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Lin H, Liu C, Hu A, Zhang D, Yang H, Mao Y. Understanding the immunosuppressive microenvironment of glioma: mechanistic insights and clinical perspectives. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:31. [PMID: 38720342 PMCID: PMC11077829 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01544-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), the predominant and primary malignant intracranial tumor, poses a formidable challenge due to its immunosuppressive microenvironment, thereby confounding conventional therapeutic interventions. Despite the established treatment regimen comprising surgical intervention, radiotherapy, temozolomide administration, and the exploration of emerging modalities such as immunotherapy and integration of medicine and engineering technology therapy, the efficacy of these approaches remains constrained, resulting in suboptimal prognostic outcomes. In recent years, intensive scrutiny of the inhibitory and immunosuppressive milieu within GBM has underscored the significance of cellular constituents of the GBM microenvironment and their interactions with malignant cells and neurons. Novel immune and targeted therapy strategies have emerged, offering promising avenues for advancing GBM treatment. One pivotal mechanism orchestrating immunosuppression in GBM involves the aggregation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), glioma-associated macrophage/microglia (GAM), and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Among these, MDSCs, though constituting a minority (4-8%) of CD45+ cells in GBM, play a central component in fostering immune evasion and propelling tumor progression, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. MDSCs deploy intricate immunosuppressive mechanisms that adapt to the dynamic tumor microenvironment (TME). Understanding the interplay between GBM and MDSCs provides a compelling basis for therapeutic interventions. This review seeks to elucidate the immune regulatory mechanisms inherent in the GBM microenvironment, explore existing therapeutic targets, and consolidate recent insights into MDSC induction and their contribution to GBM immunosuppression. Additionally, the review comprehensively surveys ongoing clinical trials and potential treatment strategies, envisioning a future where targeting MDSCs could reshape the immune landscape of GBM. Through the synergistic integration of immunotherapy with other therapeutic modalities, this approach can establish a multidisciplinary, multi-target paradigm, ultimately improving the prognosis and quality of life in patients with GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaxian Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ankang Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Duanwu Zhang
- Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ying Mao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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Santiso A, Heinemann A, Kargl J. Prostaglandin E2 in the Tumor Microenvironment, a Convoluted Affair Mediated by EP Receptors 2 and 4. Pharmacol Rev 2024; 76:388-413. [PMID: 38697857 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.123.000901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The involvement of the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) system in cancer progression has long been recognized. PGE2 functions as an autocrine and paracrine signaling molecule with pleiotropic effects in the human body. High levels of intratumoral PGE2 and overexpression of the key metabolic enzymes of PGE2 have been observed and suggested to contribute to tumor progression. This has been claimed for different types of solid tumors, including, but not limited to, lung, breast, and colon cancer. PGE2 has direct effects on tumor cells and angiogenesis that are known to promote tumor development. However, one of the main mechanisms behind PGE2 driving cancerogenesis is currently thought to be anchored in suppressed antitumor immunity, thus providing possible therapeutic targets to be used in cancer immunotherapies. EP2 and EP4, two receptors for PGE2, are emerging as being the most relevant for this purpose. This review aims to summarize the known roles of PGE2 in the immune system and its functions within the tumor microenvironment. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) has long been known to be a signaling molecule in cancer. Its presence in tumors has been repeatedly associated with disease progression. Elucidation of its effects on immunological components of the tumor microenvironment has highlighted the potential of PGE2 receptor antagonists in cancer treatment, particularly in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapeutics. Adjuvant treatment could increase the response rates and the efficacy of immune-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Santiso
- Division of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Akos Heinemann
- Division of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Julia Kargl
- Division of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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3
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Wang L, He S, Liu R, Xue Y, Quan Y, Shi R, Yang X, Lin Q, Sun X, Zhang Z, Zhang L. A pH/ROS dual-responsive system for effective chemoimmunotherapy against melanoma via remodeling tumor immune microenvironment. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:2263-2280. [PMID: 38799639 PMCID: PMC11119573 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.12.001] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapeutics can induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) in tumor cells, offering new possibilities for cancer therapy. However, the efficiency of the immune response generated is insufficient due to the inhibitory nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we developed a pH/reactive oxygen species (ROS) dual-response system to enhance chemoimmunotherapy for melanoma. The system productively accumulated in tumors by specific binding of phenylboronic acid (PBA) to sialic acids (SA). The nanoparticles (NPs) rapidly swelled and released quercetin (QUE) and doxorubicin (DOX) upon the stimulation of tumor microenvironment (TME). The in vitro and in vivo results consistently demonstrated that the NPs improved anti-tumor efficacy and prolonged survival of mice, significantly enhancing the effects of the combination. Our study revealed DOX was an ICD inducer, stimulating immune responses and promoting maturation of dendritic cells (DCs). Additionally, QUE served as a TME regulator by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2)-prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) axis, which influenced various immune cells, including increasing cytotoxic T cells (CLTs) infiltration, promoting M1 macrophage polarization, and reducing regulatory T cells (Tregs) infiltration. The combination synergistically facilitated chemoimmunotherapy efficacy by remodeling the immunosuppressive microenvironment. This work presents a promising strategy to increase anti-tumor efficiency of chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shanshan He
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yuan Xue
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yuan Quan
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Rongying Shi
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xueying Yang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qing Lin
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhirong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Med-X Center for Materials, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
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4
