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Hartupee C, Nagalo BM, Chabu CY, Tesfay MZ, Coleman-Barnett J, West JT, Moaven O. Pancreatic cancer tumor microenvironment is a major therapeutic barrier and target. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1287459. [PMID: 38361931 PMCID: PMC10867137 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1287459] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is projected to become the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Limitations in early detection and treatment barriers contribute to the lack of substantial success in the treatment of this challenging-to-treat malignancy. Desmoplasia is the hallmark of PDAC microenvironment that creates a physical and immunologic barrier. Stromal support cells and immunomodulatory cells face aberrant signaling by pancreatic cancer cells that shifts the complex balance of proper repair mechanisms into a state of dysregulation. The product of this dysregulation is the desmoplastic environment that encases the malignant cells leading to a dense, hypoxic environment that promotes further tumorigenesis, provides innate systemic resistance, and suppresses anti-tumor immune invasion. This desmoplastic environment combined with the immunoregulatory events that allow it to persist serve as the primary focus of this review. The physical barrier and immune counterbalance in the tumor microenvironment (TME) make PDAC an immunologically cold tumor. To convert PDAC into an immunologically hot tumor, tumor microenvironment could be considered alongside the tumor cells. We discuss the complex network of microenvironment molecular and cellular composition and explore how they can be targeted to overcome immuno-therapeutic challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conner Hartupee
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Bolni Marius Nagalo
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Little Rock, AR, United States
- The Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Chiswili Y. Chabu
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Mulu Z. Tesfay
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Joycelynn Coleman-Barnett
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Louisiana Cancer Research Center, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - John T. West
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Louisiana Cancer Research Center, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Omeed Moaven
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Louisiana Cancer Research Center, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Louisiana State University - Louisiana Children's Medical Center (LSU - LCMC) Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
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2
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Haldar SD, Vilar E, Maitra A, Zaidi N. Worth a Pound of Cure? Emerging Strategies and Challenges in Cancer Immunoprevention. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2023; 16:483-495. [PMID: 37001882 PMCID: PMC10548442 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-22-0478] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunoprevention applies immunologic approaches such as vaccines to prevent, rather than to treat or cure, cancer. Despite limited success in the treatment of advanced disease, the development of cancer vaccines to intercept premalignant states is a promising area of current research. These efforts are supported by the rationale that vaccination in the premalignant setting is less susceptible to mechanisms of immune evasion compared with established cancer. Prophylactic vaccines have already been developed for a minority of cancers mediated by oncogenic viruses (e.g., hepatitis B and human papillomavirus). Extending the use of preventive vaccines to non-virally driven malignancies remains an unmet need to address the rising global burden of cancer. This review provides a broad overview of clinical trials in cancer immunoprevention with an emphasis on emerging vaccine targets and delivery platforms, translational challenges, and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurav D. Haldar
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Eduardo Vilar
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Sheikh Ahmed Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Neeha Zaidi
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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3
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Guterres A, Abrahim M, da Costa Neves PC. The role of immune subtyping in glioma mRNA vaccine development. Immunotherapy 2023; 15:1057-1072. [PMID: 37431617 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2023-0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies on the development of mRNA vaccines for central nervous system tumors have used gene expression profiles, clinical data and RNA sequencing from sources such as The Cancer Genome Atlas and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas to identify effective antigens. These studies revealed several immune subtypes of glioma, each one linked to unique prognoses and genetic/immune-modulatory changes. Potential antigens include ARPC1B, BRCA2, COL6A1, ITGB3, IDH1, LILRB2, TP53 and KDR, among others. Patients with immune-active and immune-suppressive phenotypes were found to respond better to mRNA vaccines. While these findings indicate the potential of mRNA vaccines in cancer therapy, further research is required to optimize administration and adjuvant selection, and precisely identify target antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandro Guterres
- Laboratório de Tecnologia Imunológica, Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiológicos, Vice-Diretoria de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Bio-Manguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Mayla Abrahim
- Laboratório de Tecnologia Imunológica, Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiológicos, Vice-Diretoria de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Bio-Manguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Cristina da Costa Neves
- Laboratório de Tecnologia Imunológica, Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiológicos, Vice-Diretoria de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Bio-Manguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-360, Brazil
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4
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Han G, Noh D, Lee H, Lee S, Kim S, Yoon HY, Lee SH. Advances in mRNA therapeutics for cancer immunotherapy: From modification to delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 199:114973. [PMID: 37369262 PMCID: PMC10290897 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
