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Wojciechowicz K, Kuncewicz K, Rutkowski J, Jassem J, Rodziewicz-Motowidło S, Wardowska A, Spodzieja M. Targeting BTLA with the peptide inhibitor HVEM(14-39) - A new way to restore the activity of T cells in melanoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116675. [PMID: 38733770 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The complex of B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) and herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM) plays a critical role in immune regulation and has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. In this study, we investigated the potential of the peptide inhibitor HVEM(14-39) to restore peripheral T cell activity in patients with advanced melanoma. In these patients, CD8+ T cells downregulated BTLA expression and increased HVEM expression upon activation. The addition of HVEM(14-39) reduced the percentage of BTLA+ CD8+ T cells and increased the subpopulation of HVEM+ CD8+ T cells. Additionally, HVEM(14-39) enhanced T cell activation, proliferation, and the shift toward effector memory T cell subpopulations. Finally, this peptide affected the proliferation rate and late apoptosis of melanoma cell line in co-culture with T cells. These findings suggest that HVEM(14-39) can overcome T cell exhaustion and improve antitumor responses. Peptide-based immunotherapy targeting the BTLA-HVEM complex offers a promising alternative to monoclonal antibody-based therapies, with the potential for fewer side effects and higher treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Wojciechowicz
- Department of Physiopathology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kuncewicz
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jacek Rutkowski
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jacek Jassem
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Anna Wardowska
- Department of Physiopathology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Marta Spodzieja
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Poland.
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2
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Hu X. The role of the BTLA-HVEM complex in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Breast Cancer 2024; 31:358-370. [PMID: 38483699 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-024-01557-7] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is widely recognized as a prevalent contributor to cancer mortality and ranks as the second most prevalent form of cancer among women across the globe. Hence, the development of innovative therapeutic strategies is imperative to effectively manage BC. The B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA)-Herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM) complex has garnered significant scientific interest as a crucial regulator in various immune contexts. The interaction between BTLA-HVEM ligand on the surface of T cells results in reduced cellular activation, cytokine synthesis, and proliferation. The BTLA-HVEM complex has been investigated in various cancers, yet its specific mechanisms in BC remain indeterminate. In this study, we aim to examine the function of BTLA-HVEM and provide a comprehensive overview of the existing evidence in relation to BC. The obstruction or augmentation of these pathways may potentially enhance the efficacy of BC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Hu
- College of Health Industry, Changchun University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Changchun, 130000, China.
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3
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Wojciechowicz K, Spodzieja M, Wardowska A. The BTLA-HVEM complex - The future of cancer immunotherapy. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116231. [PMID: 38387336 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116231] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The BTLA-HVEM complex plays a pivotal role in cancer and cancer immunotherapy by regulating immune responses. Dysregulation of BTLA and HVEM expression contributes to immunosuppression and tumor progression across various cancer types. Targeting the interaction between BTLA and HVEM holds promise for enhancing anti-tumor immune responses. Disruption of this complex presents a valuable avenue for advancing cancer immunotherapy strategies. Aberrant expression of BTLA and HVEM adversely affects immune cell function, particularly T cells, exacerbating tumor evasion mechanisms. Understanding and modulating the BTLA-HVEM axis represents a crucial aspect of designing effective immunotherapeutic interventions against cancer. Here, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the structure and function of BTLA and HVEM, along with their interaction with each other and various immune partners. Moreover, the expression of soluble and transmembrane forms of BTLA and HVEM in different types of cancer and their impact on the prognosis of patients is also discussed. Additionally, inhibitors of the proteins binding that might be used to block BTLA-HVEM interaction are reviewed. All the presented data highlight the plausible clinical application of BTLA-HVEM targeted therapies in cancer and autoimmune disease management. However, further studies are required to confirm the practical use of this concept. Despite the increasing number of reports on the BTLA-HVEM complex, many aspects of its biology and function still need to be elucidated. This review can be regarded as an encouragement and a guide to follow the path of BTLA-HVEM research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Wojciechowicz
- Department of Physiopathology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Marta Spodzieja
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Poland
| | - Anna Wardowska
- Department of Physiopathology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland.
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4
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Wojciechowicz K, Kuncewicz K, Lisowska KA, Wardowska A, Spodzieja M. Peptides targeting the BTLA-HVEM complex can modulate T cell immune response. Eur J Pharm Sci 2024; 193:106677. [PMID: 38128840 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106677] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoints secure the proper function of the immune system and the maintenance of the BTLA-HVEM complex, an inhibitory immune checkpoint, is one of the pathways vital for T cell responsiveness to various stimuli. The present study reports the immunomodulatory potential of five peptides targeting the BTLA-HVEM complex on the activity of human T cells. Isolated T cells were exposed to the peptides alone or combined with CD3/CD28 mAb for 72 h or 120 h. The flow cytometry was used to evaluate the activation markers (CD69, CD62L, CD25), changes within the T cell memory compartment, proliferation rate, and apoptosis of T cells. The immunomodulatory effect of the peptides was visible as an increase in the percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing CD69 or CD25, a boost in T cell proliferation, and shifts in the T cell memory compartment. Pep(2) and Pep(5) were the most promising compounds, displaying a putative immune-restoring function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Wojciechowicz
- Department of Physiopathology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kuncewicz
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna A Lisowska
- Department of Physiopathology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Anna Wardowska
- Department of Physiopathology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Marta Spodzieja
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Poland.
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5
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Fuchs N, Zhang L, Calvo-Barreiro L, Kuncewicz K, Gabr M. Inhibitors of Immune Checkpoints: Small Molecule- and Peptide-Based Approaches. J Pers Med 2024; 14:68. [PMID: 38248769 PMCID: PMC10817355 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14010068] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The revolutionary progress in cancer immunotherapy, particularly the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors, marks a significant milestone in the fight against malignancies. However, the majority of clinically employed immune checkpoint inhibitors are monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with several limitations, such as poor oral bioavailability and immune-related adverse effects (irAEs). Another major limitation is the restriction of the efficacy of mAbs to a subset of cancer patients, which triggered extensive research efforts to identify alternative approaches in targeting immune checkpoints aiming to overcome the restricted efficacy of mAbs. This comprehensive review aims to explore the cutting-edge developments in targeting immune checkpoints, focusing on both small molecule- and peptide-based approaches. By delving into drug discovery platforms, we provide insights into the diverse strategies employed to identify and optimize small molecules and peptides as inhibitors of immune checkpoints. In addition, we discuss recent advances in nanomaterials as drug carriers, providing a basis for the development of small molecule- and peptide-based platforms for cancer immunotherapy. Ongoing research focused on the discovery of small molecules and peptide-inspired agents targeting immune checkpoints paves the way for developing orally bioavailable agents as the next-generation cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Fuchs
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; (N.F.); (L.Z.); (L.C.-B.); (K.K.)
| | - Longfei Zhang
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; (N.F.); (L.Z.); (L.C.-B.); (K.K.)
| | - Laura Calvo-Barreiro
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; (N.F.); (L.Z.); (L.C.-B.); (K.K.)
| | - Katarzyna Kuncewicz
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; (N.F.); (L.Z.); (L.C.-B.); (K.K.)
