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Han MM, Fan YK, Zhang Y, Dong ZQ. Advances in herbal polysaccharides-based nano-drug delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy. J Drug Target 2024; 32:311-324. [PMID: 38269853 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2024.2309661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The boom in cancer immunotherapy has provided many patients with a better chance of survival, but opportunities often come with challenges. Single immunotherapy is not good enough to eradicate tumours, and often fails to achieve the desired therapeutic effect because of the low targeting of immunotherapy drugs, and causes more side effects. As a solution to this problem, researchers have developed several nano Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS) to deliver immunotherapeutic agents to achieve good therapeutic outcomes. However, traditional drug delivery systems (DDS) have disadvantages such as poor bioavailability, high cytotoxicity, and difficulty in synthesis, etc. Herbal Polysaccharides (HPS), derived from natural Chinese herbs, inherently possess low toxicity. Furthermore, the biocompatibility, biodegradability, hydrophilicity, ease of modification, and immunomodulatory activities of HPS offer unique advantages in substituting traditional DDS. This review initially addresses the current developments and challenges in immunotherapy. Subsequently, it focuses on the immunomodulatory mechanisms of HPS and their design as nanomedicines for targeted drug delivery in tumour immunotherapy. Our findings reveal that HPS-based nanomedicines exhibit significant potential in enhancing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, providing crucial theoretical foundations and practical guidelines for future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Miao Han
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine from Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription from Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Kai Fan
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine from Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription from Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine from Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription from Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Joint Research Center for Chinese Medicinal Herbs, IMPLAD, ABRC & ACCL, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng-Qi Dong
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine from Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription from Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Joint Research Center for Chinese Medicinal Herbs, IMPLAD, ABRC & ACCL, Beijing, China
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2
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Roser LA, Sakellariou C, Lindstedt M, Neuhaus V, Dehmel S, Sommer C, Raasch M, Flandre T, Roesener S, Hewitt P, Parnham MJ, Sewald K, Schiffmann S. IL-2-mediated hepatotoxicity: knowledge gap identification based on the irAOP concept. J Immunotoxicol 2024; 21:2332177. [PMID: 38578203 DOI: 10.1080/1547691x.2024.2332177] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug-induced hepatotoxicity constitutes a major reason for non-approval and post-marketing withdrawal of pharmaceuticals. In many cases, preclinical models lack predictive capacity for hepatic damage in humans. A vital concern is the integration of immune system effects in preclinical safety assessment. The immune-related Adverse Outcome Pathway (irAOP) approach, which is applied within the Immune Safety Avatar (imSAVAR) consortium, presents a novel method to understand and predict immune-mediated adverse events elicited by pharmaceuticals and thus targets this issue. It aims to dissect the molecular mechanisms involved and identify key players in drug-induced side effects. As irAOPs are still in their infancy, there is a need for a model irAOP to validate the suitability of this tool. For this purpose, we developed a hepatotoxicity-based model irAOP for recombinant human IL-2 (aldesleukin). Besides producing durable therapeutic responses against renal cell carcinoma and metastatic melanoma, the boosted immune activation upon IL-2 treatment elicits liver damage. The availability of extensive data regarding IL-2 allows both the generation of a comprehensive putative irAOP and to validate the predictability of the irAOP with clinical data. Moreover, IL-2, as one of the first cancer immunotherapeutics on the market, is a blueprint for various biological and novel treatment regimens that are under investigation today. This review provides a guideline for further irAOP-directed research in immune-mediated hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luise A Roser
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Malin Lindstedt
- Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Vanessa Neuhaus
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Preclinical Pharmacology and In-Vitro Toxicology, Hannover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Hannover, Germany
| | - Susann Dehmel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Preclinical Pharmacology and In-Vitro Toxicology, Hannover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Hannover, Germany
| | - Charline Sommer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Preclinical Pharmacology and In-Vitro Toxicology, Hannover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Thierry Flandre
- Translational Medicine, Novartis Institutes of Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sigrid Roesener
- Chemical and Preclinical Safety, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Philip Hewitt
- Chemical and Preclinical Safety, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Michael J Parnham
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- EpiEndo Pharmaceuticals ehf, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Katherina Sewald
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Preclinical Pharmacology and In-Vitro Toxicology, Hannover, Germany
- Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Hannover, Germany
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3
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Dixon M, Phan TA, Dallon JC, Tian JP. Mathematical model for IL-2-based cancer immunotherapy. Math Biosci 2024; 372:109187. [PMID: 38575057 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2024.109187] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
A basic mathematical model for IL-2-based cancer immunotherapy is proposed and studied. Our analysis shows that the outcome of therapy is mainly determined by three parameters, the relative death rate of CD4+ T cells, the relative death rate of CD8+ T cells, and the dose of IL-2 treatment. Minimal equilibrium tumor size can be reached with a large dose of IL-2 in the case that CD4+ T cells die out. However, in cases where CD4+ and CD8+ T cells persist, the final tumor size is independent of the IL-2 dose and is given by the relative death rate of CD4+ T cells. Two groups of in silico clinical trials show some short-term behaviors of IL-2 treatment. IL-2 administration can slow the proliferation of CD4+ T cells, while high doses for a short period of time over several days transiently increase the population of CD8+ T cells during treatment before it recedes to its equilibrium. IL-2 administration for a short period of time over many days suppresses the tumor population for a longer time before approaching its steady-state levels. This implies that intermittent administration of IL-2 may be a good strategy for controlling tumor size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Dixon
- Department of Mathematics, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA.
| | - Tuan Anh Phan
- Institute for Modeling Collaboration and Innovation, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA.
| | - J C Dallon
- Department of Mathematics, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA.
| | - Jianjun Paul Tian
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88001, USA.
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4
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Pozzi S, Satchi-Fainaro R. The role of CCL2/CCR2 axis in cancer and inflammation: The next frontier in nanomedicine. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 209:115318. [PMID: 38643840 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115318] [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: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The communication between cells and their microenvironment represents an intrinsic and essential attribute that takes place in several biological processes, including tissue homeostasis and tissue repair. Among these interactions, inflammation is certainly a central biological response that occurs through cytokines and the crosstalk with their respective receptors. In particular, the interaction between CCL2 and its main receptor, CCR2, plays a pivotal role in both harmful and protective inflammatory states, including cancer-mediated inflammation. The activation of the CCL2/CCR2 axis was shown to dictate the migration of macrophages with immune-suppressive phenotype and to aggravate the progression of different cancer types. In addition, this interaction mediates metastasis formation, further limiting the potential therapeutic outcome of anti-cancer drugs. Attempts to inhibit pharmacologically the CCL2/CCR2 axis have yet to show its anti-cancer efficacy as a single agent, but it sheds light on its role as a powerful tool to selectively alleviate pro-tumorigenic and anti-repair inflammation. In this review, we will elucidate the role of CCL2/CCR2 axis in promoting cancer inflammation by activating the host pro-tumorigenic phenotype. Moreover, we will provide some insight into the potential therapeutic benefit of targeting the CCL2/CCR2 axis for cancer and inflammation using novel delivery systems, aiming to sensitize non-responders to currently approved immunotherapies and offer new combinatory approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Pozzi
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Ronit Satchi-Fainaro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; Sagol School of Neurosciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel.
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5
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Chan PY, Corrie PG. Curing Stage IV Melanoma: Where Have We Been and Where Are We? Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2024; 44:e438654. [PMID: 38669609 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_438654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Little more than 10 years ago, metastatic melanoma was considered to have one of the poorest cancer outcomes, associated with a median overall survival of 6-8 months. Cytotoxic chemotherapy offered modest response rates of 20%-30%, but no clear survival benefit. Patients were routinely enrolled in clinical trials as their first-line therapy in the search for effective novel therapeutics. Remarkable developments in molecular biology, cancer genomics, immunology, and drug discovery have dominated the early part of the 21st century, and nowhere have the benefits been better realized than in the transformation of outcomes for patients with metastatic melanoma: since 2011, 14 new agents have been approved that significantly increase survival, with long-term remissions and, possibly now, potential for cure. Even so, there is still much work to be done, given that most treated patients still die of their disease. Although most survival gains have so far been realized for cutaneous melanoma, improving treatment options for those 10% of patients with rarer, noncutaneous melanomas is a high priority. Key novel therapeutic approaches aimed at improving outcomes with potential for curing patients with melanoma are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pui Ying Chan
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Pippa G Corrie
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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6
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Thompson JF. The evolution of melanomology: a tale of giants' shoulders and bold hypotheses. Surg Oncol 2024:102094. [PMID: 38830788 DOI: 10.1016/j.suronc.2024.102094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- John F Thompson
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, North Sydney, NSW, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Melanoma and Surgical Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
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7
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Mohamad NA, Galarza TE, Martín GA. H2 antihistamines: May be useful for combination therapies in cancer? Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 223:116164. [PMID: 38531422 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116164] [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: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Cancer morbimortality is still a great concern despite advances in research and therapies. Histamine and its receptors' ligands can modulate different biological responses according to the cell type and the receptor subtype involved. Besides the wide variety of histamine functions in normal tissues, diverse roles in the acquisition of hallmarks of cancer such as sustained proliferative signaling, resistance to cell death, angiogenesis, metastasis, altered immunity and modified microenvironment have been described. This review summarizes the present knowledge of the various roles of histamine H2 receptor (H2R) ligands in neoplasias. A bioinformatic analysis of human tumors showed dissimilar results in the expression of the H2R gene according to tumor type when comparing malignant versus normal tissues. As well, the relationship between patients' survival parameters and H2R gene expression levels also varied, signaling important divergences in the role of H2R in neoplastic progression in different cancer types. Revised experimental evidence showed multiple effects of H2R antihistamines on several of the cited hallmarks of cancer. Interventional and retrospective clinical studies evaluated different H2R antihistamines in cancer patients with two main adjuvant uses: improving antitumor efficacy (which includes regulation of immune response) and preventing toxic adverse effects produced by chemo or radiotherapy. While there is a long path to go, research on H2R antihistamines may provide new opportunities for developing more refined combination therapeutic strategies for certain cancer types to improve patients' survival and health-related quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora A Mohamad
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Laboratorio de Radioisótopos, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tamara E Galarza
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Laboratorio de Radioisótopos, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriela A Martín
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Laboratorio de Radioisótopos, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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8
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Godakhindi V, Tarannum M, Dam SK, Vivero-Escoto JL. Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles as an Ideal Platform for Cancer Immunotherapy: Recent Advances and Future Directions. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2400323. [PMID: 38653190 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202400323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy recently transforms the traditional approaches against various cancer malignancies. Immunotherapy includes systemic and local treatments to enhance immune responses against cancer and involves strategies such as immune checkpoints, cancer vaccines, immune modulatory agents, mimetic antigen-presenting cells, and adoptive cell therapy. Despite promising results, these approaches still suffer from several limitations including lack of precise delivery of immune-modulatory agents to the target cells and off-target toxicity, among others, that can be overcome using nanotechnology. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are investigated to improve various aspects of cancer immunotherapy attributed to the advantageous structural features of this nanomaterial. MSNs can be engineered to alter their properties such as size, shape, porosity, surface functionality, and adjuvanticity. This review explores the immunological properties of MSNs and the use of MSNs as delivery vehicles for immune-adjuvants, vaccines, and mimetic antigen-presenting cells (APCs). The review also details the current strategies to remodel the tumor microenvironment to positively reciprocate toward the anti-tumor immune cells and the use of MSNs for immunotherapy in combination with other anti-tumor therapies including photodynamic/thermal therapies to enhance the therapeutic effect against cancer. Last, the present demands and future scenarios for the use of MSNs for cancer immunotherapy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varsha Godakhindi