RNA vaccines have demonstrated their ability to solve the issues posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This success has led to the renaissance of research into mRNA and their nanoformulations as potential therapeutic modalities for various diseases. The potential of mRNA as a template for synthesizing proteins and protein fragments for cancer immunotherapy is now being explored. Despite the promise, the use of mRNA in cancer immunotherapy is limited by challenges, such as low stability against extracellular RNases, poor delivery efficiency to the target organs and cells, short circulatory half-life, variable expression levels and duration. This review highlights recent advances in chemical modification and advanced delivery systems that are helping to address these challenges and unlock the biological and pharmacological potential of mRNA therapeutics in cancer immunotherapy. The review concludes by discussing future perspectives for mRNA-based cancer immunotherapy, which holds great promise as a next-generation therapeutic modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geonhee Han
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Dahye Noh
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science &Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Hwarang-ro14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea 02792; Chemical and Biological Integrative Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hokyung Lee
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Department of Fundamental Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangmin Lee
- Department of Fundamental Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Sehoon Kim
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; Department of Fundamental Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Yeol Yoon
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science &Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Hwarang-ro14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea 02792.
| | - Soo Hyeon Lee
- Molecular Surgery Laboratory, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
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5
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Vonderheide RH. Cancer vaccines are back, revitalized. MED 2023; 4:395-397. [PMID: 37453413 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Cancer vaccines are beginning to deliver positive clinical results, particularly in the adjuvant setting with lipo-nanoparticle mRNA formulations used to elicit neoantigen responses. In a recent report in Nature, Rojas et al. show this may even be possible in patients with pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Vonderheide
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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6
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Lybaert L, Thielemans K, Feldman SA, van der Burg SH, Bogaert C, Ott PA. Neoantigen-directed therapeutics in the clinic: where are we? Trends Cancer 2023; 9:503-519. [PMID: 37055237 PMCID: PMC10414146 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
In the past decade, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy have brought immunotherapy to the forefront of cancer treatment; however, only subsets of patients benefit from current approaches. Neoantigen-driven therapeutics specifically redirect the immune system of the patient to enable or reinduce its ability to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. The tumor specificity of this strategy spares healthy and normal cells from being attacked. Consistent with this concept, initial clinical trials have demonstrated the feasibility, safety, and immunogenicity of neoantigen-directed personalized vaccines. We review neoantigen-driven therapy strategies as well as their promise and clinical successes to date.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Steven A Feldman
- Center for Cancer Cell Therapy, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sjoerd H van der Burg
- Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Patrick A Ott
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
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7
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Huff AL, Zaidi N. Vaccine boosts T cells that target pancreatic tumours. Nature 2023; 618:37-38. [PMID: 37165219 PMCID: PMC10548444 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-01526-8] [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] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Efforts to tackle pancreatic cancer by harnessing immune cells have had limited success. A clinical trial reports promising results from testing a personalized approach to boosting immune responses to such tumours. See p.144
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8
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Wickline SA, Hou KK, Pan H. Peptide-Based Nanoparticles for Systemic Extrahepatic Delivery of Therapeutic Nucleotides. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119455. [PMID: 37298407 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide-based nanoparticles (PBN) for nucleotide complexation and targeting of extrahepatic diseases are gaining recognition as potent pharmaceutical vehicles for fine-tuned control of protein production (up- and/or down-regulation) and for gene delivery. Herein, we review the principles and mechanisms underpinning self-assembled formation of PBN, cellular uptake, endosomal release, and delivery to extrahepatic disease sites after systemic administration. Selected examples of PBN that have demonstrated recent proof of concept in disease models in vivo are summarized to offer the reader a comparative view of the field and the possibilities for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel A Wickline
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| | - Kirk K Hou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stein and Doheny Eye Institutes, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Hua Pan
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, 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 Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
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9