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Moustafa Gabr
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; (N.F.); (L.Z.); (L.C.-B.); (K.K.)
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6
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Dzierżyńska M, Sawicka J, Deptuła M, Sosnowski P, Sass P, Peplińska B, Pietralik-Molińska Z, Fularczyk M, Kasprzykowski F, Zieliński J, Kozak M, Sachadyn P, Pikuła M, Rodziewicz-Motowidło S. Release systems based on self-assembling RADA16-I hydrogels with a signal sequence which improves wound healing processes. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6273. [PMID: 37072464 PMCID: PMC10113214 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33464-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-assembling peptides can be used for the regeneration of severely damaged skin. They can act as scaffolds for skin cells and as a reservoir of active compounds, to accelerate scarless wound healing. To overcome repeated administration of peptides which accelerate healing, we report development of three new peptide biomaterials based on the RADA16-I hydrogel functionalized with a sequence (AAPV) cleaved by human neutrophil elastase and short biologically active peptide motifs, namely GHK, KGHK and RDKVYR. The peptide hybrids were investigated for their structural aspects using circular dichroism, thioflavin T assay, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy, as well as their rheological properties and stability in different fluids such as water or plasma, and their susceptibility to digestion by enzymes present in the wound environment. In addition, the morphology of the RADA-peptide hydrogels was examined with a unique technique called scanning electron cryomicroscopy. These experiments enabled us to verify if the designed peptides increased the bioactivity of the gel without disturbing its gelling processes. We demonstrate that the physicochemical properties of the designed hybrids were similar to those of the original RADA16-I. The materials behaved as expected, leaving the active motif free when treated with elastase. XTT and LDH tests on fibroblasts and keratinocytes were performed to assess the cytotoxicity of the RADA16-I hybrids, while the viability of cells treated with RADA16-I hybrids was evaluated in a model of human dermal fibroblasts. The hybrid peptides revealed no cytotoxicity; the cells grew and proliferated better than after treatment with RADA16-I alone. Improved wound healing following topical delivery of RADA-GHK and RADA-KGHK was demonstrated using a model of dorsal skin injury in mice and histological analyses. The presented results indicate further research is warranted into the engineered peptides as scaffolds for wound healing and tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Dzierżyńska
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Justyna Sawicka
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Milena Deptuła
- Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Embryology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Paweł Sosnowski
- Laboratory for Regenerative Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Piotr Sass
- Laboratory for Regenerative Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | | | - Martyna Fularczyk
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Jacek Zieliński
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Maciej Kozak
- Department of Macromolecular Physics, Faculty of Physics, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Paweł Sachadyn
- Laboratory for Regenerative Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Michał Pikuła
- Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Embryology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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7
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Rahman MM, Islam MR, Rahman F, Rahaman MS, Khan MS, Abrar S, Ray TK, Uddin MB, Kali MSK, Dua K, Kamal MA, Chellappan DK. Emerging Promise of Computational Techniques in Anti-Cancer Research: At a Glance. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9080335. [PMID: 35892749 PMCID: PMC9332125 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9080335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Research on the immune system and cancer has led to the development of new medicines that enable the former to attack cancer cells. Drugs that specifically target and destroy cancer cells are on the horizon; there are also drugs that use specific signals to stop cancer cells multiplying. Machine learning algorithms can significantly support and increase the rate of research on complicated diseases to help find new remedies. One area of medical study that could greatly benefit from machine learning algorithms is the exploration of cancer genomes and the discovery of the best treatment protocols for different subtypes of the disease. However, developing a new drug is time-consuming, complicated, dangerous, and costly. Traditional drug production can take up to 15 years, costing over USD 1 billion. Therefore, computer-aided drug design (CADD) has emerged as a powerful and promising technology to develop quicker, cheaper, and more efficient designs. Many new technologies and methods have been introduced to enhance drug development productivity and analytical methodologies, and they have become a crucial part of many drug discovery programs; many scanning programs, for example, use ligand screening and structural virtual screening techniques from hit detection to optimization. In this review, we examined various types of computational methods focusing on anticancer drugs. Machine-based learning in basic and translational cancer research that could reach new levels of personalized medicine marked by speedy and advanced data analysis is still beyond reach. Ending cancer as we know it means ensuring that every patient has access to safe and effective therapies. Recent developments in computational drug discovery technologies have had a large and remarkable impact on the design of anticancer drugs and have also yielded useful insights into the field of cancer therapy. With an emphasis on anticancer medications, we covered the various components of computer-aided drug development in this paper. Transcriptomics, toxicogenomics, functional genomics, and biological networks are only a few examples of the bioinformatics techniques used to forecast anticancer medications and treatment combinations based on multi-omics data. We believe that a general review of the databases that are now available and the computational techniques used today will be beneficial for the creation of new cancer treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Mominur Rahman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh; (M.M.R.); (M.R.I.); (F.R.); (M.S.R.); (M.S.K.); (S.A.); (T.K.R.); (M.B.U.); (M.S.K.K.); (M.A.K.)
| | - Md. Rezaul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh; (M.M.R.); (M.R.I.); (F.R.); (M.S.R.); (M.S.K.); (S.A.); (T.K.R.); (M.B.U.); (M.S.K.K.); (M.A.K.)
| | - Firoza Rahman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh; (M.M.R.); (M.R.I.); (F.R.); (M.S.R.); (M.S.K.); (S.A.); (T.K.R.); (M.B.U.); (M.S.K.K.); (M.A.K.)
| | - Md. Saidur Rahaman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh; (M.M.R.); (M.R.I.); (F.R.); (M.S.R.); (M.S.K.); (S.A.); (T.K.R.); (M.B.U.); (M.S.K.K.); (M.A.K.)