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA
- Nanoscale Science Program, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA
| | - Mubin Tarannum
- Division of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Sudip Kumar Dam
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA
- Nanoscale Science Program, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA
| | - Juan L Vivero-Escoto
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA
- Nanoscale Science Program, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA
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9
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Niu L, Jang E, Chin AL, Huo Z, Wang W, Cai W, Tong R. Noncovalently particle-anchored cytokines with prolonged tumor retention safely elicit potent antitumor immunity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk7695. [PMID: 38640236 PMCID: PMC11029804 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk7695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Preclinical studies have shown that immunostimulatory cytokines elicit antitumor immune responses but their clinical use is limited by severe immune-related adverse events upon systemic administration. Here, we report a facile and versatile strategy for noncovalently anchoring potent Fc-fused cytokine molecules to the surface of size-discrete particles decorated with Fc-binding peptide for local administration. Following intratumoral injection, particle-anchored Fc cytokines exhibit size-dependent intratumoral retention. The 1-micrometer particle prolongs intratumoral retention of Fc cytokine for over a week and has minimal systemic exposure, thereby eliciting antitumor immunity while eliminating systemic toxicity caused by circulating cytokines. In addition, the combination of these particle-anchored cytokines with immune checkpoint blockade antibodies safely promotes tumor regression in various syngeneic tumor models and genetically engineered murine tumor models and elicits systemic antitumor immunity against tumor rechallenge. Our formulation strategy renders a safe and tumor-agnostic approach that uncouples cytokines' immunostimulatory properties from their systemic toxicities for potential clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqian Niu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 635 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Eungyo Jang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 635 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Ai Lin Chin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 635 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Ziyu Huo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 635 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Wenbo Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 445 Old Turner Street, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Wenjun Cai
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 445 Old Turner Street, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Rong Tong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 635 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
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10
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Fateeva A, Eddy K, Chen S. Current State of Melanoma Therapy and Next Steps: Battling Therapeutic Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1571. [PMID: 38672652 PMCID: PMC11049326 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive and deadly form of skin cancer due to its high propensity to metastasize to distant organs. Significant progress has been made in the last few decades in melanoma therapeutics, most notably in targeted therapy and immunotherapy. These approaches have greatly improved treatment response outcomes; however, they remain limited in their abilities to hinder disease progression due, in part, to the onset of acquired resistance. In parallel, intrinsic resistance to therapy remains an issue to be resolved. In this review, we summarize currently available therapeutic options for melanoma treatment and focus on possible mechanisms that drive therapeutic resistance. A better understanding of therapy resistance will provide improved rational strategies to overcome these obstacles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fateeva
- Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (A.F.); (K.E.)
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Kevinn Eddy
- Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (A.F.); (K.E.)
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Suzie Chen
- Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (A.F.); (K.E.)
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ 07018, USA
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11
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Levi S, Bank H, Mullinax J, Boland G. Precision Oncology in Melanoma and Skin Cancer Surgery. Surg Oncol Clin N Am 2024; 33:369-385. [PMID: 38401915 DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2023.12.017] [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] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
There has been perhaps no greater advance in the prognosis of solid tumors in the last decade than for patients with metastatic melanoma. This is due to significant improvements in treatment based on two key components of melanoma tumor biology (1) the identification of driver mutations with therapeutic potential and (2) the mechanistic understanding of a tumor-specific immune response. With breakthrough findings in such a relatively short period of time, the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma has become intensely personalized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John Mullinax
- Sarcoma Department, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Genevieve Boland
- Department of Surgery, MGH, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA, USA.
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12
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Jiang Y, Zhang Y, Liu C, Liu J, Xue W, Wang Z, Li X. Tumor-activated IL-2 mRNA delivered by lipid nanoparticles for cancer immunotherapy. J Control Release 2024; 368:663-675. [PMID: 38492862 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.03.016] [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: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) exhibits the unique capacity to modulate immune functions, potentially exerting antitumor effects by stimulating immune responses, making it highly promising for immunotherapy. However, the clinical use of recombinant IL-2 protein faces significant limitations due to its short half-life and systemic toxicity. To overcome these challenges and fully exploit IL-2's potential in tumor immunotherapy, this study reports the development of a tumor-activated IL-2 mRNA, delivered via lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Initially, ionizable lipid U-101 derived nanoparticles (U-101-LNP) were prepared using microfluidic technology. Subsequent in vitro and in vivo delivery tests demonstrated that U-101-LNP achieved more effective transfection than the approved ALC-0315-LNP. Following this, IL-2F mRNAs, encoding fusion proteins comprising IL-2, a linker, and CD25 (IL-2Rα), were designed and synthesized through in vitro transcription. A cleavable linker, consisting of the peptide sequence SGRSEN↓IRTA, was selected for cleavage by matrix metalloproteinase-14 (MMP-14). IL-2F mRNA was then encapsulated in U-101-LNP to create U-101-LNP/IL-2F mRNA complexes. After optimization, assessments of expression efficiency, masking, and release characteristics revealed that IL-2F with linker C4 demonstrated superior performance. Finally, the antitumor activity of IL-2F mRNA was evaluated. The results indicated that U-101-LNP/IL-2F mRNA achieved the strongest antitumor effect, with an inhibition rate of 70.3%. Immunohistochemistry observations revealed significant expressions of IL-2, IFN-γ, and CD8, suggesting an up-regulation of immunomodulation in tumor tissues. This effect could be ascribed to the expression of IL-2F, followed by the cleavage of the linker under the action of MMP-14 in tumor tissue, which sustainably releases IL-2. H&E staining of tissues treated with U-101-LNP/IL-2F mRNA showed no abnormalities. Further evaluations indicated that the U-101-LNP/IL-2F mRNA group maintained proper levels of inflammatory factors without obvious alterations in liver and renal functions. Taken together, the U-101-LNP/IL-2F mRNA formulation demonstrated effective antitumor activity and safety, which suggests potential applicability in clinical immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Jiang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, PR China
| | - Yanhao Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, PR China
| | - Chao Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, PR China
| | - Jinyu Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, PR China
| | - Wenliang Xue
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, PR China
| | - Zihao Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, PR China
| | - Xinsong Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, PR China.
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13
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Wang MJ, Xia Y, Gao QL. DNA Damage-driven Inflammatory Cytokines: Reprogramming of Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Application of Oncotherapy. Curr Med Sci 2024; 44:261-272. [PMID: 38561595 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-024-2859-1] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
DNA damage occurs across tumorigenesis and tumor development. Tumor intrinsic DNA damage can not only increase the risk of mutations responsible for tumor generation but also initiate a cellular stress response to orchestrate the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and dominate tumor progression. Accumulating evidence documents that multiple signaling pathways, including cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) and ataxia telangiectasia-mutated protein/ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein (ATM/ATR), are activated downstream of DNA damage and they are associated with the secretion of diverse cytokines. These cytokines possess multifaced functions in the anti-tumor immune response. Thus, it is necessary to deeply interpret the complex TIME reshaped by damaged DNA and tumor-derived cytokines, critical for the development of effective tumor therapies. This manuscript comprehensively reviews the relationship between the DNA damage response and related cytokines in tumors and depicts the dual immunoregulatory roles of these cytokines. We also summarize clinical trials targeting signaling pathways and cytokines associated with DNA damage and provide future perspectives on emerging technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Jie Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yu Xia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Qing-Lei Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Invasion and Metastasis, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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14
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Gong T, Huang X, Wang Z, Chu Y, Wang L, Wang Q. IL-2 promotes expansion and intratumoral accumulation of tumor infiltrating dendritic cells in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:84. [PMID: 38554155 PMCID: PMC10981618 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03669-7] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the diagnostic potential of IL-2 for PDAC and develop a method to improve the dendritic cell (DC) based vaccine against PDAC. The gene expression data and clinical characteristics information for 178 patients with PDAC were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). DCs were isolated from Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and were cultured in 4 different conditions. DCs were pulsed by tumor cell lysates or KRAS G12D1 - 23 peptide, and then used to activate T cells. The mixture of DCs and T cells were administered to xenograft mouse model through the tail vein. The infiltration of DCs and T cells were detected by immunohistochemistry. The generation of KRAS G12D mutation specific cytotoxic T cells was determined by in vitro killing assay. We observed that PDAC patients with higher IL-2 mRNA levels exhibited improved overall survival and increased infiltration of CD8 + T cells, NK cells, naïve B cells, and resting myeloid DCs in the tumor microenvironment. IL-2 alone did not enhance DC proliferation, antigen uptake, or apoptosis inhibition unless co-cultured with PBMCs. DCs co-cultured with PBMCs in IL-2-containing medium demonstrated the strongest tumor repression effect in vitro and in vivo. Compared to DCs obtained through the traditional method (cultured in medium containing GM-CSF and IL-4), DCs cultured with PBMCs, and IL-2 exhibited increased tumor infiltration capacity, potentially facilitating sustained T cell immunity. DCs cultured in the PBMCs-IL-2 condition could promote the generation of cytotoxic T cells targeting tumor cells carrying KRAS G12D mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Gong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xinyang Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Zhuoxin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Ye Chu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Lifu Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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15
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Zama N, Toda S. Designer cell therapy for tissue regeneration. Inflamm Regen 2024; 44:15. [PMID: 38491394 PMCID: PMC10941617 DOI: 10.1186/s41232-024-00327-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cell therapy, particularly chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for blood cancers, has emerged as a powerful new modality for cancer treatment. Therapeutic cells differ significantly from conventional drugs, such as small molecules and biologics, as they possess cellular information processing abilities to recognize and respond to abnormalities in the body. This capability enables the targeted delivery of therapeutic factors to specific locations and times. Various types of designer cells have been developed and tested to overcome the shortcomings of CAR T cells and expand their functions in the treatment of solid tumors. In particular, synthetic receptor technologies are a key to designing therapeutic cells that specifically improve tumor microenvironment. Such technologies demonstrate great potential for medical applications to regenerate damaged tissues as well that are difficult to cure with conventional drugs. In this review, we introduce recent developments in next-generation therapeutic cells for cancer treatment and discuss the application of designer therapeutic cells for tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noyuri Zama
- WPI Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa , 920-1192, Japan
- Graduate School of Frontier Science Initiative, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa , 920-1192, Japan
| | - Satoshi Toda
- WPI Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa , 920-1192, Japan.