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Yang W, Cao J, Cheng H, Chen L, Yu M, Chen Y, Cui X. Nanoformulations targeting immune cells for cancer therapy: mRNA therapeutics. Bioact Mater 2023; 23:438-470. [PMCID: PMC9712057 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The approved worldwide use of two messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines (BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273) in late 2020 has proven the remarkable success of mRNA therapeutics together with lipid nanoformulation technology in protecting people against coronaviruses during COVID-19 pandemic. This unprecedented and exciting dual strategy with nanoformulations and mRNA therapeutics in play is believed to be a promising paradigm in targeted cancer immunotherapy in future. Recent advances in nanoformulation technologies play a prominent role in adapting mRNA platform in cancer treatment. In this review, we introduce the biologic principles and advancements of mRNA technology, and chemistry fundamentals of intriguing mRNA delivery nanoformulations. We discuss the latest promising nano-mRNA therapeutics for enhanced cancer immunotherapy by modulation of targeted specific subtypes of immune cells, such as dendritic cells (DCs) at peripheral lymphoid organs for initiating mRNA cancer vaccine-mediated antigen specific immunotherapy, and DCs, natural killer (NK) cells, cytotoxic T cells, or multiple immunosuppressive immune cells at tumor microenvironment (TME) for reversing immune evasion. We highlight the clinical progress of advanced nano-mRNA therapeutics in targeted cancer therapy and provide our perspectives on future directions of this transformative integrated technology toward clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yang
- Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
| | - Jianwei Cao
- Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
| | - Hui Cheng
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, PR China
| | - Liang Chen
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, PR China
| | - Meihua Yu
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, PR China,Corresponding author
| | - Yu Chen
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, PR China,Corresponding author
| | - Xingang Cui
- Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, PR China,Corresponding author
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10
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Li M, Wang Y, Wu P, Zhang S, Gong Z, Liao Q, Guo C, Wang F, Li Y, Zeng Z, Yan Q, Xiong W. Application prospect of circular RNA-based neoantigen vaccine in tumor immunotherapy. Cancer Lett 2023; 563:216190. [PMID: 37062328 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Neoantigen is a protein produced by mutant gene, which is only expressed in tumor cells. It is an ideal target for therapeutic tumor vaccines. Although synthetic long peptide (SLP)-based neoantigen vaccine, DNA-based neoantigen vaccine, and mRNA-based neoantigen vaccine are all in the development stage, they have some inherent shortcomings. Therefore, researchers turned their attention to a new type of "non-coding RNA (ncRNA)", circular RNA (circRNA), for potential better choice. Because of its unique high stability and protein-coding capacity, circRNA is a promising target in the field of neoantigen vaccine. In this paper, we reviewed the feasibility of circRNA encoding neoantigens, summarized the construction process, explained the mechanism of circRNA vaccine in vitro, and discussed the advantages and disadvantages of circRNA vaccine and possible combination with other immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohan Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China; Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Yian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Department of Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Pan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Zhaojian Gong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Qianjin Liao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Can Guo
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Fuyan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Yong Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Qijia Yan
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China.
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China.
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11
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Identification of tumor antigens and immune subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia for mRNA vaccine development. Clin Transl Oncol 2023:10.1007/s12094-023-03108-6. [PMID: 36781600 PMCID: PMC9924891 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03108-6] [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: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly aggressive hematological malignancy, and there has not been any significant improvement in therapy of AML over the past several decades. The mRNA vaccines have become a promising strategy against multiple cancers, however, its application on AML remains undefined. In this study, we aimed to identify novel antigens for developing mRNA vaccines against AML and explore the immune landscape of AML to select appropriate patients for vaccination. METHODS Genomic data and gene mutation data were retrieved from TCGA, GEO and cBioPortal, respectively. GEPIA2 was used to analyze differentially expressed genes. The single cell RNA-seq database Tumor Immune Single-cell Hub (TISCH) was used to explore the association between the potential tumor antigens and the infiltrating immune cells in the bone marrow. Consensus clustering analysis was applied to identify distinct immune subtypes. The correlation between the abundance of antigen presenting cells and the expression level of antigens was evaluated using Spearman correlation analysis. The characteristics of the tumor immune microenvironment in each subtype were investigated based on single-sample gene set enrichment analysis. RESULTS Five potential tumor antigens were identified for mRNA vaccine from the pool of overexpressed and mutated genes, including CDH23, LRP1, MEFV, MYOF and SLC9A9, which were associated with infiltration of antigen-presenting immune cells (APCs). AML patients were stratified into two immune subtypes Cluster1 (C1) and Cluster2 (C2), which were characterized by distinct molecular and clinical features. C1 subtype demonstrated an immune-hot and immunosuppressive phenotype, while the C1 subtype had an immune-cold phenotype. Furthermore, the two immune subtype showed remarkably different expression of immune checkpoints, immunogenic cell death modulators and human leukocyte antigens. CONCLUSION CDH23, LRP1, MEFV, MYOF and SLC9A9 were potential antigens for developing AML mRNA vaccine, and AML patients in immune subtype 1 were suitable for vaccination.
