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Kim J, Ravichandran H, Yoffe L, Bhinder B, Finos K, Singh A, Pua BB, Bates S, Huang BE, Rendeiro AF, Mittal V, Altorki NK, McGraw TE, Elemento O. Simultaneous immunomodulation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition drives lung adenocarcinoma progression. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2025:2025.02.19.637138. [PMID: 40027685 PMCID: PMC11870609 DOI: 10.1101/2025.02.19.637138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2025]
Abstract
Lung cancer remains the deadliest cancer in the United States, with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) as its most prevalent subtype. While computed tomography (CT)-based screening has improved early detection and enabled curative surgeries, the molecular and cellular dynamics driving early-stage LUAD progression remain poorly understood, limiting non-surgical treatment options. To address this gap, we profiled 2.24 million cells from 122 early-stage LUAD patients using multiplexed imaging mass cytometry (IMC). This analysis revealed the molecular, spatial, and temporal dynamics of LUAD development. Our findings uncover a binary progression model. LUAD advances through either inflammation, driven by a balance of cytotoxic and regulatory immune activity, or fibrosis, characterized by stromal activation. Surprisingly, tumor cell populations did not increase significantly. Instead, they displayed a mixed phenotypic profile consistent with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), effectively masking the expansion of malignant cells. Furthermore, we addressed discrepancies between CT-based and histology-based subtyping. CT scans, while non-invasive, often mischaracterize invasive fibrotic tumors-which account for 20.5% of LUAD cases-as mild, non-solid ground glass opacities (GGOs). Using high-content IMC imaging, we demonstrate that these tumors harbor significant risks and advocate for improved diagnostic strategies. These strategies should integrate molecular profiling to refine patient stratification and therapeutic decision-making. Altogether, our study provides a high-resolution, systems-level view of the tumor microenvironment in early-stage LUAD. We characterize key transitions in oncogenesis and propose a precision-driven framework to enhance the detection and management of aggressive disease subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junbum Kim
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Hiranmayi Ravichandran
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Liron Yoffe
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Neuberger Berman Lung Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Bhavneet Bhinder
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Kyle Finos
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Arshdeep Singh
- Neuberger Berman Lung Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Bradley B Pua
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Stewart Bates
- Interventional Oncology, Johnson and Johnson, High Wycombe, HP12 4DP, UK
| | - Bevan Emma Huang
- Interventional Oncology, Johnson and Johnson, High Wycombe, HP12 4DP, UK
| | - Andre F. Rendeiro
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Network Medicine at the University of Vienna Lazarettgasse 14 AKH BT 25.3, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vivek Mittal
- Neuberger Berman Lung Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Nasser K. Altorki
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Neuberger Berman Lung Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Timothy E. McGraw
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Neuberger Berman Lung Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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Franzese O. Tumor Microenvironment Drives the Cross-Talk Between Co-Stimulatory and Inhibitory Molecules in Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes: Implications for Optimizing Immunotherapy Outcomes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:12848. [PMID: 39684559 DOI: 10.3390/ijms252312848] [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: 11/02/2024] [Revised: 11/23/2024] [Accepted: 11/25/2024] [Indexed: 12/18/2024] Open
Abstract
This review explores some of the complex mechanisms underlying antitumor T-cell response, with a specific focus on the balance and cross-talk between selected co-stimulatory and inhibitory pathways. The tumor microenvironment (TME) fosters both T-cell activation and exhaustion, a dual role influenced by the local presence of inhibitory immune checkpoints (ICs), which are exploited by cancer cells to evade immune surveillance. Recent advancements in IC blockade (ICB) therapies have transformed cancer treatment. However, only a fraction of patients respond favorably, highlighting the need for predictive biomarkers and combination therapies to overcome ICB resistance. A crucial aspect is represented by the complexity of the TME, which encompasses diverse cell types that either enhance or suppress immune responses. This review underscores the importance of identifying the most critical cross-talk between inhibitory and co-stimulatory molecules for developing approaches tailored to patient-specific molecular and immune profiles to maximize the therapeutic efficacy of IC inhibitors and enhance clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Franzese
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Zhang L, Calvo-Barreiro L, de Sousa Batista V, Świderek K, Gabr MT. Discovery of ICOS-Targeted Small Molecules Using Affinity Selection Mass Spectrometry Screening. ChemMedChem 2024; 19:e202400545. [PMID: 39269728 PMCID: PMC11782461 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202400545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2024] [Revised: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Inducible T cell co-stimulator (ICOS) is a positive immune checkpoint receptor expressed on the surface of activated T cells, which could promote cell function after being stimulated with ICOS ligand (ICOS-L). Although clinical benefits have been reported in the ICOS modulation-based treatment for cancer and autoimmune disease, current modulators are restricted in biologics, whereas ICOS-targeted small molecules are lacking. To fill this gap, we performed an affinity selection mass spectrometry (ASMS) screening for ICOS binding using a library of 15,600 molecules. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that utilizes ASMS screening to discover small molecules targeting immune checkpoints. Compound 9 with a promising ICOS/ICOS-L inhibitory profile (IC50=29.38±3.41 μM) was selected as the template for the modification. Following preliminary structure-activity relationship (SAR) study and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation revealed the critical role of the ortho-hydroxy group on compound 9 in the ICOS binding, as it could stabilize the interaction via the hydrogen bond formation with residuals on the glycan, and the depletion could lead to an activity lost. This work validates a promising inhibitor for the ICOS/ICOS-L interaction, and we anticipate future modifications could provide more potent modulators for this interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Laura Calvo-Barreiro
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Victor de Sousa Batista
- BioComp group, Institute of Advanced Materials (INAM), Universitat Jaume I, Castellon, Spain
| | - Katarzyna Świderek
- BioComp group, Institute of Advanced Materials (INAM), Universitat Jaume I, Castellon, Spain
| | - Moustafa T Gabr
