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Yang J, Luo Z, Ma J, Wang Y, Cheng N. A next-generation STING agonist MSA-2: From mechanism to application. J Control Release 2024; 371:273-287. [PMID: 38789087 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) connects the innate and adaptive immune system and plays a significant role in antitumor immunity. Over the past decades, endogenous and CDN-derived STING agonists have been a hot topic in the research of cancer immunotherapies. However, these STING agonists are either in infancy with limited biological effects or have failed in clinical trials. In 2020, a non-nucleotide STING agonist MSA-2 was identified, which exhibited satisfactory antitumor effects in animal studies and is amenable to oral administration. Due to its distinctive binding mode and enhanced bioavailability, there have been accumulating interests and an array of studies on MSA-2 and its derivatives, spanning its structure-activity relationship, delivery systems, applications in combination therapies, etc. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of MSA-2 and interventional strategies based on this family of STING agonists to help more researchers extend the investigation on MSA-2 in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhan Yang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Zhenyu Luo
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Jingyi Ma
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Ningtao Cheng
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China.
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2
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Martin JC, da Silva Fernandes T, Chaudhry KA, Oshi M, Abrams SI, Takabe K, Rosario SR, Bianchi-Smiraglia A. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor suppresses STING-mediated type I IFN expression in triple-negative breast cancer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5731. [PMID: 38459088 PMCID: PMC10923803 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54732-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive types of cancer. Despite decades of intense investigation, treatment options remain limited, and rapid recurrence with distant metastases remains a significant challenge. Cancer cell-intrinsic production of cytokines such as type I interferons (IFN-I) is a known potent modulator of response to therapy in many cancers, including TNBC, and can influence therapeutic outcome. Here, we report that, in TNBC systems, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) suppresses IFN-I expression via inhibition of STImulator of Interferon Genes (STING), a key mediator of interferon production. Intratumoral STING activity is essential in mediating the efficacy of PARP inhibitors (PARPi) which are used in the treatment of cancers harboring BRCA1 deficiency. We find that, in TNBC cells, PARPi treatment activates AhR in a BRCA1 deficiency-dependent manner, thus suggesting the presence of a negative feedback loop aimed at modulating PARPi efficacy. Importantly, our results indicate that the combined inhibition of PARP and AhR is superior in elevating IFN-I expression as compared to PARPi-alone. Thus, AhR inhibition may allow for enhanced IFN-I production upon PARPi in BRCA1-deficient breast cancers, most of which are of TNBC origin, and may represent a therapeutically viable strategy to enhance PARPi efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey C Martin
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | - Kanita A Chaudhry
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Breast Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Masanori Oshi
- Department of Breast Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Scott I Abrams
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Kazuaki Takabe
- Department of Breast Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Spencer R Rosario
- Department of Breast Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Anna Bianchi-Smiraglia
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA.
- Department of Breast Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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3
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Ali U, Vungarala S, Tiriveedhi V. Genomic Features of Homologous Recombination Deficiency in Breast Cancer: Impact on Testing and Immunotherapy. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:162. [PMID: 38397152 PMCID: PMC10887603 DOI: 10.3390/genes15020162] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Genomic instability is one of the well-established hallmarks of cancer. The homologous recombination repair (HRR) pathway plays a critical role in correcting the double-stranded breaks (DSB) due to DNA damage in human cells. Traditionally, the BRCA1/2 genes in the HRR pathway have been tested for their association with breast cancer. However, defects in the HRR pathway (HRD, also termed 'BRCAness'), which has up to 50 genes, have been shown to be involved in tumorigenesis and treatment susceptibility to poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPis), platinum-based chemotherapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). A reliable consensus on HRD scores is yet to be established. Emerging evidence suggests that only a subset of breast cancer patients benefit from ICI-based immunotherapy. Currently, albeit with limitations, the expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PDL1) and tumor mutational burden (TMB) are utilized as biomarkers to predict the favorable outcomes of ICI therapy in breast cancer patients. Preclinical studies demonstrate an interplay between the HRR pathway and PDL1 expression. In this review, we outline the current understanding of the role of HRD in genomic instability leading to breast tumorigenesis and delineate outcomes from various clinical trials. Furthermore, we discuss potential strategies for combining HRD-targeted therapy with immunotherapy to achieve the best healthcare outcomes in breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umer Ali
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN 37209, USA;