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Wang M, Chen S, He X, Yuan Y, Wei X. Targeting inflammation as cancer therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:13. [PMID: 38520006 PMCID: PMC10960486 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01528-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation has accompanied human beings since the emergence of wounds and infections. In the past decades, numerous efforts have been undertaken to explore the potential role of inflammation in cancer, from tumor development, invasion, and metastasis to the resistance of tumors to treatment. Inflammation-targeted agents not only demonstrate the potential to suppress cancer development, but also to improve the efficacy of other therapeutic modalities. In this review, we describe the highly dynamic and complex inflammatory tumor microenvironment, with discussion on key inflammation mediators in cancer including inflammatory cells, inflammatory cytokines, and their downstream intracellular pathways. In addition, we especially address the role of inflammation in cancer development and highlight the action mechanisms of inflammation-targeted therapies in antitumor response. Finally, we summarize the results from both preclinical and clinical studies up to date to illustrate the translation potential of inflammation-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manni Wang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, Block3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyuan Chen
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, Block3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei He
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, Block3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Yuan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, Block3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Corminboeuf O, Diethelm S, Zumbrunn C, Lyothier I, Niggli N, Gnerre C, Jeay S, Lehembre F, Boss C. Design of Dual EP2/EP4 Antagonists through Scaffold Merging of Selective Inhibitors. ChemMedChem 2024; 19:e202300606. [PMID: 37983645 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300606] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) plays a key role in various stages of cancer. PGE2 signals through the EP2 and the EP4 receptors, promoting tumorigenesis, metastasis, and/or immune suppression. Dual inhibition of both the EP2 and the EP4 receptors has the potential to counteract the effect of PGE2 and to result in antitumor efficacy. We herein disclose for the first time the structure of dual EP2/EP4 antagonists. By merging the scaffolds of EP2 selective and EP4 selective inhibitors, we generated a new chemical series of compounds blocking both receptors with comparable potency. In vitro and in vivo profiling suggests that the newly identified compounds are promising lead structures for further development into dual EP2/EP4 antagonists for use in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Corminboeuf
- Drug Discovery, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Hegenheimermattweg 91, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Diethelm
- Drug Discovery, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Hegenheimermattweg 91, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia Zumbrunn
- Drug Discovery, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Hegenheimermattweg 91, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Lyothier
- Drug Discovery, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Hegenheimermattweg 91, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Nadja Niggli
- Drug Discovery, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Hegenheimermattweg 91, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Carmela Gnerre
- Drug Discovery, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Hegenheimermattweg 91, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Sébastien Jeay
- Drug Discovery, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Hegenheimermattweg 91, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - François Lehembre
- Drug Discovery, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Hegenheimermattweg 91, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Boss
- Drug Discovery, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Hegenheimermattweg 91, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
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6
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He Y, Koido M, Sutoh Y, Shi M, Otsuka-Yamasaki Y, Munter HM, Morisaki T, Nagai A, Murakami Y, Tanikawa C, Hachiya T, Matsuda K, Shimizu A, Kamatani Y. East Asian-specific and cross-ancestry genome-wide meta-analyses provide mechanistic insights into peptic ulcer disease. Nat Genet 2023; 55:2129-2138. [PMID: 38036781 PMCID: PMC10703676 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-023-01569-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) refers to acid-induced injury of the digestive tract, occurring mainly in the stomach (gastric ulcer (GU)) or duodenum (duodenal ulcer (DU)). In the present study, we conducted a large-scale, cross-ancestry meta-analysis of PUD combining genome-wide association studies with Japanese and European studies (52,032 cases and 905,344 controls), and discovered 25 new loci highly concordant across ancestries. An examination of GU and DU genetic architecture demonstrated that GUs shared the same risk loci as DUs, although with smaller genetic effect sizes and higher polygenicity than DUs, indicating higher heterogeneity of GUs. Helicobacter pylori (HP)-stratified analysis found an HP-related host genetic locus. Integrative analyses using bulk and single-cell transcriptome profiles highlighted the genetic factors of PUD being enriched in the highly expressed genes in stomach tissues, especially in somatostatin-producing D cells. Our results provide genetic evidence that gastrointestinal cell differentiations and hormone regulations are critical in PUD etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunye He
- Laboratory of Complex Trait Genomics, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaru Koido
- Laboratory of Complex Trait Genomics, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoichi Sutoh
- Iwate Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, Japan
| | - Mingyang Shi
- Laboratory of Complex Trait Genomics, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Hans Markus Munter
- Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine and Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Takayuki Morisaki
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Laboratory of Clinical Genome Sequencing, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akiko Nagai
- Department of Public Policy, Institute of Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Murakami
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chizu Tanikawa
- Laboratory of Clinical Genome Sequencing, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Hachiya
- Iwate Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, Japan
| | - Koichi Matsuda
- Laboratory of Clinical Genome Sequencing, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Shimizu
- Iwate Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, Japan
| | - Yoichiro Kamatani
- Laboratory of Complex Trait Genomics, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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7