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12
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Husseini RA, Abe N, Hara T, Abe H, Kogure K. Use of Iontophoresis Technology for Transdermal Delivery of a Minimal mRNA Vaccine as a Potential Melanoma Therapeutic. Biol Pharm Bull 2023; 46:301-308. [PMID: 36724958 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b22-00746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
mRNA vaccines have attracted considerable attention as a result of the 2019 coronavirus pandemic; however, challenges remain regarding use of mRNA vaccines, including insufficient delivery owing to the high molecular weights and high negative charges associated with mRNA. These characteristics of mRNA vaccines impair intracellular uptake and subsequent protein translation. In the current study, we prepared a minimal mRNA vaccine encoding a tumor associated antigen human gp10025-33 peptide (KVPRNQDWL), as a potential treatment for melanoma. Minimal mRNA vaccines have recently shown promise at improving the translational process, and can be prepared via a simple production method. Moreover, we previously reported the successful use of iontophoresis (IP) technology in the delivery of hydrophilic macromolecules into skin layers, as well as intracellular delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA). We hypothesized that combining IP technology with a newly synthesized minimal mRNA vaccine can improve both transdermal and intracellular delivery of mRNA. Following IP-induced delivery of a mRNA vaccine, an immune response is elicited resulting in activation of skin resident immune cells. As expected, combining both technologies led to potent stimulation of the immune system, which was observed via potent tumor inhibition in mice bearing melanoma. Additionally, there was an elevation in mRNA expression levels of various cytokines, mainly interferon (IFN)-γ, as well as infiltration of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells in the tumor tissue, which are responsible for tumor clearance. This is the first report demonstrating the application of IP for delivery of a minimal mRNA vaccine as a potential melanoma therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabab A Husseini
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University.,Department of Pharmaceutical Health Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima University
| | - Naoko Abe
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University
| | - Tomoaki Hara
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University
| | - Hiroshi Abe
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University
| | - Kentaro Kogure
- Department of Pharmaceutical Health Chemistry, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University
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13
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Li D, Liu Q, Yang M, Xu H, Zhu M, Zhang Y, Xu J, Tian C, Yao J, Wang L, Liang Y. Nanomaterials for
mRNA
‐based Therapeutics: Challenges and Opportunities. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10492. [PMID: 37206219 PMCID: PMC10189457 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) holds great potential in developing immunotherapy, protein replacement, and genome editing. In general, mRNA does not have the risk of being incorporated into the host genome and does not need to enter the nucleus for transfection, and it can be expressed even in nondividing cells. Therefore, mRNA-based therapeutics provide a promising strategy for clinical treatment. However, the efficient and safe delivery of mRNA remains a crucial constraint for the clinical application of mRNA therapeutics. Although the stability and tolerability of mRNA can be enhanced by directly retouching the mRNA structure, there is still an urgent need to improve the delivery of mRNA. Recently, significant progress has been made in nanobiotechnology, providing tools for developing mRNA nanocarriers. Nano-drug delivery system is directly used for loading, protecting, and releasing mRNA in the biological microenvironment and can be used to stimulate the translation of mRNA to develop effective intervention strategies. In the present review, we summarized the concept of emerging nanomaterials for mRNA delivery and the latest progress in enhancing the function of mRNA, primarily focusing on the role of exosomes in mRNA delivery. Moreover, we outlined its clinical applications so far. Finally, the key obstacles of mRNA nanocarriers are emphasized, and promising strategies to overcome these obstacles are proposed. Collectively, nano-design materials exert functions for specific mRNA applications, provide new perception for next-generation nanomaterials, and thus revolution of mRNA technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- De‐feng Li