| | - Md. Shajib Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh; (M.M.R.); (M.R.I.); (F.R.); (M.S.R.); (M.S.K.); (S.A.); (T.K.R.); (M.B.U.); (M.S.K.K.); (M.A.K.)
| | - Sayedul Abrar
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh; (M.M.R.); (M.R.I.); (F.R.); (M.S.R.); (M.S.K.); (S.A.); (T.K.R.); (M.B.U.); (M.S.K.K.); (M.A.K.)
| | - Tanmay Kumar Ray
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh; (M.M.R.); (M.R.I.); (F.R.); (M.S.R.); (M.S.K.); (S.A.); (T.K.R.); (M.B.U.); (M.S.K.K.); (M.A.K.)
| | - Mohammad Borhan Uddin
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh; (M.M.R.); (M.R.I.); (F.R.); (M.S.R.); (M.S.K.); (S.A.); (T.K.R.); (M.B.U.); (M.S.K.K.); (M.A.K.)
| | - Most. Sumaiya Khatun Kali
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh; (M.M.R.); (M.R.I.); (F.R.); (M.S.R.); (M.S.K.); (S.A.); (T.K.R.); (M.B.U.); (M.S.K.K.); (M.A.K.)
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia;
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
- Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, India
| | - Mohammad Amjad Kamal
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh; (M.M.R.); (M.R.I.); (F.R.); (M.S.R.); (M.S.K.); (S.A.); (T.K.R.); (M.B.U.); (M.S.K.K.); (M.A.K.)
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Enzymoics, 7 Peterlee Place, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, NSW 2770, Australia
| | - Dinesh Kumar Chellappan
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
- Correspondence:
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8
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Kuncewicz K, Battin C, Węgrzyn K, Sieradzan A, Wardowska A, Sikorska E, Giedrojć I, Smardz P, Pikuła M, Steinberger P, Rodziewicz-Motowidło S, Spodzieja M. Targeting the HVEM protein using a fragment of glycoprotein D to inhibit formation of the BTLA/HVEM complex. Bioorg Chem 2022; 122:105748. [PMID: 35325694 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.105748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy using blockade of immune checkpoints is mainly based on monoclonal antibodies. Despite the tremendous success achieved by using those molecules to block immune checkpoint proteins, antibodies possess some weaknesses, which means that there is still a need to search for new compounds as alternatives to antibodies. Many current approaches are focused on use of peptides/peptidomimetics to destroy receptor/ligand interactions. Our studies concern blockade of the BTLA/HVEM complex, which generates an inhibitory effect on the immune response resulting in tolerance to cancer cells. To design inhibitors of such proteins binding we based our work on the amino acid sequence and structure of a ligand of HVEM protein, namely glycoprotein D, which possesses the same binding site on HVEM as BTLA protein. To disrupt the BTLA and HVEM interaction we designed several peptides, all fragments of glycoprotein D, and tested their binding to HVEM using SPR and their ability to inhibit the BTLA/HVEM complex formation using ELISA tests and cellular reporter platforms. That led to identification of two peptides, namely gD(1-36)(K10C-D30C) and gD(1-36)(A12C-L25C), which interact with HVEM and possess blocking capacities. Both peptides are not cytotoxic to human PBMCs, and show stability in human plasma. We also studied the 3D structure of the gD(1-36)(K10C-D30C) peptide using NMR and molecular modeling methods. The obtained data reveal that it possesses an unstructured conformation and binds to HVEM in the same location as gD and BTLA. All these results suggest that peptides based on the binding fragment of gD protein represent promising immunomodulation agents for future cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claire Battin
- Medical University of Vienna, Institute of Immunology, Division of Immune Receptors and T cell Activation, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Katarzyna Węgrzyn
- University of Gdańsk, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-307 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Adam Sieradzan
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Chemistry, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Anna Wardowska
- Medical University of Gdańsk, Department of Physiopathology, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Emilia Sikorska
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Chemistry, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Irma Giedrojć
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Chemistry, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Pamela Smardz
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Chemistry, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Michał Pikuła
- Medical University of Gdańsk, Department of Embryology, Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Peter Steinberger
- Medical University of Vienna, Institute of Immunology, Division of Immune Receptors and T cell Activation, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Marta Spodzieja
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Chemistry, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland.
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9
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Roccuzzo G, Giordano S, Fava P, Pileri A, Guglielmo A, Tonella L, Sanlorenzo M, Ribero S, Fierro MT, Quaglino P. Immune Check Point Inhibitors in Primary Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas: Biologic Rationale, Clinical Results and Future Perspectives. Front Oncol 2021; 11:733770. [PMID: 34485162 PMCID: PMC8415544 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.733770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (PCTCL) are the most common types of cutaneous lymphomas, with Mycosis fungoides as the most frequent subtype. Besides early stages which usually have a good prognosis, advanced stages remain a great therapeutic challenge with low survival rates. To date, none of the currently available therapeutic options have significantly improved the outcomes of advanced cutaneous lymphomas. Recent studies have demonstrated that immune-checkpoint molecules, such as PD-1 and CTLA-4, play part in the proliferation pathways of neoplastic T-cells, as well as in other tumors. Hence, the potential role of immune-checkpoint-inhibitors in treating cutaneous lymphomas has been investigated in the last years. Herein, we outline the current knowledge regarding the role of immune-checkpoint molecules in PCTCL, their signaling pathways, microenvironment and therapeutic inhibition rationale. Moreover, we review the published data on immunotherapies in PCTCL and summarize the currently ongoing clinical trials in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Roccuzzo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Giordano
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Fava
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pileri
- Dermatology-IRCCS Policlinico di Sant'Orsola Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Dermatology Unit, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alba Guglielmo
- Dermatology-IRCCS Policlinico di Sant'Orsola Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Dermatology Unit, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Tonella
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Martina Sanlorenzo
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simone Ribero
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Fierro
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Pietro Quaglino
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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10
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Virtual Evolution of HVEM Segment for Checkpoint Inhibitor Discovery. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126638. [PMID: 34205742 PMCID: PMC8234244 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune therapy has emerged as an effective treatment against cancers. Inspired by the PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies, which have achieved great success in clinical, other immune checkpoint proteins have drawn increasing attention in cancer research. B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) and herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM) are potential targets for drug development. The co-crystal structure of BTLA/HVEM have revealed that HVEM (26-38) fragment is the core sequence which directly involved on the interface. Herein, we conducted virtual evolution with this sequence by using saturation mutagenesis in silico and mutants with lower binding energy were selected. Wet-lab experiments confirmed that several of them possessed higher affinity with BTLA. Based on the best mutant of the core sequence, extended peptides with better efficacy were obtained. Furthermore, the mechanism of the effects of mutations was revealed by computational analysis. The mutated peptide discovered here can be a potent inhibitor to block BTLA/HVEM interaction and its mechanism may extend people's view on inhibitor discovery for the checkpoint pair.