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Grădinaru TC, Gilca M, Vlad A, Dragoș D. Relevance of Phytochemical Taste for Anti-Cancer Activity: A Statistical Inquiry. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16227. [PMID: 38003415 PMCID: PMC10671173 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting inflammation and the pathways linking inflammation with cancer is an innovative therapeutic strategy. Tastants are potential candidates for this approach, since taste receptors display various biological functions, including anti-inflammatory activity (AIA). The present study aims to explore the power different tastes have to predict a phytochemical's anti-cancer properties. It also investigates whether anti-inflammatory phytocompounds also have anti-cancer effects, and whether there are tastes that can better predict a phytochemical's bivalent biological activity. Data from the PlantMolecularTasteDB, containing a total of 1527 phytochemicals, were used. Out of these, only 624 phytocompounds met the inclusion criterion of having 40 hits in a PubMed search, using the name of the phytochemical as the keyword. Among them, 461 phytochemicals were found to possess anti-cancer activity (ACA). The AIA and ACA of phytochemicals were strongly correlated, irrespective of taste/orosensation or chemical class. Bitter taste was positively correlated with ACA, while sweet taste was negatively correlated. Among chemical classes, only flavonoids (which are most frequently bitter) had a positive association with both AIA and ACA, a finding confirming that taste has predictive primacy over chemical class. Therefore, bitter taste receptor agonists and sweet taste receptor antagonists may have a beneficial effect in slowing down the progression of inflammation to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodora-Cristiana Grădinaru
- Department of Functional Sciences I/Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Marilena Gilca
- Department of Functional Sciences I/Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Adelina Vlad
- Department of Functional Sciences I/Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Dorin Dragoș
- Department of Medical Semiology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- 1st Internal Medicine Clinic, University Emergency Hospital Bucharest, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
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8
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Schlicher L, Green LG, Romagnani A, Renner F. Small molecule inhibitors for cancer immunotherapy and associated biomarkers - the current status. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1297175. [PMID: 38022587 PMCID: PMC10644399 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1297175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Following the success of cancer immunotherapy using large molecules against immune checkpoint inhibitors, the concept of using small molecules to interfere with intracellular negative regulators of anti-tumor immune responses has emerged in recent years. The main targets for small molecule drugs currently include enzymes of negative feedback loops in signaling pathways of immune cells and proteins that promote immunosuppressive signals within the tumor microenvironment. In the adaptive immune system, negative regulators of T cell receptor signaling (MAP4K1, DGKα/ζ, CBL-B, PTPN2, PTPN22, SHP1), co-receptor signaling (CBL-B) and cytokine signaling (PTPN2) have been preclinically validated as promising targets and initial clinical trials with small molecule inhibitors are underway. To enhance innate anti-tumor immune responses, inhibitory immunomodulation of cGAS/STING has been in the focus, and inhibitors of ENPP1 and TREX1 have reached the clinic. In addition, immunosuppressive signals via adenosine can be counteracted by CD39 and CD73 inhibition, while suppression via intratumoral immunosuppressive prostaglandin E can be targeted by EP2/EP4 antagonists. Here, we present the status of the most promising small molecule drug candidates for cancer immunotherapy, all residing relatively early in development, and the potential of relevant biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Schlicher
- Cancer Cell Targeted Therapy, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luke G. Green
- Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Romagnani
- Cancer Cell Targeted Therapy, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Florian Renner
- Cancer Cell Targeted Therapy, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
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9
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Qiu J, Li Q, Li J, Zhou F, Sang P, Xia Z, Wang W, Wang L, Yu Y, Jiang J. Complementary roles of EP2 and EP4 receptors in malignant glioma. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:2623-2640. [PMID: 37232020 PMCID: PMC10524591 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive brain tumour in the central nervous system, but the current treatment is very limited and unsatisfactory. PGE2 -initiated cAMP signalling via EP2 and EP4 receptors is involved in the tumourigenesis of multiple cancer types. However, whether or how EP2 and EP4 receptors contribute to GBM growth largely remains elusive. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We performed comprehensive data analysis of gene expression in human GBM samples and determined their expression correlations through multiple bioinformatics approaches. A time-resolved fluorescence energy transfer (TR-FRET) assay was utilized to characterize PGE2 -mediated cAMP signalling via EP2 and EP4 receptors in human glioblastoma cells. Using recently reported potent and selective small-molecule antagonists, we determined the effects of inhibition of EP2 and EP4 receptors on GBM growth in subcutaneous and intracranial tumour models. KEY RESULTS The expression of both EP2 and EP4 receptors was upregulated and highly correlated with a variety of tumour-promoting cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors in human gliomas. Further, they were heterogeneously expressed in human GBM cells, where they compensated for each other to mediate PGE2 -initiated cAMP signalling and to promote colony formation, cell invasion and migration. Inhibition of EP2 and EP4 receptors revealed that these receptors might mediate GBM growth, angiogenesis, and immune evasion in a compensatory manner. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS The compensatory roles of EP2 and EP4 receptors in GBM development and growth suggest that concurrently targeting these two PGE2 receptors might represent a more effective strategy than inhibiting either alone for GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiange Qiu
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Qianqian Li
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Junqi Li
- Medical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fengmei Zhou
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Peng Sang
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhongkun Xia
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ying Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jianxiong Jiang
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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10
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Shanmugam M, Kuthala N, Kong X, Chiang CS, Hwang KC. Combined Gadolinium and Boron Neutron Capture Therapies for Eradication of Head-and-Neck Tumor Using Gd 10B 6 Nanoparticles under MRI/CT Image Guidance. JACS AU 2023; 3:2192-2205. [PMID: 37654578 PMCID: PMC10466345 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Eradication of head-and-neck (H&N) tumors is very difficult and challenging because of the characteristic feature of frequent recurrence and the difficulty in killing cancer stem cells. Neutron capture therapy (NCT) is emerging as a noninvasive potential modality for treatments of various types of tumors. Herein, we report that 98.5% 10B-enriched anti-EGFR-Gd10B6 nanoparticles can not only deliver large doses of 158 μg 10B/g tumor tissues as well as 56.8 μg 157Gd/g tumor tissues with a very high tumor-to-blood (T/B) 10B ratio of 4.18, but also exert very effective CT/MRI image-guided combined GdBNCT effects on killing cancer stem cells and eradication of recurrent head-and-neck (H&N) tumors. This leads to a long average half-lifespan of 81 days for H&N tumor-bearing mice, which is a record-making result, and surpasses the best result reported in the literature using combined radiotherapy and T cell-mediated immunotherapy (70 d).