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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Lopes CDH, Braganca Xavier C, Torrado C, Veneziani AC, Megid TBC. A Comprehensive Exploration of Agents Targeting Tumor Microenvironment: Challenges and Future Perspectives. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOTHERAPY AND PRECISION ONCOLOGY 2024; 7:283-299. [PMID: 39524466 PMCID: PMC11541921 DOI: 10.36401/jipo-24-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) encompasses the complex and diverse surroundings in which tumors arise. Emerging insights highlight the TME's critical role in tumor development, progression, metastasis, and treatment response. Consequently, the TME has attracted significant research and clinical interest, leading to the identification of numerous novel therapeutic targets. Advances in molecular technologies now enable detailed genomic and transcriptional analysis of cancer cells and the TME and the integration of microenvironmental data to the tumor genomic landscape. This comprehensive review discusses current progress in targeting the TME for drug development, addressing associated challenges, strategies for modulating the pro-tumor microenvironment, and the discovery of new targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carlos Torrado
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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5
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Zhang L, Calvo-Barreiro L, de Sousa Batista V, Świderek K, Gabr MT. Discovery of ICOS-targeted small molecules using affinity selection mass spectrometry screening. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.04.606538. [PMID: 39149231 PMCID: PMC11326138 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.04.606538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Inducible T cell co-stimulator (ICOS) is a positive immune checkpoint receptor expressed on the surface of activated T cells, which could promote cell function after being stimulated with ICOS ligand (ICOS-L). Although clinical benefits have been reported in the ICOS modulation-based treatment for cancer and autoimmune disease, current modulators are restricted in biologics, whereas ICOS-targeted small molecules are lacking. To fill this gap, we performed an affinity selection mass spectrometry (ASMS) screening for ICOS binding using a library of 15,600 molecules. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that utilizes ASMS screening to discover small molecules targeting immune checkpoints. Compound 9 with a promising ICOS/ICOS-L inhibitory profile (IC50 = 29.38 ± 3.41 μM) was selected as the template for the modification. Following preliminary structure-activity relationship (SAR) study and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation revealed the critical role of the ortho-hydroxy group on compound 9 in the ICOS binding, as it could stabilize the interaction via the hydrogen bond formation with residuals on the glycan, and the depletion could lead to an activity lost. This work validates a promising inhibitor for the ICOS/ICOS-L interaction, and we anticipate future modifications could provide more potent modulators for this interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Laura Calvo-Barreiro
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | - Katarzyna Świderek
- BioComp group, Institute of Advanced Materials (INAM), Universitat Jaume I, Spain
| | - Moustafa T Gabr
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Sepahi A, Ho HE, Vyas P, Umiker B, Kis-Toth K, Wiederschain D, Radigan L, Cunningham-Rundles C. ICOS agonist vopratelimab modulates follicular helper T cells and improves B cell function in common variable immunodeficiency. Clin Immunol 2024; 264:110217. [PMID: 38621471 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2024.110217] [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: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is an immune defect characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia and impaired development of B cells into plasma cells. As follicular helper T cells (TFH) play a central role in humoral immunity, we examined TFH cells in CVID, and investigated whether an inducible T cell co-stimulator (ICOS) agonist, vopratelimab, could modulate TFH, B cell interactions and enhance immunoglobulin production. CVID subjects had decreased TFH17 and increased TFH1 subsets; this was associated with increased transitional B cells and decreased IgG+ B and IgD-IgM-CD27+ memory B cells. ICOS expression on CVID CD4+ T cells was also decreased. However, ICOS activation of CD4+ T cells by vopratelimab significantly increased total CVID TFH, TFH2, cell numbers, as well as IL-4, IL-10 and IL-21 secretion in vitro. Vopratelimab treatment also increased plasma cells, IgG+ B cells, reduced naïve & transitional B cells and significantly increased IgG1 secretion by CVID B cells. Interestingly, vopratelimab treatment also restored IgA secretion in PBMCs from several CVID patients who had a complete lack of endogenous serum IgA. Our data demonstrate the potential of TFH modulation in restoring TFH and enhancing B cell maturation in CVID. The effects of an ICOS agonist in antibody defects warrants further investigation. This biologic may also be of therapeutic interest in other clinical settings of antibody deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Sepahi
- PharmaEssentia Innovation Research Center, Bedford, MA, United States; Concentra Biosciences, LLC, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Hsi-En Ho
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Prapti Vyas
- ReNAgade Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, United States; Concentra Biosciences, LLC, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Benjamin Umiker
- AstraZeneca, Cambridge, MA, United States; Concentra Biosciences, LLC, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Katalin Kis-Toth
- NextPoint Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States; Concentra Biosciences, LLC, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Dmitri Wiederschain
- Crossbow Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, United States; Concentra Biosciences, LLC, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Lin Radigan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Charlotte Cunningham-Rundles
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.
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Labuschagne Naidoo RB, Steel HC, Theron AJ, Anderson R, Tintinger GR, Rossouw TM. Persistently Elevated Expression of Systemic, Soluble Co-Inhibitory Immune Checkpoint Molecules in People Living with HIV before and One Year after Antiretroviral Therapy. Pathogens 2024; 13:540. [PMID: 39057767 PMCID: PMC11279922 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13070540] [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: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Increasing drug resistance and the absence of a cure necessitates exploration of novel treatment strategies for people living with HIV (PLWH). Targeting of soluble co-inhibitory immune checkpoint molecules (sICMs) represents a novel, potentially effective strategy in the management of HIV. METHODS In this retrospective, longitudinal, observational study, the plasma levels of five prominent co-inhibitory sICMs-CTLA-4, LAG-3, PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1, as well as TIM-3-were quantified in 68 PLWH-before and one year after antiretroviral therapy (ART)-and compared with those of 15 healthy control participants. RESULTS Relative to control participants, PLWH had substantially elevated pre-treatment levels of all five co-inhibitory sICMs (p < 0.0001-p < 0.0657), which, over the 12-month period of ART, remained significantly higher than those of controls (p < 0.0367-p < 0.0001). PLWH with advanced disease, reflected by a CD4+ T cell count <200 cells/mm3 before ART, had the lowest levels of CTLA-4 and LAG-3, while participants with pre-treatment HIV viral loads ≥100,000 copies/mL had higher pre-treatment levels of TIM-3, which also persisted at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS Plasma levels of CTLA-4, LAG-3, PD-1, PD-L1 and TIM-3 were significantly elevated in treatment-naïve PLWH and remained so following one year of virally-suppressive ART, possibly identifying LAG-3 and TIM-3 in particular as potential targets for adjuvant immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn-Brooke Labuschagne Naidoo
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; (R.-B.L.N.); (G.R.T.)
