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Wei Y, Zhang Z, Xue T, Lin Z, Chen X, Tian Y, Li Y, Jing Z, Fang W, Fang T, Li B, Chen Q, Lan T, Meng F, Zhang X, Liang X. In Situ Synthesis of an Immune-Checkpoint Blocker from Engineered Bacteria Elicits a Potent Antitumor Response. ACS Synth Biol 2024. [PMID: 38819389 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint blockade (ICB) reinvigorates T cells from exhaustion and potentiates T-cell responses to tumors. However, most patients do not respond to ICB therapy, and only a limited response can be achieved in a "cold" tumor with few infiltrated lymphocytes. Synthetic biology can be used to engineer bacteria as controllable bioreactors to synthesize biotherapeutics in situ. We engineered attenuated Salmonella VNP20009 with synthetic gene circuits to produce PD-1 and Tim-3 scFv to block immunosuppressive receptors on exhausted T cells to reinvigorate their antitumor response. Secreted PD-1 and Tim-3 scFv bound PD-1+ Tim-3+ T cells through their targeting receptors in vitro and potentiated the T-cell secretion of IFN-γ. Engineered bacteria colonized the hypoxic core of the tumor and synthesized PD-1 and Tim-3 scFv in situ, reviving CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells to execute an antitumor response. The bacteria also triggered a strong innate immune response, which stimulated the expansion of IFN-γ+ CD4+ T cells within the tumors to induce direct and indirect antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Wei
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, China
| | - Zhirang Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, China
| | - Tianyuan Xue
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, China
| | - Zhongda Lin
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, China
| | - Xinyu Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, China
- The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523710, China
| | - Yishi Tian
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, China
| | - Zhangyan Jing
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, China
| | - Wenli Fang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, China
| | - Tianliang Fang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, China
| | - Baoqi Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Physiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Tianyu Lan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, China
| | - Fanqiang Meng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, China
| | - Xudong Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, China
| | - Xin Liang
- Department of Physiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
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Weisbrod LJ, Thiraviyam A, Vengoji R, Shonka N, Jain M, Ho W, Batra SK, Salehi A. Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG): A review of current and emerging treatment strategies. Cancer Lett 2024; 590:216876. [PMID: 38609002 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216876] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a childhood malignancy of the brainstem with a dismal prognosis. Despite recent advances in its understanding at the molecular level, the prognosis of DIPG has remained unchanged. This article aims to review the current understanding of the genetic pathophysiology of DIPG and to highlight promising therapeutic targets. Various DIPG treatment strategies have been investigated in pre-clinical studies, several of which have shown promise and have been subsequently translated into ongoing clinical trials. Ultimately, a multifaceted therapeutic approach that targets cell-intrinsic alterations, the micro-environment, and augments the immune system will likely be necessary to eradicate DIPG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke J Weisbrod
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Anand Thiraviyam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Raghupathy Vengoji
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Nicole Shonka
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Maneesh Jain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Winson Ho
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Afshin Salehi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA; Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Nebraska, Omaha, NE, 68114, USA.
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Orland MD, Ullah F, Yilmaz E, Geiger JL. Immunotherapy for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Present and Future Approaches and Challenges. JCO Oncol Pract 2024:OP2400041. [PMID: 38709998 DOI: 10.1200/op.24.00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress and improving outcomes in the management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), there are few effective treatment options for patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors has changed the treatment algorithm of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and are approved in the frontline setting for recurrent and metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Although promising for some patients, most patients with R/M HNSCC do not derive clinical benefit from currently approved checkpoint inhibitors. Many studies are underway to identify the patient population that would benefit the most from immunotherapy as well as postimmunotherapy treatment failures, including novel combinations of immunomodulatory therapies. In this review, we summarize the clinical development of all major clinical trials of immunotherapy in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Orland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Fauzia Ullah
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Emrullah Yilmaz
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Jessica L Geiger
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
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Fan B, Fan B, Sun N, Zou H, Gu X. A radiomics model to predict γδ T-cell abundance and overall survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23529. [PMID: 38441524 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301353rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
γδ T cells are becoming increasingly popular because of their attractive potential for antitumor immunotherapy. However, the role and assessment of γδ T cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are not well understood. We aimed to explore the prognostic value of γδ T cell and predict its abundance using a radiomics model. Computer tomography images with corresponding gene expression data and clinicopathological data were obtained from online databases. After outlining the volumes of interest manually, the radiomic features were screened using maximum melevance minimum redundancy and recursive feature elimination algorithms. A radiomics model was developed to predict γδ T-cell abundance using gradient boosting machine. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used for the survival analysis. In this study, we confirmed that γδ T-cell abundance was an independent predictor of favorable overall survival (OS) in patients with HNSCC. Moreover, a radiomics model was built to predict the γδ T-cell abundance level (the areas under the operating characteristic curves of 0.847 and 0.798 in the training and validation sets, respectively). The calibration and decision curves analysis demonstrated the fitness of the model. The high radiomic score was an independent protective factor for OS. Our results indicated that γδ T-cell abundance was a promising prognostic predictor in HNSCC, and the radiomics model could discriminate its abundance levels and predict OS. The noninvasive radiomics model provided a potentially powerful prediction tool to aid clinical judgment and antitumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binna Fan
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Department of Nursing, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Binting Fan
- Department of Nursing, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Na Sun
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Huawei Zou
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiao Gu
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Wang Z, Li X, Tian L, Sha D, Sun Q, Wang J. Application of Bioinformatics in Predicting the Efficacy of Digestive Tumour Immunotherapy Target TIM-3 and its Inhibitors. J Cancer 2024; 15:1954-1965. [PMID: 38434966 PMCID: PMC10905402 DOI: 10.7150/jca.92446] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Our main objective is to apply bioinformatics in predicting the efficacy of digestive tumour immunotherapy target TIM-3 and its inhibitors. Methods: Our study used the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database to identify datasets associated with digestive tumours and the action of TIM-3. The GSE427729 dataset based on the GPL10192 platform. The dataset consisted of six samples of total RNA derived from TIM-3 control and knockdown RAW 264.7 cells. We used GEO2R tool to identify DEGs before performing Gene Ontology and identifying the kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathways. Lastly, we determined the PPI networks to identify hub genes. Results: Our study identified 57 differentially expressed genes based on an adjusted p-value of less than 0.05 and a log2 fold change of 2.0. There were 26 down-regulated genes with 31 up-regulated genes while 22, 404 genes were non-significant. The DEGs were enriched in biological pathways such as activating leukocytes, cells, and development of the immune system. Additionally, we identified four significant KEGG pathways that were implicated in digestive tumour immunotherapy and TIM-3; pathways of pancreatic cancer, NF-Kappa B signalling pathway, Toll-like receptor signalling pathway and C-type lectin receptor signalling pathway. The PPI networks identified 10 hub genes that were implicated in digestive tumour immunotherapy target TIM-3 (Myd88, Traf6, Irf7, Cdk4, Ccnd2, Mapkap1, Prr5, Mpp3, Serpinb6b and Pvrl3). Conclusion: Targeting these biological pathways, KEGG pathways, molecular functions and cellular processes can lead to novel therapeutic treatment and management in digestive tumours based on TIM-3 immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zexin Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021
| | - Xibin Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021
| | - Litao Tian
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021
| | - Dan Sha
- Department of Minimally Invasive Treatment of Cancer, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021
| | - Qinhui Sun
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021
| | - Jinshen Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021
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Le Meitour Y, Foy JP, Guinand M, Michon L, Karabajakian A, Fayette J, Saintigny P, Mahtouk K. Uncovering immune checkpoint heterogeneity in oral squamous cell carcinoma using single cell RNA-sequencing data highlights three subgroups of patients with distinct immune phenotypes. Oral Oncol 2024; 149:106680. [PMID: 38218022 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2023.106680] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors remain inefficient in most patients, which points to the need for better characterization of immune checkpoint (ICP) molecule expression. MATERIAL AND METHODS We evaluated the expression of 22 ICP ligands (ICPL) in 2,176 malignant cells from 10 patients in a public single-cell RNA-sequencing dataset and in two cohorts of HNSCC patients for which gene expression data are available. RESULTS Based on ICPL expression, malignant cells formed three distinct clusters characterized either by a strong expression of ICPL together with an immune phenotype linked to IFN-γ response (cluster 1) or by a weak ICPL expression and little response to IFN-γ (clusters 2 and 3). Malignant cells from cluster 3 showed a high PD-L1 expression associated with NRF2 signature. The relevance of 3 groups of patients, i.e "high ICPL/high IFN-γ", "low ICPL/low IFN-γ" or "low ICPL/low IFN-γ/high PD-L1" was confirmed in a cohort of 259 OSCC whole tumor samples from TCGA and in the CLB-IHN cohort including patients treated with PD1/PD-L1 inhibitors. The heterogeneous expression of ICPL among patients' malignant cells was associated with immunologically distinct microenvironments, evaluated with the "hot/cold" and the Tumor microenvironment (TME) classification. Finally, the "low ICPL/low IFN-γ/high PD-L1" group 3 displayed a poor prognosis in the TCGA cohort. CONCLUSION Hence, the global picture of ICPL gene expression in malignant cells from HNSCC patients may contribute to the broader issue of improving immunotherapy strategies though a better stratification of patients and the design of new treatment combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Le Meitour
- Univ Lyon, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Foy
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS 938, Centre de Recherche de Saint Antoine, Team Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Mathilde Guinand
- Univ Lyon, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Lucas Michon
- Univ Lyon, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | - Jérôme Fayette
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Pierre Saintigny
- Univ Lyon, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France; Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Karène Mahtouk
- Univ Lyon, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France.
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Singh R, Srivastava P, Manna PP. Evaluation of regulatory T-cells in cancer immunotherapy: therapeutic relevance of immune checkpoint inhibition. Med Oncol 2024; 41:59. [PMID: 38238513 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02289-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The evolution of the complex immune system is equipped to defend against perilous intruders and concurrently negatively regulate the deleterious effect of immune-mediated inflammation caused by self and nonself antigens. Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) are specialized cells that minimize immune-mediated inflammation, but in malignancies, this feature has been exploited toward cancer progression by keeping the antitumor immune response in check. The modulation of Treg cell infiltration and their induction in the TME (tumor microenvironment) alongside associated inhibitory molecules, both soluble or membranes tethered in the TME, have proven clinically beneficial in boosting the tumoricidal activity of the immune system. Moreover, Treg-associated immune checkpoints pose a greater obstruction in cancer immunotherapy. Inhibiting or blocking active immune checkpoint signaling in combination with other therapies has proven clinically beneficial. This review summarizes the ontogeny of Treg cells and their migration, stability, and function in the TME. We also elucidate the Treg-associated checkpoint moieties that impede effective antitumor activity and harness these molecules for effective and targeted immunotherapy against cancer nuisance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjeet Singh
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, 221005, India
| | - Prateek Srivastava
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, 221005, India
| | - Partha Pratim Manna
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, 221005, India.