| | - Sunitha Vungarala
- Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37209, USA;
| | - Venkataswarup Tiriveedhi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN 37209, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37209, USA
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4
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Chen W, Lee GE, Jeung D, Byun J, Juan W, Cho YY. Cyclic GMP-AMP Synthase in Cancer Prevention. J Cancer Prev 2023; 28:143-196. [PMID: 38205362 PMCID: PMC10774482 DOI: 10.15430/jcp.2023.28.4.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP), synthesized by cGAMP synthase (cGAS), serves as a secondary messenger that modulates various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, cell death, immune response, and inflammation. cGAS is activated upon detecting cytoplasmic DNA, which may originate from damaged genomic and mitochondrial DNA or from viral and bacterial infections. The presence of DNA in the cytoplasm can trigger a substantial inflammatory reaction and cytokine production via the cGAS-STING signaling pathway. Consequently, specific inhibitors targeting this pathway hold significant potential as chemopreventive agents. In this review, we explore the potential effectiveness of modulating cGAS activity. We discuss the role of cGAMP, the mechanism of action for distinguishing between self and foreign DNA, and the possible functions of cGAS within the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Chen
- BK21-Four, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea
- RCD Control Material Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Ga-Eun Lee
- BK21-Four, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea
- RCD Control Material Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Dohyun Jeung
- BK21-Four, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea
- RCD Control Material Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Jiin Byun
- BK21-Four, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea
- RCD Control Material Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Wu Juan
- BK21-Four, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea
- RCD Control Material Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Yong-Yeon Cho
- BK21-Four, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea
- RCD Control Material Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
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5
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Korneenko TV, Pestov NB, Nevzorov IA, Daks AA, Trachuk KN, Solopova ON, Barlev NA. At the Crossroads of the cGAS-cGAMP-STING Pathway and the DNA Damage Response: Implications for Cancer Progression and Treatment. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1675. [PMID: 38139802 PMCID: PMC10747911 DOI: 10.3390/ph16121675] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary conserved DNA-sensing cGAS-STING innate immunity pathway represents one of the most important cytosolic DNA-sensing systems that is activated in response to viral invasion and/or damage to the integrity of the nuclear envelope. The key outcome of this pathway is the production of interferon, which subsequently stimulates the transcription of hundreds of genes. In oncology, the situation is complex because this pathway may serve either anti- or pro-oncogenic roles, depending on context. The prevailing understanding is that when the innate immune response is activated by sensing cytosolic DNA, such as DNA released from ruptured micronuclei, it results in the production of interferon, which attracts cytotoxic cells to destroy tumors. However, in tumor cells that have adjusted to significant chromosomal instability, particularly in relapsed, treatment-resistant cancers, the cGAS-STING pathway often supports cancer progression, fostering the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we review this intricate pathway in terms of its association with cancer progression, giving special attention to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and gliomas. As the development of new cGAS-STING-modulating small molecules and immunotherapies such as oncolytic viruses involves serious challenges, we highlight several recent fundamental discoveries, such as the proton-channeling function of STING. These discoveries may serve as guiding lights for potential pharmacological advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana V. Korneenko
- Group of Cross-Linking Enzymes, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Nikolay B. Pestov
- Group of Cross-Linking Enzymes, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow 117997, Russia
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow 119121, Russia
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Moscow 108819, Russia
| | - Ivan A. Nevzorov
- Institute of Cytology, Tikhoretsky ave 4, St-Petersburg 194064, Russia
| | - Alexandra A. Daks
- Institute of Cytology, Tikhoretsky ave 4, St-Petersburg 194064, Russia
| | - Kirill N. Trachuk
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Moscow 108819, Russia
| | - Olga N. Solopova
- Research Institute of Experimental Diagnostics and Tumor Therapy, Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Moscow 115478, Russia
| | - Nickolai A. Barlev
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow 119121, Russia
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Moscow 108819, Russia
- Institute of Cytology, Tikhoretsky ave 4, St-Petersburg 194064, Russia
- Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