| | - Helen C. Steel
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; (H.C.S.); (A.J.T.); (R.A.)
| | - Annette J. Theron
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; (H.C.S.); (A.J.T.); (R.A.)
| | - Ronald Anderson
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; (H.C.S.); (A.J.T.); (R.A.)
| | - Gregory R. Tintinger
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; (R.-B.L.N.); (G.R.T.)
| | - Theresa M. Rossouw
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; (H.C.S.); (A.J.T.); (R.A.)
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Rapoport BL, Anderson R. Strategies to optimize the promise of checkpoint-targeted anti-cancer therapy. Immunotherapy 2024; 16:565-568. [PMID: 38717385 PMCID: PMC11290365 DOI: 10.1080/1750743x.2024.2343271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/26/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo L Rapoport
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
- Medical Oncology Centre of Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
| | - Ronald Anderson
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
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9
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Lim SH, Beers SA, Al-Shamkhani A, Cragg MS. Agonist Antibodies for Cancer Immunotherapy: History, Hopes, and Challenges. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:1712-1723. [PMID: 38153346 PMCID: PMC7615925 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-1014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is among the most promising new treatment modalities to arise over the last two decades; antibody drugs are delivering immunotherapy to millions of patients with many different types of cancer. Initial success with antibody therapeutics came in the form of direct targeting or cytotoxic antibodies, such as rituximab and trastuzumab, which bind directly to tumor cells to elicit their destruction. These were followed by immunomodulatory antibodies that elicit antitumor responses by either stimulating immune cells or relieving tumor-mediated suppression. By far the most successful approach in the clinic to date has been relieving immune suppression, with immune checkpoint blockade now a standard approach in the treatment of many cancer types. Despite equivalent and sometimes even more impressive effects in preclinical models, agonist antibodies designed to stimulate the immune system have lagged behind in their clinical translation. In this review, we document the main receptors that have been targeted by agonist antibodies, consider the various approaches that have been evaluated to date, detail what we have learned, and consider how their anticancer potential can be unlocked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean H. Lim
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Stephen A. Beers
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Aymen Al-Shamkhani
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Mark S. Cragg
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
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Lippert AH, Paluch C, Gaglioni M, Vuong MT, McColl J, Jenkins E, Fellermeyer M, Clarke J, Sharma S, Moreira da Silva S, Akkaya B, Anzilotti C, Morgan SH, Jessup CF, Körbel M, Gileadi U, Leitner J, Knox R, Chirifu M, Huo J, Yu S, Ashman N, Lui Y, Wilkinson I, Attfield KE, Fugger L, Robertson NJ, Lynch CJ, Murray L, Steinberger P, Santos AM, Lee SF, Cornall RJ, Klenerman D, Davis SJ. Antibody agonists trigger immune receptor signaling through local exclusion of receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatases. Immunity 2024; 57:256-270.e10. [PMID: 38354703 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Antibodies can block immune receptor engagement or trigger the receptor machinery to initiate signaling. We hypothesized that antibody agonists trigger signaling by sterically excluding large receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs) such as CD45 from sites of receptor engagement. An agonist targeting the costimulatory receptor CD28 produced signals that depended on antibody immobilization and were sensitive to the sizes of the receptor, the RPTPs, and the antibody itself. Although both the agonist and a non-agonistic anti-CD28 antibody locally excluded CD45, the agonistic antibody was more effective. An anti-PD-1 antibody that bound membrane proximally excluded CD45, triggered Src homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase 2 recruitment, and suppressed systemic lupus erythematosus and delayed-type hypersensitivity in experimental models. Paradoxically, nivolumab and pembrolizumab, anti-PD-1-blocking antibodies used clinically, also excluded CD45 and were agonistic in certain settings. Reducing these agonistic effects using antibody engineering improved PD-1 blockade. These findings establish a framework for developing new and improved therapies for autoimmunity and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna H Lippert
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christopher Paluch
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; MiroBio Ltd, Winchester House, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, UK
| | - Meike Gaglioni
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mai T Vuong
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - James McColl
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Edward Jenkins
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Martin Fellermeyer
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Joseph Clarke
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sumana Sharma
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Billur Akkaya
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Consuelo Anzilotti
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sara H Morgan
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Claire F Jessup
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Markus Körbel
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Uzi Gileadi
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Judith Leitner
- Division of Immune Receptors and T cell Activation, Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rachel Knox
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mami Chirifu
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jiandong Huo
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Susan Yu
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicole Ashman
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Yuan Lui
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Kathrine E Attfield
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Centre for Neuroinflammation, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lars Fugger
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Centre for Neuroinflammation, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Lynne Murray
- MiroBio Ltd, Winchester House, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, UK
| | - Peter Steinberger
- Division of Immune Receptors and T cell Activation, Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ana Mafalda Santos
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Steven F Lee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Richard J Cornall
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - David Klenerman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Simon J Davis
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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11
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Borgeaud M, Sandoval J, Obeid M, Banna G, Michielin O, Addeo A, Friedlaender A. Novel targets for immune-checkpoint inhibition in cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 120:102614. [PMID: 37603905 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer therapy, yet many patients either do not derive any benefit from treatment or develop a resistance to checkpoint inhibitors. Intrinsic resistance can result from neoantigen depletion, defective antigen presentation, PD-L1 downregulation, immune-checkpoint ligand upregulation, immunosuppression, and tumor cell phenotypic changes. On the other hand, extrinsic resistance involves acquired upregulation of inhibitory immune-checkpoints, leading to T-cell exhaustion. Current data suggest that PD-1, CTLA-4, and LAG-3 upregulation limits the efficacy of single-agent immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating novel immune-checkpoint targets to avoid or overcome resistance. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the evolving landscape of potentially targetable immune-checkpoints in cancer. We highlight their biology, emphasizing the current understanding of resistance mechanisms and focusing on promising strategies that are under investigation. We also summarize current results and ongoing clinical trials in this crucial field that could once again revolutionize outcomes for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michel Obeid
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppe Banna
- Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | | | | | - Alex Friedlaender
- Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland; Clinique Générale Beaulieu, Geneva, Switzerland.