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Ling H, Zhang Q, Luo Q, Ouyang D, He Z, Sun J, Sun M. Dynamic immuno-nanomedicines in oncology. J Control Release 2024; 365:668-687. [PMID: 38042376 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.11.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Anti-cancer therapeutics have achieved significant advances due to the emergence of immunotherapies that rely on the identification of tumors by the patients' immune system and subsequent tumor eradication. However, tumor cells often escape immunity, leading to poor responsiveness and easy tolerance to immunotherapy. Thus, the potentiated anti-tumor immunity in patients resistant to immunotherapies remains a challenge. Reactive oxygen species-based dynamic nanotherapeutics are not new in the anti-tumor field, but their potential as immunomodulators has only been demonstrated in recent years. Dynamic nanotherapeutics can distinctly enhance anti-tumor immune response, which derives the concept of the dynamic immuno-nanomedicines (DINMs). This review describes the pivotal role of DINMs in cancer immunotherapy and provides an overview of the clinical realities of DINMs. The preclinical development of emerging DINMs is also outlined. Moreover, strategies to synergize the antitumor immunity by DINMs in combination with other immunologic agents are summarized. Last but not least, the challenges and opportunities related to DINMs-mediated immune responses are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Ling
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Qinyi Zhang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China; CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Qiuhua Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Defang Ouyang
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China
| | - Zhonggui He
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Jin Sun
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China.
| | - Mengchi Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China.
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Chinsuwan T, Hirabayashi K, Mishima S, Hasegawa A, Tanaka M, Mochizuki H, Shimoi A, Murakami T, Yagyu S, Shimizu K, Nakazawa Y. Ligand-based, piggyBac-engineered CAR-T cells targeting EGFR are safe and effective against non-small cell lung cancers. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 31:100728. [PMID: 37822488 PMCID: PMC10562194 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.100728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in various cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and in some somatic cells at a limited level, rendering it an attractive antitumor target. In this study, we engineered chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells using the piggyBac transposon system, autologous artificial antigen-presenting cells, and natural ligands of EGFR. We showed that this approach yielded CAR-T cells with favorable phenotypes and CAR positivity. They exhibited potent antitumor activity against NSCLC both in vitro and in vivo. When administered to tumor-bearing mice and non-tumor-bearing cynomolgus macaques, they did not elicit toxicity despite their cross-reactivity to both murine and simian EGFRs. In total we tested three ligands and found that the CAR candidate with the highest affinity consistently displayed greater potency without adverse events. Taken together, our results demonstrate the feasibility and safety of targeting EGFR-expressing NSCLCs using ligand-based, piggyBac-engineered CAR-T cells. Our data also show that lowering the affinity of CAR molecules is not always beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanyavi Chinsuwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Koichi Hirabayashi
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
| | - Shuji Mishima
- Division of General Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
| | - Aiko Hasegawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
| | - Miyuki Tanaka
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
- Center for Advanced Research of Gene and Cell Therapy, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
| | - Hidemi Mochizuki
- Center for Advanced Research of Gene and Cell Therapy, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
- Ina Research Inc., Ina, Nagano, Japan
| | - Akihito Shimoi
- Center for Advanced Research of Gene and Cell Therapy, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
- Ina Research Inc., Ina, Nagano, Japan
| | - Takashi Murakami
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Iruma, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shigeki Yagyu
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
- Center for Advanced Research of Gene and Cell Therapy, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
| | - Kimihiro Shimizu
- Division of General Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
| | - Yozo Nakazawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
- Center for Advanced Research of Gene and Cell Therapy, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting Edge Research, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
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Yan JJ, Liu BB, Yang Y, Liu MR, Wang H, Deng ZQ, Zhang ZW. Prognostic value of T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 expression in upper gastrointestinal tract tumors: A meta-analysis. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:2212-2224. [PMID: 38173439 PMCID: PMC10758650 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i12.2212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a lack of robust prognostic markers for upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract cancers, including esophageal, gastric, and esophagogastric junction cancers. T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM3) plays a key immunomodulatory role and is linked to the prognosis of various cancers. However, the significance of TIM3 in upper GI tract tumors is still uncertain. AIM To investigate the prognostic value of TIM3 expression in upper GI tract tumors. METHODS A literature search was conducted on the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for relevant studies published until June 2023. After screening and quality assessment, studies that met the criteria were included in the meta-analysis. Statistical methods were used for the pooled analysis to assess the association of TIM3 expression in upper GI tract tumors with the prognosis and clinicopathological parameters. The results were reported with the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS Nine studies involving 2556 patients with upper GI tract cancer were included. High TIM3 expression was associated with a worse prognosis in upper GI tract cancer (HR: 1.17, 95%CI: 1.01-1.36). Positive expression of TIM3 in gastric cancer was correlated with the T and N stage, but the difference was not statistically significant. However, TIM3 overexpression was significantly correlated with the TNM stage (odds ratio: 1.21, 95%CI: 0.63-2.33; P < 0.05). TIM3 expression showed no association with the other clinicopathological parameters. CONCLUSION High expression of TIM3 in the upper GI tract cancer is associated with a worse prognosis and advanced T or N stages, indicating its potential value as a prognostic biomarker. These findings may provide a basis for the personalized treatment of upper GI tract cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Jing Yan
- College of Clinical Medicine, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Bing-Bing Liu
- College of Clinical Medicine, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yan Yang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Meng-Ru Liu
- College of Clinical Medicine, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Han Wang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Zhen-Quan Deng
- Department of Oncology, Handan First Hospital, Handan 056002, Hebei Province, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056000, Hebei Province, China
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11
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Ausejo-Mauleon I, Labiano S, de la Nava D, Laspidea V, Zalacain M, Marrodán L, García-Moure M, González-Huarriz M, Hervás-Corpión I, Dhandapani L, Vicent S, Collantes M, Peñuelas I, Becher OJ, Filbin MG, Jiang L, Labelle J, de Biagi-Junior CAO, Nazarian J, Laternser S, Phoenix TN, van der Lugt J, Kranendonk M, Hoogendijk R, Mueller S, De Andrea C, Anderson AC, Guruceaga E, Koschmann C, Yadav VN, Gállego Pérez-Larraya J, Patiño-García A, Pastor F, Alonso MM. TIM-3 blockade in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma models promotes tumor regression and antitumor immune memory. Cancer Cell 2023; 41:1911-1926.e8. [PMID: 37802053 PMCID: PMC10644900 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is an aggressive brain stem tumor and the leading cause of pediatric cancer-related death. To date, these tumors remain incurable, underscoring the need for efficacious therapies. In this study, we demonstrate that the immune checkpoint TIM-3 (HAVCR2) is highly expressed in both tumor cells and microenvironmental cells, mainly microglia and macrophages, in DIPG. We show that inhibition of TIM-3 in syngeneic models of DIPG prolongs survival and produces long-term survivors free of disease that harbor immune memory. This antitumor effect is driven by the direct effect of TIM-3 inhibition in tumor cells, the coordinated action of several immune cell populations, and the secretion of chemokines/cytokines that create a proinflammatory tumor microenvironment favoring a potent antitumor immune response. This work uncovers TIM-3 as a bona fide target in DIPG and supports its clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iker Ausejo-Mauleon
- Health Research Institute of Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Solid Tumor Program, CIMA-Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Pediatrics, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sara Labiano
- Health Research Institute of Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Solid Tumor Program, CIMA-Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Pediatrics, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Daniel de la Nava
- Health Research Institute of Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Solid Tumor Program, CIMA-Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Pediatrics, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Virginia Laspidea
- Health Research Institute of Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Solid Tumor Program, CIMA-Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Pediatrics, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Marta Zalacain
- Health Research Institute of Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Solid Tumor Program, CIMA-Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Pediatrics, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Lucía Marrodán
- Health Research Institute of Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Solid Tumor Program, CIMA-Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Pediatrics, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Marc García-Moure
- Health Research Institute of Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Solid Tumor Program, CIMA-Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Pediatrics, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Marisol González-Huarriz
- Health Research Institute of Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Solid Tumor Program, CIMA-Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Pediatrics, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Irati Hervás-Corpión
- Health Research Institute of Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Solid Tumor Program, CIMA-Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Pediatrics, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Laasya Dhandapani
- Health Research Institute of Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Solid Tumor Program, CIMA-Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Pediatrics, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Silvestre Vicent
- Health Research Institute of Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Solid Tumor Program, CIMA-Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maria Collantes
- Radiopharmacy Unit, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Translational Molecular Imaging Unit, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Iván Peñuelas
- Health Research Institute of Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Radiopharmacy Unit, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Translational Molecular Imaging Unit, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Oren J Becher
- Jack Martin Fund Division of Pediatric Hematology-oncology, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mariella G Filbin
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Li Jiang
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jenna Labelle
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Carlos A O de Biagi-Junior
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Javad Nazarian
- Children's National Health System, Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Washington, DC, USA; Virginia Tech University, Washington, DC, USA; Division of Oncology and Children's Research Center, DIPG/DMG Research Center Zurich, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Laternser
- Division of Oncology and Children's Research Center, DIPG/DMG Research Center Zurich, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Timothy N Phoenix
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | | | - Raoull Hoogendijk
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sabine Mueller
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Carlos De Andrea
- Health Research Institute of Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Department of Pathology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ana C Anderson
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Guruceaga
- Health Research Institute of Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Bioinformatics Platform, CIMA-Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carl Koschmann
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Viveka Nand Yadav
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Research Institute (CMRI), Kansas City, KS, USA; Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Cancer Center. Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Jaime Gállego Pérez-Larraya
- Health Research Institute of Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Solid Tumor Program, CIMA-Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Neurology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ana Patiño-García
- Health Research Institute of Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Solid Tumor Program, CIMA-Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Pediatrics, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Fernando Pastor
- Health Research Institute of Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Molecular Therapeutics Program, CIMA-Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Marta M Alonso
- Health Research Institute of Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Solid Tumor Program, CIMA-Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Department of Pediatrics, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
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12
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Borgeaud M, Sandoval J, Obeid M, Banna G, Michielin O, Addeo A, Friedlaender A. Novel targets for immune-checkpoint inhibition in cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 120:102614. [PMID: 37603905 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer therapy, yet many patients either do not derive any benefit from treatment or develop a resistance to checkpoint inhibitors. Intrinsic resistance can result from neoantigen depletion, defective antigen presentation, PD-L1 downregulation, immune-checkpoint ligand upregulation, immunosuppression, and tumor cell phenotypic changes. On the other hand, extrinsic resistance involves acquired upregulation of inhibitory immune-checkpoints, leading to T-cell exhaustion. Current data suggest that PD-1, CTLA-4, and LAG-3 upregulation limits the efficacy of single-agent immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating novel immune-checkpoint targets to avoid or overcome resistance. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the evolving landscape of potentially targetable immune-checkpoints in cancer. We highlight their biology, emphasizing the current understanding of resistance mechanisms and focusing on promising strategies that are under investigation. We also summarize current results and ongoing clinical trials in this crucial field that could once again revolutionize outcomes for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michel Obeid
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppe Banna
- Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | | | | | - Alex Friedlaender
- Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland; Clinique Générale Beaulieu, Geneva, Switzerland.