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16
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Zhao Y, Yang M, Feng J, Wang X, Liu Y. Advances in immunotherapy for biliary tract cancers. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:524-532. [PMID: 37646139 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002759] [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: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Biliary tract cancers (BTC), a heterogeneous disease with poor prognosis, including gallbladder cancer (GBC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC). Although surgery is currently the primary regimen to treat BTC, most BTC patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage and miss the opportunity of surgical eradication. As a result, non-surgical therapy serves as the main intervention for advanced BTC. In recent years, immunotherapy has emerged as one of the most promising therapies in a number of solid cancers, and it includes immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) monotherapy or combined therapy, tumor vaccines, oncolytic virus immunotherapy, adoptive cell therapy (ACT), and cytokine therapy. However, these therapies have been practiced in limited clinical settings in patients with BTC. In this review, we focus on the discussion of latest advances of immunotherapy in BTC and update the progress of multiple current clinical trials with different immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Zhao
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Cancer Institute, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Mao Yang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Cancer Institute, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Jiayi Feng
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Cancer Institute, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Xu'an Wang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Cancer Institute, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Yingbin Liu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Cancer Institute, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease, Shanghai 200082, China
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17
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Fishman J, Buchbinder EI. Is There a Current Role for Combination Chemotherapy or High-Dose Interleukin 2 in Melanoma? Cancer J 2024; 30:120-125. [PMID: 38527266 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Immune checkpoint inhibition and targeted therapies have revolutionized the treatment of melanoma. However, chemotherapy and interleukin 2 (IL-2) therapy may still have a role in the later-line treatment of patients who do not have durable responses to other treatments. Chemotherapy can work transiently in patients whose disease has progressed on immune checkpoint inhibitors and for whom there are no appropriate targeted therapy options. High-dose IL-2 therapy can still be effective for a very small number of patients following progression on other therapies. In addition, modified IL-2 agents and IL-2 in combination with tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy may play a role in future treatments for melanoma.
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18
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Tomasovic LM, Liu K, VanDyke D, Fabilane CS, Spangler JB. Molecular Engineering of Interleukin-2 for Enhanced Therapeutic Activity in Autoimmune Diseases. BioDrugs 2024; 38:227-248. [PMID: 37999893 PMCID: PMC10947368 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-023-00635-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The interleukin-2 (IL-2) cytokine plays a crucial role in regulating immune responses and maintaining immune homeostasis. Its immunosuppressive effects have been harnessed therapeutically via administration of low cytokine doses. Low-dose IL-2 has shown promise in the treatment of various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases; however, the clinical use of IL-2 is complicated by its toxicity, its pleiotropic effects on both immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive cell subsets, and its short serum half-life, which collectively limit the therapeutic window. As a result, there remains a considerable need for IL-2-based autoimmune disease therapies that can selectively target regulatory T cells with minimal off-target binding to immune effector cells in order to prevent cytokine-mediated toxicities and optimize therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we discuss exciting advances in IL-2 engineering that are empowering the development of novel therapies to treat autoimmune conditions. We describe the structural mechanisms of IL-2 signaling, explore current applications of IL-2-based compounds as immunoregulatory interventions, and detail the progress and challenges associated with clinical adoption of IL-2 therapies. In particular, we focus on protein engineering approaches that have been employed to optimize the regulatory T-cell bias of IL-2, including structure-guided or computational design of cytokine mutants, conjugation to polyethylene glycol, and the development of IL-2 fusion proteins. We also consider future research directions for enhancing the translational potential of engineered IL-2-based therapies. Overall, this review highlights the immense potential to leverage the immunoregulatory properties of IL-2 for targeted treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke M Tomasovic
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kathy Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Derek VanDyke
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Charina S Fabilane
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Program in Molecular Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jamie B Spangler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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19
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Abdul-Rahman T, Ghosh S, Badar SM, Nazir A, Bamigbade GB, Aji N, Roy P, Kachani H, Garg N, Lawal L, Bliss ZSB, Wireko AA, Atallah O, Adebusoye FT, Teslyk T, Sikora K, Horbas V. The paradoxical role of cytokines and chemokines at the tumor microenvironment: a comprehensive review. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:124. [PMID: 38360737 PMCID: PMC10868116 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01711-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor progression and eradication have long piqued the scientific community's interest. Recent discoveries about the role of chemokines and cytokines in these processes have fueled renewed interest in related research. These roles are frequently viewed as contentious due to their ability to both suppress and promote cancer progression. As a result, this review critically appraised existing literature to discuss the unique roles of cytokines and chemokines in the tumor microenvironment, as well as the existing challenges and future opportunities for exploiting these roles to develop novel and targeted treatments. While these modulatory molecules play an important role in tumor suppression via enhanced cancer-cell identification by cytotoxic effector cells and directly recruiting immunological effector cells and stromal cells in the TME, we observed that they also promote tumor proliferation. Many cytokines, including GM-CSF, IL-7, IL-12, IL-15, IL-18, and IL-21, have entered clinical trials for people with advanced cancer, while the FDA has approved interferon-alpha and IL-2. Nonetheless, low efficacy and dose-limiting toxicity limit these agents' full potential. Conversely, Chemokines have tremendous potential for increasing cancer immune-cell penetration of the tumor microenvironment and promoting beneficial immunological interactions. When chemokines are combined with cytokines, they activate lymphocytes, producing IL-2, CD80, and IL-12, all of which have a strong anticancer effect. This phenomenon opens the door to the development of effective anticancer combination therapies, such as therapies that can reverse cancer escape, and chemotaxis of immunosuppressive cells like Tregs, MDSCs, and TAMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toufik Abdul-Rahman
- Medical Institute, Sumy State University, Antonova 10, Sumy, 40007, Ukraine.
| | - Shankhaneel Ghosh
- Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Sarah M Badar
- The University of the West of Scotland, Lanarkshire, UK
| | | | - Gafar Babatunde Bamigbade
- Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Narjiss Aji
- McGill University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Montreal, Canada
| | - Poulami Roy
- Department of Medicine, North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, Siliguri, India
| | | | - Neil Garg
- Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, One Medical Center Drive Stratford, Camden, NJ, 08084, USA
| | - Lukman Lawal
- Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Zarah Sophia Blake Bliss
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (CICSA), FCS, Universidad Anáhuac Campus Norte, Huixquilucan, Mexico
| | | | - Oday Atallah
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Tetiana Teslyk
- Medical Institute, Sumy State University, Antonova 10, Sumy, 40007, Ukraine
| | - Kateryna Sikora
- Medical Institute, Sumy State University, Antonova 10, Sumy, 40007, Ukraine
| | - Viktoriia Horbas
- Medical Institute, Sumy State University, Antonova 10, Sumy, 40007, Ukraine
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20
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Beig Parikhani A, Dehghan R, Talebkhan Y, Bayat E, Biglari A, Shokrgozar MA, Ahangari Cohan R, Mirabzadeh E, Ajdary S, Behdani M. A novel nanobody-based immunocytokine of a mutant interleukin-2 as a potential cancer therapeutic. AMB Express 2024; 14:19. [PMID: 38337114 PMCID: PMC10857990 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-023-01648-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The immunotherapeutic application of interleukin-2 (IL-2) in cancer treatment is limited by its off-target effects on different cell populations and insufficient activation of anti-tumor effector cells at the site of the tumor upon tolerated doses. Targeting IL-2 to the tumor microenvironment by generating antibody-cytokine fusion proteins (immunocytokine) would be a promising approach to increase efficacy without associated toxicity. In this study, a novel nanobody-based immunocytokine is developed by the fusion of a mutant (m) IL-2 with a decreased affinity toward CD25 to an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) specific nanobody, denoted as VGRmIL2-IC. The antigen binding, cell proliferation, IFN-γ-secretion, and cytotoxicity of this new immunocytokine are evaluated and compared to mIL-2 alone. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetic properties are analyzed. Flow cytometry analysis shows that the VGRmIL2-IC molecule can selectively target VEGFR2-positive cells. The results reveal that the immunocytokine is comparable to mIL-2 alone in the stimulation of Primary Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) and cytotoxicity in in vitro conditions. In vivo studies demonstrate improved pharmacokinetic properties of VGRmIL2-IC in comparison to the wild or mutant IL-2 proteins. The results presented here suggest VGRmIL2-IC could be considered a candidate for the treatment of VEGFR2-positive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arezoo Beig Parikhani
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Department of Medical Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rada Dehghan
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Department of Medical Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yeganeh Talebkhan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Bayat
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Biglari
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Reza Ahangari Cohan
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, New Technologies Research Group, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Esmat Mirabzadeh
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soheila Ajdary
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mahdi Behdani
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Department of Medical Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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21
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Borgers JSW, van Schijndel AW, van Thienen JV, Klobuch S, Seijkens TTP, Tobin RP, van Heerebeek L, Driessen-Waaijer A, Rohaan MW, Haanen JBAG. Clinical presentation of cardiac symptoms following treatment with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes: diagnostic challenges and lessons learned. ESMO Open 2024; 9:102383. [PMID: 38364453 PMCID: PMC10937195 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2024.102383] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is rapidly evolving for patients with solid tumors. Following metastasectomy, TILs (autologous, intratumoral CD4+ and CD8+ T cells with the potential to recognize tumor-associated antigens) are isolated and non-specifically expanded ex vivo in the presence of interleukin-2 (IL-2). Subsequently, the TILs are adoptively transferred to the patients after a preconditioning non-myeloablative, lymphodepleting chemotherapy regimen, followed by administration of high-dose (HD) IL-2. Here, we provide an overview of known cardiac risks associated with TIL treatment and report on seven patients presenting with cardiac symptoms, all with different clinical course and diagnostic findings during treatment with lymphodepleting chemotherapy, TIL, and HD IL-2, and propose a set of clinical recommendations for diagnosis and management of these symptoms. PATIENTS AND METHODS This single-center, retrospective study included selected patients who experienced TIL treatment-related cardiac symptoms at the Netherlands Cancer Institute. In addition, 12 patients were included who received TIL in the clinical trial setting without experiencing cardiac symptoms, from whom complete cardiac biomarker follow-up during treatment was available [creatine kinase (CK), CK-myocardial band, troponin T and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide]. RESULTS Within our TIL patient population, seven illustrative cases were chosen from the patients who developed symptoms suspected of severe cardiotoxicity: myocarditis, myocardial infarction, peri-myocarditis, atrial fibrillation, acute dyspnea, and two cases of heart failure. An overview of their clinical course, diagnostics carried out, and management of the symptoms is provided. CONCLUSIONS In the absence of evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of TIL therapy-associated cardiotoxicity, we provided an overview of literature, case descriptions, and recommendations for diagnosis and management to help physicians in daily practice, as the number of patients qualifying for TIL treatment is rapidly increasing.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S W Borgers