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Zhou M, Liang S, Liu D, Ma K, Yun K, Yao J, Peng Y, Hai L, Zhang Q, Wang Z. Manganese-Enriched Zinc Peroxide Functional Nanoparticles for Potentiating Cancer Immunotherapy. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:10350-10359. [PMID: 37930173 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c02941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapies have shown high clinical success, however, the therapeutical efficacy is largely restrained by insufficient immune activation and an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Herein, we report tumor microenvironment (TME)-responsive manganese-enriched zinc peroxide nanoparticles (MONPs) for synergistic cancer immunotherapy by inducing the immunogenic death (ICD) of cancer cells and activating the stimulator of the interferon gene (STING) pathway. MONPs especially disassociate upon exposure to acidic tumor tissue and in situ generate •OH for the ICD effect. Moreover, Mn2+ activated the STING and synergistically induced the secretion of type I interferon and inflammatory cytokines for specific T cell responses. Meanwhile, MONPs relieved the immunosuppression of TME through decreasing Tregs and polarizing M2 macrophages to the M1 type to unleash a cascade adaptive immune response. In combination with the anti-PD-1 antibody, MONPs showed superior efficacy in inhibiting tumor growth and preventing lung metastasis. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of functional nanoparticles to amplify STING innate stimulation, showing a prominent strategy for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengli Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Shuang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Dan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Kongshuo Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Kaiqing Yun
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jianjun Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yuxuan Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Linna Hai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhaohui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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7
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Draxler A, Blaschke A, Binar J, Weber M, Haslacher M, Bartak V, Bragagna L, Mare G, Maqboul L, Klapp R, Herzog T, Széll M, Petrera A, Laky B, Wagner KH, Thell R. Age-related influence on DNA damage, proteomic inflammatory markers and oxidative stress in hospitalized COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls. Redox Biol 2023; 67:102914. [PMID: 37832397 PMCID: PMC10585323 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 infections are accompanied by adverse changes in inflammatory pathways that are also partly influenced by increased oxidative stress and might result in elevated DNA damage. The aim of this case-control study was to examine whether COVID-19 patients show differences in oxidative stress-related markers, unconjugated bilirubin (UCB), an inflammation panel and DNA damage compared to healthy, age-and sex-matched controls. The Comet assay with and without the treatment of formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase (FPG) and H2O2 challenge was used to detect DNA damage in whole blood. qPCR was applied for gene expression, UCB was analyzed via HPLC, targeted proteomics were applied using Olink® inflammation panel and various oxidative stress as well as clinical biochemistry markers were analyzed in plasma. Hospitalized COVID-19 patients (n = 48) demonstrated higher serum levels of 55 inflammatory proteins (p < 0.001), including hs-C-reactive protein levels (p < 0.05), compared to healthy controls (n = 48). Interestingly, significantly increased age-related DNA damage (%-DNA in tail) after formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase (FPG) treatment was measured in younger (n = 24, average age 55.7 years; p < 0.05) but not in older COVID-19 patients (n = 24, average age 83.5 years; p > 0.05). Although various oxidative stress markers were not altered (e.g., FRAP, malondialdehyde, p > 0.05), a significant increased ratio of oxidized to reduced glutathione was detected in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05). UCB levels were significantly lower in individuals with COVID-19, especially in younger COVID-19 patients (p < 0.05). These results suggest that COVID-19 infections exert effects on DNA damage related to age in hospitalized COVID-19 patients that might be driven by changes in inflammatory pathways but are not altered by oxidative stress parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Draxler
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Vienna, Austria; Vienna Doctoral School for Pharmaceutical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences (PhaNuSpo), University of Vienna, Josef Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | | | - Jessica Binar
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Vienna, Austria.
| | - Maria Weber
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Vienna, Austria; Research Platform Active Ageing, University of Vienna, Austria.
| | | | - Viktoria Bartak
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Vienna, Austria.
| | - Laura Bragagna
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Vienna, Austria; Vienna Doctoral School for Pharmaceutical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences (PhaNuSpo), University of Vienna, Josef Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | - George Mare
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Vienna, Austria.
| | - Lina Maqboul
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Vienna, Austria; Research Platform Active Ageing, University of Vienna, Austria.
| | - Rebecca Klapp
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Vienna, Austria.
| | - Theresa Herzog
- Klinik Donaustadt, Emergency Department, Langobardenstraße 122, 1220, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Marton Széll
- Klinik Donaustadt, Emergency Department, Langobardenstraße 122, 1220, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Agnese Petrera
- Metabolomics and Proteomics Core, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Brenda Laky
- Medical University of Vienna, Austria; Austrian Society of Regenerative Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Karl-Heinz Wagner
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Vienna, Austria; Research Platform Active Ageing, University of Vienna, Austria.
| | - Rainer Thell
- Medical University of Vienna, Austria; Klinik Donaustadt, Emergency Department, Langobardenstraße 122, 1220, Vienna, Austria.