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13
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Zhao H, Ma Y, Tian F, Li B, Xiao N, Mo X, Aibibula M, Min H, Cai X, Zhang T, Ma X. Expression of Tim-3/Galectin-9 pathway and CD8+T cells and related factors in patients with cystic echinococcosis. Exp Parasitol 2023; 254:108623. [PMID: 37793539 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE One of the primary reasons for the successful patriotization of Echinococcus multilocularis in patients is its ability to induce host immune tolerance. This study examined the expression of the immunosuppressive Tim-3/Galectin-9 pathway, CD8+T cells, and related factors in AE patients. The aim was to analyze the relationship between the Tim-3/Galectin-9 pathway and CD8+T cells in this disease and further understand the mechanism of immune tolerance induced by cystic echinococcosis. METHODS Using flow cytometry, we evaluated the expression of CTL, CD8+CD28-T cells, CD8+CD28 + IFN-γ + T cells, CD8+CD28+perforin + T cells, CD8+CD28+granzyme B + T cells, CD8+CD28-IL-10 + T cells, CD8+CD28-TGF-β+T cells, and Tim-3 expression on CD8+T cells in the peripheral blood of control (n = 30) and AE patients (n = 33). qRT-PCR was used to measure CD107a and Tim-3/Galectin-9 mRNA levels in PBMCs from the control and AE groups. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect IL-10, TGF-β, and Tim-3/Galectin-9 expressions in the infected livers of AE patients. RESULTS AE patients exhibited a significant decrease in peripheral blood CTL ratio (P < 0.001) and an increase in CD8+CD28+IFN-γ+T cell ratio (P < 0.001). No significant changes were observed in the ratios of CD8+CD28+perforin + T cells (P = 0.720) and CD8+CD28+granzyme B + T cells (P = 0.051). The proportions of CD8+CD28-T cells (P < 0.001), CD8+CD28-IL-10 + T cells (P < 0.001), and CD8+CD28-TGF-β+T cells (P < 0.001) were notably higher than in the control group. The expression of Tim-3 on CTL and CD8+CD28-T cells in AE patients was significantly upregulated (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). AE patients displayed a substantial decrease in peripheral blood PBMC CD107a mRNA levels (P < 0.001) and significant elevations in Tim-3/Galectin-9 mRNA levels (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). A negative correlation was observed between CD107a mRNA levels and both Tim-3 (r^2 = 0.411, P < 0.001) and Galectin-9 (r2 = 0.180, P = 0.019) mRNA levels. Expressions of IL-10 (P < 0.001), TGF-β (P < 0.001), and Tim-3/Galectin-9 (P < 0.001, P < 0.001) in AE patient-infected livers were significantly higher than in uninfected regions. IL-10 and TGF-β expressions showed a positive correlation with Tim-3/Galectin-9. CONCLUSION This study suggests that the high expression of Tim-3 on CD8+T cell surfaces in AE patients might promote an increase in CD8+CD28-T cells and related factors, while suppressing CTL and related factor expressions. This potentially induces the onset of immune tolerance, which is unfavorable for the clearance of Echinococcus multilocularis in patients, leading to the exacerbation of persistent infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Medical Testing Center, Xinjiang, China; State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Laboratory Center, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, PR China
| | - Yuyu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Laboratory Center, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, PR China
| | - Fengming Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Laboratory Center, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, PR China
| | - Bin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Laboratory Center, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, PR China
| | - Ning Xiao
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiaojin Mo
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Madinaimu Aibibula
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Laboratory Center, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, PR China
| | - Hongyue Min
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Laboratory Center, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, PR China
| | - Xuanlin Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Laboratory Center, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, PR China
| | - Ting Zhang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Xiumin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Laboratory Center, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, PR China.
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14
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Lao P, Chen J, Tang L, Zhang J, Chen Y, Fang Y, Fan X. Regulatory T cells in lung disease and transplantation. Biosci Rep 2023; 43:BSR20231331. [PMID: 37795866 PMCID: PMC10611924 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary disease can refer to the disease of the lung itself or the pulmonary manifestations of systemic diseases, which are often connected to the malfunction of the immune system. Regulatory T (Treg) cells have been shown to be important in maintaining immune homeostasis and preventing inflammatory damage, including lung diseases. Given the increasing amount of evidence linking Treg cells to various pulmonary conditions, Treg cells might serve as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of lung diseases and potentially promote lung transplant tolerance. The most potent and well-defined Treg cells are Foxp3-expressing CD4+ Treg cells, which contribute to the prevention of autoimmune lung diseases and the promotion of lung transplant rejection. The protective mechanisms of Treg cells in lung disease and transplantation involve multiple immune suppression mechanisms. This review summarizes the development, phenotype and function of CD4+Foxp3+ Treg cells. Then, we focus on the therapeutic potential of Treg cells in preventing lung disease and limiting lung transplant rejection. Furthermore, we discussed the possibility of Treg cell utilization in clinical applications. This will provide an overview of current research advances in Treg cells and their relevant application in clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peizhen Lao
- Institute of Biological and Food Engineering, Guangdong University of Education, 351 Xingang Middle Road, Guangzhou 510303, PR China
| | - Jingyi Chen
- Institute of Biological and Food Engineering, Guangdong University of Education, 351 Xingang Middle Road, Guangzhou 510303, PR China
| | - Longqian Tang
- Institute of Biological and Food Engineering, Guangdong University of Education, 351 Xingang Middle Road, Guangzhou 510303, PR China
| | - Jiwen Zhang
- Institute of Biological and Food Engineering, Guangdong University of Education, 351 Xingang Middle Road, Guangzhou 510303, PR China
| | - Yuxi Chen
- Institute of Biological and Food Engineering, Guangdong University of Education, 351 Xingang Middle Road, Guangzhou 510303, PR China
| | - Yuyin Fang
- Institute of Biological and Food Engineering, Guangdong University of Education, 351 Xingang Middle Road, Guangzhou 510303, PR China
| | - Xingliang Fan
- Institute of Biological and Food Engineering, Guangdong University of Education, 351 Xingang Middle Road, Guangzhou 510303, PR China
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15
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O'Meara CH, Jafri Z, Khachigian LM. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, Small-Molecule Immunotherapies and the Emerging Role of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Therapeutic Strategies for Head and Neck Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11695. [PMID: 37511453 PMCID: PMC10380483 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411695] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has revolutionized the treatment of many cancer types, including head and neck cancers (HNC). When checkpoint and partner proteins bind, these send an "off" signal to T cells, which prevents the immune system from destroying tumor cells. However, in HNC, and indeed many other cancers, more people do not respond and/or suffer from toxic effects than those who do respond. Hence, newer, more effective approaches are needed. The challenge to durable therapy lies in a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between immune cells, tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment. This will help develop therapies that promote lasting tumorlysis by overcoming T-cell exhaustion. Here we explore the strengths and limitations of current ICI therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We also review emerging small-molecule immunotherapies and the growing promise of neutrophil extracellular traps in controlling tumor progression and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor H O'Meara
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Zuhayr Jafri
- Vascular Biology and Translational Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Levon M Khachigian
- Vascular Biology and Translational Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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16
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Charles J, Vrionis A, Mansur A, Mathias T, Shaikh J, Ciner A, Jiang Y, Nezami N. Potential Immunotherapy Targets for Liver-Directed Therapies, and the Current Scope of Immunotherapeutics for Liver-Related Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092624. [PMID: 37174089 PMCID: PMC10177356 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, is increasing in incidence and mortality across the globe. An improved understanding of the complex tumor microenvironment has opened many therapeutic doors and led to the development of novel pharmaceuticals targeting cellular signaling pathways or immune checkpoints. These interventions have significantly improved tumor control rates and patient outcomes, both in clinical trials and in real-world practice. Interventional radiologists play an important role in the multidisciplinary team given their expertise in minimally invasive locoregional therapy, as the bulk of these tumors are usually in the liver. The aim of this review is to highlight the immunological therapeutic targets for primary liver cancers, the available immune-based approaches, and the contributions that interventional radiology can provide in the care of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Charles
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 560 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| | - Andrea Vrionis
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 560 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| | - Arian Mansur
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Trevor Mathias
- School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Jamil Shaikh
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 560 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
- Department of Radiology, Tampa General Hospital, University of South Florida Health, Tampa General Cir, Tampa, FL 33606, USA
| | - Aaron Ciner
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Yixing Jiang
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Nariman Nezami
- Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Experimental Therapeutics Program, University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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17
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Janardhanan M, Smitha NV, Rajalakshmi G, George A, Koyakutty M, Iyer S. Tumour Microenvironment as a Potential Immune Therapeutic Target for Tongue Cancer Management. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol 2023; 27:382-389. [PMID: 37854897 PMCID: PMC10581303 DOI: 10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_134_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a promising approach in the management of human cancers and has been proven to provide a durable response in many cancers. It is helpful as an adjuvant therapy for cancers and at present is considered as a fourth pillar supporting surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In the treatment of oral cancer, immunotherapy is approved in late-stage diseases where surgical resection cannot be carried out or fails, leading to recurrences and metastasis. Evidences suggest that when given as a first-line treatment, it can elicit an immune response that shrinks tumours, which could provide long-term benefit for patients. But unlike the traditional approach which follows the uniform protocol for all oral cancer patients, effective immunotherapy requires a more site-specific personalized approach. The aim of this paper is to review the various immune evasive mechanisms adopted by tumour cells and their relevance as potential targets for immunotherapy in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahija Janardhanan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amrita School of Dentistry, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - NV Smitha
- Department of Pathology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - G Rajalakshmi
- Head and Neck Oncology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Antony George
- Department of Oral Pathology, MES Dental College, Malappuram, Kerala, India
| | - Manzoor Koyakutty
- Amrita Centre for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Subramania Iyer
- Head and Neck Oncology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, Kerala, India
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18
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Starska-Kowarska K. The Role of Different Immunocompetent Cell Populations in the Pathogenesis of Head and Neck Cancer-Regulatory Mechanisms of Pro- and Anti-Cancer Activity and Their Impact on Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1642. [PMID: 36980527 PMCID: PMC10046400 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most aggressive and heterogeneous groups of human neoplasms. HNSCC is characterized by high morbidity, accounting for 3% of all cancers, and high mortality with ~1.5% of all cancer deaths. It was the most common cancer worldwide in 2020, according to the latest GLOBOCAN data, representing the seventh most prevalent human malignancy. Despite great advances in surgical techniques and the application of modern combinations and cytotoxic therapies, HNSCC remains a leading cause of death worldwide with a low overall survival rate not exceeding 40-60% of the patient population. The most common causes of death in patients are its frequent nodal metastases and local neoplastic recurrences, as well as the relatively low response to treatment and severe drug resistance. Much evidence suggests that the tumour microenvironment (TME), tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and circulating various subpopulations of immunocompetent cells, such regulatory T cells (CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Tregs), cytotoxic CD3+CD8+ T cells (CTLs) and CD3+CD4+ T helper type 1/2/9/17 (Th1/Th2/Th9/Th17) lymphocytes, T follicular helper cells (Tfh) and CD56dim/CD16bright activated natural killer cells (NK), carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumour-associated neutrophils (N1/N2 TANs), as well as tumour-associated macrophages (M1/M2 phenotype TAMs) can affect initiation, progression and spread of HNSCC and determine the response to immunotherapy. Rapid advances in the field of immuno-oncology and the constantly growing knowledge of the immunosuppressive mechanisms and effects of tumour cancer have allowed for the use of effective and personalized immunotherapy as a first-line therapeutic procedure or an essential component of a combination therapy for primary, relapsed and metastatic HNSCC. This review presents the latest reports and molecular studies regarding the anti-tumour role of selected subpopulations of immunocompetent cells in the pathogenesis of HNSCC, including HPV+ve (HPV+) and HPV-ve (HPV-) tumours. The article focuses on the crucial regulatory mechanisms of pro- and anti-tumour activity, key genetic or epigenetic changes that favour tumour immune escape, and the strategies that the tumour employs to avoid recognition by immunocompetent cells, as well as resistance mechanisms to T and NK cell-based immunotherapy in HNSCC. The present review also provides an overview of the pre- and clinical early trials (I/II phase) and phase-III clinical trials published in this arena, which highlight the unprecedented effectiveness and limitations of immunotherapy in HNSCC, and the emerging issues facing the field of HNSCC immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Starska-Kowarska
- Department of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Lodz, Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland; ; Tel.: +48-604-541-412
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, EnelMed Center Expert, Drewnowska 58, 91-001 Lodz, Poland
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Tim-3 blockade enhances the clearance of Chlamydia psittaci in the lung by promoting a cell-mediated immune response. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 116:109780. [PMID: 36720194 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci is remarkable at disrupting immunity and thus poses a great risk to the animal industry and public health. Immune inhibitory molecule upregulation and the accumulation of specialized cells play key roles in chlamydial clearance. It is clear that the T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain protein 3 receptor (Tim-3) can regulate effector T cells in infectious disease. However, the immunomodulatory effect of Tim-3 in C. psittaci infection remains unknown. Thus, the expression of Tim-3 in effector T cells and its immune regulatory function during C. psittaci infection were investigated. The level of Tim-3 on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was meaningfully higher in C. psittaci-infected mice. Blockade of Tim-3 signaling by anti-Tim-3 antibody showed accelerated C. psittaci clearance and less pathological changes in the lung than isotype immunoglobulin treatment. Furthermore, treatment with anti-Tim-3 antibody greatly enhanced the levels of IFN-γ and interleukin (IL)-22/IL-17, which were correlated with an improved Th1- and Th17-mediated immune response, and decreased IL-10, which were related with a decreased Treg immune response. In conclusion, Tim-3 expression in effector T cells negatively regulates Th1 and Th17 immune responses against C. psittaci respiratory infection.