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Affiliation(s)
- Munusamy Shanmugam
- Department
of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan ROC
| | - Naresh Kuthala
- Department
of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan ROC
| | - Xiangyi Kong
- Department
of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical
Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Chi-Shiun Chiang
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan R.O.C.
| | - Kuo Chu Hwang
- Department
of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan ROC
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11
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Das D, Qiao D, Liu Z, Xie L, Li Y, Wang J, Jia J, Cao Y, Hong J. Discovery of Novel, Selective Prostaglandin EP4 Receptor Antagonists with Efficacy in Cancer Models. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:727-736. [PMID: 37312837 PMCID: PMC10258902 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00495] [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: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptor 4 (EP4) is one of four EP receptors commonly upregulated in the tumor microenvironment and plays vital roles in stimulating cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Biochemical blockade of the PGE2-EP4 signaling pathway is a promising strategy for controlling inflammatory and immune related disorders. Recently combination therapies of EP4 antagonists with anti-PD-1 or chemotherapy agents have emerged in clinical studies for lung, breast, colon, and pancreatic cancers. Herein, a novel series of indole-2-carboxamide derivatives were identified as selective EP4 antagonists, and SAR studies led to the discovery of the potent compound 36. Due to favorable pharmacokinetics properties and good oral bioavailability (F = 76%), compound 36 was chosen for in vivo efficacy studies. Compound 36 inhibited tumor growth in a CT-26 colon cancer xenograft better than E7046 and a combination of 36 with capecitabine significantly suppressed tumor growth (TGI up to 94.26%) in mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debasis Das
- Arromax Pharmatech Co. Ltd. Sangtiandao Innovation Park, No.
1 Huayun Road, SIP, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Dandan Qiao
- Arromax Pharmatech Co. Ltd. Sangtiandao Innovation Park, No.
1 Huayun Road, SIP, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Zhonghe Liu
- Arromax Pharmatech Co. Ltd. Sangtiandao Innovation Park, No.
1 Huayun Road, SIP, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Lingzhi Xie
- Arromax Pharmatech Co. Ltd. Sangtiandao Innovation Park, No.
1 Huayun Road, SIP, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Yong Li
- Arromax Pharmatech Co. Ltd. Sangtiandao Innovation Park, No.
1 Huayun Road, SIP, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Jingbing Wang
- Arromax Pharmatech Co. Ltd. Sangtiandao Innovation Park, No.
1 Huayun Road, SIP, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Jianhe Jia
- Arromax Pharmatech Co. Ltd. Sangtiandao Innovation Park, No.
1 Huayun Road, SIP, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Yuxi Cao
- Arromax Pharmatech Co. Ltd. Sangtiandao Innovation Park, No.
1 Huayun Road, SIP, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Jian Hong
- Arromax Pharmatech Co. Ltd. Sangtiandao Innovation Park, No.
1 Huayun Road, SIP, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
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12
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Manabe Y, Takahashi Y, Sugie C, Wang Z, Katsuki S, Kondo T, Murai T, Nakashima M, Takaoka T, Ogawa K, Shibamoto Y. Biological effects of prostaglandin E2-EP4 antagonist (AAT-008) in murine colon cancer in vivo: enhancement of immune response to radiotherapy and potential as a radiosensitizer. Transl Cancer Res 2023; 12:351-358. [PMID: 36915594 PMCID: PMC10007874 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-22-1857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Background Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) promotes tumor growth and metastasis by acting on a family of four receptors (EP1-4). We investigated the radiosensitizing effects of a newly developed antagonist of PGE2-EP4 (AAT-008) in mouse colon cancer cells in vivo and explored the mechanism using flow cytometry (FCM). Methods CT26WT cells grown in Balb/c mice were used. AAT-008 at doses of 0, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg/day was orally administered once or twice daily for up to 19 days. On day 3, the tumors were irradiated at 9 Gy in the radiotherapy (RT) group. Tumor sizes were measured every other day. For the first FCM series, AAT-008 (10 mg/kg/day) was administered from day 0 to 18 and RT (9 Gy) was given on day 3. The population of effector T cells (Teff), defined as CD45+CD8+CD69+, in the tumors was investigated on day 19. For the second FCM series, AAT-008 (30 mg/kg/day) was administered from day 0 to 12. The populations of Teff and regulatory T cells (Treg), and the ratio of Teff/Treg were investigated on day 13. Results The growth delay effect of AAT-008 administered alone (3-30 mg/kg/day) appeared minimal. In the first growth delay experiment where AAT-008 was administered once daily, the combined effect of AAT-008 (30 mg/kg/day) and RT appeared additive. In the second growth delay experiment where AAT-008 was administered twice daily, the combined effect appeared additive at 3 and 10 mg/kg/day and supra-additive at 30 mg/kg/day. In the first FCM series, the mean Teff proportions in the tumors were 43% and 31% in the 10 mg + RT and 0 mg + RT groups, respectively. Notably, 67% Teff was observed in responsive mice in the 10 mg + RT group. In the second FCM series, the mean Treg proportion and Teff/Treg ratio in the 0 mg + RT and 30 mg + RT groups were 4.0% and 1.5%, respectively (P=0.04) and 10 and 22, respectively (P=0.04). Conclusions AAT-008 potentially enhances the radiosensitivity of colon cancer cells, apparently by stimulating the immune system against the cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiko Manabe
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yutaka Takahashi
- Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Chikao Sugie
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shohei Katsuki
- Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takuhito Kondo
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Taro Murai
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masahiro Nakashima
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Taiki Takaoka
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Ogawa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuta Shibamoto
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
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13
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Zhai X, Mao L, Wu M, Liu J, Yu S. Challenges of Anti-Mesothelin CAR-T-Cell Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051357. [PMID: 36900151 PMCID: PMC10000068 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy is a kind of adoptive T-cell therapy (ACT) that has developed rapidly in recent years. Mesothelin (MSLN) is a tumor-associated antigen (TAA) that is highly expressed in various solid tumors and is an important target antigen for the development of new immunotherapies for solid tumors. This article reviews the clinical research status, obstacles, advancements and challenges of anti-MSLN CAR-T-cell therapy. Clinical trials on anti-MSLN CAR-T cells show that they have a high safety profile but limited efficacy. At present, local administration and introduction of new modifications are being used to enhance proliferation and persistence and to improve the efficacy and safety of anti-MSLN CAR-T cells. A number of clinical and basic studies have shown that the curative effect of combining this therapy with standard therapy is significantly better than that of monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejia Zhai
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunopathology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400038, China
- International Joint Research Center for Precision Biotherapy, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Ling Mao
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunopathology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400038, China
- International Joint Research Center for Precision Biotherapy, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunopathology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400038, China
- International Joint Research Center for Precision Biotherapy, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunopathology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400038, China
- International Joint Research Center for Precision Biotherapy, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Shicang Yu
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunopathology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400038, China
- International Joint Research Center for Precision Biotherapy, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing 400038, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing 401329, China
- Correspondence:
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14
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Lipids as Targets for Renal Cell Carcinoma Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043272. [PMID: 36834678 PMCID: PMC9963825 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Kidney cancer is among the top ten most common cancers to date. Within the kidney, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common solid lesion occurring. While various risk factors are suspected, including unhealthy lifestyle, age, and ethnicity, genetic mutations seem to be a key risk factor. In particular, mutations in the von Hippel-Lindau gene (Vhl) have attracted a lot of interest since this gene regulates the hypoxia inducible transcription factors HIF-1α and HIF-2α, which in turn drive the transcription of many genes that are important for renal cancer growth and progression, including genes involved in lipid metabolism and signaling. Recent data suggest that HIF-1/2 are themselves regulated by bioactive lipids which make the connection between lipids and renal cancer obvious. This review will summarize the effects and contributions of the different classes of bioactive lipids, including sphingolipids, glycosphingolipids, eicosanoids, free fatty acids, cannabinoids, and cholesterol to renal carcinoma progression. Novel pharmacological strategies interfering with lipid signaling to treat renal cancer will be highlighted.