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam
| | - A W van Schijndel
- Department of Intensive Care, The Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam; Department of Cardiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam
| | - J V van Thienen
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam
| | - S Klobuch
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam
| | - T T P Seijkens
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam; Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R P Tobin
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | - L van Heerebeek
- Department of Cardiology, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Amsterdam
| | | | - M W Rohaan
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam; Department of Radiotherapy, The Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam
| | - J B A G Haanen
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam; Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Melanoma Clinic, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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22
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Wilson AK, Lourdault K, Ostad T, Stern S, Essner R. Is therapeutic lymph node dissection of value for lymph node recurrence in melanoma? Am J Surg 2024; 228:258-263. [PMID: 37923660 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2023.10.035] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Therapeutic lymphadenectomy (TLND) is still performed in most melanoma patients to treat nodal recurrences after initial negative lymph node biopsy (-SLNB), despite the lack of evidence for survival benefit. We sought to compare melanoma-specific survival (MSS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) of patients who underwent TLND versus no TLND using our institutional and MSTL-1 databases. METHODS We identified 146 patients with nodal recurrence following -SLNB: 132 underwent TLND and 14 did not. DMFS and MSS were evaluated for the cohorts followed by a matched-pair analysis between the cohorts. RESULTS No difference was observed in five-year DMFS (p = 0.454) and five-year MSS (p = 0.945) between the two groups. The matched-pair analysis showed similar results (p = 0.329 and p = 0.363 for DMSF and MSS, respectively). CONCLUSIONS From this limited retrospective study, TLND for nodal recurrence after a -SLNB does not appear to improve DMFS or MSS in melanoma patients compared to no TLND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana K Wilson
- Saint John's Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center, Department of Surgical Oncology, Santa Monica, CA, United States
| | - Kristel Lourdault
- Saint John's Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center, Melanoma and CutaneousOncology Laboratory, Santa Monica, CA, United States
| | - Tara Ostad
- Saint John's Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center, Melanoma and CutaneousOncology Laboratory, Santa Monica, CA, United States
| | - Stacey Stern
- Saint John's Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center, Data Management/Biostatistics, Santa Monica, CA, United States
| | - Richard Essner
- Saint John's Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center, Melanoma and CutaneousOncology Laboratory, Santa Monica, CA, United States.
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23
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Sadeq S, Chitcharoen S, Al-Hashimi S, Rattanaburi S, Casement J, Werner A. Significant Variations in Double-Stranded RNA Levels in Cultured Skin Cells. Cells 2024; 13:226. [PMID: 38334619 PMCID: PMC10854852 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030226] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Endogenous double-stranded RNA has emerged as a potent stimulator of innate immunity. Under physiological conditions, endogenous dsRNA is maintained in the cell nucleus or the mitochondria; however, if protective mechanisms are breached, it leaches into the cytoplasm and triggers immune signaling pathways. Ectopic activation of innate immune pathways is associated with various diseases and senescence and can trigger apoptosis. Hereby, the level of cytoplasmic dsRNA is crucial. We have enriched dsRNA from two melanoma cell lines and primary dermal fibroblasts, including a competing probe, and analyzed the dsRNA transcriptome using RNA sequencing. There was a striking difference in read counts between the cell lines and the primary cells, and the effect was confirmed by northern blotting and immunocytochemistry. Both mitochondria (10-20%) and nuclear transcription (80-90%) contributed significantly to the dsRNA transcriptome. The mitochondrial contribution was lower in the cancer cells compared to fibroblasts. The expression of different transposable element families was comparable, suggesting a general up-regulation of transposable element expression rather than stimulation of a specific sub-family. Sequencing of the input control revealed minor differences in dsRNA processing pathways with an upregulation of oligoadenylate synthase and RNP125 that negatively regulates the dsRNA sensors RIG1 and MDA5. Moreover, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and immunocytochemistry confirmed the relatively minor adaptations to the hugely different dsRNA levels. As a consequence, these transformed cell lines are potentially less tolerant to interventions that increase the formation of endogenous dsRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaymaa Sadeq
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (S.S.); (S.A.-H.)
- Fallujah College of Medicine, University of Fallujah, Al-Fallujah 31002, Iraq
| | - Suwalak Chitcharoen
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
- Center of Excellence in Systems Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Surar Al-Hashimi
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (S.S.); (S.A.-H.)
- College of Medicine, University of Misan, Al-Sader Teaching Hospital, Amarah 62001, Iraq
| | - Somruthai Rattanaburi
- Center of Excellence in Systems Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - John Casement
- Bioinformatics Support Unit, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK;
| | - Andreas Werner
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (S.S.); (S.A.-H.)
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24
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Semenescu AD, Moacă EA, Iftode A, Dehelean CA, Tchiakpe-Antal DS, Vlase L, Rotunjanu S, Muntean D, Chiriac SD, Chioibaş R. Recent Updates Regarding the Antiproliferative Activity of Galium verum Extracts on A375 Human Malignant Melanoma Cell Line. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:112. [PMID: 38255727 PMCID: PMC10820234 DOI: 10.3390/life14010112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The biological activity of Galium verum herba was exerted on various tumor cell lines with incredible results, but their potential effect on malignant melanoma has not been established yet. Therefore, the current study was structured in two directions: (i) the investigation of the phytochemical profile of diethyl ether (GvDEE) and butanol (GvBuOH) extracts of G. verum L. and (ii) the evaluation of their biological profile on A375 human malignant melanoma cell line. The GvDEE extract showed an FT-IR profile different from the butanol one, with high antioxidant capacity (EC50 of GvDEE = 0.12 ± 0.03 mg/mL > EC50 of GvBuOH = 0.18 ± 0.05 mg/mL). The GvDEE extract also showed antimicrobial potential, especially against Gram-positive bacteria strains, compared to the butanol extract, which has no antimicrobial activity against any bacterial strain tested. The results regarding the antitumor potential showed that both extracts decreased A375 cell viability largely (69% at a dose of 55 µg/mL of the GvDEE extract). Moreover, both extracts induce nuclear fragmentation by forming apoptotic bodies and slight chromatin condensation, which is more intense for GvDEE. Considering the results, one can state that the Galium verum herba possesses antitumor effects on the A375 human malignant melanoma cell line, a promising phytocompound for the antitumor approach to skin cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra-Denisa Semenescu
- Department of Toxicology, Drug Industry, Management and Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.-D.S.); (E.-A.M.); (C.-A.D.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Elena-Alina Moacă
- Department of Toxicology, Drug Industry, Management and Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.-D.S.); (E.-A.M.); (C.-A.D.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Andrada Iftode
- Department of Toxicology, Drug Industry, Management and Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.-D.S.); (E.-A.M.); (C.-A.D.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cristina-Adriana Dehelean
- Department of Toxicology, Drug Industry, Management and Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.-D.S.); (E.-A.M.); (C.-A.D.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Diana-Simona Tchiakpe-Antal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Laurian Vlase
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8th Victor Babes Street, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Slavita Rotunjanu
- Department of Pharmacology-Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Delia Muntean
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Multidisciplinary Research Center on Antimicrobial Resistance, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Sorin Dan Chiriac
- Department X—Surgery II, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Raul Chioibaş
- Department IX—Surgery I, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
- CBS Medcom Hospital, 12th Popa Sapca Street, 300047 Timisoara, Romania
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25
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Pandey G, Phatale V, Khairnar P, Kolipaka T, Shah S, Famta P, Jain N, Srinivasarao DA, Rajinikanth PS, Raghuvanshi RS, Srivastava S. Supramolecular self-assembled peptide-engineered nanofibers: A propitious proposition for cancer therapy. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 256:128452. [PMID: 38042321 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128452] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a devastating disease that causes a substantial number of deaths worldwide. Current therapeutic interventions for cancer include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. These conventional therapeutic approaches are associated with disadvantages such as multidrug resistance, destruction of healthy tissues, and tissue toxicity. Therefore, there is a paradigm shift in cancer management wherein nanomedicine-based novel therapeutic interventions are being explored to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages. Supramolecular self-assembled peptide nanofibers are emerging drug delivery vehicles that have gained much attention in cancer management owing to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, biomimetic property, stimuli-responsiveness, transformability, and inherent therapeutic property. Supramolecules form well-organized structures via non-covalent linkages, the intricate molecular arrangement helps to improve tissue permeation, pharmacokinetic profile and chemical stability of therapeutic agents while enabling targeted delivery and allowing efficient tumor imaging. In this review, we present fundamental aspects of peptide-based self-assembled nanofiber fabrication their applications in monotherapy/combinatorial chemo- and/or immuno-therapy to overcome multi-drug resistance. The role of self-assembled structures in targeted/stimuli-responsive (pH, enzyme and photo-responsive) drug delivery has been discussed along with the case studies. Further, recent advancements in peptide nanofibers in cancer diagnosis, imaging, gene therapy, and immune therapy along with regulatory obstacles towards clinical translation have been deliberated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giriraj Pandey
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Vivek Phatale
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Pooja Khairnar
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Tejaswini Kolipaka
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Saurabh Shah
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Paras Famta
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Naitik Jain
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Dadi A Srinivasarao
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - P S Rajinikanth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India
| | - Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, India
| | - Saurabh Srivastava
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India.