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Ruffin AT, Li H, Vujanovic L, Zandberg DP, Ferris RL, Bruno TC. Improving head and neck cancer therapies by immunomodulation of the tumour microenvironment. Nat Rev Cancer 2023; 23:173-188. [PMID: 36456755 PMCID: PMC9992112 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-022-00531-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Targeted immunotherapy has improved patient survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but less than 20% of patients produce a durable response to these treatments. Thus, new immunotherapies that consider all key players of the complex HNSCC tumour microenvironment (TME) are necessary to further enhance tumour-specific T cell responses in patients. HNSCC is an ideal tumour type in which to evaluate immune and non-immune cell differences because of two distinct TME aetiologies (human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative disease), multiple anatomic sites for tumour growth, and clear distinctions between patients with locally advanced disease and those with recurrent and/or metastatic disease. Recent technological and scientific advancements have provided a more complete picture of all cellular constituents within this complex TME and have evaluated the interplay of both immune and non-immune cells within HNSCC. Here, we include a comprehensive analysis of the complete ecosystem of the HNSCC TME, performed utilizing data-rich resources such as The Cancer Genome Atlas, and cutting-edge techniques, such as single-cell RNA sequencing, high-dimensional flow cytometry and spatial multispectral imaging, to generate improved treatment strategies for this diverse disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayana T Ruffin
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Graduate Program of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Housaiyin Li
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology (MGDB) Graduate Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lazar Vujanovic
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dan P Zandberg
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Robert L Ferris
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Tullia C Bruno
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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21
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TIMEAS, a promising method for the stratification of testicular germ cell tumor patients with distinct immune microenvironment, clinical outcome and sensitivity to frontline therapies. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2023; 46:745-759. [PMID: 36823338 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00781-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE With the heterogeneous genetic background, prognosis prediction and therapeutic targets for testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are still unclear. We defined the tumor immune microenvironment activation status (TIMEAS). METHODS We collected a total of 314 TGCT patients from four cohorts, including a 48-case microarray. A nonnegative matrix factorization algorithm was applied to identify the "immune factor", derived the top 150 weighted genes to divide patients into immune and non-immune classes, and further separated the immune class into activated and exhausted subgroups by nearest template prediction. Tumor mutant burden, gene mutation, and copy number alteration were compared with our recently developed package "MOVICS". A random forest algorithm was performed to establish a prediction model with fewer genes. Immunohistochemistry staining was performed to identify TIMEAS in the microarray. RESULTS We constructed the TIMEAS in the TCGA-TGCT cohort and further validated it in the GSE3218 and GSE99420 cohorts. The immune class contained the activated status of T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, and macrophages, while Treg cells and the WNT/TGFβ signature were more activated in the immune-suppressed subgroup. Patients in the immune-exhausted subgroup had the worst prognosis, and 22.9% of patients in the immune-activated subgroup had KRAS mutations, which might stimulate the response of the immune system and lead to a favorable prognosis. The immune-exhausted group benefited more from chemotherapy, while the immune-activated subgroup responded well to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy. FSCN1 was validated as the target of the immune-exhausted microenvironment by immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION TIMEAS classification can separate TGCT patients; patients in the immune-activated subgroup could benefit more from anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy, and those in the immune-exhausted subgroup are more suitable for chemotherapy.
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Mokhtari Z, Rezaei M, Sanei MH, Dehghanian A, Faghih Z, Heidari Z, Tavana S. Tim3 and PD-1 as a therapeutic and prognostic targets in colorectal cancer: Relationship with sidedness, clinicopathological parameters, and survival. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1069696. [PMID: 37035199 PMCID: PMC10076872 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1069696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease that complicates predicting patients' prognosis and their response to treatment. CRC prognosis is influenced by the tumor microenvironment (TME). The immune system is a critical component of the TME. Programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) and T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (Tim3) are inhibitory immune checkpoints that regulate immune response and may provide prognostic power. However, the effect of their expressions and co-expressions on the CRC prognosis remains unclear. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the CD8, CD3, PD-1, Tim3 expression, and PD-1/Tim3 co-expression in patients with CRC. Materials and Methods One hundred and thirty six patients with CRC who underwent curative surgery were enrolled in the study. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for PD-1, Tim3, CD8, and CD3, and the expression of each marker was evaluated in the center of the tumor (CT), invasive margin (IM), and adjacent normal-like tissue. Result Our results indicated that high expression of PD-1 in IM was significantly associated with lower TNM stage, T-stage, M-stage, lack of metastasis, the presence of tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS), lack of recurrence (in the left-sided tumors), and larger tumor size (in right-sided tumors) (P<0.05). High expression of PD-1 in IM was also associated with improved overall survival (OS) in a subgroup of patients with high CD8 expression. High Tim3 expression in CT was associated with higher M-stage (M1) (in left-sided CRCs) (P<0.05). It was also associated with decreased OS in total cohort and left-sided CRCs and represented an independent prognostic factor for CRC patients in multivariate analysis. PD-1 and Tim3 co-expression had no synergistic effects on predicting OS. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of immune system-related markers such as CD8, PD-1, and Tim3 depends on the primary tumor sides. We also showed that Tim3 could act as a prognostic factor and therapeutic target in CRC. This marker is probably a more preferred target for immunotherapy than PD-1, especially in left-sided CRCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Mokhtari
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Marzieh Rezaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- *Correspondence: Marzieh Rezaei,
| | - Mohammad Hossein Sanei
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Amirreza Dehghanian
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Faghih
- Institute for Cancer Research (ICR), School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Heidari
- Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiologyt, School of Public Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shirin Tavana
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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23
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Liu K, Huang T, Zhang H, Deng H, Tang M. Establishment and validation of a redox-related long non-coding RNAs prognostic signature in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22040. [PMID: 36543836 PMCID: PMC9772388 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26490-7] [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: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Reduction and oxidation (redox) reactions occur in living organisms as part of normal cellular metabolism. Here, we established a novel redox-related long non-coding RNAs (rrlncRNAs) signature to predict the prognosis and therapeutic response in Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The expression profile and clinical information were obtained from the TCGA project. In total, 10 differently expressed rrlncRNAs associated with prognosis were identified and involved in a prognostic risk score signature by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator penalized Cox analysis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of the survival rates predicted by the rrlncRNAs signature over one, two, and three years were found to be 0.651, 0.670, and 0.679. Following the completion of the Kaplan-Meier survival study, we discovered that the lower-risk cohort exhibited a much longer overall survival period in contrast with the higher-risk cohort. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression analyses demonstrated that the risk score independently served as a significant predictive factor. GO annotation and KEGG pathway analyses illustrated that the rrlncRNAs signature was strongly associated with immune-related functions as well as signaling pathways. The tumor-infiltrating immune cells, tumor microenvironment, immune-related functions, HLA gene family expression, immune checkpoint genes expression, and somatic variants differed substantially between the low- and high-risk cohorts. Moreover, patients in low-risk group were predicted to present a favorable immunotherapy responsiveness, while in contrast, the high-risk group patients might have a stronger sensitivity to "docetaxel". According to our findings, the rrlncRNAs signature showed an excellent prognosis predictive value and might indicate therapeutic response to immunotherapy in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitai Liu
- grid.507012.10000 0004 1798 304XDepartment of Radiation Oncology, The Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo Medical Center, Ningbo, Zhejiang China
| | - Tianyi Huang
- grid.507012.10000 0004 1798 304XDepartment of Radiation Oncology, The Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo Medical Center, Ningbo, Zhejiang China
| | - Hui Zhang
- grid.507012.10000 0004 1798 304XDepartment of Radiation Oncology, The Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo Medical Center, Ningbo, Zhejiang China
| | - Hongxia Deng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo Medical Center, Ningbo, Zhejiang China
| | - Ming Tang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Ningbo Women and Children’s Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang China
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Wu L, Ye S, Yao Y, Zhang C, Liu W. Oral Cancer Stem Cell-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles Promote M2 Macrophage Polarization and Suppress CD4 + T-Cell Activity by Transferring UCA1 and Targeting LAMC2. Stem Cells Int 2022; 2022:5817684. [PMID: 36483681 PMCID: PMC9723417 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5817684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are emerging as crucial mediators of intercellular communication between cancer cells and M2-tumor-associated macrophages (M2-TAMs) via transferring lncRNAs. We previously reported that miR-134 blocks the expression of its targeting protein LAMC2 via the PI3K/AKT pathway and inhibits cancer stem cell (CSC) migration and invasion in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study hypothesize that OSCC-CSC-derived small extracellular vesicles (OSCC-CSC-sEVs) transfer a ceRNA of miR-134 and consequently promote M2 macrophage polarization by targeting LAMC2 via the PI3K/AKT pathway through in vitro and in vivo experiment methods. The results showed that sEVs derived from CD133+CD44+ OSCC cells promoted M2 polarization of macrophages by detecting several M2 macrophage markers (CD163, IL-10, Arg-1, and CD206+CD11b+). Mechanistically, we revealed that the lncRNA UCA1, by binding to miR-134, modulated the PI3K/AKT pathway in macrophages via targeting LAMC2. Importantly, OSCC-CSC-sEV transfer of UCA1, by targeting LAMC2, promoted M2 macrophage polarization and inhibited CD4+ T-cell proliferation and IFN-γ production in vitro and in vivo. Functionally, we demonstrated that M2-TAMs, by transferring exosomal UCA and consequently targeting LAMC2, enhanced cell migration and invasion of OSCC in vitro and the tumorigenicity of OSCC xenograft in nude mice. In conclusion, our results indicated that OSCC-CSC-sEV transfer of UCA1 promotes M2 macrophage polarization via a LAMC2-mediated PI3K/AKT axis, thus facilitating tumor progression and immunosuppression. Our findings provide a new understanding of OSCC-CSC molecular mechanisms and suggest a potential therapeutic strategy for OSCC through targeting CSC-sEVs and M2-TAMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Wu
