molecular targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Pelosi
- Immunology Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (A.P.); (P.F.F.); (S.D.M.); (I.V.); (L.M.)
| | - Piera Filomena Fiore
- Immunology Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (A.P.); (P.F.F.); (S.D.M.); (I.V.); (L.M.)
| | - Sabina Di Matteo
- Immunology Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (A.P.); (P.F.F.); (S.D.M.); (I.V.); (L.M.)
| | - Irene Veneziani
- Immunology Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (A.P.); (P.F.F.); (S.D.M.); (I.V.); (L.M.)
| | - Ignazio Caruana
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Children’s Hospital of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (I.C.); (S.E.)
| | - Stefan Ebert
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Children’s Hospital of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (I.C.); (S.E.)
| | - Enrico Munari
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Immunology Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (A.P.); (P.F.F.); (S.D.M.); (I.V.); (L.M.)
| | - Enrico Maggi
- Immunology Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (A.P.); (P.F.F.); (S.D.M.); (I.V.); (L.M.)
- Correspondence: (E.M.); (B.A.)
| | - Bruno Azzarone
- Immunology Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (A.P.); (P.F.F.); (S.D.M.); (I.V.); (L.M.)
- Correspondence: (E.M.); (B.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kono M, Kumai T, Hayashi R, Yamaki H, Komatsuda H, Wakisaka R, Nagato T, Ohkuri T, Kosaka A, Ohara K, Kishibe K, Takahara M, Katada A, Hayashi T, Celis E, Kobayashi H, Harabuchi Y. Interruption of MDM2 signaling augments MDM2-targeted T cell-based antitumor immunotherapy through antigen-presenting machinery. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 70:3421-3434. [PMID: 33866408 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-02940-5] [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: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Identification of immunogenic tumor antigens, their corresponding T cell epitopes and the selection of effective adjuvants are prerequisites for developing effective cancer immunotherapies such as therapeutic vaccines. Murine double minute 2 (MDM2) is an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase that negatively regulates tumor suppressor p53. Because MDM2 overexpression serves as a poor prognosis factor in various types of tumors, it would be beneficial to develop MDM2-targeted cancer vaccines. In this report, we identified an MDM2-derived peptide epitope (MDM232-46) that elicited antigen-specific and tumor-reactive CD4+ T cell responses. These CD4+ T cells directly killed tumor cells via granzyme B. MDM2 is expressed in head and neck cancer patients with poor prognosis, and the T cells that recognize this MDM2 peptide were present in these patients. Notably, Nutlin-3 (MDM2-p53 blocker), inhibited tumor cell proliferation, was shown to augment antitumor T cell responses by increasing MDM2 expression, HLA-class I and HLA-DR through class II transactivator (CIITA). These results suggest that the use of this MDM2 peptide as a therapeutic vaccine combined with MDM2 inhibitors could represent an effective immunologic strategy to treat cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michihisa Kono
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, 078-8510, Japan
| | - Takumi Kumai
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, 078-8510, Japan. .,Department of Innovative Head & Neck Cancer Research and Treatment, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan.
| | - Ryusuke Hayashi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, 078-8510, Japan
| | - Hidekiyo Yamaki
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, 078-8510, Japan
| | - Hiroki Komatsuda
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, 078-8510, Japan
| | - Risa Wakisaka
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, 078-8510, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Nagato
- Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Takayuki Ohkuri
- Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Akemi Kosaka
- Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Kenzo Ohara
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, 078-8510, Japan
| | - Kan Kishibe
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, 078-8510, Japan
| | - Miki Takahara
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, 078-8510, Japan
| | - Akihiro Katada
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, 078-8510, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Hayashi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, 078-8510, Japan.,Department of Innovative Head & Neck Cancer Research and Treatment, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Esteban Celis
- Cancer Immunology, Inflammation and Tolerance Program, Augusta University, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Hiroya Kobayashi
- Department of Pathology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Yasuaki Harabuchi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, 078-8510, Japan
| |
Collapse
|