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8
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Wang X, Lin M, Zhu L, Ye Z. GAS-STING: a classical DNA recognition pathways to tumor therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1200245. [PMID: 37920470 PMCID: PMC10618366 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1200245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclic GMP-AMP synthetase (cGAS), recognized as the primary DNA sensor within cells, possesses the capability to identify foreign DNA molecules along with free DNA fragments. This identification process facilitates the production of type I IFNs through the activator of the interferon gene (STING) which induces the phosphorylation of downstream transcription factors. This action characterizes the most archetypal biological functionality of the cGAS-STING pathway. When treated with anti-tumor agents, cells experience DNA damage that triggers activation of the cGAS-STING pathway, culminating in the expression of type I IFNs and associated downstream interferon-stimulated genes. cGAS-STING is one of the important innate immune pathways,the role of type I IFNs in the articulation between innate immunity and T-cell antitumour immunity.type I IFNs promote the recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells (including NK cells) at the tumor site.Type I IFNs also can promote the activation and maturation of dendritic cel(DC), improve the antigen presentation of CD4+T lymphocytes, and enhance the cross-presentation of CD8+T lymphocytes to upregulating anti-tumor responses. This review discussed the cGAS-STING signaling and its mechanism and biological function in traditional tumor therapy and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinrui Wang
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Meijia Lin
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liping Zhu
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Zhoujie Ye
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
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9
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Peng Y, Yan H, Mei W, Zhang P, Zeng C. Combining Radiotherapy with Immunotherapy in Cervical Cancer: Where Do We Stand and Where Are We Going? Curr Treat Options Oncol 2023; 24:1378-1391. [PMID: 37535254 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-023-01128-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Combining immunotherapy and radiotherapy as a treatment strategy for cervical cancer has attracted increasing attention. The primary objective of this review is to provide an up-to-date summary of the knowledge regarding the combined use of radiotherapy and immunotherapy for treating cervical cancer. This review discusses the biological rationale combining immunotherapy with radiotherapy in a clinical setting and presents supporting evidence for the combination strategy based on both safety and effectiveness data. Additionally, we discuss the potential and challenges of combining radiotherapy and immunotherapy in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Peng
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, 518110, China
| | - Hongxiang Yan
- Department of General Medicine, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, 518110, China
| | - Wuxuan Mei
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, 518110, China
| | - Changchun Zeng
- Department of General Medicine, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, 518110, China.
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, 518110, China.
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10
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Zheng W, Chen N, Meurens F, Zheng W, Zhu J. How Does cGAS Avoid Sensing Self-DNA under Normal Physiological Conditions? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14738. [PMID: 37834184 PMCID: PMC10572901 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914738] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
cGAS is a cytosolic DNA sensor that activates innate immune responses by producing the second messenger 2'3'-cGAMP, which activates the adaptor STING. cGAS senses dsDNA in a length-dependent but sequence-independent manner, meaning it cannot discriminate self-DNA from foreign DNA. In normal physiological conditions, cellular DNA is sequestered in the nucleus by a nuclear envelope and in mitochondria by a mitochondrial membrane. When self-DNA leaks into the cytosol during cellular stress or mitosis, the cGAS can be exposed to self-DNA and activated. Recently, many studies have investigated how cGAS keeps inactive and avoids being aberrantly activated by self-DNA. Thus, this narrative review aims to summarize the mechanisms by which cGAS avoids sensing self-DNA under normal physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangli Zheng
- College Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (W.Z.); (N.C.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Comparative Medicine Research Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Nanhua Chen
- College Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (W.Z.); (N.C.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Comparative Medicine Research Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - François Meurens
- Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, St. Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada
| | - Wanglong Zheng
- College Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (W.Z.); (N.C.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Comparative Medicine Research Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jianzhong Zhu
- College Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (W.Z.); (N.C.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Comparative Medicine Research Institute, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
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11
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Dong W, Chen M, Chang C, Jiang T, Su L, Chen C, Zhang G. Remodeling of Tumor Microenvironment by Nanozyme Combined cGAS-STING Signaling Pathway Agonist for Enhancing Cancer Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13935. [PMID: 37762239 PMCID: PMC10530945 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanozymes and cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway, as powerful organons, can remodel the tumor microenvironment (TME) to increase efficacy and overcome drug resistance in cancer immunotherapy. Nanozymes have the potential to manipulate the TME by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), which lead to positive oxidative stress in tumor cells. Cyclic dinucleotide (2',3'-cGAMP), as a second messenger, exists in the TME and can regulate it to achieve antitumor activity. In this work, Co,N-doped carbon dots (CoNCDs) were used as a model nanozyme to evaluate the properties of the anti-tumor mechanism, and effective inhibition of S180 tumor was achieved. Based on CoNCDs' good biocompatibility and therapeutic effect on the tumor, we then introduced the cGAS-STING agonist, and the combination of the CoNCDs and STING agonist significantly inhibited tumor growth, and no significant systemic toxicity was observed. The combined system achieved the enhanced tumor synergistic immunotherapy through TME reprogramming via the peroxidase-like activity of the CoNCDs and cGAS-STING signaling pathway agonist synergistically. Our work provides not only a new effective way to reprogram TME in vivo, but also a promising synergic antitumor therapy strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenpei Dong
- Electronic S Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China; (W.D.); (T.J.); (L.S.)
- Henan Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Mengting Chen
- Electronic S Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China; (W.D.); (T.J.); (L.S.)
- Henan Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Chun Chang
- Electronic S Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China; (W.D.); (T.J.); (L.S.)
- Henan Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Electronic S Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China; (W.D.); (T.J.); (L.S.)