- Department of Oral Mucosal Diseases, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Sai Ye
- Department of Oral Mucosal Diseases, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yilin Yao
- Department of Oral Mucosal Diseases, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenping Zhang
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Liu
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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25
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Yu L, Sun M, Zhang Q, Zhou Q, Wang Y. Harnessing the immune system by targeting immune checkpoints: Providing new hope for Oncotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:982026. [PMID: 36159789 PMCID: PMC9498063 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.982026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With the goal of harnessing the host’s immune system to provide long-lasting remission and cures for various cancers, the advent of immunotherapy revolutionized the cancer therapy field. Among the current immunotherapeutic strategies, immune checkpoint blockades have greatly improved the overall survival rates in certain patient populations. Of note, CTLA4 and PD-1/PD-L1 are two major non-redundant immune checkpoints implicated in promoting cancer immune evasion, and ultimately lead to relapse. Antibodies or inhibitors targeting these two c+heckpoints have achieved some encouraging clinical outcomes. Further, beyond the canonical immune checkpoints, more inhibitory checkpoints have been identified. Herein, we will summarize recent progress in immune checkpoint blockade therapies, with a specific focus on key pre-clinical and clinical results of new immune checkpoint therapies for cancer. Given the crucial roles of immune checkpoint blockade in oncotherapy, drugs targeting checkpoint molecules expressed by both cancer and immune cells are in clinical trials, which will be comprehensively summarized in this review. Taken together, investigating combinatorial therapies targeting immune checkpoints expressed by cancer cells and immune cells will greatly improve immunotherapies that enhance host elimination of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Minghan Sun
- Central of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiao Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Qiao Zhou, ; Yi Wang,
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Qiao Zhou, ; Yi Wang,
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26
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Chocarro L, Bocanegra A, Blanco E, Fernández-Rubio L, Arasanz H, Echaide M, Garnica M, Ramos P, Piñeiro-Hermida S, Vera R, Escors D, Kochan G. Cutting-Edge: Preclinical and Clinical Development of the First Approved Lag-3 Inhibitor. Cells 2022; 11:2351. [PMID: 35954196 PMCID: PMC9367598 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized medical practice in oncology since the FDA approval of the first ICI 11 years ago. In light of this, Lymphocyte-Activation Gene 3 (LAG-3) is one of the most important next-generation immune checkpoint molecules, playing a similar role as Programmed cell Death protein 1 (PD-1) and Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4 (CTLA-4). 19 LAG-3 targeting molecules are being evaluated at 108 clinical trials which are demonstrating positive results, including promising bispecific molecules targeting LAG-3 simultaneously with other ICIs. Recently, a new dual anti-PD-1 (Nivolumab) and anti-LAG-3 (Relatimab) treatment developed by Bristol Myers Squibb (Opdualag), was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the first LAG-3 blocking antibody combination for unresectable or metastatic melanoma. This novel immunotherapy combination more than doubled median progression-free survival (PFS) when compared to nivolumab monotherapy (10.1 months versus 4.6 months). Here, we analyze the large clinical trial responsible for this historical approval (RELATIVITY-047), and discuss the preclinical and clinical developments that led to its jump into clinical practice. We will also summarize results achieved by other LAG-3 targeting molecules with promising anti-tumor activities currently under clinical development in phases I, I/II, II, and III. Opdualag will boost the entry of more LAG-3 targeting molecules into clinical practice, supporting the accumulating evidence highlighting the pivotal role of LAG-3 in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Chocarro
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
| | - Ana Bocanegra
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
| | - Ester Blanco
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Leticia Fernández-Rubio
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
| | - Hugo Arasanz
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
- Medical Oncology Unit, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Miriam Echaide
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
| | - Maider Garnica
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
| | - Pablo Ramos
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
| | - Sergio Piñeiro-Hermida
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
| | - Ruth Vera
- Medical Oncology Unit, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - David Escors
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
| | - Grazyna Kochan
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
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Tian X, Ning Q, Yu J, Tang S. T-cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain in cancer immunotherapy: A focus on tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells. Mol Immunol 2022; 147:62-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2022.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Gao YF, Lu YY, Fan XZ, Wang YH, Tian JH, Saed YA, Li RS, Zhou XS. Blockage of TIM-3 relieves lupus nephritis by expanding Treg cells and promoting their suppressive capacity in MRL/lpr mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 110:108971. [PMID: 35777268 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
T Cell Immunoglobulin and Mucin Containing Protein-3 (TIM-3) is an important immune checkpoint protein that is expressed in Tregs and affects their function. However, the expression and role of TIM-3 in modulating regulatory T cells (Tregs) in lupus nephritis (LN) are still unknown. In this study, we found that the percentage of TIM-3+ cells among spleen lymphocytes, CD4+ T cells and Tregs was higher in MRL/lpr mice than in MpJ mice. TIM-3high CD4+ T cells and TIM-3high Tregs were mainly responsible for the increase. The percentage of Tregs in TIM-3high CD4+ T cells was lower than that in TIM-3low CD4+ T cells, and the expression of CTLA-4 and IL-10 was lower in TIM-3high Tregs than in the TIM-3low Tregs in MRL/lpr mice. Blockade of TIM-3 in vivo significantly increased the Treg population and the expression of CTLA-4 and IL-10 in Tregs, thus relieving the LN symptoms and pathology in MRL/lpr mice. Additionally, bioinformatics analysis indicated that TIM-3 regulates Treg cells in LN mainly through cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, the T cell receptor signaling pathway, Th17 cell differentiation and the FoxO signaling pathway. Together, our study has demonstrated that TIM-3 regulates Tregs in LN and that overexpression of TIM-3 in CD4+ T cells and Tregs leads to Treg quantity and quality deficiency in MRL/lpr mice. Blockade of TIM-3 protects against LN by expanding Tregs and enhancing their suppressive capacity. Finally, TIM-3 might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Fang Gao
- Department of Nephrology, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yuan-Yue Lu
- Department of Nephrology, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiu-Zhao Fan
- Department of Nephrology, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China; Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Shanxi Kidney Disease Institute, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yan-Hong Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Ji-Hua Tian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yasin-Abdi Saed
- Department of Nephrology, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Rong-Shan Li
- Department of Nephrology, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China; Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Shanxi Kidney Disease Institute, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
| | - Xiao-Shuang Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China; Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Shanxi Kidney Disease Institute, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
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He S, Lin Q, Chen J, Ma C, Liu Z, Sun Y, Mao W, Shen D, Wang J. Differential expression of Tim3 protein in colorectal cancer associated with MSI and Braf mutation. Histol Histopathol 2022; 37:441-448. [PMID: 34994395 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Tim3 is a negative immune checkpoint molecule and plays a crucial part in tumor-induced immune suppression. Tim3 is a cell surface molecule expressed on T cells marking dysfunctional CD8+ cells in various kinds of cancers. Tim3 expression was mainly reported in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). There are few studies focusing on the expression of Tim3 in tumor cells. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine Tim3 expression level. The relationships between Tim3 expression in colorectal cancer cells and in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and cilicopathological parameters were statistically analyzed. Tim3 was differentially detected in TILs and in colorectal cancer cells. Positive expression of Tim3 in colorectal cancer cells was associated with tumor location (P=0.001), depth of tumor invasion (P<0.001), lymph node metastasis (P=0.001), TNM stage (P=0.001), MSI (P=0.008), and Braf V600E mutation (P=0.001). On the other hand, positive expression of Tim3 in TILs was only related to depth of tumor invasion (P<0.001). Positive expression of Tim3 in both colorectal cancer cells and TILs was associated with depth of tumor invasion (P<0.001), lymph node metastasis (P=0.002), TNM stage (P=0.002), MSI (P=0.039), and Braf V600E mutation (P=0.009). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that Tim3 expression in colorectal cancer and in TILs was significantly associated with patient overall survival (OS) rate (P=0.039, and 0.001). Tim3 may be a potential prognostic marker and a therapy target for colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyan He
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangyin, China
| | - Qingfeng Lin
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangyin, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangyin, China
| | - Chenglong Ma
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangyin, China
| | - Zhili Liu
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangyin, China
| | - Yuejun Sun
- Department of Pathology, the Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangyin, China
| | - Weidong Mao
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangyin, China
| | - Dong Shen
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangyin, China.
| | - Jiandong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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Mesothelin: An Immunotherapeutic Target beyond Solid Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061550. [PMID: 35326701 PMCID: PMC8946840 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review summarizes the current knowledge on mesothelin’s function, its role in cancer, and opportunities for immunotherapeutic targeting of mesothelin. Immunotherapies including monoclonal antibodies, antibody–drug conjugates, chimeric antigen receptor T and NK-cells, targeted alpha therapies, and bispecific T cell engaging molecules are reviewed. We show future directions for mesothelin targeting in hematological malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia. Abstract Modern targeted cancer therapies rely on the overexpression of tumor associated antigens with very little to no expression in normal cell types. Mesothelin is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored cell surface protein that has been identified in many different tumor types, including lung adenocarcinomas, ovarian carcinomas, and most recently in hematological malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Although the function of mesothelin is widely unknown, interactions with MUC16/CA125 indicate that mesothelin plays a role in the regulation of proliferation, growth, and adhesion signaling. Most research on mesothelin currently focuses on utilizing mesothelin to design targeted cancer therapies such as monoclonal antibodies, antibody–drug conjugates, chimeric antigen receptor T and NK cells, bispecific T cell engaging molecules, and targeted alpha therapies, amongst others. Both in vitro and in vivo studies using different immunotherapeutic modalities in mesothelin-positive AML models highlight the potential impact of this approach as a unique opportunity to treat hard-to-cure AML.