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26
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Jin WJ, Jagodinsky JC, Vera JM, Clark PA, Zuleger CL, Erbe AK, Ong IM, Le T, Tetreault K, Berg T, Rakhmilevich AL, Kim K, Newton MA, Albertini MR, Sondel PM, Morris ZS. NK cells propagate T cell immunity following in situ tumor vaccination. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113556. [PMID: 38096050 PMCID: PMC10843551 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
We report an in situ vaccination, adaptable to nearly any type of cancer, that combines radiotherapy targeting one tumor and intratumoral injection of this site with tumor-specific antibody and interleukin-2 (IL-2; 3xTx). In a phase I clinical trial, administration of 3xTx (with an immunocytokine fusion of tumor-specific antibody and IL-2, hu14.18-IL2) to subjects with metastatic melanoma increases peripheral CD8+ T cell effector polyfunctionality. This suggests the potential for 3xTx to promote antitumor immunity against metastatic tumors. In poorly immunogenic syngeneic murine melanoma or head and neck carcinoma models, 3xTx stimulates CD8+ T cell-mediated antitumor responses at targeted and non-targeted tumors. During 3xTx treatment, natural killer (NK) cells promote CTLA4+ regulatory T cell (Treg) apoptosis in non-targeted tumors. This is dependent on NK cell expression of CD86, which is upregulated downstream of KLRK1. NK cell depletion increases Treg infiltration, diminishing CD8+ T cell-dependent antitumor response. These findings demonstrate that NK cells sustain and propagate CD8+ T cell immunity following 3xTx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won Jong Jin
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Justin C Jagodinsky
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Jessica M Vera
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Paul A Clark
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Cindy L Zuleger
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Amy K Erbe
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Irene M Ong
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Trang Le
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Kaitlin Tetreault
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Tracy Berg
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Alexander L Rakhmilevich
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - KyungMann Kim
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Michael A Newton
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Mark R Albertini
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA; Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA; The Medical Service, William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Paul M Sondel
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Zachary S Morris
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
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27
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Usta SZ, Uchihashi T, Kodama S, Kurioka K, Inubushi T, Shimooka T, Sugauchi A, Seki S, Tanaka S. Current Status and Molecular Mechanisms of Resistance to Immunotherapy in Oral Malignant Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17282. [PMID: 38139110 PMCID: PMC10743423 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibodies, have initiated a new era in the treatment of malignant melanoma. ICIs can be used in various settings, including first-line, adjuvant, and neo-adjuvant therapy. In the scope of this review, we examined clinical studies utilizing ICIs in the context of treating oral mucosal melanoma, a rare disease, albeit with an extremely poor prognosis, with a specific focus on unraveling the intricate web of resistance mechanisms. The absence of a comprehensive review focusing on ICIs in oral mucosal melanoma is notable. Therefore, this review seeks to address this deficiency by offering a novel and thorough analysis of the current status, potential resistance mechanisms, and future prospects of applying ICIs specifically to oral malignant melanoma. Clarifying and thoroughly understanding these mechanisms will facilitate the advancement of effective therapeutic approaches and enhance the prospects for patients suffering from oral mucosal melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sena Zeynep Usta
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; (S.Z.U.); (S.K.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Toshihiro Uchihashi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; (S.Z.U.); (S.K.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Shingo Kodama
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; (S.Z.U.); (S.K.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Kyoko Kurioka
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; (S.Z.U.); (S.K.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Toshihiro Inubushi
- Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan;
| | - Takuya Shimooka
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; (S.Z.U.); (S.K.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Akinari Sugauchi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; (S.Z.U.); (S.K.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (S.T.)
- Unit of Dentistry, Osaka University Hospital, 2-15, Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Soju Seki
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; (S.Z.U.); (S.K.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Susumu Tanaka
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; (S.Z.U.); (S.K.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (S.T.)
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28
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Minor DR, Kim KB, Karuturi RKM, Kashani-Sabet M. Extended long-term follow-up of metastatic melanoma patients treated with immunotherapy: late relapses and second primary melanomas. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1241917. [PMID: 38111529 PMCID: PMC10725969 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1241917] [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: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of patients with advanced melanoma as well as other cancers. Most studies, whether of interleukin-2 or checkpoint inhibitor therapies, have limited follow-up after 5 years, making the incidence of late relapses uncertain. In addition, the incidence of second primary melanomas in patients with stage IV melanoma treated with immunotherapy has rarely been reported. Methods We performed a single-institution retrospective study of stage IV melanoma patients treated with interleukin-2 or checkpoint inhibitors over the period from 1992 to 2013. We found 59 patients alive and in remission 5 years after the beginning of immunotherapy and reviewed their subsequent clinical course. Results This 59-patient cohort had a median follow-up of 13.1 years, with 36 patients followed up for at least 10 years. Four patients (6.8%) had relapses of their metastatic melanoma at 5, 8, 15, and 17 years after starting the successful immunotherapy. Three of the four are still alive. Only one patient in 690 patient-years of observation had a second primary invasive melanoma. Conclusion Although late relapses after immunotherapy for melanoma do occur, we can conclude that the prognosis of stage IV melanoma patients in continuous remission 5 years after starting immunotherapy is excellent, with a progression-free survival of approximately 85% and a melanoma-specific survival of approximately 95% at 20 years in our series. Our incidence of second primary melanomas is lower than usually reported. These results have important implications regarding the follow-up of stage IV melanoma patients successfully treated with immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R. Minor
- California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute and Center for Melanoma Research and Treatment, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Kevin B. Kim
- California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute and Center for Melanoma Research and Treatment, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | | | - Mohammed Kashani-Sabet
- California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute and Center for Melanoma Research and Treatment, San Francisco, CA, United States
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29
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Luo M, Gong W, Zhang Y, Li H, Ma D, Wu K, Gao Q, Fang Y. New insights into the stemness of adoptively transferred T cells by γc family cytokines. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:347. [PMID: 38049832 PMCID: PMC10694921 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01354-3] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell-based adoptive cell therapy (ACT) has exhibited excellent antitumoral efficacy exemplified by the clinical breakthrough of chimeric antigen receptor therapy (CAR-T) in hematologic malignancies. It relies on the pool of functional T cells to retain the developmental potential to serially kill targeted cells. However, failure in the continuous supply and persistence of functional T cells has been recognized as a critical barrier to sustainable responses. Conferring stemness on infused T cells, yielding stem cell-like memory T cells (TSCM) characterized by constant self-renewal and multilineage differentiation similar to pluripotent stem cells, is indeed necessary and promising for enhancing T cell function and sustaining antitumor immunity. Therefore, it is crucial to identify TSCM cell induction regulators and acquire more TSCM cells as resource cells during production and after infusion to improve antitumoral efficacy. Recently, four common cytokine receptor γ chain (γc) family cytokines, encompassing interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21, have been widely used in the development of long-lived adoptively transferred TSCM in vitro. However, challenges, including their non-specific toxicities and off-target effects, have led to substantial efforts for the development of engineered versions to unleash their full potential in the induction and maintenance of T cell stemness in ACT. In this review, we summarize the roles of the four γc family cytokines in the orchestration of adoptively transferred T cell stemness, introduce their engineered versions that modulate TSCM cell formation and demonstrate the potential of their various combinations. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengshi Luo
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjian Gong
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuewen Zhang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huayi Li
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ding Ma
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kongming Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinglei Gao
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yong Fang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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30
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Silver AB, Tzeng SY, Lager M, Wang J, Ishihara J, Green JJ, Spangler JB. An engineered immunocytokine with collagen affinity improves the tumor bioavailability, tolerability, and therapeutic efficacy of IL-2. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101289. [PMID: 37992685 PMCID: PMC10694763 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
The clinical utility of human interleukin-2 (hIL-2) is limited by its short serum half-life, preferential activation of regulatory T (TReg) over immune effector cells, and dose-limiting toxicities. We previously engineered F10 immunocytokine (IC), an intramolecularly assembled cytokine/antibody fusion protein that linked hIL-2 to an anti-IL-2 antibody (denoted F10) that extended IL-2 half-life and augmented the immune effector to TReg ratio. Here, we leveraged molecular engineering to improve the anti-tumor therapeutic efficacy and tolerability of F10 IC by developing an iteration, denoted F10 IC-CBD (collagen binding domain), designed for intratumoral administration and in situ retention based on collagen affinity. F10 IC-CBD retained IL-2 bioactivity exclusively in the tumor and eliminated IL-2-associated toxicities. Furthermore, F10 IC exhibited potent single-agent therapeutic efficacy and synergy with systemic immune checkpoint blockade and elicited an abscopal response in mouse tumors models. This engineered fusion protein presents a prototype for the design of intratumoral therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliyah B Silver
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Stephany Y Tzeng
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Mallory Lager
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Jeremy Wang
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Jun Ishihara
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Jordan J Green
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Bloomberg∼Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jamie B Spangler
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Bloomberg∼Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Cheng L, Yu J, Hao T, Wang W, Wei M, Li G. Advances in Polymeric Micelles: Responsive and Targeting Approaches for Cancer Immunotherapy in the Tumor Microenvironment. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2622. [PMID: 38004600 PMCID: PMC10675796 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15112622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, to treat a diverse array of cancer forms, considerable advancements have been achieved in the field of cancer immunotherapies. However, these therapies encounter multiple challenges in clinical practice, such as high immune-mediated toxicity, insufficient accumulation in cancer tissues, and undesired off-target reactions. To tackle these limitations and enhance bioavailability, polymer micelles present potential solutions by enabling precise drug delivery to the target site, thus amplifying the effectiveness of immunotherapy. This review article offers an extensive survey of recent progress in cancer immunotherapy strategies utilizing micelles. These strategies include responsive and remodeling approaches to the tumor microenvironment (TME), modulation of immunosuppressive cells within the TME, enhancement of immune checkpoint inhibitors, utilization of cancer vaccine platforms, modulation of antigen presentation, manipulation of engineered T cells, and targeting other components of the TME. Subsequently, we delve into the present state and constraints linked to the clinical utilization of polymeric micelles. Collectively, polymer micelles demonstrate excellent prospects in tumor immunotherapy by effectively addressing the challenges associated with conventional cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lichun Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116027, China; (L.C.); (T.H.); (W.W.)
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China;
| | - Jiankun Yu
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China;
| | - Tangna Hao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116027, China; (L.C.); (T.H.); (W.W.)
| | - Wenshuo Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116027, China; (L.C.); (T.H.); (W.W.)
| | - Minjie Wei
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China;
| | - Guiru Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116027, China; (L.C.); (T.H.); (W.W.)