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12
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Negura I, Pavel-Tanasa M, Danciu M. Regulatory T cells in gastric cancer: Key controllers from pathogenesis to therapy. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 120:102629. [PMID: 37769435 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a highly aggressive malignancy that remains a significant contributor to cancer-related mortality worldwide, despite a decline in incidence in recent years. Early-stage GC poses a diagnostic challenge due to its asymptomatic nature, leading to poor prognoses for most patients. Conventional treatment approaches, including chemotherapy and surgery, have shown limited efficacy in improving outcomes for GC patients. The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized cancer therapy, yielding durable responses across various malignancies. However, the clinical benefits of ICIs in GC have been modest, underscoring the need for a comprehensive understanding of immune cell functions within the GC tumor microenvironment (TME). Regulatory T cells (Tregs), a subset of T lymphocytes, play a pivotal role in GC development and progression and serve as prognostic biomarkers for GC patients. This review aims to elucidate the multifaceted roles of Tregs in the pathogenesis, progression, and prognosis of gastric cancer, and establish their actual and future potential as therapeutic targets. By providing insights into the intricate interplay between Tregs and the TME, this review strives to stimulate further investigation and facilitate the development of targeted Treg-based therapeutic strategies for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ion Negura
- Department of Pathology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Mariana Pavel-Tanasa
- Department of Immunology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, 700115 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Mihai Danciu
- Department of Pathology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, 700115 Iasi, Romania
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13
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Yadavilli S, Waight JD, Brett S, Bi M, Zhang T, Liu YB, Ellis C, Turner DC, Hahn A, Shi H, Seestaller-Wehr L, Jing J, Xie Q, Shaik JS, Ji X, Gagnon R, Fieles W, Hook L, Grant S, Hopley S, DeYoung MP, Blackwell C, Chisamore M, Biddlecombe R, Figueroa DJ, Hopson CB, Srinivasan R, Smothers J, Maio M, Rischin D, Olive D, Paul E, Mayes PA, Hoos A, Ballas M. Activating Inducible T-cell Costimulator Yields Antitumor Activity Alone and in Combination with Anti-PD-1 Checkpoint Blockade. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:1564-1579. [PMID: 37593752 PMCID: PMC10430783 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been considerable interest in mAb-based induction of costimulatory receptor signaling as an approach to combat cancer. However, promising nonclinical data have yet to translate to a meaningful clinical benefit. Inducible T-cell costimulator (ICOS) is a costimulatory receptor important for immune responses. Using a novel clinical-stage anti-ICOS immunoglobulin G4 mAb (feladilimab), which induces but does not deplete ICOS+ T cells and their rodent analogs, we provide an end-to-end evaluation of the antitumor potential of antibody-mediated ICOS costimulation alone and in combination with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) blockade. We demonstrate, consistently, that ICOS is expressed in a range of cancers, and its induction can stimulate growth of antitumor reactive T cells. Furthermore, feladilimab, alone and with a PD-1 inhibitor, induced antitumor activity in mouse and humanized tumor models. In addition to nonclinical evaluation, we present three patient case studies from a first-time-in-human, phase I, open-label, dose-escalation and dose-expansion clinical trial (INDUCE-1; ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02723955), evaluating feladilimab alone and in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with advanced solid tumors. Preliminary data showing clinical benefit in patients with cancer treated with feladilimab alone or in combination with pembrolizumab was reported previously; with example cases described here. Additional work is needed to further validate the translation to the clinic, which includes identifying select patient populations that will benefit from this therapeutic approach, and randomized data with survival endpoints to illustrate its potential, similar to that shown with CTLA-4 and PD-1 blocking antibodies. Significance Stimulation of the T-cell activation marker ICOS with the anti-ICOS agonist mAb feladilimab, alone and in combination with PD-1 inhibition, induces antitumor activity across nonclinical models as well as select patients with advanced solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sara Brett
- GSK, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xiao Ji
- GSK, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | - Laura Hook
- GSK, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Michele Maio
- University of Siena and Center for Immuno-Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Danny Rischin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel Olive
- CRCM, Immunity and Cancer, Inserm, U1068, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, UM105, CNRS, UMR7258, Marseille, France
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14
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Manso T, Kushwaha A, Abdollahi N, Duroux P, Giudicelli V, Kossida S. Mechanisms of action of monoclonal antibodies in oncology integrated in IMGT/mAb-DB. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1129323. [PMID: 37215135 PMCID: PMC10196129 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1129323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer cells activate different immune checkpoint (IC) pathways in order to evade immunosurveillance. Immunotherapies involving ICs either block or stimulate these pathways and enhance the efficiency of the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. In this way, the development of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting ICs has significant success in cancer treatment. Recently, a systematic description of the mechanisms of action (MOA) of the mAbs has been introduced in IMGT/mAb-DB, the IMGT® database dedicated to mAbs for therapeutic applications. The characterization of these antibodies provides a comprehensive understanding of how mAbs work in cancer. Methods In depth biocuration taking advantage of the abundant literature data as well as amino acid sequence analyses from mAbs managed in IMGT/2Dstructure-DB, the IMGT® protein database, allowed to define a standardized and consistent description of the MOA of mAbs targeting immune checkpoints in cancer therapy. Results A fine description and a standardized graphical representation of the MOA of selected mAbs are integrated within IMGT/mAb-DB highlighting two main mechanisms in cancer immunotherapy, either Blocking or Agonist. In both cases, the mAbs enhance cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)-mediated anti-tumor immune response (Immunostimulant effect) against tumor cells. On the one hand, mAbs targeting co-inhibitory receptors may have a functional Fc region to increase anti-tumor activity by effector properties that deplete Treg cells (Fc-effector function effect) or may have limited FcγR binding to prevent Teff cells depletion and reduce adverse events. On the other hand, agonist mAbs targeting co-stimulatory receptors may bind to FcγRs, resulting in antibody crosslinking (FcγR crosslinking effect) and substantial agonism. Conclusion In IMGT/mAb-DB, mAbs for cancer therapy are characterized by their chains, domains and sequence and by several therapeutic metadata, including their MOA. MOAs were recently included as a search criterion to query the database. IMGT® is continuing standardized work to describe the MOA of mAbs targeting additional immune checkpoints and novel molecules in cancer therapy, as well as expanding this study to other clinical domains.