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Wang L, Yang G, Liu G, Pan Y. Identification of lncRNA Signature of Tumor-Infiltrating T Lymphocytes With Potential Implications for Prognosis and Chemotherapy of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:795205. [PMID: 35242027 PMCID: PMC8886158 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.795205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: We systematically analyzed HNSCC-infiltrating T lymphocytes lncRNAs (HILTlncRNAs) to assess their predictive value for the survival outcome and immunotherapy response of patients with anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) therapy and to evaluate their predictive power to chemotherapeutic agents. Methods: HNSCC transcriptome and clinical information was obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Immunocell microarray data were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. T-cell-specific lncRNAs were identified by differential expression analysis. Prognostic paired HILTlncRNAs (PHILTlncRNAs) were filtered and modeled by univariate cox, lasso and multivariate cox regression analysis. To construct lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory networks, differentially expressed mRNAs in HNSCC patients were incorporated, microRNAs and differentially expressed mRNAs interacting with T-cell-specific lncRNAs were filtered out based on miRcode, miRDB, miRTarBase, and TargetScan databases. Results: 75 T-cell-specific lncRNAs and 9 prognostic PHILTlncRNAs were identified. Low-risk HNSCC patients had a better prognosis and significant immune cell infiltration, driving the immune response. Differential expression of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), PD-1 and programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) was demonstrated in the high and low risk groups of HNSCC patients. In the high risk group, high expression of PD-1 improved patient prognosis, whereas the opposite was observed in the low-risk group. The promoter methylation levels of two RBPs (DNMT1 and ZC3H12D) were decreased in HNSCC patients compared with normal samples, their expression levels were positively correlated with PD-1 and PD-L1 levels and T-cell infiltration. Finally, we screened the sensitivity of HNSCC patients to chemotherapeutic agents and found it differed between high and low risk groups. Conclusion: HILTlncRNAs provided a theoretical basis for immune targeted therapy and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Gui Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Guohong Liu
- Department of Radiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yunbao Pan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Wang D, Fang J, Wen S, Li Q, Wang J, Yang L, Dai W, Lu H, Guo J, Shan Z, Xie W, Liu X, Wen L, Shen J, Wang A, Chen Q, Wang Z. A comprehensive profile of TCF1+ progenitor and TCF1− terminally exhausted PD-1+CD8+ T cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: implications for prognosis and immunotherapy. Int J Oral Sci 2022; 14:8. [PMID: 35153298 PMCID: PMC8841504 DOI: 10.1038/s41368-022-00160-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The heterogeneity of exhausted T cells (Tex) is a critical determinant of immune checkpoint blockade therapy efficacy. However, few studies have explored exhausted T cell subpopulations in human cancers. In the present study, we examined samples from two cohorts of 175 patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) by multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) to investigate two subsets of Tex, CD8+PD1+TCF1+ progenitor exhausted T cells (TCF1+Texprog) and CD8+PD1+TCF1− terminally exhausted T cells (TCF1−Texterm). Moreover, fresh tumor samples from 34 patients with HNSCC were examined by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry to further investigate their properties and cytotoxic capabilities and their correlation with regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). mIHC and flow cytometry analysis showed that TCF1−Texterm represented a greater proportion of CD8+PD1+Tex than TCF1+Texprog in most patients. TCF1+Texprog produced abundant TNFα, while TCF1−Texterm expressed higher levels of CD103, TIM-3, CTLA-4, and TIGIT. TCF1−Texterm exhibited a polyfunctional TNFα+GZMB+IFNγ+ phenotype; and were associated with better overall survival and recurrence-free survival. The results also indicated that larger proportions of TCF1−Texterm were accompanied by an increase in the proportion of Tregs. Therefore, it was concluded that TCF1−Texterm was the major CD8+PD1+Tex subset in the HNSCC TIME and that these cells favor patient survival. A high proportion of TCF1−Texterm was associated with greater Treg abundance.
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Li J, Wang S, Lin X, Cao Y, Cai Z, Wang J, Zhang Z, Liu X, Wu M, Yao C. Red Blood Cell-Mimic Nanocatalyst Triggering Radical Storm to Augment Cancer Immunotherapy. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2022; 14:57. [PMID: 35122163 PMCID: PMC8817004 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-022-00801-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Red blood cells (RBCs) have recently emerged as promosing candidates for cancer treatment in terms of relieving tumor hypoxia and inducing oxidative damage against cancer cells, but they are still far from satisfactory due to their limited oxygen transport and reactive oxygen species generation rate in tumor tissue. Herein, artificial RBCs (designated FTP@RBCM) with radical storm production ability were developed for oncotherapy through multidimensional reactivity pathways of Fe-protoporphyrin-based hybrid metal-organic frameworks (FTPs, as the core), including photodynamic/chemodynamic-like, catalase-like and glutathione peroxidase-like activities. Meanwhile, owing to the advantages of long circulation abilities of RBCs provided by their cell membranes (RBCMs), FTP with a surface coated with RBCMs (FTP@RBCM) could enormously accumulate at tumor site to achieve remarkably enhanced therapeutic efficiency. Intriguingly, this ROS-mediated dynamic therapy was demonstrated to induce acute local inflammation and high immunogenic cancer death, which evoked a systemic antitumor immune response when combined with the newly identified T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-containing molecule 3 (Tim-3) checkpoint blockade, leading to not only effective elimination of primary tumors but also an abscopal effect of growth suppression of distant tumors. Therefore, such RBC-mimic nanocatalysts with multidimensional catalytic capacities might provide a promising new insight into synergistic cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiong Li
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biomedical Photonics and Sensing, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, People's Republic of China
| | - Sijia Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biomedical Photonics and Sensing, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyi Lin
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biomedical Photonics and Sensing, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanbing Cao
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, People's Republic of China
- Mengchao Med-X Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhixiong Cai
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, People's Republic of China
- Mengchao Med-X Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biomedical Photonics and Sensing, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenxi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biomedical Photonics and Sensing, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, People's Republic of China
- Mengchao Med-X Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Wu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, People's Republic of China.
- Mengchao Med-X Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, People's Republic of China.
| | - Cuiping Yao
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biomedical Photonics and Sensing, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, People's Republic of China.
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Chen BJ, Zhao JW, Zhang DH, Zheng AH, Wu GQ. Immunotherapy of Cancer by Targeting Regulatory T cells. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 104:108469. [PMID: 35008005 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells maintain immune homeostasis by inhibiting abnormal/overactive immune responses to both autogenic and nonautogenic antigens. Treg cells play an important role in immune tolerance, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, organ transplantation, and tumor diseases. Treg cells have two functional characteristics: T cell anergy and immunosuppression. Treg cells remain immune unresponsive to high concentrations of interleukin-2 and anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies. In addition, the activation of Treg cells after TCR-mediated signal stimulation inhibits the activation and proliferation of effector T cells. In the process of tumor development, Treg cells accumulate locally in the tumor and lead to tumor escape by inducing anergy and immunosuppression. It is believed that targeted elimination of Treg cells can activate tumor-specific effector T cells and improve the efficiency of cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, inhibition/clearance of Treg cells is a promising strategy for enhancing antitumor immunity. Here, we review studies of cancer immunotherapies targeting Treg cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Jin Chen
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing-Wen Zhao
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Da-Hong Zhang
- Department of Urology Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ai-Hong Zheng
- Department of Oncology Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Guo-Qing Wu
- Department of Oncology Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Alemohammad H, Najafzadeh B, Asadzadeh Z, Baghbanzadeh A, Ghorbaninezhad F, Najafzadeh A, Safarpour H, Bernardini R, Brunetti O, Sonnessa M, Fasano R, Silvestris N, Baradaran B. The importance of immune checkpoints in immune monitoring: A future paradigm shift in the treatment of cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 146:112516. [PMID: 34906767 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The growth and development of cancer are directly correlated to the suppression of the immune system. A major breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy depends on various mechanisms to detect immunosuppressive factors that inhibit anti-tumor immune responses. Immune checkpoints are expressed on many immune cells such as T-cells, regulatory B cells (Bregs), dendritic cells (DCs), natural killer cells (NKs), regulatory T (Tregs), M2-type macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Immune inhibitory molecules, including CTLA-4, TIM-3, TIGIT, PD-1, and LAG-3, normally inhibit immune responses via negatively regulating immune cell signaling pathways to prevent immune injury. However, the up-regulation of inhibitory immune checkpoints during tumor progression on immune cells suppresses anti-tumor immune responses and promotes immune escape in cancer. It has recently been indicated that cancer cells can up-regulate various pathways of the immune checkpoints. Therefore, targeting immune inhibitory molecules through antibodies or miRNAs is a promising therapeutic strategy and shows favorable results. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are introduced as a new immunotherapy strategy that enhance immune cell-induced antitumor responses in many patients. In this review, we highlighted the function of each immune checkpoint on different immune cells and therapeutic strategies aimed at using monoclonal antibodies and miRNAs against inhibitory receptors. We also discussed current challenges and future strategies for maximizing these FDA-approved immunosuppressants' effectiveness and clinical success in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajar Alemohammad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Basira Najafzadeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Asadzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Baghbanzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Arezoo Najafzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hossein Safarpour
- Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Renato Bernardini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, Catania, Italy
| | - Oronzo Brunetti
- Medical Oncological Unite, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Margherita Sonnessa
- Functional Biomorphology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Rossella Fasano
- Medical Oncological Unite, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Silvestris
- Medical Oncological Unite, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, Bari, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Pharmaceutical Analysis Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Du XZ, Wen B, Liu L, Wei YT, Zhao K. Role of immune escape in different digestive tumours. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:10438-10450. [PMID: 35004976 PMCID: PMC8686128 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i34.10438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A counterbalance between immune cells and tumour cells is key to fighting tumours, and immune escape is an important mechanism for the survival of tumour cells in the body. Tumor cells and their cytokines impair the activity of T cells, NK cells, macrophages and other immune cells through various ways, and change the expression of their own surface antigens so as to avoid the clearance of the immune system. Changes in major histocompatibility complex molecules, high expression of programmed death-ligand 1, and the presence of immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are main means by which tumors impair the function of immune cells. During the development of tumours of the digestive system, different mechanisms acting on tumour cells, the TME, and immune cells lead to immune escape and promote tumour progression. In this paper, the mechanisms of immune escape in tumour cells of the digestive system are reviewed to provide a theoretical basis for the immunotherapy of gastrointestinal tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Zhu Du
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Bin Wen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Ying-Ting Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Kui Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou Province, China
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Zhang J, Dai Z, Yan C, Wang D, Tang D. Blocking antibody-mediated phosphatidylserine enhances cancer immunotherapy. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2021; 147:3639-3651. [PMID: 34499223 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-021-03792-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is a major breakthrough in tumor therapy and has been used in monotherapy or combination therapy. However, it has been associated with poor immune tolerance in some patients or immune-related adverse events. Therefore, ideal and reliable tumor elimination strategies are urgently needed to overcome these shortcomings. Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a negatively charged phospholipid, usually present in the inner lobules of eukaryotic cell membranes. Under certain physiological or pathological conditions, PS may be exposed on the outer leaflets of apoptotic cells serving as recognition signals by phagocytes and modulating the immune response. On the contrary, increased exposure of PS in the tumor microenvironment can significantly antagonize the body's anti-tumor immunity, thereby promoting tumor growth and metastasis. During radiotherapy and chemotherapy, PS-mediated immunosuppression increases the PS levels in necrotic tissue in the tumor microenvironment, further suppressing tumor immunity. PS-targeted therapy is a promising strategy in cancer immunotherapy. It inhibits tumor growth and improves the anti-tumor activity of immune checkpoint inhibitors. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of PS-targeted therapy opens up a new perspective for future cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhujiang Dai
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Cheng Yan
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Daorong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of General Surgery, Northern Jiangsu Province Hospital, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of General Surgery, Northern Jiangsu Province Hospital, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China.