- Henan Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Li Su
- Electronic S Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China; (W.D.); (T.J.); (L.S.)
- Henan Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Changpo Chen
- Electronic S Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China; (W.D.); (T.J.); (L.S.)
- Henan Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Guisheng Zhang
- Electronic S Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China; (W.D.); (T.J.); (L.S.)
- Henan Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
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12
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Lewicky JD, Martel AL, Gupta MR, Roy R, Rodriguez GM, Vanderhyden BC, Le HT. Conventional DNA-Damaging Cancer Therapies and Emerging cGAS-STING Activation: A Review and Perspectives Regarding Immunotherapeutic Potential. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4127. [PMID: 37627155 PMCID: PMC10453198 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164127] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Many traditional cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy are known to induce cellular DNA damage as part of their cytotoxic activity. The cGAS-STING signaling axis, a key member of the DNA damage response that acts as a sensor of foreign or aberrant cytosolic DNA, is helping to rationalize the DNA-damaging activity of these treatments and their emerging immunostimulatory capacity. Moreover, cGAS-STING, which is attracting considerable attention for its ability to promote antitumor immune responses, may fundamentally be able to address many of the barriers limiting the success of cancer immunotherapy strategies, including the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Herein, we review the traditional cancer therapies that have been linked with cGAS-STING activation, highlighting their targets with respect to their role and function in the DNA damage response. As part of the review, an emerging "chemoimmunotherapy" concept whereby DNA-damaging agents are used for the indirect activation of STING is discussed as an alternative to the direct molecular agonism strategies that are in development, but have yet to achieve clinical approval. The potential of this approach to address some of the inherent and emerging limitations of cGAS-STING signaling in cancer immunotherapy is also discussed. Ultimately, it is becoming clear that in order to successfully employ the immunotherapeutic potential of the cGAS-STING axis, a balance between its contrasting antitumor and protumor/inflammatory activities will need to be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan D. Lewicky
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, 56 Walford Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2H2, Canada; (J.D.L.); (A.L.M.)
| | - Alexandrine L. Martel
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, 56 Walford Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2H2, Canada; (J.D.L.); (A.L.M.)
| | - Mukul Raj Gupta
- Glycosciences and Nanomaterial Laboratory, Université du Québec à Montréal, Succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; (M.R.G.); (R.R.)
| | - René Roy
- Glycosciences and Nanomaterial Laboratory, Université du Québec à Montréal, Succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; (M.R.G.); (R.R.)
| | - Galaxia M. Rodriguez
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Rd., Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (G.M.R.); (B.C.V.)
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Rd., Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Barbara C. Vanderhyden
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Rd., Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (G.M.R.); (B.C.V.)
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Rd., Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Hoang-Thanh Le
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, 56 Walford Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2H2, Canada; (J.D.L.); (A.L.M.)
- Medicinal Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
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13
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Xiang J, Lu Y, Quan C, Gao Y, Zhou G. Metformin Protects Radiation-Induced Early Brain Injury by Reducing Inflammation and DNA Damage. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13040645. [PMID: 37190610 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13040645] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiation-induced brain injury (RIBI) is one of the most common and fatal complications of cranial radiation therapy (CRT); however, no effective intervention is available currently. Metformin has been reported to have anti-RIBI activity as a first-line anti-diabetic drug. However, the mechanism of action is unclear. An RIBI mice model and an in vitro cell model under 30 and 10 Gy 60Co γ-rays exposure were established to investigate the mechanism of metformin in RIBI. The results showed that pre-treatment with metformin protects hippocampal neurogenesis in the brain of mice and improves learning and memory ability after irradiation. Further investigations revealed that metformin pretreatment reduces inflammation and decreases DNA damage in the in vitro BV2 cell line. In addition, we observed that metformin inhibits the activation of IκB and IRF-3, which are downstream components of the cGAS-STING pathway. These findings suggest that metformin might protect the brain from RIBI, at least partly, through the cGAS pathway, making it a potential therapeutic drug for RIBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiabao Xiang
- Graduate Collaborative Training Base of Academy of Military Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
- Department of Genetics & Integrative Omics, State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Yiming Lu
- Department of Genetics & Integrative Omics, State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Cheng Quan
- Department of Genetics & Integrative Omics, State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Center of Cognition and Brain Science, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Gangqiao Zhou
- Graduate Collaborative Training Base of Academy of Military Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
- Department of Genetics & Integrative Omics, State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
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14
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Gillespie MS, Ward CM, Davies CC. DNA Repair and Therapeutic Strategies in Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1897. [PMID: 36980782 PMCID: PMC10047301 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
First-line cancer treatments successfully eradicate the differentiated tumour mass but are comparatively ineffective against cancer stem cells (CSCs), a self-renewing subpopulation thought to be responsible for tumour initiation, metastasis, heterogeneity, and recurrence. CSCs are thus presented as the principal target for elimination during cancer treatment. However, CSCs are challenging to drug target because of numerous intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms of drug resistance. One such mechanism that remains relatively understudied is the DNA damage response (DDR). CSCs are presumed to possess properties that enable enhanced DNA repair efficiency relative to their highly proliferative bulk progeny, facilitating improved repair of double-strand breaks induced by radiotherapy and most chemotherapeutics. This can occur through multiple mechanisms, including increased expression and splicing fidelity of DNA repair genes, robust activation of cell cycle checkpoints, and elevated homologous recombination-mediated DNA repair. Herein, we summarise the current knowledge concerning improved genome integrity in non-transformed stem cells and CSCs, discuss therapeutic opportunities within the DDR for re-sensitising CSCs to genotoxic stressors, and consider the challenges posed regarding unbiased identification of novel DDR-directed strategies in CSCs. A better understanding of the DDR mediating chemo/radioresistance mechanisms in CSCs could lead to novel therapeutic approaches, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S. Gillespie
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (M.S.G.)