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11
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Tang X, Zhang M, Sun L, Xu F, Peng X, Zhang Y, Deng Y, Wu S. The Biological Function Delineated Across Pan-Cancer Levels Through lncRNA-Based Prognostic Risk Assessment Factors for Pancreatic Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:694652. [PMID: 34195204 PMCID: PMC8236889 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.694652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play key roles in tumors and function not only as important molecular markers for cancer prognosis, but also as molecular characteristics at the pan-cancer level. Because of the poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer, accurate assessment of prognosis is a key issue in the development of treatment plans for pancreatic cancer. Here we analyzed pancreatic cancer data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and The Genotype Tissue Expression database using Cox regression and lasso regression in analyses using a combination of the two databases as well as only The Cancer Genome Atlas database (Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network et al., 2013). A prognostic risk score model with significant correlation with pancreatic cancer survival was constructed, and two lncRNAs were investigated. Additional analysis of 33 cancers using the two lncRNAs showed that lncRNA TsPOAP1-AS1 was a prognostic marker of seven cancers, among which pancreatic cancer was the most significant, and lncRNA mi600hg was a prognostic marker of ovarian cancer and pancreatic cancer. LncRNA TsPOAP1-AS1 is associated with clinical stage and tumor mutation burden of some cancers as well as a strong degree of immune infiltration in many cancers, while a strong correlation between lncRNA mi600hg and microsatellite instability was observed in several cancers. The results of this study help further our understanding of the different functions of lncRNAs in cancer and may aid in the clinical application of lncRNAs as prognostic factors for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Tang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Mengyan Zhang
- Computational Biology Research Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Liang Sun
- Department of Human Anatomy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Fengyan Xu
- Department of Human Anatomy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xin Peng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Computational Biology Research Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Ying Deng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shuliang Wu
- Department of Human Anatomy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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12
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Furukawa N, Popel AS. Peptides that immunoactivate the tumor microenvironment. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1875:188486. [PMID: 33276025 PMCID: PMC8369429 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has achieved positive clinical outcomes and is revolutionizing cancer treatment. However, cancer immunotherapy has thus far failed to improve outcomes for most "cold tumors", which are characterized by low infiltration of immune cells and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Enhancing the responsiveness of cold tumors to cancer immunotherapy by stimulating the components of the tumor microenvironment is a strategy pursued in the last decade. Currently, most of the agents used to modify the tumor microenvironment are small molecules or antibodies. Small molecules exhibit low affinity and specificity towards the target and antibodies have shortcomings such as poor tissue penetration and high production cost. Peptides may overcome these drawbacks and therefore are promising materials for immunomodulating agents. Here we systematically summarize the currently developed immunoactivating peptides and discuss the potential of peptide therapeutics in cancer immunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsuki Furukawa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
| | - Aleksander S Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA; The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
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13
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Sasikumar PG, Ramachandra M. Peptide and peptide-inspired checkpoint inhibitors: Protein fragments to cancer immunotherapy. MEDICINE IN DRUG DISCOVERY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medidd.2020.100073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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Fragments of gD Protein as Inhibitors of BTLA/HVEM Complex Formation-Design, Synthesis, and Cellular Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228876. [PMID: 33238640 PMCID: PMC7700651 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the major current trends in cancer immunotherapy is the blockade of immune checkpoint proteins that negatively regulate the immune response. This has been achieved through antibodies blocking PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4/CD80/CD86 interactions. Such antibodies have revolutionized oncological therapy and shown a new way to fight cancer. Additional (negative) immune checkpoints are also promising targets in cancer therapy and there is a demand for inhibitors for these molecules. Our studies are focused on BTLA/HVEM complex, which inhibits T-cell proliferation and cytokine production and therefore has great potential as a new target for cancer treatment. The goal of the presented studies was the design and synthesis of compounds able to block BTLA/HVEM interactions. For that purpose, the N-terminal fragment of glycoprotein D (gD), which interacts with HVEM, was used. Based on the crystal structure of the gD/HVEM complex and MM/GBSA analysis performed on it, several peptides were designed and synthesized as potential inhibitors of the BTLA/HVEM interaction. Affinity tests, ELISA tests, and cellular-based reporter assays were performed on these compounds to check their ability to bind to HVEM and to inhibit BTLA/HVEM complex formation. For leading peptides candidates, all-atom and subsequent docking simulations with a coarse-grained force field were performed to determine their binding modes. To further evaluate their potential as drug candidates, their stability in plasma and their cytotoxicity effects on PBMCs were assessed. Our data indicate that the peptide gD(1-36)(K10C-T29C) is the best candidate as a future drug. It interacts with HVEM protein, blocks the BTLA/HVEM interaction, and is nontoxic to cells. The present study provides a new perspective on the development of BTLA/HVEM inhibitors that disrupt protein interactions.