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Tu SM, Aydin AM, Maraboyina S, Chen Z, Singh S, Gokden N, Langford T. Stem Cell Origin of Cancer: Clinical Implications for Cancer Immunity and Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5385. [PMID: 38001645 PMCID: PMC10670143 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15225385] [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] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A simple way to understand the immune system is to separate the self from non-self. If it is self, the immune system tolerates and spares. If it is non-self, the immune system attacks and destroys. Consequently, if cancer has a stem cell origin and is a stem cell disease, we have a serious problem and a major dilemma with immunotherapy. Because many refractory cancers are more self than non-self, immunotherapy may become an uphill battle and pyrrhic victory in cancer care. In this article, we elucidate cancer immunity. We demonstrate for whom, with what, as well as when and how to apply immunotherapy in cancer care. We illustrate that a stem cell theory of cancer affects our perspectives and narratives of cancer. Without a pertinent theory about cancer's origin and nature, we may unwittingly perform misdirected cancer research and prescribe misguided cancer treatments. In the ongoing saga of immunotherapy, we are at a critical juncture. Because of the allure and promises of immunotherapy, we will be treating more patients not immediately threatened by their cancer. They may have more to lose than to gain, if we have a misconception and if we are on a wrong mission with immunotherapy. According to the stem cell theory of cancer, we should be careful with immunotherapy. When we do not know or realize that cancer originates from a stem cell and has stem-ness capabilities, we may cause more harm than good in some patients and fail to separate the truth from the myth about immunotherapy in cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Ming Tu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (Z.C.); (S.S.)
| | - Ahmet Murat Aydin
- Department of Urology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (A.M.A.); (T.L.)
| | - Sanjay Maraboyina
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA;
| | - Zhongning Chen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (Z.C.); (S.S.)
| | - Sunny Singh
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (Z.C.); (S.S.)
| | - Neriman Gokden
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA;
| | - Timothy Langford
- Department of Urology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (A.M.A.); (T.L.)
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Niederlova V, Tsyklauri O, Kovar M, Stepanek O. IL-2-driven CD8 + T cell phenotypes: implications for immunotherapy. Trends Immunol 2023; 44:890-901. [PMID: 37827864 PMCID: PMC7615502 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic potential of interleukin (IL)-2 in cancer treatment has been known for decades, yet its widespread adoption in clinical practice remains limited. Recently, chimeric proteins of an anti-PD-1 antibody and suboptimal IL-2 variants were shown to stimulate potent antitumor and antiviral immunity by inducing unique effector CD8+ T cells in mice. A similar subset of cytotoxic T cells is induced by depletion of regulatory T cells (Tregs), suggesting IL-2 sequestration as a major mechanism through which regulatory T cells suppress activated CD8+ T cells. Here, we present our view of how IL-2-based biologicals can boost the antitumor response at a cellular level, and propose that the role of Tregs following such treatments may have been previously overestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Niederlova
- Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Oksana Tsyklauri
- Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Kovar
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Stepanek
- Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Flaherty KT. A twenty year perspective on melanoma therapy. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2023; 36:563-575. [PMID: 37770281 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13125] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma had long been considered to be particularly addressable with immunotherapy, but that reputation was built on modestly effective cytokine-based immunotherapy. CTLA-4 antibody therapy reinforced this legacy, but PD-1 antibodies transformed the melanoma treatment landscape and lead the way for immunotherapy to become standard treatment for more than half of the advanced cancer population. BRAF mutations were discovered in 8% of all cancer and nearly 50% of melanomas. Successful development of BRAF inhibitors and BRAF/MEK combination therapy in melanoma preceded regulatory approval across all cancer types. No cancer type saw outcomes improved by the same margin as melanoma in the decade of the 2010s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith T Flaherty
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Vick LV, Canter RJ, Monjazeb AM, Murphy WJ. Multifaceted effects of obesity on cancer immunotherapies: Bridging preclinical models and clinical data. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 95:88-102. [PMID: 37499846 PMCID: PMC10836337 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Obesity, defined by excessive body fat, is a highly complex condition affecting numerous physiological processes, such as metabolism, proliferation, and cellular homeostasis. These multifaceted effects impact cells and tissues throughout the host, including immune cells as well as cancer biology. Because of the multifaceted nature of obesity, common parameters used to define it (such as body mass index in humans) can be problematic, and more nuanced methods are needed to characterize the pleiotropic metabolic effects of obesity. Obesity is well-accepted as an overall negative prognostic factor for cancer incidence, progression, and outcome. This is in part due to the meta-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects of obesity. Immunotherapy is increasingly used in cancer therapy, and there are many different types of immunotherapy approaches. The effects of obesity on immunotherapy have only recently been studied with the demonstration of an "obesity paradox", in which some immune therapies have been demonstrated to result in greater efficacy in obese subjects despite the direct adverse effects of obesity and excess body fat acting on the cancer itself. The multifactorial characteristics that influence the effects of obesity (age, sex, lean muscle mass, underlying metabolic conditions and drugs) further confound interpretation of clinical data and necessitate the use of more relevant preclinical models mirroring these variables in the human scenario. Such models will allow for more nuanced mechanistic assessment of how obesity can impact, both positively and negatively, cancer biology, host metabolism, immune regulation, and how these intersecting processes impact the delivery and outcome of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan V Vick
- Department of Dermatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Robert J Canter
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Arta M Monjazeb
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - William J Murphy
- Department of Dermatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Malignant Hematology, Cellular Therapy and Transplantation, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA.
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Pavlick AC, Ariyan CE, Buchbinder EI, Davar D, Gibney GT, Hamid O, Hieken TJ, Izar B, Johnson DB, Kulkarni RP, Luke JJ, Mitchell TC, Mooradian MJ, Rubin KM, Salama AK, Shirai K, Taube JM, Tawbi HA, Tolley JK, Valdueza C, Weiss SA, Wong MK, Sullivan RJ. Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) clinical practice guideline on immunotherapy for the treatment of melanoma, version 3.0. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006947. [PMID: 37852736 PMCID: PMC10603365 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-006947] [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] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the first approval for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for the treatment of cutaneous melanoma more than a decade ago, immunotherapy has completely transformed the treatment landscape of this chemotherapy-resistant disease. Combination regimens including ICIs directed against programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) with anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) agents or, more recently, anti-lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) agents, have gained regulatory approvals for the treatment of metastatic cutaneous melanoma, with long-term follow-up data suggesting the possibility of cure for some patients with advanced disease. In the resectable setting, adjuvant ICIs prolong recurrence-free survival, and neoadjuvant strategies are an active area of investigation. Other immunotherapy strategies, such as oncolytic virotherapy for injectable cutaneous melanoma and bispecific T-cell engager therapy for HLA-A*02:01 genotype-positive uveal melanoma, are also available to patients. Despite the remarkable efficacy of these regimens for many patients with cutaneous melanoma, traditional immunotherapy biomarkers (ie, programmed death-ligand 1 expression, tumor mutational burden, T-cell infiltrate and/or microsatellite stability) have failed to reliably predict response. Furthermore, ICIs are associated with unique toxicity profiles, particularly for the highly active combination of anti-PD-1 plus anti-CTLA-4 agents. The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) convened a panel of experts to develop this clinical practice guideline on immunotherapy for the treatment of melanoma, including rare subtypes of the disease (eg, uveal, mucosal), with the goal of improving patient care by providing guidance to the oncology community. Drawing from published data and clinical experience, the Expert Panel developed evidence- and consensus-based recommendations for healthcare professionals using immunotherapy to treat melanoma, with topics including therapy selection in the advanced and perioperative settings, intratumoral immunotherapy, when to use immunotherapy for patients with BRAFV600-mutated disease, management of patients with brain metastases, evaluation of treatment response, special patient populations, patient education, quality of life, and survivorship, among others.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charlotte E Ariyan
- Department of Surgery Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Diwakar Davar
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburg Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Geoffrey T Gibney
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Omid Hamid
- The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, A Cedars-Sinai Affiliate, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Tina J Hieken
- Department of Surgery and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Benjamin Izar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Douglas B Johnson
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Rajan P Kulkarni
- Departments of Dermatology, Oncological Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, and Center for Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research, Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Operative Care Division, VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS), Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jason J Luke
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tara C Mitchell
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Meghan J Mooradian
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Krista M Rubin
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - April Ks Salama
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University, Durham, Carolina, USA
| | - Keisuke Shirai
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Janis M Taube
- Department of Dermatology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hussein A Tawbi
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - J Keith Tolley
- Patient Advocate, Melanoma Research Alliance, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Caressa Valdueza
- Cutaneous Oncology Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sarah A Weiss
- Department of Medical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Michael K Wong
- Patient Advocate, Melanoma Research Alliance, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ryan J Sullivan
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Laddha K, Sobhia ME. Breaking the 'don't eat me' signal: in silico design of CD47-directed peptides for cancer immunotherapy. Mol Divers 2023:10.1007/s11030-023-10732-5. [PMID: 37759140 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10732-5] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The leading cause of death worldwide is cancer. Although there are various therapies available to treat cancer, finding a successful one can be like searching for a needle in a haystack. Immunotherapy appears to be one of those needles in the haystack of cancer treatment. Immunotherapeutic agents enhance the immune response of the patient's body to tumor cells. One of the immunotherapeutic targets, Cluster of Differentiation 47 (CD47), releases the "don't eat me" signal when it binds to its receptor, Signal Regulatory Protein (SIRPα). Tumor cells use this signal to circumvent the immune system, rendering it ineffective. To stop tumor cells from releasing the "don't eat me" signal, the CD47-SIRPα interaction is specifically targeted in this study. To do so, in silico peptides were designed based on the structural analysis of the interaction between two proteins using point mutations on the interacting residues with the other amino acids. The peptide library was designed and docked on SIRPα using computational tools. Later on, after analyzing the docked complex, the best of them was selected for MD simulation studies of 100 ns. Further analysis after MD studies was carried out to determine the possible potential anti-SIRPα peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kapil Laddha
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 160062, India
| | - M Elizabeth Sobhia
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 160062, India.