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Yang ML, Zhang JH, Li S, Zhu R, Wang L. SLC13A4 Might Serve as a Prognostic Biomarker and be Correlated with Immune Infiltration into Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Pathol Oncol Res 2021; 27:1609967. [PMID: 34840533 PMCID: PMC8610847 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2021.1609967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
SLC13A4 is a sodium sulfate co-transporter, which is expressed in brains, placentas, thymes and other tissues, plays an essential role in maintaining the metabolic balance of sulfate in vivo. The TCGA database shows that it is differentially expressed in a variety of tumors, but its prognostic value in tumors has not been clarified. TCGA, Oncomine and Timer databases were used to analyze SLC13A4 mRNA expression in cancer tissues and normal tissues, and its correlation with clinical prognosis in head and neck tumor. The CIBERSORT database was used to analyze the correlation between SLC13A4 expression and the infiltration of immune cells. SLC13A4 enrichment analysis was carried out by GSEA. SLC13A4 mRNA levels were significantly lower in head and neck tumors than in paracancer tissues. SLC13A4 expression in Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) was closely related to tumor pathological grade and clinical stage. Decreased SLC13A4 expression was associated with poor overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS), disease specific survival (DSS) and recurrence free survival (RFS) in HNSCC patients. The expression of SLC13A4 was negatively correlated with Monocytes, M1 macrophages, M2 macrophages, resting CD4+ memory T cells, resting NK cells and activated NK cells, but positively correlated with neutrophils, plasma cells, T follicular helper cells, gamma delta T cells, regulatory T cells and naive B cells. In addition, the genes in SLC13A4 low-expression group were mainly concentrated in immunity-related activities, viral diseases, typical tumor pathways and metabolism. The SLC13A4 high expression group was mainly enriched in metabolic pathways. These suggest that SLC13A4 may be a potential prognostic biomarker in HNSC and correlated with immune infiltrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ling Yang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia-Hua Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell Research and Application, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Zhu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Cai X, Zhan H, Ye Y, Yang J, Zhang M, Li J, Zhuang Y. Current Progress and Future Perspectives of Immune Checkpoint in Cancer and Infectious Diseases. Front Genet 2021; 12:785153. [PMID: 34917131 PMCID: PMC8670224 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.785153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The inhibitory regulators, known as immune checkpoints, prevent overreaction of the immune system, avoid normal tissue damage, and maintain immune homeostasis during the antimicrobial or antiviral immune response. Unfortunately, cancer cells can mimic the ligands of immune checkpoints to evade immune surveillance. Application of immune checkpoint blockade can help dampen the ligands expressed on cancer cells, reverse the exhaustion status of effector T cells, and reinvigorate the antitumor function. Here, we briefly introduce the structure, expression, signaling pathway, and targeted drugs of several inhibitory immune checkpoints (PD-1/PD-L1, CTLA-4, TIM-3, LAG-3, VISTA, and IDO1). And we summarize the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors in tumors, such as single agent and combination therapy and adverse reactions. At the same time, we further discussed the correlation between immune checkpoints and microorganisms and the role of immune checkpoints in microbial-infection diseases. This review focused on the current knowledge about the role of the immune checkpoints will help in applying immune checkpoints for clinical therapy of cancer and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Cai
- Heilongjiang Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Huajie Zhan
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yuguang Ye
- Department of Gynecology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Jinjin Yang
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Minghui Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Chifeng City Hospital, Chifeng, China
- *Correspondence: Yuan Zhuang, ; Jing Li, ; Minghui Zhang,
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pathology and Electron Microscopy Center, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Yuan Zhuang, ; Jing Li, ; Minghui Zhang,
| | - Yuan Zhuang
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Yuan Zhuang, ; Jing Li, ; Minghui Zhang,
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40
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Jarahian M, Marofi F, Maashi MS, Ghaebi M, Khezri A, Berger MR. Re-Expression of Poly/Oligo-Sialylated Adhesion Molecules on the Surface of Tumor Cells Disrupts Their Interaction with Immune-Effector Cells and Contributes to Pathophysiological Immune Escape. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5203. [PMID: 34680351 PMCID: PMC8534074 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycans linked to surface proteins are the most complex biological macromolecules that play an active role in various cellular mechanisms. This diversity is the basis of cell-cell interaction and communication, cell growth, cell migration, as well as co-stimulatory or inhibitory signaling. Our review describes the importance of neuraminic acid and its derivatives as recognition elements, which are located at the outermost positions of carbohydrate chains linked to specific glycoproteins or glycolipids. Tumor cells, especially from solid tumors, mask themselves by re-expression of hypersialylated neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), neuropilin-2 (NRP-2), or synaptic cell adhesion molecule 1 (SynCAM 1) in order to protect themselves against the cytotoxic attack of the also highly sialylated immune effector cells. More particularly, we focus on α-2,8-linked polysialic acid chains, which characterize carrier glycoproteins such as NCAM, NRP-2, or SynCam-1. This characteristic property correlates with an aggressive clinical phenotype and endows them with multiple roles in biological processes that underlie all steps of cancer progression, including regulation of cell-cell and/or cell-extracellular matrix interactions, as well as increased proliferation, migration, reduced apoptosis rate of tumor cells, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Specifically, re-expression of poly/oligo-sialylated adhesion molecules on the surface of tumor cells disrupts their interaction with immune-effector cells and contributes to pathophysiological immune escape. Further, sialylated glycoproteins induce immunoregulatory cytokines and growth factors through interactions with sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins. We describe the processes, which modulate the interaction between sialylated carrier glycoproteins and their ligands, and illustrate that sialic acids could be targets of novel therapeutic strategies for treatment of cancer and immune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Jarahian
- German Cancer Research Center, Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Faroogh Marofi
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5165665931, Iran;
| | - Marwah Suliman Maashi
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Unit at King Fahad Medical Research Centre, Jeddah 11211, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mahnaz Ghaebi
- Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center (CGRC), Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan 4513956184, Iran;
| | - Abdolrahman Khezri
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, 2418 Hamar, Norway;
| | - Martin R. Berger
- German Cancer Research Center, Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
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Expression of Tim-3 drives phenotypic and functional changes in Treg cells in secondary lymphoid organs and the tumor microenvironment. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109699. [PMID: 34525351 PMCID: PMC8482289 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) are critical mediators of self-tolerance, but they can also limit effective anti-tumor immunity. Although under homeostasis a small fraction of Treg cells in lymphoid organs express the putative checkpoint molecule Tim-3, this protein is expressed by a much larger proportion of tumor-infiltrating Treg cells. Using a mouse model that drives cell-type-specific inducible Tim-3 expression, we show that expression of Tim-3 by Treg cells is sufficient to drive Treg cells to a more effector-like phenotype, resulting in increases in suppressive activity, effector T cell exhaustion, and tumor growth. We also show that T-reg-cell-specific inducible deletion of Tim-3 enhances anti-tumor immunity. Enhancement of Treg cell function by Tim-3 is strongly correlated with increased expression of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and a shift to a more glycolytic metabolic phenotype. Our data demonstrate that Tim-3+ Treg cells may be a relevant therapeutic target cell type for the treatment of cancer. Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) limit the immune response to tumors, and tumor-infiltrating Treg cells are especially suppressive. However, the mechanisms underlying enhanced Treg cell function are poorly understood. Banerjee et al. show that Tim-3 expression is linked to increased Treg cell suppressive activity, possibly through the cytokine IL-10, in mouse models and people with cancer.
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Jafarzadeh L, Masoumi E, Mirzaei HR, Alishah K, Fallah-Mehrjardi K, Khakpoor-Koosheh M, Rostamian H, Noorbakhsh F, Hadjati J. Targeted knockdown of Tim3 by short hairpin RNAs improves the function of anti-mesothelin CAR T cells. Mol Immunol 2021; 139:1-9. [PMID: 34450537 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
T-cell immunoglobulin mucin 3 (Tim3) is an immune checkpoint receptor that plays a central role in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell exhaustion within the tumor microenvironment. This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of targeted-knockdown of Tim3 on the antitumor function of anti-mesothelin (MSLN)-CAR T cells. To knockdown Tim3 expression, three different shRNA sequences specific to different segments of the human Tim3 gene were designed and co-inserted with an anti-MSLN-CAR transgene into lentiviral vectors. To investigate the efficacy of Tim3 targeting in T cells, expression of Tim3 was assessed before and after antigen stimulation. Afterwards, cytotoxic effects, proliferative response and cytokine production of MSLN-CAR T cells and Tim3-targeted MSLN-CAR T cells were analyzed. Our results showed that activation of T cells and MSLN-CAR T cells led to up-regulation of Tim3. Tim3 knockdown significantly decreased its expression in different groups of MSLN-CAR T cells. Tim3 knockdown significantly improved cytotoxic function, cytokine production and proliferation capacity of MSLN-CAR T cells. Our findings indicate that targeted knockdown of Tim3 allows tumor-infiltrating CAR T cells that would otherwise be inactivated to continue to expand and carry out effector functions, thereby altering the tumor microenvironment from immunosuppressive to immunosupportive via mitigated Tim3 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Jafarzadeh
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Masoumi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Mirzaei
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Alishah
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Keyvan Fallah-Mehrjardi
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Khakpoor-Koosheh
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hosein Rostamian
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farshid Noorbakhsh
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jamshid Hadjati
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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43
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The State of Immunotherapy in Hepatobiliary Cancers. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082096. [PMID: 34440865 PMCID: PMC8393650 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatobiliary cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), and gallbladder carcinoma (GBC), are lethal cancers with limited therapeutic options. Curative-intent treatment typically involves surgery, yet recurrence is common and many patients present with advanced disease not amenable to an operation. Immunotherapy represents a promising approach to improve outcomes, but the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment of the liver characteristic of hepatobiliary cancers has hampered the development and implementation of this therapeutic approach. Current immunotherapies under investigation include immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), the adoptive transfer of immune cells, bispecific antibodies, vaccines, and oncolytic viruses. Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) are two ICIs that have demonstrated utility in HCC, and newer immune checkpoint targets are being tested in clinical trials. In advanced CCA and GBC, PD-1 ICIs have resulted in antitumor responses, but only in a minority of select patients. Other ICIs are being investigated for patients with CCA and GBC. Adoptive transfer may hold promise, with reports of complete durable regression in metastatic CCA, yet this therapeutic approach may not be generalizable. Alternative approaches have been developed and promising results have been observed, but clinical trials are needed to validate their utility. While the treatment of hepatobiliary cancers involves unique challenges that these cancers present, the progress seen with ICIs and adoptive transfer has solidified immunotherapy as an important approach in these challenging patients with few other effective treatment options.