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15
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Bobrowicz M, Fassnacht C, Ignatova D, Chang YT, Dimitriou F, Guenova E. Pathogenesis and Therapy of Primary Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma: Collegium Internationale Allergologicum (CIA) Update 2020. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2020; 181:733-745. [PMID: 32690848 DOI: 10.1159/000509281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a heterogeneous disease group of unknown etiology with a complex immunological background. As CTCL arises from T cells that have a vital role in the antitumor response, their therapy is largely aimed at reversing the immunological mechanisms leading to or manifesting during this malignancy. Early disease stages can be controlled with skin-directed therapy in most CTCL cases. Still, advanced CTCL has a dismal prognosis and warrants systemic therapy. Despite considerable progress in understanding the pathophysiology of the disease and the numerous systemic treatment options available, long-term remission rates with conventional treatments alone are still low. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is currently the only curative option for advanced CTCL, including mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome. The aims of this review is to summarize the recent findings on the immunology of this heterogeneous disease and to present the advances in its clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christina Fassnacht
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Desislava Ignatova
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yun-Tsan Chang
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Dermatology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Florentia Dimitriou
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Emmanuella Guenova
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, .,Department of Dermatology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland, .,Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland,
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16
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Sawicka J, Dzierżyńska M, Wardowska A, Deptuła M, Rogujski P, Sosnowski P, Filipowicz N, Mieczkowska A, Sass P, Pawlik A, Hać A, Schumacher A, Gucwa M, Karska N, Kamińska J, Płatek R, Mazuryk J, Zieliński J, Kondej K, Młynarz P, Mucha P, Skowron P, Janus Ł, Herman-Antosiewicz A, Sachadyn P, Czupryn A, Piotrowski A, Pikuła M, Rodziewicz-Motowidło S. Imunofan-RDKVYR Peptide-Stimulates Skin Cell Proliferation and Promotes Tissue Repair. Molecules 2020; 25:E2884. [PMID: 32585846 PMCID: PMC7355430 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25122884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Regeneration and wound healing are vital to tissue homeostasis and organism survival. One of the biggest challenges of today's science and medicine is finding methods and factors to stimulate these processes in the human body. Effective solutions to promote regenerative responses will accelerate advances in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, transplantology, and a number of other clinical specialties. In this study, we assessed the potential efficacy of a synthetic hexapeptide, RDKVYR, for the stimulation of tissue repair and wound healing. The hexapeptide is marketed under the name "Imunofan" (IM) as an immunostimulant. IM displayed stability in aqueous solutions, while in plasma it was rapidly bound by albumins. Structural analyses demonstrated the conformational flexibility of the peptide. Tests in human fibroblast and keratinocyte cell lines showed that IM exerted a statistically significant (p < 0.05) pro-proliferative activity (30-40% and 20-50% increase in proliferation of fibroblast and keratinocytes, respectively), revealed no cytotoxicity over a vast range of concentrations (p < 0.05), and had no allergic properties. IM was found to induce significant transcriptional responses, such as enhanced activity of genes involved in active DNA demethylation (p < 0.05) in fibroblasts and activation of genes involved in immune responses, migration, and chemotaxis in adipose-derived stem cells derived from surgery donors. Experiments in a model of ear pinna injury in mice indicated that IM moderately promoted tissue repair (8% in BALB/c and 36% in C57BL/6 in comparison to control).
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Sawicka
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (J.S.); (M.D.); (N.K.)
| | - Maria Dzierżyńska
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (J.S.); (M.D.); (N.K.)
| | - Anna Wardowska
- Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Embryology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland; (A.W.); (M.D.)
| | - Milena Deptuła
- Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Embryology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland; (A.W.); (M.D.)
| | - Piotr Rogujski
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (P.R.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (A.C.)
- NeuroRepair Department, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Sosnowski
- Laboratory for Regenerative Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland; (P.S.); (P.S.); (J.K.); (P.S.)
| | - Natalia Filipowicz
- Department of Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland; (N.F.); (A.M.); (M.G.); (A.P.)
- International Research Agenda 3P-Medicine Laboratory, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Alina Mieczkowska
- Department of Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland; (N.F.); (A.M.); (M.G.); (A.P.)
| | - Piotr Sass
- Laboratory for Regenerative Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland; (P.S.); (P.S.); (J.K.); (P.S.)
| | - Anna Pawlik
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (A.P.); (A.H.); (A.H.-A.)
| | - Aleksandra Hać
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (A.P.); (A.H.); (A.H.-A.)
| | - Adriana Schumacher
- Department of Embryology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Gucwa
- Department of Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland; (N.F.); (A.M.); (M.G.); (A.P.)
| | - Natalia Karska
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (J.S.); (M.D.); (N.K.)
| | - Jolanta Kamińska
- Laboratory for Regenerative Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland; (P.S.); (P.S.); (J.K.); (P.S.)
| | - Rafał Płatek
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (P.R.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Jarosław Mazuryk
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (P.R.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (A.C.)
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Zieliński
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Karolina Kondej
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Piotr Młynarz
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Wrocław University of Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Piotr Mucha
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk80-308 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Piotr Skowron
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | | | - Anna Herman-Antosiewicz
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (A.P.); (A.H.); (A.H.-A.)
| | - Paweł Sachadyn
- Laboratory for Regenerative Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland; (P.S.); (P.S.); (J.K.); (P.S.)
| | - Artur Czupryn
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (P.R.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Arkadiusz Piotrowski
- Department of Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland; (N.F.); (A.M.); (M.G.); (A.P.)
- International Research Agenda 3P-Medicine Laboratory, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Michał Pikuła
- Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Embryology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland; (A.W.); (M.D.)
| | - Sylwia Rodziewicz-Motowidło
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (J.S.); (M.D.); (N.K.)
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17
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Garofalo M, Grazioso G, Cavalli A, Sgrignani J. How Computational Chemistry and Drug Delivery Techniques Can Support the Development of New Anticancer Drugs. Molecules 2020; 25:E1756. [PMID: 32290224 PMCID: PMC7180704 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25071756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The early and late development of new anticancer drugs, small molecules or peptides can be slowed down by some issues such as poor selectivity for the target or poor ADME properties. Computer-aided drug design (CADD) and target drug delivery (TDD) techniques, although apparently far from each other, are two research fields that can give a significant contribution to overcome these problems. Their combination may provide mechanistic understanding resulting in a synergy that makes possible the rational design of novel anticancer based therapies. Herein, we aim to discuss selected applications, some also from our research experience, in the fields of anticancer small organic drugs and peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Garofalo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Giovanni Grazioso
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Cavalli
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI), 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Jacopo Sgrignani
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI), 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
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18
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Phage Display-Based Nanotechnology Applications in Cancer Immunotherapy. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25040843. [PMID: 32075083 PMCID: PMC7071019 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25040843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Phage display is a nanotechnology with limitless potential, first developed in 1985 and still awaiting to reach its peak. Awarded in 2018 with the Nobel Prize for Chemistry, the method allows the isolation of high-affinity ligands for diverse substrates, ranging from recombinant proteins to cells, organs, even whole organisms. Personalized therapeutic approaches, particularly in oncology, depend on the identification of new, unique, and functional targets that phage display, through its various declinations, can certainly provide. A fast-evolving branch in cancer research, immunotherapy is now experiencing a second youth after being overlooked for years; indeed, many reports support the concept of immunotherapy as the only non-surgical cure for cancer, at least in some settings. In this review, we describe literature reports on the application of peptide phage display to cancer immunotherapy. In particular, we discuss three main outcomes of this procedure: (i) phage display-derived peptides that mimic cancer antigens (mimotopes) and (ii) antigen-carrying phage particles, both as prophylactic and/or therapeutic vaccines, and (iii) phage display-derived peptides as small-molecule effectors of immune cell functions. Preclinical studies demonstrate the efficacy and vast potential of these nanosized tools, and their clinical application is on the way.