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Ciara M. Ward
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (M.S.G.)
| | - Clare C. Davies
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (M.S.G.)
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15
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Liu J, Xiang J, Jin C, Ye L, Wang L, Gao Y, Lv N, Zhang J, You F, Qiao H, Shi L. Medicinal plant-derived mtDNA via nanovesicles induces the cGAS-STING pathway to remold tumor-associated macrophages for tumor regression. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:78. [PMID: 36879291 PMCID: PMC9990354 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-01835-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant-derived nanovesicles (PDNVs) have been proposed as a major mechanism for the inter-kingdom interaction and communication, but the effector components enclosed in the vesicles and the mechanisms involved are largely unknown. The plant Artemisia annua is known as an anti-malaria agent that also exhibits a wide range of biological activities including the immunoregulatory and anti-tumor properties with the mechanisms to be further addressed. Here, we isolated and purified the exosome-like particles from A. annua, which were characterized by nano-scaled and membrane-bound shape and hence termed artemisia-derived nanovesicles (ADNVs). Remarkably, the vesicles demonstrated to inhibit tumor growth and boost anti-tumor immunity in a mouse model of lung cancer, primarily through remolding the tumor microenvironment and reprogramming tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). We identified plant-derived mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), upon internalized into TAMs via the vesicles, as a major effector molecule to induce the cGAS-STING pathway driving the shift of pro-tumor macrophages to anti-tumor phenotype. Furthermore, our data showed that administration of ADNVs greatly improved the efficacy of PD-L1 inhibitor, a prototypic immune checkpoint inhibitor, in tumor-bearing mice. Together, the present study, for the first time, to our knowledge, unravels an inter-kingdom interaction wherein the medical plant-derived mtDNA, via the nanovesicles, induces the immunostimulatory signaling in mammalian immune cells for resetting anti-tumor immunity and promoting tumor eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Liu
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiaxin Xiang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Cuiyuan Jin
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, 310015, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lusha Ye
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanan Gao
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Nianyin Lv
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fuping You
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hongzhi Qiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Efficient Delivery System of TCM, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Liyun Shi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China. .,Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, 310015, Zhejiang, China.
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16
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Guo Y, Shen R, Wang F, Wang Y, Xia P, Wu R, Liu X, Ye W, Tian Y, Wang D. Carbon ion irradiation induces DNA damage in melanoma and optimizes the tumor microenvironment based on the cGAS-STING pathway. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023:10.1007/s00432-023-04577-6. [PMID: 36745223 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04577-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSES Increased number of studies reveal the crucial role of the Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase/stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS/STING) pathway in anti-tumor immunity. In this study, we aim to explore the effect of cGAS/STING on tumor immune microenvironment of melanoma after carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) and the underlying mechanism. METHODS C57BL/6 mouse tumor models were used to evaluate the efficacy of different treatments (X-ray, carbon ion, PD-L1 inhibitor and combination therapies) on tumor growth and process. Mass cytometry was performed to assess tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). DNA damage response (DDR) and cGAS/STING pathway were investigated by immunofluorescence-co-localization assays, γ-H2AX, P53-binding protein 1 (53BP1), Breast Cancer 1 (BRCA1), and cGAS measurements. RESULTS Carbon ion irradiation caused more DNA damages and cGAS-STING pathway activation compared with X-ray irradiation, and the former slowed the melanoma growth in syngeneic model. Although X-ray irradiation is not sensitive for melanoma treatment, carbon ion irradiation showed a significant anti-tumor effect for melanoma treatment. TILs analysis revealed that CIRT boosted the infiltration of natural killer (NK), CD4+, and CD8+ T cells, meanwhile increased the number of immune checkpoint (programmed death-1, PD-1, lymphocyte activation gene 3, LAG-3 and T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3, TIM-3). Moreover, CIRT increased PD-L1 exposure on cell surface compared with X-ray group. Furthermore, CIRT combined with PD-L1 inhibitor therapy increased the number of T cells and NK cells in melanoma, and slowed the growth of melanoma compared with other therapies. CONCLUSIONS Our findings showed that CIRT displayed biological effects by increasing DNA damages of tumor cells and improving immunity in melanoma, which indicated that CIRT might be a potential synergetic treatment for radiotherapy and radioimmunotherapy in melanoma patients. Our works put forward a new insight to provide an effective strategy for melanoma therapy. These findings may help in the design of strategies on melanoma in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Guo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 73000, Gansu, China
| | - Rong Shen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 73000, Gansu, China
| | - Fang Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 73000, Gansu, China.,Medical Experimental Centre, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 73000, Gansu, China