- Department of Gastroenterology Shenzhen People's Hospital (the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology) Shenzhen Guangdong China
| | - Qi‐song Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology Shenzhen China
| | - Mei‐feng Yang
- Department of Hematology Yantian District People's Hospital Shenzhen Guangdong China
| | - Hao‐ming Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology Guangzhou China
| | - Min‐zheng Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Medical Administration Huizhou Institute of Occupational Diseases Control and Prevention Huizhou Guangdong China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology Guangzhou China
| | - Cheng‐mei Tian
- Department of Emergency Shenzhen People's Hospital (the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology) Shenzhen Guangdong China
| | - Jun Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology Shenzhen People's Hospital (the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology) Shenzhen Guangdong China
| | - Li‐sheng Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology Shenzhen People's Hospital (the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology) Shenzhen Guangdong China
| | - Yu‐jie Liang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen Mental Health Center Shenzhen China
- Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University Jining Shandong China
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14
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Vishweshwaraiah YL, Dokholyan NV. mRNA vaccines for cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1029069. [PMID: 36591226 PMCID: PMC9794995 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1029069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as a breakthrough strategy in cancer treatment. mRNA vaccines are an attractive and powerful immunotherapeutic platform against cancer because of their high potency, specificity, versatility, rapid and large-scale development capability, low-cost manufacturing potential, and safety. Recent technological advances in mRNA vaccine design and delivery have accelerated mRNA cancer vaccines' development and clinical application. In this review, we present various cancer vaccine platforms with a focus on nucleic acid vaccines. We discuss rational design and optimization strategies for mRNA cancer vaccine development. We highlight the platforms available for delivery of the mRNA vaccines with a focus on lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) based delivery systems. Finally, we discuss the limitations of mRNA cancer vaccines and future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nikolay V. Dokholyan
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
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15
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Recent Advances in Cancer Vaccines: Challenges, Achievements, and Futuristic Prospects. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10122011. [PMID: 36560420 PMCID: PMC9788126 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10122011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a chronic disease, and it can be lethal due to limited therapeutic options. The conventional treatment options for cancer have numerous challenges, such as a low blood circulation time as well as poor solubility of anticancer drugs. Therapeutic cancer vaccines emerged to try to improve anticancer drugs' efficiency and to deliver them to the target site. Cancer vaccines are considered a viable therapeutic technique for most solid tumors. Vaccines boost antitumor immunity by delivering tumor antigens, nucleic acids, entire cells, and peptides. Cancer vaccines are designed to induce long-term antitumor memory, causing tumor regression, eradicate minimal residual illness, and prevent non-specific or unpleasant effects. These vaccines can assist in the elimination of cancer cells from various organs or organ systems in the body, with minimal risk of tumor recurrence or metastasis. Vaccines and antigens for anticancer therapy are discussed in this review, including current vaccine adjuvants and mechanisms of action for various types of vaccines, such as DNA- or mRNA-based cancer vaccines. Potential applications of these vaccines focusing on their clinical use for better therapeutic efficacy are also discussed along with the latest research available in this field.