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15
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Dumolard L, Aspord C, Marche PN, Macek Jilkova Z. Immune checkpoints on T and NK cells in the context of HBV infection: Landscape, pathophysiology and therapeutic exploitation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1148111. [PMID: 37056774 PMCID: PMC10086248 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1148111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the interplay between the virus and the host immune system is crucial in determining the pathogenesis of the disease. Patients who fail to mount a sufficient and sustained anti-viral immune response develop chronic hepatitis B (CHB). T cells and natural killer (NK) cells play decisive role in viral clearance, but they are defective in chronic HBV infection. The activation of immune cells is tightly controlled by a combination of activating and inhibitory receptors, called immune checkpoints (ICs), allowing the maintenance of immune homeostasis. Chronic exposure to viral antigens and the subsequent dysregulation of ICs actively contribute to the exhaustion of effector cells and viral persistence. The present review aims to summarize the function of various ICs and their expression in T lymphocytes and NK cells in the course of HBV infection as well as the use of immunotherapeutic strategies targeting ICs in chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucile Dumolard
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Epigenetics, Immunity, Metabolism, Cell Signaling & Cancer, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Caroline Aspord
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Epigenetics, Immunity, Metabolism, Cell Signaling & Cancer, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
- R&D Laboratory, Etablissement Français du Sang Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Patrice N. Marche
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Epigenetics, Immunity, Metabolism, Cell Signaling & Cancer, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Zuzana Macek Jilkova
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Epigenetics, Immunity, Metabolism, Cell Signaling & Cancer, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
- Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Department, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- *Correspondence: Zuzana Macek Jilkova,
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16
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Zhang T, Lin Y, Gao Q. Bispecific antibodies targeting immunomodulatory checkpoints for cancer therapy. Cancer Biol Med 2023; 20:j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0002. [PMID: 36971124 PMCID: PMC10038071 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in antibody engineering have led to the generation of more innovative antibody drugs, such as bispecific antibodies (bsAbs). Following the success associated with blinatumomab, bsAbs have attracted enormous interest in the field of cancer immunotherapy. By specifically targeting two different antigens, bsAbs reduce the distance between tumor and immune cells, thereby enhancing tumor killing directly. There are several mechanisms of action upon which bsAbs have been exploited. Accumulating experience on checkpoint-based therapy has promoted the clinical transformation of bsAbs targeting immunomodulatory checkpoints. Cadonilimab (PD-1 × CTLA-4) is the first approved bsAb targeting dual inhibitory checkpoints, which confirms the feasibility of bsAbs in immunotherapy. In this review we analyzed the mechanisms by which bsAbs targeting immunomodulatory checkpoints and their emerging applications in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiancheng Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Youpei Lin
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qiang Gao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
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17
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Weaver JD, Stack EC, Buggé JA, Hu C, McGrath L, Mueller A, Wong M, Klebanov B, Rahman T, Kaufman R, Fregeau C, Spaulding V, Priess M, Legendre K, Jaffe S, Upadhyay D, Singh A, Xu CA, Krukenberg K, Zhang Y, Ezzyat Y, Saddier Axe D, Kuhne MR, Meehl MA, Shaffer DR, Weist BM, Wiederschain D, Depis F, Gostissa M. Differential expression of CCR8 in tumors versus normal tissue allows specific depletion of tumor-infiltrating T regulatory cells by GS-1811, a novel Fc-optimized anti-CCR8 antibody. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2141007. [PMID: 36352891 PMCID: PMC9639568 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2141007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of T regulatory (Treg) cells in the tumor microenvironment is associated with poor prognosis and resistance to therapies aimed at reactivating anti-tumor immune responses. Therefore, depletion of tumor-infiltrating Tregs is a potential approach to overcome resistance to immunotherapy. However, identifying Treg-specific targets to drive such selective depletion is challenging. CCR8 has recently emerged as one of these potential targets. Here, we describe GS-1811, a novel therapeutic monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to human CCR8 and is designed to selectively deplete tumor-infiltrating Tregs. We validate previous findings showing restricted expression of CCR8 on tumor Tregs, and precisely quantify CCR8 receptor densities on tumor and normal tissue T cell subsets, demonstrating a window for selective depletion of Tregs in the tumor. Importantly, we show that GS-1811 depleting activity is limited to cells expressing CCR8 at levels comparable to tumor-infiltrating Tregs. Targeting CCR8 in mouse tumor models results in robust anti-tumor efficacy, which is dependent on Treg depleting activity, and synergizes with PD-1 inhibition to promote anti-tumor responses in PD-1 resistant models. Our data support clinical development of GS-1811 to target CCR8 in cancer and drive tumor Treg depletion in order to promote anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica D. Weaver
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Edward C. Stack
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Joshua A. Buggé
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Changyun Hu
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Lara McGrath
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Amy Mueller
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Masie Wong
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Boris Klebanov
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Tanzila Rahman
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Rosemary Kaufman
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Christine Fregeau
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Vikki Spaulding
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Michelle Priess
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Kristen Legendre
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Sarah Jaffe
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Anirudh Singh
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Chang-Ai Xu
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Yan Zhang
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Yassine Ezzyat
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Michelle R. Kuhne
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., 333 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | - Michael A. Meehl
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Donald R. Shaffer
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Brian M. Weist