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15
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Jin K, Qian C, Lin J, Liu B. Cyclooxygenase-2-Prostaglandin E2 pathway: A key player in tumor-associated immune cells. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1099811. [PMID: 36776289 PMCID: PMC9911818 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1099811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclooxygenases-2 (COX-2) and Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which are important in chronic inflammatory diseases, can increase tumor incidence and promote tumor growth and metastasis. PGE2 binds to various prostaglandin E receptors to activate specific downstream signaling pathways such as PKA pathway, β-catenin pathway, NF-κB pathway and PI3K/AKT pathway, all of which play important roles in biological and pathological behavior. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which play as COX-2 inhibitors, and EP antagonists are important in anti-tumor immune evasion. The COX-2-PGE2 pathway promotes tumor immune evasion by regulating myeloid-derived suppressor cells, lymphocytes (CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells and natural killer cells), and antigen presenting cells (macrophages and dendritic cells). Based on conventional treatment, the addition of COX-2 inhibitors or EP antagonists may enhance immunotherapy response in anti-tumor immune escape. However, there are still a lot of challenges in cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we focus on how the COX-2-PGE2 pathway affects tumor-associated immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaipeng Jin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chao Qian
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinti Lin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,*Correspondence: Bing Liu, ; Jinti Lin,
| | - Bing Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,*Correspondence: Bing Liu, ; Jinti Lin,
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16
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Saito RDF, Andrade LNDS, Bustos SO, Chammas R. Phosphatidylcholine-Derived Lipid Mediators: The Crosstalk Between Cancer Cells and Immune Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:768606. [PMID: 35250970 PMCID: PMC8889569 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.768606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
To become resistant, cancer cells need to activate and maintain molecular defense mechanisms that depend on an energy trade-off between resistance and essential functions. Metabolic reprogramming has been shown to fuel cell growth and contribute to cancer drug resistance. Recently, changes in lipid metabolism have emerged as an important driver of resistance to anticancer agents. In this review, we highlight the role of choline metabolism with a focus on the phosphatidylcholine cycle in the regulation of resistance to therapy. We analyze the contribution of phosphatidylcholine and its metabolites to intracellular processes of cancer cells, both as the major cell membrane constituents and source of energy. We further extended our discussion about the role of phosphatidylcholine-derived lipid mediators in cellular communication between cancer and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment, as well as their pivotal role in the immune regulation of therapeutic failure. Changes in phosphatidylcholine metabolism are part of an adaptive program activated in response to stress conditions that contribute to cancer therapy resistance and open therapeutic opportunities for treating drug-resistant cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata de Freitas Saito
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (LIM24), Departamento de Radiologia e Oncologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo and Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciana Nogueira de Sousa Andrade
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (LIM24), Departamento de Radiologia e Oncologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo and Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvina Odete Bustos
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (LIM24), Departamento de Radiologia e Oncologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo and Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roger Chammas
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (LIM24), Departamento de Radiologia e Oncologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo and Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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17
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Starzer AM, Heller G, Tomasich E, Melchardt T, Feldmann K, Hatziioannou T, Traint S, Minichsdorfer C, Schwarz-Nemec U, Nackenhorst M, Müllauer L, Preusser M, Berghoff AS, Fuereder T. DNA methylation profiles differ in responders versus non-responders to anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with advanced and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-003420. [PMID: 35338086 PMCID: PMC8961155 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biomarkers for response prediction to anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are urgently needed for a personalized therapy approach. We investigated the predictive potential of inflammatory parameters and DNA methylation profiling in patients with HNSCC treated with anti-PD-1 ICI. METHODS We identified patients with HNSCC that were treated with anti-PD-1 ICI therapy in the recurrent or metastatic setting after progression to platinum-based chemotherapy in two independent centers. We analyzed DNA methylation profiles of >850.000 CpG sites in tumor specimens of these patients by Infinium MethylationEPIC microarrays, immune cell density in the tumor microenvironment (CD8, CD3, CD45RO, forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), CD68), PD-1 and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression by immunohistochemistry, and blood inflammation markers (platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, leucocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio). DNA methylation profiles and immunological markers were bioinformatically and statistically correlated with radiological response to anti-PD-1 ICI. RESULTS 37 patients with HNSCC (median age of 62 years; range 49-83; 8 (21.6%) women, 29 (78.4%) men) were included (Center 1 N=26, 70.3%; Center 2 N=11, 29.7%). Median number of prior systemic therapies was 1 (range 1-4). Five out of 37 (13.5%) patients achieved an objective response to ICI. Median progression-free survival and median overall survival times were 3.7 months (range 0-22.9) and 9.0 months (range 0-38.8), respectively. Microarray analyses revealed a methylation signature including both hypomethylation and hypermethylation which was predictive for response to ICI and included several genes involved in cancer-related molecular pathways. Over-represented differentially methylated genes between responders and non-responders were associated with 'Axon guidance', 'Hippo signaling', 'Pathways in cancer' and 'MAPK signaling'. A statistically significant correlation of PD-L1 expression and response was present (p=0.0498). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that tumor DNA methylation profiling may be useful to predict response to ICI in patients with HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Martina Starzer
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Medicine I, Christian Doppler Laboratory for Personalized Immunotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerwin Heller
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Medicine I, Christian Doppler Laboratory for Personalized Immunotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erwin Tomasich