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19
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Douna H, Amersfoort J, Schaftenaar FH, Kröner MJ, Kiss MG, Slütter B, Depuydt MAC, Bernabé Kleijn MNA, Wezel A, Smeets HJ, Yagita H, Binder CJ, Bot I, van Puijvelde GHM, Kuiper J, Foks AC. B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator stimulation protects against atherosclerosis by regulating follicular B cells. Cardiovasc Res 2020; 116:295-305. [PMID: 31150053 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvz129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS The immune system is strongly involved in atherosclerosis and immune regulation generally leads to attenuated atherosclerosis. B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) is a novel co-receptor that negatively regulates the activation of B and T cells; however, there have been no reports of BTLA and its function in atherosclerosis or cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to assess the dominant BTLA expressing leucocyte in CVD patients and to investigate whether BTLA has a functional role in experimental atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS We show that BTLA is primarily expressed on B cells in CVD patients and follicular B2 cells in low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient (Ldlr-/-) mice. We treated Ldlr-/- mice that were fed a western-type diet (WTD) with phosphate-buffered saline, an isotype antibody, or an agonistic BTLA antibody (3C10) for 6 weeks. We report here that the agonistic BTLA antibody significantly attenuated atherosclerosis. This was associated with a strong reduction in follicular B2 cells, while regulatory B and T cells were increased. The BTLA antibody showed similar immunomodulating effects in a progression study in which Ldlr-/- mice were fed a WTD for 10 weeks before receiving antibody treatment. Most importantly, BTLA stimulation enhanced collagen content, a feature of stable lesions, in pre-existing lesions. CONCLUSION Stimulation of the BTLA pathway in Ldlr-/- mice reduces initial lesion development and increases collagen content of established lesions, presumably by shifting the balance between atherogenic follicular B cells and atheroprotective B cells and directing CD4+ T cells towards regulatory T cells. We provide the first evidence that BTLA is a very promising target for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidde Douna
- Division of BioTherapeutics, LACDR, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jacob Amersfoort
- Division of BioTherapeutics, LACDR, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Frank H Schaftenaar
- Division of BioTherapeutics, LACDR, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mara J Kröner
- Division of BioTherapeutics, LACDR, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Máté G Kiss
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Bram Slütter
- Division of BioTherapeutics, LACDR, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marie A C Depuydt
- Division of BioTherapeutics, LACDR, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mireia N A Bernabé Kleijn
- Division of BioTherapeutics, LACDR, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anouk Wezel
- Department of Surgery, HMC Westeinde, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Harm J Smeets
- Department of Surgery, HMC Westeinde, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Hideo Yagita
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Christoph J Binder
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - I Bot
- Division of BioTherapeutics, LACDR, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gijs H M van Puijvelde
- Division of BioTherapeutics, LACDR, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Johan Kuiper
- Division of BioTherapeutics, LACDR, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Amanda C Foks
- Division of BioTherapeutics, LACDR, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
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20
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Spodzieja M, Kuncewicz K, Sieradzan A, Karczyńska A, Iwaszkiewicz J, Cesson V, Węgrzyn K, Zhukov I, Maszota-Zieleniak M, Michielin O, Speiser DE, Zoete V, Derré L, Rodziewicz-Motowidło S. Disulfide-Linked Peptides for Blocking BTLA/HVEM Binding. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020636. [PMID: 31963646 PMCID: PMC7013932 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoints are crucial in the maintenance of antitumor immune responses. The activation or blockade of immune checkpoints is dependent on the interactions between receptors and ligands; such interactions can provide inhibitory or stimulatory signals, including the enhancement or suppression of T-cell proliferation, differentiation, and/or cytokine secretion. B-and T-lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) is a lymphoid-specific cell surface receptor which is present on T-cells and interacts with herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM), which is present on tumor cells. The binding of HVEM to BTLA triggers an inhibitory signal which attenuates the immune response. This feature is interesting for studying the molecular interactions between HVEM and BTLA, as they may be targeted for novel immunotherapies. This work was based on the crystal structure of the BTLA/HVEM complex showing that BTLA binds the N-terminal cysteine-rich domain of HVEM. We investigated the amino acid sequence of HVEM and used molecular modeling methods to develop inhibitors of the BTLA/HVEM interaction. We synthesized novel compounds and determined their ability to interact with the BTLA protein and inhibit the formation of the BTLA/HVEM complex. Our results suggest that the HVEM (14-39) peptide is a potent inhibitor of the formation of the BTLA/HVEM protein complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Spodzieja
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80–308 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.S.); (K.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (M.M.-Z.)
| | - Katarzyna Kuncewicz
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80–308 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.S.); (K.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (M.M.-Z.)
| | - Adam Sieradzan
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80–308 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.S.); (K.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (M.M.-Z.)
| | - Agnieszka Karczyńska
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80–308 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.S.); (K.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (M.M.-Z.)
| | - Justyna Iwaszkiewicz
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Quartier Sorge, Bâtiment Amphipole, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (J.I.); (O.M.); (V.Z.)
| | - Valérie Cesson
- Urology Research Unit, Urology Department, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| | - Katarzyna Węgrzyn
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG&MUG, University of Gdansk, Abrahama 58, 80–308 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Igor Zhukov
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5a, 02–106 Warszawa, Poland;
- NanoBioMedical Center, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 85, 61–614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Martyna Maszota-Zieleniak
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80–308 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.S.); (K.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (M.M.-Z.)
| | - Olivier Michielin
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Quartier Sorge, Bâtiment Amphipole, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (J.I.); (O.M.); (V.Z.)
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Ludwig Cancer Research—Lausanne Branch, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Daniel E. Speiser
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Ch. des Boveresses 155, CH-1066 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| | - Vincent Zoete
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Quartier Sorge, Bâtiment Amphipole, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (J.I.); (O.M.); (V.Z.)