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16
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Santiago-Sánchez GS, Hodge JW, Fabian KP. Tipping the scales: Immunotherapeutic strategies that disrupt immunosuppression and promote immune activation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:993624. [PMID: 36159809 PMCID: PMC9492957 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.993624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as an effective therapeutic approach for several cancer types. However, only a subset of patients exhibits a durable response due in part to immunosuppressive mechanisms that allow tumor cells to evade destruction by immune cells. One of the hallmarks of immune suppression is the paucity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), characterized by low numbers of effector CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, the proper activation and function of lymphocytes that successfully infiltrate the tumor are hampered by the lack of co-stimulatory molecules and the increase in inhibitory factors. These contribute to the imbalance of effector functions by natural killer (NK) and T cells and the immunosuppressive functions by myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the TME, resulting in a dysfunctional anti-tumor immune response. Therefore, therapeutic regimens that elicit immune responses and reverse immune dysfunction are required to counter immune suppression in the TME and allow for the re-establishment of proper immune surveillance. Immuno-oncology (IO) agents, such as immune checkpoint blockade and TGF-β trapping molecules, have been developed to decrease or block suppressive factors to enable the activity of effector cells in the TME. Therapeutic agents that target immunosuppressive cells, either by direct lysis or altering their functions, have also been demonstrated to decrease the barrier to effective immune response. Other therapies, such as tumor antigen-specific vaccines and immunocytokines, have been shown to activate and improve the recruitment of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to the tumor, resulting in improved T effector to Treg ratio. The preclinical data on these diverse IO agents have led to the development of ongoing phase I and II clinical trials. This review aims to provide an overview of select therapeutic strategies that tip the balance from immunosuppression to immune activity in the TME.
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17
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Sakurai Y. Development of siRNA Delivery System by Lipid Nanoparticles Modified with Functional Materials for Cancer Treatment. Biol Pharm Bull 2022; 45:972-977. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b22-00317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Sakurai
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University
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18
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Duan LJ, Wang Q, Zhang C, Yang DX, Zhang XY. Potentialities and Challenges of mRNA Vaccine in Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:923647. [PMID: 35711457 PMCID: PMC9196868 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.923647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has become the breakthrough strategies for treatment of cancer in recent years. The application of messenger RNA in cancer immunotherapy is gaining tremendous popularity as mRNA can function as an effective vector for the delivery of therapeutic antibodies on immune targets. The high efficacy, decreased toxicity, rapid manufacturing and safe administration of mRNA vaccines have great advantages over conventional vaccines. The unprecedent success of mRNA vaccines against infection has proved its effectiveness. However, the instability and inefficient delivery of mRNA has cast a shadow on the wide application of this approach. In the past decades, modifications on mRNA structure and delivery methods have been made to solve these questions. This review summarizes recent advancements of mRNA vaccines in cancer immunotherapy and the existing challenges for its clinical application, providing insights on the future optimization of mRNA vaccines for the successful treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Juan Duan
- Medical School, Huanghe Science and Technology College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Cuilian Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dong-Xiao Yang
- Medical School, Huanghe Science and Technology College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xu-Yao Zhang
- Medical School, Huanghe Science and Technology College, Zhengzhou, China
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19
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Le I, Dhandayuthapani S, Chacon J, Eiring AM, Gadad SS. Harnessing the Immune System with Cancer Vaccines: From Prevention to Therapeutics. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:816. [PMID: 35632572 PMCID: PMC9146235 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10050816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Prophylactic vaccination against infectious diseases is one of the most successful public health measures of our lifetime. More recently, therapeutic vaccination against established diseases such as cancer has proven to be more challenging. In the host, cancer cells evade immunologic regulation by multiple means, including altering the antigens expressed on their cell surface or recruiting inflammatory cells that repress immune surveillance. Nevertheless, recent clinical data suggest that two classes of antigens show efficacy for the development of anticancer vaccines: tumor-associated antigens and neoantigens. In addition, many different vaccines derived from antigens based on cellular, peptide/protein, and genomic components are in development to establish their efficacy in cancer therapy. Some vaccines have shown promising results, which may lead to favorable outcomes when combined with standard therapeutic approaches. This review provides an overview of the innate and adaptive immune systems, their interactions with cancer cells, and the development of various different vaccines for use in anticancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilene Le
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (I.L.); (S.D.); (J.C.)
| | - Subramanian Dhandayuthapani
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (I.L.); (S.D.); (J.C.)
- L. Frederick Francis Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
- Center of Emphasis in Infectious Diseases, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Jessica Chacon
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (I.L.); (S.D.); (J.C.)
| | - Anna M. Eiring
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (I.L.); (S.D.); (J.C.)
- L. Frederick Francis Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
- Center of Emphasis in Cancer, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Shrikanth S. Gadad
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (I.L.); (S.D.); (J.C.)
- L. Frederick Francis Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
- Center of Emphasis in Cancer, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
- Mays Cancer Center, UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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