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Medicine I, Christian Doppler Laboratory for Personalized Immunotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Melchardt
- Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research, Department of Internal Medicine III with Hematology, Medical Oncology, Hemostaseology, Infectious Diseases, Rheumatology, Oncologic Center, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Katharina Feldmann
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Medicine I, Christian Doppler Laboratory for Personalized Immunotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Teresa Hatziioannou
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Medicine I, Christian Doppler Laboratory for Personalized Immunotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Traint
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Minichsdorfer
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ursula Schwarz-Nemec
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maja Nackenhorst
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leonhard Müllauer
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Preusser
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Medicine I, Christian Doppler Laboratory for Personalized Immunotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Sophie Berghoff
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria .,Department of Medicine I, Christian Doppler Laboratory for Personalized Immunotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thorsten Fuereder
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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18
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Wu X, Bos IST, Conlon TM, Ansari M, Verschut V, van der Koog L, Verkleij LA, D’Ambrosi A, Matveyenko A, Schiller HB, Königshoff M, Schmidt M, Kistemaker LEM, Yildirim AÖ, Gosens R. A transcriptomics-guided drug target discovery strategy identifies receptor ligands for lung regeneration. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabj9949. [PMID: 35319981 PMCID: PMC8942365 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abj9949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Currently, there is no pharmacological treatment targeting defective tissue repair in chronic disease. Here, we used a transcriptomics-guided drug target discovery strategy using gene signatures of smoking-associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and from mice chronically exposed to cigarette smoke, identifying druggable targets expressed in alveolar epithelial progenitors, of which we screened the function in lung organoids. We found several drug targets with regenerative potential, of which EP and IP prostanoid receptor ligands had the most profound therapeutic potential in restoring cigarette smoke-induced defects in alveolar epithelial progenitors in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we found, using single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, that circadian clock and cell cycle/apoptosis signaling pathways were differentially expressed in alveolar epithelial progenitor cells in patients with COPD and in a relevant model of COPD, which was prevented by prostaglandin E2 or prostacyclin mimetics. We conclude that specific targeting of EP and IP receptors offers therapeutic potential for injury to repair in COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhui Wu
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - I. Sophie T. Bos
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Thomas M. Conlon
- Institute of Lung Biology and Disease (ILBD)/Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Meshal Ansari
- Institute of Lung Biology and Disease (ILBD)/Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Vicky Verschut
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, Netherlands
- Aquilo BV, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Luke van der Koog
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Lars A. Verkleij
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Angela D’Ambrosi
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Aleksey Matveyenko
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Herbert B. Schiller
- Institute of Lung Biology and Disease (ILBD)/Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | | | - Martina Schmidt
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Loes E. M. Kistemaker
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Aquilo BV, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Ali Önder Yildirim
- Institute of Lung Biology and Disease (ILBD)/Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Reinoud Gosens
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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19
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Rovati G, Contursi A, Bruno A, Tacconelli S, Ballerini P, Patrignani P. Antiplatelet Agents Affecting GPCR Signaling Implicated in Tumor Metastasis. Cells 2022; 11:725. [PMID: 35203374 PMCID: PMC8870128 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis requires that cancer cells survive in the circulation, colonize distant organs, and grow. Despite platelets being central contributors to hemostasis, leukocyte trafficking during inflammation, and vessel stability maintenance, there is significant evidence to support their essential role in supporting metastasis through different mechanisms. In addition to their direct interaction with cancer cells, thus forming heteroaggregates such as leukocytes, platelets release molecules that are necessary to promote a disseminating phenotype in cancer cells via the induction of an epithelial-mesenchymal-like transition. Therefore, agents that affect platelet activation can potentially restrain these prometastatic mechanisms. Although the primary adhesion of platelets to cancer cells is mainly independent of G protein-mediated signaling, soluble mediators released from platelets, such as ADP, thromboxane (TX) A2, and prostaglandin (PG) E2, act through G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to cause the activation of more additional platelets and drive metastatic signaling pathways in cancer cells. In this review, we examine the contribution of the GPCRs of platelets and cancer cells in the development of cancer metastasis. Finally, the possible use of agents affecting GPCR signaling pathways as antimetastatic agents is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianenrico Rovati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Annalisa Contursi
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapies, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), School of Medicine, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.C.); (A.B.); (S.T.); (P.B.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, School of Medicine, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Annalisa Bruno
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapies, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), School of Medicine, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.C.); (A.B.); (S.T.); (P.B.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, School of Medicine, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefania Tacconelli
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapies, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), School of Medicine, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.C.); (A.B.); (S.T.); (P.B.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, School of Medicine, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Patrizia Ballerini
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapies, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), School of Medicine, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.C.); (A.B.); (S.T.); (P.B.)