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Rahman T, Das A, Abir MH, Nafiz IH, Mahmud AR, Sarker MR, Emran TB, Hassan MM. Cytokines and their role as immunotherapeutics and vaccine Adjuvants: The emerging concepts. Cytokine 2023; 169:156268. [PMID: 37320965 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines are a protein family comprising interleukins, lymphokines, chemokines, monokines and interferons. They are significant constituents of the immune system, and they act in accordance with specific cytokine inhibiting compounds and receptors for the regulation of immune responses. Cytokine studies have resulted in the establishment of newer therapies which are being utilized for the treatment of several malignant diseases. The advancement of these therapies has occurred from two distinct strategies. The first strategy involves administrating the recombinant and purified cytokines, and the second strategy involves administrating the therapeutics which inhibits harmful effects of endogenous and overexpressed cytokines. Colony stimulating factors and interferons are two exemplary therapeutics of cytokines. An important effect of cytokine receptor antagonist is that they can serve as anti-inflammatory agents by altering the treatments of inflammation disorder, therefore inhibiting the effects of tumour necrosis factor. In this article, we have highlighted the research behind the establishment of cytokines as therapeutics and vaccine adjuvants, their role of immunotolerance, and their limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanjilur Rahman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chattogram 4331, Bangladesh
| | - Ayan Das
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chattogram 4331, Bangladesh
| | - Mehedy Hasan Abir
- Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh
| | - Iqbal Hossain Nafiz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chattogram 4331, Bangladesh
| | - Aar Rafi Mahmud
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail 1902, Bangladesh
| | - Md Rifat Sarker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail 1902, Bangladesh
| | - Talha Bin Emran
- Department of Pharmacy, BGC Trust University Bangladesh, Chattogram 4381, Bangladesh; Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Mahmudul Hassan
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh; Queensland Alliance for One Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Queensland 4343, Australia.
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Schindler NR, Braun DA. Antigenic targets in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. KIDNEY CANCER 2023; 7:81-91. [PMID: 38014393 PMCID: PMC10475986 DOI: 10.3233/kca-230006] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed the management of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), but most patients still do not receive a long-term benefit from these therapies, and many experience off-target, immune-related adverse effects. RCC is also different from many other ICI-responsive tumors, as it has only a modest mutation burden, and total neoantigen load does not correlate with ICI response. In order to improve the efficacy and safety of immunotherapies for RCC, it is therefore critical to identify the antigens that are targeted in effective anti-tumor immunity. In this review, we describe the potential classes of target antigens, and provide examples of previous and ongoing efforts to investigate and target antigens in RCC, with a focus on clear cell histology. Ultimately, we believe that a concerted antigen discovery effort in RCC will enable an improved understanding of response and resistance to current therapies, and lay a foundation for the future development of "precision" antigen-directed immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R. Schindler
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - David A. Braun
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Pelka S, Guha C. Enhancing Immunogenicity in Metastatic Melanoma: Adjuvant Therapies to Promote the Anti-Tumor Immune Response. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2245. [PMID: 37626741 PMCID: PMC10452223 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082245] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer characterized by low survival rates. Less than 50% of advanced melanoma patients respond to current therapies, and of those patients that do respond, many present with tumor recurrence due to resistance. The immunosuppressive tumor-immune microenvironment (TIME) remains a major obstacle in melanoma therapy. Adjuvant treatment modalities that enhance anti-tumor immune cell function are associated with improved patient response. One potential mechanism to stimulate the anti-tumor immune response is by inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD) in tumors. ICD leads to the release of damage-associated molecular patterns within the TIME, subsequently promoting antigen presentation and anti-tumor immunity. This review summarizes relevant concepts and mechanisms underlying ICD and introduces the potential of non-ablative low-intensity focused ultrasound (LOFU) as an immune-priming therapy that can be combined with ICD-inducing focal ablative therapies to promote an anti-melanoma immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Pelka
- Department of Development and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA;
| | - Chandan Guha
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Urology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Institute of Onco-Physics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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Miyashita H, Kurzrock R, Bevins NJ, Thangathurai K, Lee S, Pabla S, Nesline M, Glenn ST, Conroy JM, DePietro P, Rubin E, Sicklick JK, Kato S. T-cell priming transcriptomic markers: implications of immunome heterogeneity for precision immunotherapy. NPJ Genom Med 2023; 8:19. [PMID: 37553332 PMCID: PMC10409760 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-023-00359-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade is effective for only a subset of cancers. Targeting T-cell priming markers (TPMs) may enhance activity, but proper application of these agents in the clinic is challenging due to immune complexity and heterogeneity. We interrogated transcriptomics of 15 TPMs (CD137, CD27, CD28, CD80, CD86, CD40, CD40LG, GITR, ICOS, ICOSLG, OX40, OX40LG, GZMB, IFNG, and TBX21) in a pan-cancer cohort (N = 514 patients, 30 types of cancer). TPM expression was analyzed for correlation with histological type, microsatellite instability high (MSI-H), tumor mutational burden (TMB), and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression. Among 514 patients, the most common histological types were colorectal (27%), pancreatic (11%), and breast cancer (10%). No statistically significant association between histological type and TPM expression was seen. In contrast, expression of GZMB (granzyme B, a serine protease stored in activated T and NK cells that induces cancer cell apoptosis) and IFNG (activates cytotoxic T cells) were significantly higher in tumors with MSI-H, TMB ≥ 10 mutations/mb and PD-L1 ≥ 1%. PD-L1 ≥ 1% was also associated with significantly higher CD137, GITR, and ICOS expression. Patients' tumors were classified into "Hot", "Mixed", or "Cold" clusters based on TPM expression using hierarchical clustering. The cold cluster showed a significantly lower proportion of tumors with PD-L1 ≥ 1%. Overall, 502 patients (98%) had individually distinct patterns of TPM expression. Diverse expression patterns of TPMs independent of histological type but correlating with other immunotherapy biomarkers (PD-L1 ≥ 1%, MSI-H and TMB ≥ 10 mutations/mb) were observed. Individualized selection of patients based on TPM immunomic profiles may potentially help with immunotherapy optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotaka Miyashita
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dartmouth Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH, USA.
| | - Razelle Kurzrock
- Worldwide Innovative Network (WIN) for Personalized Cancer Therapy, Paris, France
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Nicholas J Bevins
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kartheeswaran Thangathurai
- The Shraga Segal Department for Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- Department of Physical Science, University of Vavuniya, Vavuniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Suzanna Lee
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, UC, San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Sean T Glenn
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Center for Personalized Medicine, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Eitan Rubin
- The Shraga Segal Department for Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Jason K Sicklick
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, and Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Shumei Kato
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, UC, San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Muhammad S, Fan T, Hai Y, Gao Y, He J. Reigniting hope in cancer treatment: the promise and pitfalls of IL-2 and IL-2R targeting strategies. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:121. [PMID: 37516849 PMCID: PMC10385932 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01826-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and its receptor (IL-2R) are essential in orchestrating immune responses. Their function and expression in the tumor microenvironment make them attractive targets for immunotherapy, leading to the development of IL-2/IL-2R-targeted therapeutic strategies. However, the dynamic interplay between IL-2/IL-2R and various immune cells and their dual roles in promoting immune activation and tolerance presents a complex landscape for clinical exploitation. This review discusses the pivotal roles of IL-2 and IL-2R in tumorigenesis, shedding light on their potential as diagnostic and prognostic markers and their therapeutic manipulation in cancer. It underlines the necessity to balance the anti-tumor activity with regulatory T-cell expansion and evaluates strategies such as dose optimization and selective targeting for enhanced therapeutic effectiveness. The article explores recent advancements in the field, including developing genetically engineered IL-2 variants, combining IL-2/IL-2R-targeted therapies with other cancer treatments, and the potential benefits of a multidimensional approach integrating molecular profiling, immunological analyses, and clinical data. The review concludes that a deeper understanding of IL-2/IL-2R interactions within the tumor microenvironment is crucial for realizing the full potential of IL-2-based therapies, heralding the promise of improved outcomes for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Muhammad
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150086, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Tao Fan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yang Hai
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yibo Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
- Central Laboratory & Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Precision Medicine for Cancers, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, 518116, China.
| | - Jie He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
- Central Laboratory & Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Precision Medicine for Cancers, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, 518116, China.