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., 333 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | | | - Fabien Depis
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Monica Gostissa
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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18
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Shan F, Somasundaram A, Bruno TC, Workman CJ, Vignali DAA. Therapeutic targeting of regulatory T cells in cancer. Trends Cancer 2022; 8:944-961. [PMID: 35853825 PMCID: PMC9588644 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The success of immunotherapy in oncology underscores the vital role of the immune system in cancer development. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) maintain a fine balance between autoimmunity and immune suppression. They have multiple roles in the tumor microenvironment (TME) but act particularly in suppressing T cell activation. This review focuses on the detrimental and sometimes beneficial roles of Tregs in tumors, our current understanding of recruitment and stabilization of Tregs within the TME, and current Treg-targeted therapeutics. Research identifying subpopulations of Tregs and their respective functions and interactions within the complex networks of the TME will be crucial to develop the next generation of immunotherapies. Through these advances, Treg-targeted immunotherapy could have important implications for the future of oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Shan
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Ashwin Somasundaram
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Tullia C Bruno
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA; Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Creg J Workman
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Dario A A Vignali
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA; Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA.
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19
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Comprehensive Analysis of the Role of SLC2A3 on Prognosis and Immune Infiltration in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2022; 2022:2371057. [PMID: 36247875 PMCID: PMC9553684 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2371057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. SLC2A3 is upregulated in various cancer types and promotes proliferation, invasion, and metabolism. However, its role in the prognosis and immune regulation of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is still obscure. This study is aimed at exploring the prognostic and immunotherapeutic potential of SLC2A3 in HNSCC. Methods. All data were downloaded from TCGA database and integrated via R software. SLC2A3 expression was evaluated using R software, TIMER, CPTAC, and HPA databases. The association between SLC2A3 expression and clinicopathologic characteristics was assessed by R software. The effect of SLC2A3 on survival was analyzed by R software and Kaplan-Meier Plotter. Genomic alterations in SLC2A3 were investigated using the cBioPortal database. Coexpression of SLC2A3 was studied using LinkedOmics and STRING, and enrichment analyses were performed with R software. The relationship between SLC2A3 expression and immune infiltration was determined using TIMER and TISIDB databases. Immune checkpoints and ESTIMATE score were analyzed via the SangerBox database. Results. SLC2A3 expression was upregulated in HNSCC tissues compared to normal tissues. It was significantly related to TNM stage, histological grade, and alcohol history. High SLC2A3 expression was associated with poor prognosis in HNSCC. Coexpression analysis indicated that SLC2A3 mostly participated in the HIF-1 signaling pathway and glycolysis. Furthermore, SLC2A3 expression strongly correlated with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in HNSCC. Conclusion. SLC2A3 could serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for tumor immune infiltration in HNSCC.
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20
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Blair T, Baird J, Bambina S, Kramer G, Gostissa M, Harvey CJ, Gough MJ, Crittenden MR. ICOS is upregulated on T cells following radiation and agonism combined with radiation results in enhanced tumor control. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14954. [PMID: 36056093 PMCID: PMC9440216 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19256-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple preclinical studies have shown improved outcomes when radiation therapy is combined with immune modulating antibodies. However, to date, many of these promising results have failed to translate to successful clinical studies. This led us to explore additional checkpoint and co-stimulatory pathways that may be regulated by radiation therapy. Here, we demonstrate that radiation increases the expression of inducible T cell co-stimulator (ICOS) on both CD4 and CD8 T cells in the blood following treatment. Moreover, when we combined a novel ICOS agonist antibody with radiation we observed durable cures across multiple tumor models and mouse strains. Depletion studies revealed that CD8 T cells were ultimately required for treatment efficacy, but CD4 T cells and NK cells also partially contributed to tumor control. Phenotypic analysis showed that the combination therapy diminished the increased infiltration of regulatory T cells into the tumor that typically occurs following radiation alone. Finally, we demonstrate in a poorly immunogenic pancreatic tumor model which is resistant to combined radiation and anti-PD1 checkpoint blockade that the addition of this novel ICOS agonist antibody to the treatment regimen results in tumor control. These findings identify ICOS as part of a T cell pathway that is modulated by radiation and targeting this pathway with a novel ICOS antibody results in durable tumor control in preclinical models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Blair
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Robert W. Franz Cancer Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, 4805 NE Glisan St, North Pavilion, Suite 2N108, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
| | - Jason Baird
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Robert W. Franz Cancer Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, 4805 NE Glisan St, North Pavilion, Suite 2N108, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
| | - Shelly Bambina
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Robert W. Franz Cancer Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, 4805 NE Glisan St, North Pavilion, Suite 2N108, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
| | - Gwen Kramer
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Robert W. Franz Cancer Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, 4805 NE Glisan St, North Pavilion, Suite 2N108, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
| | - Monica Gostissa
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Christopher J Harvey
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Phenomic AI, 661 University Ave Suite 1300, Toronto, ON, M5G 0B7, Canada
| | - Michael J Gough
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Robert W. Franz Cancer Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, 4805 NE Glisan St, North Pavilion, Suite 2N108, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
| | - Marka R Crittenden
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Robert W. Franz Cancer Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, 4805 NE Glisan St, North Pavilion, Suite 2N108, Portland, OR, 97213, USA.