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Paola Patrignani
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapies, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), School of Medicine, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.C.); (A.B.); (S.T.); (P.B.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, School of Medicine, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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20
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Ljungblad L, Bergqvist F, Tümmler C, Madawala S, Olsen TK, Andonova T, Jakobsson PJ, Johnsen JI, Pickova J, Strandvik B, Kogner P, Gleissman H, Wickström M. Omega-3 fatty acids decrease CRYAB, production of oncogenic prostaglandin E 2 and suppress tumor growth in medulloblastoma. Life Sci 2022; 295:120394. [PMID: 35157910 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Medulloblastoma (MB) is one of the most common malignant central nervous system tumors of childhood. Despite intensive treatments that often leads to severe neurological sequelae, the risk for resistant relapses remains significant. In this study we have evaluated the effects of the ω3-long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3-LCPUFA) docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on MB cell lines and in a MB xenograft model. MAIN METHODS Effects of ω3-LCPUFA treatment of MB cells were assessed using the following: WST-1 assay, cell death probes, clonogenic assay, ELISA and western blot. MB cells were implanted into nude mice and the mice were randomized to DHA, or a combination of DHA and EPA treatment, or to control group. Treatment effects in tumor tissues were evaluated with: LC-MS/MS, RNA-sequencing and immunohistochemistry, and tumors, erythrocytes and brain tissues were analyzed with gas chromatography. KEY FINDINGS ω3-LCPUFA decreased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) secretion from MB cells, and impaired MB cell viability and colony forming ability and increased apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. DHA reduced tumor growth in vivo, and both PGE2 and prostacyclin were significantly decreased in tumor tissue from treated mice compared to control animals. All ω3-LCPUFA and dihomo-γ-linolenic acid increased in tumors from treated mice. RNA-sequencing revealed 10 downregulated genes in common among ω3-LCPUFA treated tumors. CRYAB was the most significantly altered gene and the downregulation was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings suggest that addition of DHA and EPA to the standard MB treatment regimen might be a novel approach to target inflammation in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Ljungblad
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Filip Bergqvist
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Conny Tümmler
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Samanthi Madawala
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Thale Kristin Olsen
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Teodora Andonova
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per-Johan Jakobsson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John Inge Johnsen
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jana Pickova
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Birgitta Strandvik
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition Karolinska Institutet, NEO, Flemingsberg, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Kogner
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Pediatric Oncology, Astrid Lindgrens Childrens Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helena Gleissman
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Malin Wickström
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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21
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Evolution and Targeting of Myeloid Suppressor Cells in Cancer: A Translational Perspective. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030510. [PMID: 35158779 PMCID: PMC8833347 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immunotherapy is achieving impressive results in the treatment of several cancers. While the main strategies aim to re-invigorate the specific lymphocyte anti-tumor response, many studies underline that altered myeloid cell frequency and functions can dramatically interfere with the responsiveness to cancer therapies. Therefore, many novel strategies targeting TAMs and MDSCs in combination with classical treatments are under continuous evolution at both pre-clinical and clinical levels, showing encouraging results. Herein, we depict a comprehensive overview of myeloid cell generation and function in a cancer setting, and the most relevant strategies for their targeting that are currently in clinical use or under pre-clinical development. Abstract In recent years, the immune system has emerged as a critical regulator of tumor development, progression and dissemination. Advanced therapeutic approaches targeting immune cells are currently under clinical use and improvement for the treatment of patients affected by advanced malignancies. Among these, anti-PD1/PD-L1 and anti-CTLA4 immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are the most effective immunotherapeutic drugs at present. In spite of these advances, great variability in responses to therapy exists among patients, probably due to the heterogeneity of both cancer cells and immune responses, which manifest in diverse forms in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The variability of the immune profile within TME and its prognostic significance largely depend on the frequency of the infiltrating myeloid cells, which often represent the predominant population, characterized by high phenotypic heterogeneity. The generation of heterogeneous myeloid populations endowed with tumor-promoting activities is typically promoted by growing tumors, indicating the sequential levels of myeloid reprogramming as possible antitumor targets. This work reviews the current knowledge on the events governing protumoral myelopoiesis, analyzing the mechanisms that drive the expansion of major myeloid subsets, as well as their functional properties, and highlighting recent translational strategies for clinical developments.
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22
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Sorrin AJ, Liu C, Cicalo J, Reader J, Najafali D, Zhang Y, Roque DM, Huang HC. Photodynamic Priming Improves the Anti-Migratory Activity of Prostaglandin E Receptor 4 Antagonist in Cancer Cells In Vitro. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5259. [PMID: 34771424 PMCID: PMC8582354 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The combination of photodynamic agents and biological inhibitors is rapidly gaining attention for its promise and approval in treating advanced cancer. The activity of photodynamic treatment is mainly governed by the formation of reactive oxygen species upon light activation of photosensitizers. Exposure to reactive oxygen species above a threshold dose can induce cellular damage and cancer cell death, while the surviving cancer cells are "photodynamically primed", or sensitized, to respond better to other drugs and biological treatments. Here, we report a new combination regimen of photodynamic priming (PDP) and prostaglandin E2 receptor 4 (EP4) inhibition that reduces the migration and invasion of two human ovarian cancer cell lines (OVCAR-5 and CAOV3) in vitro. PDP is achieved by red light activation of the FDA-approved photosensitizer, benzoporphyrin derivative (BPD), or a chemical conjugate composed of the BPD linked to cetuximab, an anti-epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody. Immunoblotting data identify co-inhibition of EGFR, cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) as key in the signaling cascades modulated by the combination of EGFR-targeted PDP and EP4 inhibition. This study provides valuable insights into the development of a molecular-targeted photochemical strategy to improve the anti-metastatic effects of EP4 receptor antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J. Sorrin
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (A.J.S.); (C.L.); (J.C.); (D.N.)
| | - Cindy Liu
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (A.J.S.); (C.L.); (J.C.); (D.N.)
| | - Julia Cicalo
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (A.J.S.); (C.L.); (J.C.); (D.N.)
| | - Jocelyn Reader
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (J.R.); (D.M.R.)