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43
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Wei W, Ye B, Huang Z, Mu X, Qiao J, Zhao P, Jiang Y, Wu J, Zhan X. Prediction of Prognosis, Immunotherapy and Chemotherapy with an Immune-Related Risk Score Model for Endometrial Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3673. [PMID: 37509334 PMCID: PMC10377799 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecologic cancer. The overall survival remains unsatisfying due to the lack of effective treatment screening approaches. Immunotherapy as a promising therapy has been applied for EC treatment, but still fails in many cases. Therefore, there is a strong need to optimize the screening approach for clinical treatment. In this study, we employed co-expression network (GCN) analysis to mine immune-related GCN modules and key genes and further constructed an immune-related risk score model (IRSM). The IRSM was proved effective as an independent predictor of poor prognosis. The roles of IRSM-related genes in EC were confirmed by IHC. The molecular basis, tumor immune microenvironment and clinical characteristics of the IRSM were revealed. Moreover, the IRSM effectiveness was associated with immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Patients in the low-risk group were more sensitive to immunotherapy and chemotherapy than those in the high-risk group. Interestingly, the patients responding to immunotherapy were also more sensitive to chemotherapy. Overall, we developed an IRSM which could be used to predict the prognosis, immunotherapy response and chemotherapy sensitivity of EC patients. Our analysis not only improves the treatment of EC but also offers targets for personalized therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Bo Ye
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zhenting Huang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xiaoling Mu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jing Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yuehang Jiang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jingxian Wu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Molecular Medicine Diagnostic and Testing Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhan
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Center for Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
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Wang QT, Liu YX, Wang J, Wang H. Advances in Cancer Nanovaccines: Harnessing Nanotechnology for Broadening Cancer Immune Response. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202200673. [PMID: 37088719 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200673] [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: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Many advances have been made recently in the field of cancer immunotherapy, particularly with the development of treatments such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cellular immunotherapy. The efficacy of immunotherapy is limited, however, owing to high levels of tumor heterogeneity and the immunosuppressive environments of advanced malignant tumors. Therefore, therapeutic anticancer vaccines have gradually become powerful tools for inducing valid antitumor immune responses and regulating the immune microenvironment. Tumor vaccines loaded in nanocarriers have become an indispensable delivery platform for tumor treatment because of their enhanced stability, targeting capability, and high level of safety. Through a unique design, cancer nanovaccines activate innate immunity and tumor-specific immunity simultaneously. For example, the design of cancer vaccines can incorporate strategies such as enhancing the stability and targeting of tumor antigens, combining effective adjuvants, cytokines, and immune microenvironment regulators, and promoting the maturation and cross-presentation of antigen-presenting cells (APCs). In this review, we discuss the design and preparation of nanovaccines for remodeling tumor antigen immunogenicity and regulating the immunosuppressive microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Ting Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Yi-Xuan Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jie Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Hao Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
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45
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Perez MC, Depalo DK, Zager JS. A safety review of recently approved and late-stage trial treatments for metastatic melanoma: systemic and regional therapies. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2023; 22:789-797. [PMID: 37551723 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2023.2245333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Advanced melanoma accounts for the majority of skin cancer-associated deaths. Over the past 15 years, there has been a dramatic change in the treatment options and prognosis for patients with advanced melanoma secondary to the development of novel systemic immunotherapies (IO) and targeted therapies. In addition to these novel systemic therapies, regional therapies (intralesional and perfusional) also continue to play a major role in the management of these patients. AREAS COVERED In this article, we review recent updates in the management of advanced melanoma via Medline (PubMed) and Google Scholar, including recently published trials in the metastatic, adjuvant, and neoadjuvant settings. We also review recently published trials for regional therapies and discuss future directions in the management of patients with advanced melanoma. EXPERT OPINION A significant portion of patients with advanced melanoma will develop recurrent or progressive disease following treatment with IO or targeted therapy. Therefore, identifying not only the appropriate therapeutic agent but also the sequence and duration of treatment is pivotal for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Perez
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa FL, United States of America
| | - Danielle K Depalo
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa FL, United States of America
| | - Jonathan S Zager
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa FL, United States of America
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46
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Sadeq MA, Ashry MH, Ghorab RMF, Afify AY. Causes of death among patients with cutaneous melanoma: a US population-based study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10257. [PMID: 37355743 PMCID: PMC10290704 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37333-4] [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: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Research on mortality outcomes and non-cancer-related causes of death in patients with cutaneous melanoma (CM) remains limited. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of non-cancer-related deaths following CM diagnosis. The data of 224,624 patients diagnosed with malignant CM in the United States between 2000 and 2019 were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. We stratified our cohort based on their melanoma stage at diagnosis and further calculated standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for each cause of death, comparing their relative risk to that of the general US population. The total number of fatalities among melanoma patients was 60,110, representing 26.8% of the total cases. The percentage of deaths is directly proportional to the disease stage, reaching 80% in distant melanoma. The highest fatalities among the localized melanoma group (25,332; 60.5%) occurred from non-cancer causes, followed by melanoma-attributable deaths (10,817; 25.8%). Conversely, melanoma is the leading cause of death in regional and distant melanoma cohorts. Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases were the most prevalent non-cancer causes of death among the three disease-stage cohorts. Compared to the general population, we did not observe an increased risk of death due to non-cancer causes in the localized CM cohort, while patients diagnosed with regional and distant CMs had a statistically significant higher risk of death from all the reported major causes of death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Ahmed Sadeq
- Faculty of Medicine, Misr University for Science and Technology, 6th of October, Giza, Egypt
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47
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LaPorte KM, Hernandez R, Santos Savio A, Malek TR. Robust IL-2-dependent antitumor immunotherapy requires targeting the high-affinity IL-2R on tumor-specific CD8 + T cells. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006611. [PMID: 37270181 PMCID: PMC10255137 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Development of interleukin (IL)-2-dependent antitumor responses focus on targeting the intermediate affinity IL-2R to stimulate memory-phenotypic CD8+ T and natural killer (NK) cells while minimizing regulatory T cell (Treg) expansion. However, this approach may not effectively engage tumor-specific T effector cells. Since tumor-antigen specific T cells upregulate the high-affinity IL-2R, we tested an IL-2 biologic, mouse IL-2/CD25, with selectivity toward the high-affinity IL-2R to support antitumor responses to tumors that vary in their immunogenicity. METHODS Mice were first implanted with either CT26, MC38, B16.F10, or 4T1 and after a tumor mass developed, they were treated with high-dose (HD) mouse (m)IL-2/CD25 alone or in combination with anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) checkpoint blockade. Tumor growth was monitored and in parallel the immune signature in the tumor microenvironment (TME) was determined by a combination of multiparameter flow cytometry, functional assays, and enumeration of tumor-reactive T cells. RESULTS We show that HD mIL-2/CD25, which preferentially stimulates the high-affinity IL-2R, but not IL-2/anti-IL-2 complexes with preferential activity toward the intermediate-affinity IL-2R, supports vigorous antitumor responses to immunogenic tumors as a monotherapy that were enhanced when combined with anti-PD-1. Treatment of CT26-bearing mice with HD mIL-2/CD25 led to a high CD8+:Treg ratio in the TME, increased frequency and function of tumor-specific CD8+ T effector cells with a less exhausted phenotype, and antitumor memory responses. CONCLUSIONS Targeting the high-affinity IL-2R on tumor-specific T cells with HD mIL-2/CD25 alone or with PD-1 blockade supports antitumor responses, where the resulting memory response may afford long-term protection against tumor re-emergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M LaPorte
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Rosmely Hernandez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Alicia Santos Savio
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Thomas R Malek
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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Buchbinder EI, Pfaff KL, Turner MM, Manos M, Ouyang O, Ott PA, Giobbie-Hurder A, Rodig SJ, Hodi FS. Brief Communication on Pathologic Assessment of Persistent Stable Metastatic Lesions in Patients Treated With Anti-CTLA-4 or Anti-CTLA-4 + Anti-PD-1 Therapy. J Immunother 2023; 46:192-196. [PMID: 37115942 PMCID: PMC10168111 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000470] [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: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Despite the wide use of immune checkpoint inhibition for the treatment of melanoma, the mechanisms leading to long-term stable disease are incompletely understood. Patients with metastatic melanoma who had received ipilimumab alone or ipilimumab plus nivolumab 2+years prior and attained at least 6 months of stable disease were identified. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) was performed. Pretreatment and posttreatment biopsies of areas of stable disease were assessed for tumor, fibrosis, and inflammation. Seven patients underwent PET/CT and tissue biopsy. Fluorodeoxyglucose avid lesions on PET/CT ranged from no activity to an SUV of 22. In 6 patients, the residual stable lesions were composed of necrosis and fibrosis with a prominent pigment containing macrophages and no residual melanoma. In 1 patient, a nodal lesion demonstrated melanoma with active inflammation. In most patients with durable stable disease after treatment with ipilimumab or ipilimumab/nivolumab, residual lesions demonstrated predominantly necrosis and fibrosis consistent with resolving lesions. The presence of melanophages in these samples may suggest ongoing immune surveillance. One patient did demonstrate residual melanoma, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring of this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth I. Buchbinder
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Kathleen L. Pfaff
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Madison M. Turner
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Michael Manos
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Olivia Ouyang
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Patrick A. Ott
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Anita Giobbie-Hurder
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Data Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Scott J. Rodig
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - F. Stephen Hodi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
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Mitra A, Barua A, Huang L, Ganguly S, Feng Q, He B. From bench to bedside: the history and progress of CAR T cell therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1188049. [PMID: 37256141 PMCID: PMC10225594 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1188049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy represents a major breakthrough in cancer care since the approval of tisagenlecleucel by the Food and Drug Administration in 2017 for the treatment of pediatric and young adult patients with relapsed or refractory acute lymphocytic leukemia. As of April 2023, six CAR T cell therapies have been approved, demonstrating unprecedented efficacy in patients with B-cell malignancies and multiple myeloma. However, adverse events such as cytokine release syndrome and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity pose significant challenges to CAR T cell therapy. The severity of these adverse events correlates with the pretreatment tumor burden, where a higher tumor burden results in more severe consequences. This observation is supported by the application of CD19-targeted CAR T cell therapy in autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus and antisynthetase syndrome. These results indicate that initiating CAR T cell therapy early at low tumor burden or using debulking strategy prior to CAR T cell infusion may reduce the severity of adverse events. In addition, CAR T cell therapy is expensive and has limited effectiveness against solid tumors. In this article, we review the critical steps that led to this groundbreaking therapy and explore ongoing efforts to overcome these challenges. With the promise of more effective and safer CAR T cell therapies in development, we are optimistic that a broader range of cancer patients will benefit from this revolutionary therapy in the foreseeable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aroshi Mitra
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Amrita Barua
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Luping Huang
- Immunobiology and Transplant Science Center, Departments of Surgery and Urology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Siddhartha Ganguly
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
- Section of Hematology, Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Qin Feng
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Bin He
- Immunobiology and Transplant Science Center, Departments of Surgery and Urology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
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50
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Zhang T, Forde PM, Sullivan RJ, Sharon E, Barksdale E, Selig W, Ebbinghaus S, Fusaro G, Gunenc D, Battle D, Burns R, Hurlbert MS, Stewart M, Atkins MB. Addressing resistance to PD-1/PD-(L)1 pathway inhibition: considerations for combinatorial clinical trial designs. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-006555. [PMID: 37137552 PMCID: PMC10163527 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
With multiple PD-(L)1 inhibitors approved across dozens of indications by the US Food and Drug Administration, the number of patients exposed to these agents in adjuvant, first-line metastatic, second-line metastatic, and refractory treatment settings is increasing rapidly. Although some patients will experience durable benefit, many have either no clinical response or see their disease progress following an initial response to therapy. There is a significant need to identify therapeutic approaches to overcome resistance and confer clinical benefits for these patients. PD-1 pathway blockade has the longest history of use in melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Therefore, these settings also have the most extensive clinical experience with resistance. In 2021, six non-profit organizations representing patients with these diseases undertook a year-long effort, culminating in a 2-day workshop (including academic, industry, and regulatory participants) to understand the challenges associated with developing effective therapies for patients previously exposed to anti-PD-(L)1 agents and outline recommendations for designing clinical trials in this setting. This manuscript presents key discussion themes and positions reached through this effort, with a specific focus on the topics of eligibility criteria, comparators, and endpoints, as well as tumor-specific trial design options for combination therapies designed to treat patients with melanoma, NSCLC, or RCC after prior PD-(L)1 pathway blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, UT Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Patrick M Forde
- Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ryan J Sullivan
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elad Sharon
- Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | - Gina Fusaro
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Co Summit, Summit, New Jersey, USA
| | - Damla Gunenc
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, UT Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Dena Battle
- Kidney Cancer Research Alliance, Alexandria, Virginia, USA
| | - Robyn Burns
- Melanoma Research Foundation, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Marc S Hurlbert
- Melanoma Research Alliance, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Mark Stewart
- Friends of Cancer Research, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Michael B Atkins
- Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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