| | - Yutong Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 73000, Gansu, China
| | - Peng Xia
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 73000, Gansu, China
| | - Rile Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 73000, Gansu, China
| | - Xiangwen Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 73000, Gansu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.,Department of Internal Medicine, Gansu Provincial Academic Institute for Medical Research, Lanzhou, 730050, China.,Medical Experimental Centre, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 73000, Gansu, China
| | - Weichun Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
| | - Yingxia Tian
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gansu Provincial Academic Institute for Medical Research, Lanzhou, 730050, China.
| | - Degui Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 73000, Gansu, China. .,Medical Experimental Centre, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 73000, Gansu, China.
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17
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Lu Q, Chen Y, Li J, Zhu F, Zheng Z. Crosstalk between cGAS-STING pathway and autophagy in cancer immunity. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1139595. [PMID: 36936940 PMCID: PMC10014609 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1139595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway is critical in cancer immunity. Autophagy is a highly conserved process that is responsible for the degradation of cytoplasmic material and is involved in both innate and adaptive immunity. Recently, cGAS-STING and autophagy have been shown to be interconnected, which may influence the progression of cancer. Although cGAS-STING and autophagy have been shown to be interrelated in innate immunity, little has been reported about cancer immunity. As cancer immunity is key to treating tumors, it is essential to summarize the relationship and interactions between the two. Based on this, we systematically sorted out the recent findings of cGAS-STING and autophagy in cancer immunity and explored the interactions between cGAS-STING and autophagy, although these interactions have not been extensively studied. Lastly, we provide an outlook on how cGAS-STING and autophagy can be combined, with the hope that our research can help people better understand their potential roles in cancer immunity and bring light to the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijun Lu
- Department of Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yukun Chen
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianwen Li
- Department of Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhan Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Zhan Zheng,
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18
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Li Q, Wang P, Liu C, Liu F, Zhao H, Guo Y, Zhao G. Preparation and mechanical behavior of the acellular porcine common bile duct and its immunogenicity in vivo. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2022; 136:105494. [PMID: 36209588 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2022.105494] [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: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The current clinical treatments for complications caused by hepatobiliary surgery still have some inevitable weaknesses. This study aimed to prepare the acellular porcine common bile duct (APCBD) for repairing biliary defects and damage. The porcine common bile duct was decellularized by the freeze-thaw method combined with nuclease treatment, and the efficacy of acellularization was confirmed by the DNA quantification and histological structure. The results showed that the residual DNA content was reduced from 854.67 ± 9.71 ng/mg to 5.43 ± 0.85 ng/mg, and the natural structure and shape of the bile duct were well preserved. The biomechanical properties such as the tensile strength, elastic modulus, and elongation-at-break of the APCBD in the transverse and longitudinal direction indicated that the APCBD meets the requirements of the biomechanical strength in replacement. In addition, the results of the immunotoxicity test showed there was no significant difference in the body weights, organ coefficient, hematology, and immune histology between the experimental groups (three subgroups) and the negative control group, which demonstrated the prepared APCBD had no obvious toxicity to the immune system in vivo and might be a suitable biomaterial for the bile duct repairing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Li
- Key Laboratory for Liquid-Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of Materials (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Qingdao Chunghao Tissue Engineering Co., Ltd., Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Chongzhong Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Fengyue Liu
- Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Haibin Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Liquid-Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of Materials (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Yu Guo
- Key Laboratory for Liquid-Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of Materials (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Guoqun Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Liquid-Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of Materials (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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19