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, Lausanne University, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Route de la Corniche 9A, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Derré
- Urology Research Unit, Urology Department, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland;
- Correspondence: (L.D.); (S.R.-M.)
| | - Sylwia Rodziewicz-Motowidło
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80–308 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.S.); (K.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (M.M.-Z.)
- Correspondence: (L.D.); (S.R.-M.)
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21
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Malissen N, Macagno N, Granjeaud S, Granier C, Moutardier V, Gaudy-Marqueste C, Habel N, Mandavit M, Guillot B, Pasero C, Tartour E, Ballotti R, Grob JJ, Olive D. HVEM has a broader expression than PD-L1 and constitutes a negative prognostic marker and potential treatment target for melanoma. Oncoimmunology 2019; 8:e1665976. [PMID: 31741766 PMCID: PMC6844309 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2019.1665976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
HVEM (Herpes Virus Entry Mediator) engagement of BTLA (B and T Lymphocyte Attenuator) triggers inhibitory signals in T cells and could play a role in evading antitumor immunity. Here, HVEM expression levels in melanoma metastases were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, correlated with overall survival (OS) in 116 patients, and validated by TCGA transcriptomic data. Coincident expression of HVEM and its ligand BTLA was studied in tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) by flow cytometry (n = 21) and immunofluorescence (n = 5). Candidate genes controlling HVEM expression in melanoma were defined by bioinformatics studies and validated by siRNA gene silencing. We found that in patients with AJCC stage III and IV melanoma, OS was poorer in those with high HVEM expression on melanoma cells, than in those with a low expression, by immunohistochemistry (p = .0160) or TCGA transcriptomics (p = .0282). We showed a coincident expression of HVEM at the surface of melanoma cells and of BTLA on TILs. HVEM was more widely expressed than PD-L1 in melanoma cells. From a mechanistic perspective, in contrast to PDL1, HVEM expression did not correlate with an IFNγ signature but with an aggressive gene signature. Interestingly, this signature contained MITF, a key player in melanoma biology, whose expression correlated strongly with HVEM. Finally, siRNA gene silencing validated MITF control of HVEM expression. In conclusion, HVEM expression seems to be a prognosis marker and targeting this axis by checkpoint-inhibitors may be of interest in metastatic melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nausicaa Malissen
- Tumor Immunology Team, IBISA Immunomonitoring platform, Cancer Research Center of Marseille, INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Aix-Marseille University, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France.,INSERM, CRCM, APHM, CHU Timone, Department of Dermatology and Skin Cancer, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Macagno
- INSERM, MMG, APHM, CHU Timone, Department of Pathology, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Samuel Granjeaud
- Tumor Immunology Team, IBISA Immunomonitoring platform, Cancer Research Center of Marseille, INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Aix-Marseille University, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Clémence Granier
- UMR_S970, HEGP, Centre de recherche cardio-vasculaire, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Moutardier
- APHM, CHU Nord, Department of Digestive surgery, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Caroline Gaudy-Marqueste
- Tumor Immunology Team, IBISA Immunomonitoring platform, Cancer Research Center of Marseille, INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Aix-Marseille University, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France.,INSERM, CRCM, APHM, CHU Timone, Department of Dermatology and Skin Cancer, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Nadia Habel
- INSERM U 1065, Team 1 Nice, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, Nice, France
| | - Marion Mandavit
- UMR_S970, HEGP, Centre de recherche cardio-vasculaire, Paris, France
| | - Bernard Guillot
- Department of Dermatology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Christine Pasero
- Tumor Immunology Team, IBISA Immunomonitoring platform, Cancer Research Center of Marseille, INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Aix-Marseille University, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Eric Tartour
- UMR_S970, HEGP, Centre de recherche cardio-vasculaire, Paris, France
| | - Robert Ballotti
- INSERM U 1065, Team 1 Nice, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, Nice, France
| | - Jean-Jacques Grob
- Tumor Immunology Team, IBISA Immunomonitoring platform, Cancer Research Center of Marseille, INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Aix-Marseille University, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France.,INSERM, CRCM, APHM, CHU Timone, Department of Dermatology and Skin Cancer, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Daniel Olive
- Tumor Immunology Team, IBISA Immunomonitoring platform, Cancer Research Center of Marseille, INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Aix-Marseille University, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
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22
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Rapoport BL. Editorial: Management of Immune-Related Adverse Events for Patients Undergoing Treatment With Checkpoint Inhibitors. Front Oncol 2019; 9:365. [PMID: 31157163 PMCID: PMC6530390 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo Leon Rapoport
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,The Medical Oncology Centre of Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa
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23
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Han MZ, Wang S, Zhao WB, Ni SL, Yang N, Kong Y, Huang B, Chen AJ, Li XG, Wang J, Wang DH. Immune checkpoint molecule herpes virus entry mediator is overexpressed and associated with poor prognosis in human glioblastoma. EBioMedicine 2019; 43:159-170. [PMID: 30987862 PMCID: PMC6557785 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dysregulation of immune checkpoint molecules leads to immune evasion in human tumours but has become a viable target for tumour therapy. Here, we examined expression of Herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM), an immune checkpoint molecule, in human glioblastoma (GBM) to assess its potential as a molecular target for treatment. Methods Molecular and clinical data from publicly available genomic databases containing WHO grade II-IV human glioma cases (n = 1866) were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was applied to assess HVEM protein levels in primary tumour sections. Statistical analysis was performed using Matlab and R language. Findings HVEM was found to be elevated in aggressive gliomas, particularly in the mesenchymal and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) wild-type molecular subtypes of GBM. HVEMhigh tumours tended to be associated with amplification of EGFR and loss of PTEN, while HVEMlow tumours harbored mutations in IDH1 (93%). HVEM exhibited potential as a prognostic marker based on Cox regression and nomogram models. HVEM displayed intra-tumour heterogeneity and was more highly expressed in peri-necrotic and microvascular regions. Gene ontology and pathway analysis revealed enrichment of HVEM in multiple immune regulatory processes, such as suppression of T cell mediated immunity in GBM. Finally, in cell lineage analysis, HVEM was found to be tightly associated with several infiltrating immune and stromal cell types which localized to the tumour microenvironment. Interpretation Our data highlights the importance of HVEM in the development of GBM and as a potential molecular target in combination with current immune checkpoint blockades for treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Zhi Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and Brain Science Research Institute, Shandong University, Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Remodeling, Shandong, 107# Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan 250012, China; K.G. Jebsen Brain Tumour Research Center, Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Shuai Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and Brain Science Research Institute, Shandong University, Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Remodeling, Shandong, 107# Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Wen-Bo Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and Brain Science Research Institute, Shandong University, Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Remodeling, Shandong, 107# Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Shi-Lei Ni
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and Brain Science Research Institute, Shandong University, Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Remodeling, Shandong, 107# Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Ning Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and Brain Science Research Institute, Shandong University, Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Remodeling, Shandong, 107# Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yang Kong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and Brain Science Research Institute, Shandong University, Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Remodeling, Shandong, 107# Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Bin Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and Brain Science Research Institute, Shandong University, Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Remodeling, Shandong, 107# Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - An-Jing Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and Brain Science Research Institute, Shandong University, Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Remodeling, Shandong, 107# Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xin-Gang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and Brain Science Research Institute, Shandong University, Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Remodeling, Shandong, 107# Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and Brain Science Research Institute, Shandong University, Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Remodeling, Shandong, 107# Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan 250012, China; K.G. Jebsen Brain Tumour Research Center, Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Dong-Hai Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and Brain Science Research Institute, Shandong University, Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Remodeling, Shandong, 107# Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan 250012, China.