- The Oregon Clinic, Portland, OR, 97213, USA.
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21
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Lee JC, Fong L. Agonizing over the Stimulatory Immune Checkpoint ICOS. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:3633-3635. [PMID: 35792807 PMCID: PMC11787823 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-1520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY Vopratelimab, an anti-ICOS (inducible costimulator of T cells) agonist, alone and in combination with nivolumab, possesses limited toxicity and modest clinical activity in a large phase I/II trial. This treatment induced ICOS expression of CD4+ T cells, which may enable biomarkers for patient selection. Nevertheless, T-cell agonists as cancer immunotherapies continue to be challenging. See related article by Yap et al., p. 3695.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry C. Lee
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, CA
| | - Lawrence Fong
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, CA
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22
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Yap TA, Gainor JF, Callahan MK, Falchook GS, Pachynski RK, LoRusso P, Kummar S, Gibney GT, Burris HA, Tykodi SS, Rahma OE, Seiwert TY, Papadopoulos KP, Blum Murphy M, Park H, Hanson A, Hashambhoy-Ramsay Y, McGrath L, Hooper E, Xiao X, Cohen H, Fan M, Felitsky D, Hart C, McComb R, Brown K, Sepahi A, Jimenez J, Zhang W, Baeck J, Laken H, Murray R, Trehu E, Harvey CJ. First-in-Human Phase I/II ICONIC Trial of the ICOS Agonist Vopratelimab Alone and with Nivolumab: ICOS-High CD4 T-Cell Populations and Predictors of Response. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:3695-3708. [PMID: 35511938 PMCID: PMC9433959 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-4256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The first-in-human phase I/II ICONIC trial evaluated an investigational inducible costimulator (ICOS) agonist, vopratelimab, alone and in combination with nivolumab in patients with advanced solid tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS In phase I, patients were treated with escalating doses of intravenous vopratelimab alone or with nivolumab. Primary objectives were safety, tolerability, MTD, and recommended phase II dose (RP2D). Phase II enriched for ICOS-positive (ICOS+) tumors; patients were treated with vopratelimab at the monotherapy RP2D alone or with nivolumab. Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and predictive biomarkers of response to vopratelimab were assessed. RESULTS ICONIC enrolled 201 patients. Vopratelimab alone and with nivolumab was well tolerated; phase I established 0.3 mg/kg every 3 weeks as the vopratelimab RP2D. Vopratelimab resulted in modest objective response rates of 1.4% and with nivolumab of 2.3%. The prospective selection for ICOS+ tumors did not enrich for responses. A vopratelimab-specific peripheral blood pharmacodynamic biomarker, ICOS-high (ICOS-hi) CD4 T cells, was identified in a subset of patients who demonstrated greater clinical benefit versus those with no emergence of these cells [overall survival (OS), P = 0.0025]. A potential genomic predictive biomarker of ICOS-hi CD4 T-cell emergence was identified that demonstrated improvement in clinical outcomes, including OS (P = 0.0062). CONCLUSIONS Vopratelimab demonstrated a favorable safety profile alone and in combination with nivolumab. Efficacy was observed only in a subset of patients with a vopratelimab-specific pharmacodynamic biomarker. A potential predictive biomarker of response was identified, which is being prospectively evaluated in a randomized phase II non-small cell lung cancer trial. See related commentary by Lee and Fong, p. 3633.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy A. Yap
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Shivaani Kummar
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | | | | | - Scott S. Tykodi
- University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | | | | | | | | | - Haeseong Park
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | | | | | - Lara McGrath
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Ellen Hooper
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Martin Fan
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | - Karen Brown
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Ali Sepahi
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Johan Baeck
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Haley Laken
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
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23
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Sanmamed MF, Berraondo P, Rodriguez-Ruiz ME, Melero I. Charting roadmaps towards novel and safe synergistic immunotherapy combinations. NATURE CANCER 2022; 3:665-680. [PMID: 35764745 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00401-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Checkpoint inhibitor-based cancer immunotherapy is often combined in the clinic with other immunotherapy strategies, targeted therapies, chemotherapy or standard-of-care treatments to achieve superior therapeutic efficacy. The large number of immunotherapy combinations that are currently undergoing clinical testing necessitate the establishment of faithful criteria to prioritize optimal combinations with evidence of synergy, to determine their safety and optimal sequence of administration and to identify biomarkers of therapy resistance and response. In this review, we focus on recent developments in immunotherapy combinations and reflect on how combinations should be optimized to maximize the impact of immunotherapy in clinical oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel F Sanmamed
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Departments of Oncology and Immunology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Pedro Berraondo
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maria E Rodriguez-Ruiz
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Departments of Oncology and Immunology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain.
- Departments of Oncology and Immunology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain.