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Guo W, Yao X, Lan S, Zhang C, Li H, Chen Z, Yu L, Liu G, Lin Y, Liu S, Chen H. Metabolomics and integrated network pharmacology analysis reveal SNKAF decoction suppresses cell proliferation and induced cell apoptisis in hepatocellular carcinoma via PI3K/Akt/P53/FoxO signaling axis. Chin Med 2022; 17:76. [PMID: 35725485 PMCID: PMC9208213 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-022-00628-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no comprehensive treatment method for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); hence, research and development are still focused on systemic therapies, including drugs. Sinikangai fang (SNKAF) decoction, a classic Chinese herbal prescription, has been widely used to treat liver cancer. However, there is no research on its core active component and target. METHODS Mouse models were established to measure the anticancer effect of SNKAF decoction on HCC. Further, we investigated the effect of SNKAF decoction on inhibition of hepatoma cells proliferation using cell viability, cloning and invasion assays in vitro. The components of SNKAF were collected from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database and TCM@Taiwan database. Metabolomic analysis was used to identify the potential genes and pathways in HCC treated with SNKAF decoction. Then, the expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, P53, FoxO proteins of the potential signal pathways were detected using Western blot. RESULTS The animal experiments showed that SNKAF decoction inhibited tumor growth (P < 0.05) and induced no weight loss in the mice. In vitro data showed that HCCLM3 and MHCC97H cell proliferation was inhibited by SNKAF serum in a time- and concentration dependent manner. Further combined analysis network pharmacology with metabonomics showed that 217 target genes overlapped. The core target genes included BCL2, MCL1, Myc, PTEN, gsk3b, CASP9, CREB1, MDM2, pt53 and CCND1. Cancer-associated pathways were largely involved in SNKAF mechanisms, including P53, FoxO, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, which are closely related to induced-tumor cell apoptosis. In addition, Western bolt verified that 10% SNKAF serum significantly affected the main proteins of PI3K/Akt/P53/FoxO signaling pathway in both cell lines. CONCLUSION SNKAF decoction-containing serum inhibited HCCLM3 and MHCC97H cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and induced-tumor cell apoptosis in-vivo. We confirmed that SNKAF decoction is a promising alternative treatments for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Guo
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Yao
- The Research Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyuan Lan
- The Research Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Chi Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanhan Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuangzhong Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Yu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanxian Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Huizhou Municipal Central Hospital, Huizhou, 510006, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Lin
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shan Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hanrui Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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Chen D, Li J, Huang Y, Wei P, Miao W, Yang Y, Gao Y. Interleukin 13 promotes long-term recovery after ischemic stroke by inhibiting the activation of STAT3. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:112. [PMID: 35578342 PMCID: PMC9109418 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02471-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microglia/macrophages are activated after cerebral ischemic stroke and can contribute to either brain injury or recovery by polarizing microglia/macrophage into distinctive functional phenotypes with pro- or anti-inflammatory properties. Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that regulates microglia/macrophage polarization toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype. However, it is not clear whether IL-13 is beneficial after ischemic stroke long-term and the underlying molecular mechanism(s) remain unknown. Thus, we examined the effect of IL-13 on long-term recovery and microglia/macrophage polarization in mice with transient middle cerebral artery occlusion model (tMCAO). METHODS tMCAO was induced in adult male C57BL/6J mice. IL-13 (60 μg/kg) was administered intranasally starting 2 h after stroke and continued for seven consecutive days. Sensorimotor function, spatial learning and memory function, as well as brain infarct volume were assessed up to 35 days after stroke. White matter integrity was evaluated by electrophysiology, immunofluorescence staining, and transmission electron microscopy. Microglia/macrophage activation was assessed using immunofluorescence staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Changes in immune cells in the brain and the periphery, and expression of IL-13 receptors in different brain cells were detected by flow cytometry. Primary neuron/microglia co-cultures and a STAT3 inhibitor were used for mechanistic studies. RESULTS Post-treatment with IL-13 improved long-term neurofunctional recovery and decreased brain tissue atrophy after stroke. Intranasal delivery of IL-13 enhanced the structural and functional integrity of white matter after stroke. Furthermore, the neuroprotection afforded by IL-13 administration was not due to a direct effect on neurons, but by indirectly regulating the anti-inflammatory phenotype of microglia/macrophages. IL-13 treatment also had no effect on peripheral immune cells. Mechanistically, IL-13 improved the long-term outcome after ischemic stroke by promoting the polarization of microglia/macrophages toward the anti-inflammatory phenotype at least partially by inhibiting the phosphorylation of STAT3. CONCLUSIONS IL-13 promotes white matter repair and improves neurofunctional outcomes after ischemic stroke by modulating microglia/macrophages via inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, 138 Yixueyuan Road, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, 138 Yixueyuan Road, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Yichen Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, 138 Yixueyuan Road, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengju Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, 138 Yixueyuan Road, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Wanying Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, 138 Yixueyuan Road, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaomei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, 138 Yixueyuan Road, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanqin Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, 138 Yixueyuan Road, 200032, Shanghai, China.
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