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24
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Anzengruber F, Ignatova D, Schlaepfer T, Chang YT, French LE, Pascolo S, Contassot E, Bobrowicz M, Hoetzenecker W, Guenova E. Divergent LAG-3 versus BTLA, TIGIT, and FCRL3 expression in Sézary syndrome. Leuk Lymphoma 2019; 60:1899-1907. [PMID: 30638415 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2018.1564827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In Sézary syndrome (SS) impaired T-cell function and cytokine profile lead to immune evasion. Immune checkpoints non-redundantly regulate immune responses and targeting them is promising. We evaluated the expression of BTLA, CTLA-4, FCRL3, LAG-3, and TIGIT in tumor and non-tumor SS T-cells.Compared to CD4+ T helper cells from ten healthy individuals, tumor cells of eight SS patients had a significant upregulation of BTLA (1.5-fold; p < .0001), FRCL3 (2.2-fold; p < .0028) and TIGIT (2.2-fold; p < .0003) expression. In contrast, we found a reduced expression of LAG-3+ cells in the blood of tumor patients (0.5-fold; p < .0014). Only weak alternations between tumor, non-tumor cells, and healthy controls were observed regarding CTLA-4 (0.5-fold; p < .2022). Our results show a diverse expression pattern of immune-regulatory molecules in SS patients. As these molecules are essential in the regulation of T-cell mediated tumor surveillance and defense, their specific targeting might be of clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Anzengruber
- a Department of Dermatology , University Hospital Zurich University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Desislava Ignatova
- a Department of Dermatology , University Hospital Zurich University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Tanja Schlaepfer
- a Department of Dermatology , University Hospital Zurich University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Yun-Tsan Chang
- a Department of Dermatology , University Hospital Zurich University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Lars E French
- a Department of Dermatology , University Hospital Zurich University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Steve Pascolo
- a Department of Dermatology , University Hospital Zurich University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Emmanuel Contassot
- a Department of Dermatology , University Hospital Zurich University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Malgorzata Bobrowicz
- a Department of Dermatology , University Hospital Zurich University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland.,b Department of Immunology , Medical University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
| | | | - Emmanuella Guenova
- a Department of Dermatology , University Hospital Zurich University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
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25
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A structural model of the immune checkpoint CD160-HVEM complex derived from HDX-mass spectrometry and molecular modeling. Oncotarget 2019; 10:536-550. [PMID: 30728903 PMCID: PMC6355189 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
CD160 is a T cell coinhibitory molecule that interacts with the herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM) on antigen-presenting cells to provide an inhibitory signal to T cells. To date, the structure of CD160 and its complex with HVEM are unknown. Here, we have identified the fragments of CD160 interacting with HVEM using ELISA tests, hydrogen/deuterium studies, affinity chromatography and mass spectrometry (MS). By combining hydrogen/deuterium exchange and mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) we obtained key information about the tertiary structure of CD160, predicting the 3D structure of the CD160–HVEM complex. Our results provide insights into the molecular architecture of this complex, serving as a useful basis for designing inhibitors for future immunotherapies.
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26
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Abstract
Somatic mutations in cancer cells may influence tumor growth, survival, or immune interactions in their microenvironment. The tumor necrosis factor receptor family member HVEM (TNFRSF14) is frequently mutated in cancers and has been attributed a tumor suppressive role in some cancer contexts. HVEM functions both as a ligand for the lymphocyte checkpoint proteins BTLA and CD160, and as a receptor that activates NF-κB signaling pathways in response to BTLA and CD160 and the TNF ligands LIGHT and LTα. BTLA functions to inhibit lymphocyte activation, but has also been ascribed a role in stimulating cell survival. CD160 functions to co-stimulate lymphocyte function, but has also been shown to activate inhibitory signaling in CD4+ T cells. Thus, the role of HVEM within diverse cancers and in regulating the immune responses to these tumors is likely context specific. Additionally, development of therapeutics that target proteins within this network of interacting proteins will require a deeper understanding of how these proteins function in a cancer-specific manner. However, the prominent role of the HVEM network in anti-cancer immune responses indicates a promising area for drug development.
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27
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Kansy B, Lang S. [Immunotherapy - The New Era of Oncology]. Laryngorhinootologie 2018; 97:S3-S47. [PMID: 29905353 PMCID: PMC6541097 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-121594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
In the field of immunotherapy, essential progress was achieved over the past years partially demonstrating long lasting therapeutic responses in different tumor entities. A better understanding of the interactions between the tumor and the immune system as well as the integration of immunotherapeutic approaches into clinical routine were the foundations for this development. The different approaches intervene on multiple levels of the immune response and directly or indirectly mount the patient‘s own immune defense against tumor cells. Immunotherapeutic approaches are represented by cytokine therapies, vaccinations, the use of oncolytic viruses and monoclonal antibody therapies as well as adoptive cell transfer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Kansy
- Klinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen
| | - Stephan Lang
- Klinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen
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28
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T Lymphocytes and Autoimmunity. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 341:125-168. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2018.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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29
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McCarthy MW, Walsh TJ. Checkpoint inhibitors and the risk of infection. EXPERT REVIEW OF PRECISION MEDICINE AND DRUG DEVELOPMENT 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/23808993.2017.1380517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew William McCarthy
- Hospital Medicine, Joan and Sanford I Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas J. Walsh
- Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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