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24
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Yin K, Patten D, Gough S, de Barros Gonçalves S, Chan A, Olan I, Cassidy L, Poblocka M, Zhu H, Lun A, Schuijs M, Young A, Martinez-Jimenez C, Halim TYF, Shetty S, Narita M, Hoare M. Senescence-induced endothelial phenotypes underpin immune-mediated senescence surveillance. Genes Dev 2022; 36:533-549. [PMID: 35618311 PMCID: PMC9186388 DOI: 10.1101/gad.349585.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Senescence is a stress-responsive tumor suppressor mechanism associated with expression of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Through the SASP, senescent cells trigger their own immune-mediated elimination, which if evaded leads to tumorigenesis. Senescent parenchymal cells are separated from circulating immunocytes by the endothelium, which is targeted by microenvironmental signaling. Here we show that SASP induces endothelial cell NF-κB activity and that SASP-induced endothelial expression of the canonical NF-κB component Rela underpins senescence surveillance. Using human liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), we show that SASP-induced endothelial NF-κB activity regulates a conserved transcriptional program supporting immunocyte recruitment. Furthermore, oncogenic hepatocyte senescence drives murine LSEC NF-κB activity in vivo. Critically, we show two distinct endothelial pathways in senescence surveillance. First, endothelial-specific loss of Rela prevents development of Stat1-expressing CD4+ T lymphocytes. Second, the SASP up-regulates ICOSLG on LSECs, with the ICOS-ICOSLG axis contributing to senescence cell clearance. Our results show that the endothelium is a nonautonomous SASP target and an organizing center for immune-mediated senescence surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin Yin
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, United Kingdom
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 München, Germany
| | - Daniel Patten
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Gough
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, United Kingdom
| | | | - Adelyne Chan
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, United Kingdom
| | - Ioana Olan
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, United Kingdom
| | - Liam Cassidy
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, United Kingdom
| | - Marta Poblocka
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, United Kingdom
| | - Haoran Zhu
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, United Kingdom
| | - Aaron Lun
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, United Kingdom
| | - Martijn Schuijs
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Young
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, United Kingdom
| | | | - Timotheus Y F Halim
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, United Kingdom
| | - Shishir Shetty
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Masashi Narita
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, United Kingdom
- Tokyo Tech World Research Hub Initiative (WRHI), Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-0026, Japan
| | - Matthew Hoare
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
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25
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Chen BJ, Zhao JW, Zhang DH, Zheng AH, Wu GQ. Immunotherapy of Cancer by Targeting Regulatory T cells. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 104:108469. [PMID: 35008005 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells maintain immune homeostasis by inhibiting abnormal/overactive immune responses to both autogenic and nonautogenic antigens. Treg cells play an important role in immune tolerance, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, organ transplantation, and tumor diseases. Treg cells have two functional characteristics: T cell anergy and immunosuppression. Treg cells remain immune unresponsive to high concentrations of interleukin-2 and anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies. In addition, the activation of Treg cells after TCR-mediated signal stimulation inhibits the activation and proliferation of effector T cells. In the process of tumor development, Treg cells accumulate locally in the tumor and lead to tumor escape by inducing anergy and immunosuppression. It is believed that targeted elimination of Treg cells can activate tumor-specific effector T cells and improve the efficiency of cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, inhibition/clearance of Treg cells is a promising strategy for enhancing antitumor immunity. Here, we review studies of cancer immunotherapies targeting Treg cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Jin Chen
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing-Wen Zhao
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Da-Hong Zhang
- Department of Urology Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ai-Hong Zheng
- Department of Oncology Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Guo-Qing Wu
- Department of Oncology Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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26
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Corti C, Nicolò E, Curigliano G. Novel immune targets for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:815-834. [PMID: 34763593 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.2006187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To overcome mechanisms of primary and secondary resistance to the anti-tumor immune response, novel targets such as ICOS, LAG3, and TIM3 are currently being explored at preclinical and early-phase clinical levels. AREAS COVERED This article examines the landscape of the immune therapeutics investigated in early-phase clinical trials for TNBC. Preclinical rationale is provided for each immune target, predominant expression, and function. Clinical implications and preliminary available trial results are discussed and finally, we reflect on aspects of future expectations and challenges in this field. EXPERT OPINION Several immune strategies have been investigated in TNBC, including co-inhibitory molecules beyond PD1-PD-L1 axis, co-stimulatory checkpoints, cancer vaccines, adoptive cell transfer, combination therapies, as well as different routes of administration. Most of approaches showed signs of anti-cancer activity and a good safety profile in early-phase clinical trials. Since IO provided benefit only to a small subgroup of TNBC patients so far, identifying predictive biomarkers is a priority to refine patient-selection. Data from ongoing clinical trials, with the gradually improving interpretation of the breast tumor immune environment, will hopefully refine the role of new immune targets for the treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Corti
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, Irccs, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hematology (DIPO), University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Eleonora Nicolò
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, Irccs, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hematology (DIPO), University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, Irccs, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hematology (DIPO), University of Milano, Milano, Italy
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27
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González-Navajas JM, Fan DD, Yang S, Yang FM, Lozano-Ruiz B, Shen L, Lee J. The Impact of Tregs on the Anticancer Immunity and the Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapies. Front Immunol 2021; 12:625783. [PMID: 33717139 PMCID: PMC7952426 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.625783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although cancers arise from genetic mutations enabling cells to proliferate uncontrollably, they cannot thrive without failure of the anticancer immunity due in a large part to the tumor environment's influence on effector and regulatory T cells. The field of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy for cancer was born out of the fact that tumor environments paralyze the immune cells that are supposed to clear them by activating the immune checkpoint molecules such as PD-1. While various subsets of effector T cells work collaboratively to eliminate cancers, Tregs enriched in the tumor environment can suppress not only the native anticancer immunity but also diminish the efficacy of ICI therapies. Because of their essential role in suppressing autoimmunity, various attempts to specifically deplete tumor-associated Tregs are currently underway to boost the efficacy of ICI therapies without causing systemic autoimmune responses. A better understanding the roles of Tregs in the anti-cancer immunity and ICI therapies should provide more specific targets to deplete intratumoral Tregs. Here, we review the current understanding on how Tregs inhibit the anti-cancer immunity and ICI therapies as well as the advances in the targeted depletion of intratumoral Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose M. González-Navajas
- Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
- Networked Biomedical Research Center for Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBERehd), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, Pediatrics and Organic Chemistry, University Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain
- Institute of Research, Development and Innovation in Healthcare Biotechnology in Elche (IDiBE), University Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain
- Jose M. González-Navajas
| | - Dengxia Denise Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengyuan Mandy Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Beatriz Lozano-Ruiz
- Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
- Networked Biomedical Research Center for Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBERehd), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Liya Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jongdae Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jongdae Lee ;
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