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44
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Lu X. Structure and functions of T-cell immunoglobulin-domain and mucin- domain protein 3 in cancer. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:1851-1865. [PMID: 34365943 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210806120904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND T-cell immunoglobulin (Ig)-domain and mucin-domain (TIM) proteins represent a family of receptors expressed on T-cells that play essential cellular immunity roles. The TIM proteins span across the membrane belonging to type I transmembrane proteins. The N terminus contains an Ig-like V-type domain and a Ser/Thr-rich mucin stalk as a co-inhibitory receptor. The C-terminal tail oriented toward the cytosol predominantly mediates intracellular signaling. METHODS This review discusses the structural features and functions of TIM-3, specifically on its role in mediating immune responses in different cell types, and the rationale for TIM-3-targeted cancer immunotherapy. RESULTS TIM-3 has gained significant importance to be a potential biomarker in cancer immunotherapy. It has been shown that blockade with checkpoint inhibitors promotes anti-tumor immunity and inhibits tumor growth in several preclinical tumor models. CONCLUSION TIM-3 is an immune regulating molecule expressed on several cell types, including IFNγ-producing T-cells, FoxP3+ Treg cells, and innate immune cells. The roles of TIM-3 in immunosuppression support its merit as a target for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjie Lu
- The Mary and Garry Weston Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Thrombosis Research Institute, London, SW3 6LR. United Kingdom
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45
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Kikushige Y. TIM-3 in normal and malignant hematopoiesis: Structure, function, and signaling pathways. Cancer Sci 2021; 112:3419-3426. [PMID: 34159709 PMCID: PMC8409405 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is hierarchically organized by self-renewing leukemic stem cells (LSCs). LSCs originate from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by acquiring multistep leukemogenic events. To specifically eradicate LSCs, while keeping normal HSCs intact, the discrimination of LSCs from HSCs is important. We have identified T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3) as an LSC-specific surface molecule in human myeloid malignancies and demonstrated its essential function in maintaining the self-renewal ability of LSCs. TIM-3 has been intensively investigated as a "coinhibitory" or "immune checkpoint" molecule of T cells. However, little is known about its distinct function in T cells and myeloid malignancies. In this review, we discuss the structure of TIM-3 and its function in normal blood cells and LSCs, emphasizing the specific signaling pathways involved, as well as the therapeutic applications of TIM-3 molecules in human myeloid malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshikane Kikushige
- Department of Medicine and Biosystemic Sciences, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan.,Center for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
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46
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Cao Y, Li Q, Liu H, He X, Huang F, Wang Y. Role of Tim-3 in regulating tumorigenesis, inflammation, and antitumor immunity therapy. Cancer Biomark 2021; 32:237-248. [PMID: 34092621 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-210114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, cancer immunotherapy, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICRs), has attained considerable progresses in clinical practice. T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (Tim-3) act as next ICRs, and originally function as a co-inhibitory receptor expressed on interferon (IFN)-γ producing CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells. Furthermore, Tim-3 has also been found to express on innate immune cells and several types of tumors, signifying the pivotal role that Tim-3 plays in chronic viral infections and cancer. In addition, Tim-3 and multiple ICRs are concurrently expressed and regulated on dysfunctional or exhausted T-cells, leading to improved antitumor immune responses in preclinical or clinical cancer therapy through co-blockade of Tim-3 and other ICRs such as programmed cell death-1 (PD-1). In this review, the biological characteristics of Tim-3 and the function of Tim-3 in regulating tumorigenesis and inflammation have been summarized. The usage of a single blockade of Tim-3 or in combination with multiple immunotherapy regimens have drawn attention to antitumor potential as a target for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Cao
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiang Li
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huihui Liu
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xianglei He
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fang Huang
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yigang Wang
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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47
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Pfeifhofer-Obermair C, Tymoszuk P, Nairz M, Schroll A, Klais G, Demetz E, Engl S, Brigo N, Weiss G. Regulation of Th1 T Cell Differentiation by Iron via Upregulation of T Cell Immunoglobulin and Mucin Containing Protein-3 (TIM-3). Front Immunol 2021; 12:637809. [PMID: 34108960 PMCID: PMC8181170 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.637809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron plays an important role in host–pathogen interactions, in being an essential element for both pathogen and host metabolism, but also by impacting immune cell differentiation and anti-microbial effector pathways. Iron has been implicated to affect the differentiation of T lymphocytes during inflammation, however, so far the underlying mechanism remained elusive. In order to study the role of iron in T cell differentiation we here investigated how dietary iron supplementation affects T cell function and outcome in a model of chronic infection with the intracellular bacterium Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium (S. Typhimurium). Iron loading prior to infection fostered bacterial burden and, unexpectedly, reduced differentiation of CD4+ T helper cells type 1 (Th1) and expression of interferon-gamma (IFNγ), a key cytokine to control infections with intracellular pathogens. This effect could be traced back to iron-mediated induction of the negative immune checkpoint regulator T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM-3), expressed on the surface of this T cell subset. In vitro experiments demonstrated that iron supplementation specifically upregulated mRNA and protein expression of TIM-3 in naïve Th cells in a dose-depdendent manner and hindered priming of those T cells towards Th1 differentiation. Importantly, administration of TIM-3 blocking antibodies to iron-loaded mice infected with S. Typhimurium virtually restored Th1 cell differentiation and significantly improved bacterial control. Our data uncover a novel mechanism by which iron modulates CD4+ cell differentiation and functionality and hence impacts infection control with intracellular pathogens. Specifically, iron inhibits the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells to protective IFNγ producing Th1 lymphocytes via stimulation of TIM-3 expression. Finally, TIM-3 may serve as a novel drug target for the treatment of chronic infections with intracellular pathogens, specifically in iron loading diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Piotr Tymoszuk
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Manfred Nairz
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andrea Schroll
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gloria Klais
- Department of Biotechnology & Food Engineering, MCI-The Entrepreneurial School, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Egon Demetz
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sabine Engl
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Natascha Brigo
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Günter Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Iron Metabolism and Anemia Research, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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48
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Yang L, Chen X, Wang Q, Zhu Y, Wu C, Ma X, Zuo D, He H, Huang L, Li J, Xia C, Hu S, Yang X, Feng M. Generation of TIM3 inhibitory single-domain antibodies to boost the antitumor activity of chimeric antigen receptor T cells. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:542. [PMID: 34079595 PMCID: PMC8157332 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting inhibitory immune checkpoint molecules has significantly altered cancer treatment regimens. T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM3) is one of the major inhibitory immune checkpoints expressed on T cells. Blocking the engagement of TIM3 and its inhibitory ligand galectin-9 may potentiate the effects of immunotherapy or overcome the adaptive resistance to the therapeutic blockade of programmed cell death protein 1, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4, B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator and lymphocyte-activation gene 3, amongst others, as each of these immune checkpoints harbors unique properties that set it apart from the rest. Heavy chain variable fragment (VH)-derived single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) represent a class of expanding drug candidates. These sdAbs have unique advantages, including their minimal size in the antibody class, ease of expression, broad scope for modular structure design and re-engineering, and excellent tumor penetration. In the present study, two sdAbs, TIM3-R23 and TIM3-R53, were generated by immunizing rabbits with the recombinant extracellular domain of TIM3 and applying phage display technology. These sdAbs were easily expressed in mammalian cells. The purified sdAbs were able to bind to both recombinant and cell surface TIM3, and blocked it from binding to the ligand galectin-9. In vivo studies demonstrated that TIM3-R53 was able to potentiate the antitumor activity of chimeric antigen receptor T cells that targeted mesothelin. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that TIM3-R53 may be a novel and attractive immune checkpoint inhibitor against TIM3, which is worthy of further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Yang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, P.R. China
| | - Xin Chen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, P.R. China
| | - Qian Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, P.R. China
| | - Yuankui Zhu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, P.R. China
| | - Changfa Wu
- Clinical Testing Branch, Hongshan District Chinese Medicine Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430000, P.R. China
| | - Xuqian Ma
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, P.R. China
| | - Dianbao Zuo
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, P.R. China
| | - Huixia He
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, P.R. China
| | - Le Huang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, P.R. China
| | - Jingwen Li
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, P.R. China
| | - Chunjiao Xia
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, P.R. China
| | - Sheng Hu
- Department of Internal Medicine-Oncology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoqing Yang
- Clinical Laboratory, Hospital of Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, P.R. China
| | - Mingqian Feng
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, P.R. China
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Hu M, Li Y, Lu Y, Wang M, Li Y, Wang C, Li Q, Zhao H. The regulation of immune checkpoints by the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11306. [PMID: 34012727 PMCID: PMC8109006 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) influences the occurrence and progression of tumors, and hypoxia is an important characteristic of the TME. The expression of programmed death 1 (PD1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PDL1), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4), and other immune checkpoints in hypoxic malignant tumors is often significantly increased, and is associated with poor prognosis. The application of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for treating lung cancer, urothelial carcinoma, and gynecological tumors has achieved encouraging efficacy; however, the rate of efficacy of ICI single-drug treatment is only about 20%. In the present review, we discuss the possible mechanisms by which the hypoxic TME regulates immune checkpoints. By activating hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), regulating the adenosine (Ado)-A2aR pathway, regulating the glycolytic pathway, and driving epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and other biological pathways, hypoxia regulates the expression levels of CTLA4, PD1, PDL1, CD47, lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG3), T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM3), and other immune checkpoints, which interfere with the immune effector cell anti-tumor response and provide convenient conditions for tumors to escape immune surveillance. The combination of HIF-1α inhibitors, Ado-inhibiting tumor immune microenvironment regulatory drugs, and other drugs with ICIs has good efficacy in both preclinical studies and phase I-II clinical studies. Exploring the effects of TME hypoxia on the expression of immune checkpoints and the function of infiltrating immune cells has greatly clarified the relationship between the hypoxic TME and immune escape, which is of great significance for the development of new drugs and the search for predictive markers of the efficacy of immunotherapy for treating malignant tumors. In the future, combination therapy with hypoxia pathway inhibitors and ICIs may be an effective anti-tumor treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Hu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Basic Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China.,Department of Oncology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yongfu Li
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Yuting Lu
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Miao Wang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingrui Li
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Basic Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China.,Department of Oncology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chaoying Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Qin Li
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Basic Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
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50
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The TIM3/Gal9 signaling pathway: An emerging target for cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Lett 2021; 510:67-78. [PMID: 33895262 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade has shown unprecedented and durable clinical response in a wide range of cancers. T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM3) is an inhibitory checkpoint protein that is highly expressed in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. In various cancers, the interaction of TIM3 and Galectin 9 (Gal9) suppresses anti-tumor immunity mediated by innate as well as adaptive immune cells. Thus, the blockade of the TIM3/Gal9 interaction is a promising therapeutic approach for cancer therapy. In addition, co-blockade of the TIM3/Gal9 pathway along with the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway increases the therapeutic efficacy by overcoming non-redundant immune resistance induced by each checkpoint. Here, we summarize the physiological roles of the TIM3/Gal9 pathway in adaptive and innate immune systems. We highlight the recent clinical and preclinical studies showing the involvement of the TIM3/Gal9 pathway in various solid and blood cancers. In addition, we discuss the potential of using TIM3 and Gal9 as prognostic and predictive biomarkers in different cancers. An in-depth mechanistic understanding of the blockade of the TIM3/Gal9 signaling pathway in cancer could help in identifying patients who respond to this therapy as well as designing combination therapies.
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