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Daniel Najafali
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (A.J.S.); (C.L.); (J.C.); (D.N.)
| | - Yuji Zhang
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Dana M. Roque
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (J.R.); (D.M.R.)
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Huang-Chiao Huang
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (A.J.S.); (C.L.); (J.C.); (D.N.)
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
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23
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Grover A, Sanseviero E, Timosenko E, Gabrilovich DI. Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells: A Propitious Road to Clinic. Cancer Discov 2021; 11:2693-2706. [PMID: 34635571 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-21-0764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are important regulators of immune responses in cancer. They represent a relatively stable form of pathologic activation of neutrophils and monocytes and are characterized by distinct transcriptional, biochemical, functional, and phenotypical features. The close association of MDSCs with clinical outcomes in cancer suggests that these cells can be an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. However, the complex nature of MDSC biology represents a substantial challenge for the development of selective therapies. Here, we discuss the mechanisms regulating MDSC development and fate and recent research advances that have demonstrated opportunities for therapeutic regulation of these cells. SIGNIFICANCE: MDSCs are attractive therapeutic targets because of their close association with negative clinical outcomes in cancer and established biology as potent immunosuppressive cells. However, the complex nature of MDSC biology presents a substantial challenge for therapeutic targeting. In this review, we discuss those challenges and possible solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Grover
- AstraZeneca, ICC, Early Oncology, R&D, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Elina Timosenko
- AstraZeneca, ICC, Early Oncology, R&D, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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24
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Li K, Shi H, Zhang B, Ou X, Ma Q, Chen Y, Shu P, Li D, Wang Y. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells as immunosuppressive regulators and therapeutic targets in cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:362. [PMID: 34620838 PMCID: PMC8497485 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00670-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 76.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogenic population of immature myeloid cells with immunosuppressive effects, which undergo massive expansion during tumor progression. These cells not only support immune escape directly but also promote tumor invasion via various non-immunological activities. Besides, this group of cells are proved to impair the efficiency of current antitumor strategies such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Therefore, MDSCs are considered as potential therapeutic targets for cancer therapy. Treatment strategies targeting MDSCs have shown promising outcomes in both preclinical studies and clinical trials when administrated alone, or in combination with other anticancer therapies. In this review, we shed new light on recent advances in the biological characteristics and immunosuppressive functions of MDSCs. We also hope to propose an overview of current MDSCs-targeting therapies so as to provide new ideas for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Li
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Houhui Shi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Benxia Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuejin Ou
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Qizhi Ma
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Pei Shu
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Dan Li
- Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, and Precision Medicine Center, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China.
| | - Yongsheng Wang
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, 610041, Chengdu, China. .,Clinical Trial Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China.
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25
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Biologically active lipids in the regulation of lymphangiogenesis in disease states. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 232:108011. [PMID: 34614423 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.108011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Lymphatic vessels have crucial roles in the regulation of interstitial fluids, immune surveillance, and the absorption of dietary fat in the intestine. Lymphatic function is also closely related to the pathogenesis of various disease states such as inflammation, lymphedema, endometriosis, liver dysfunction, and tumor metastasis. Lymphangiogenesis, the formation of new lymphatic vessels from pre-existing lymphatic vessels, is a critical determinant in the above conditions. Although the effect of growth factors on lymphangiogenesis is well-characterized, and biologically active lipids are known to affect smooth muscle contractility and vasoaction, there is accumulating evidence that biologically active lipids are also important inducers of growth factors and cytokines that regulate lymphangiogenesis. This review discusses recent advances in our understanding of biologically active lipids, including arachidonic acid metabolites, sphingosine 1-phosphate, and lysophosphatidic acid, as regulators of lymphangiogenesis, and the emerging importance of the lymphangiogenesis as a therapeutic target.
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26
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Ramms DJ, Raimondi F, Arang N, Herberg FW, Taylor SS, Gutkind JS. G αs-Protein Kinase A (PKA) Pathway Signalopathies: The Emerging Genetic Landscape and Therapeutic Potential of Human Diseases Driven by Aberrant G αs-PKA Signaling. Pharmacol Rev 2021; 73:155-197. [PMID: 34663687 PMCID: PMC11060502 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.120.000269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Many of the fundamental concepts of signal transduction and kinase activity are attributed to the discovery and crystallization of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, or protein kinase A. PKA is one of the best-studied kinases in human biology, with emphasis in biochemistry and biophysics, all the way to metabolism, hormone action, and gene expression regulation. It is surprising, however, that our understanding of PKA's role in disease is largely underappreciated. Although genetic mutations in the PKA holoenzyme are known to cause diseases such as Carney complex, Cushing syndrome, and acrodysostosis, the story largely stops there. With the recent explosion of genomic medicine, we can finally appreciate the broader role of the Gαs-PKA pathway in disease, with contributions from aberrant functioning G proteins and G protein-coupled receptors, as well as multiple alterations in other pathway components and negative regulators. Together, these represent a broad family of diseases we term the Gαs-PKA pathway signalopathies. The Gαs-PKA pathway signalopathies encompass diseases caused by germline, postzygotic, and somatic mutations in the Gαs-PKA pathway, with largely endocrine and neoplastic phenotypes. Here, we present a signaling-centric review of Gαs-PKA-driven pathophysiology and integrate computational and structural analysis to identify mutational themes commonly exploited by the Gαs-PKA pathway signalopathies. Major mutational themes include hotspot activating mutations in Gαs, encoded by GNAS, and mutations that destabilize the PKA holoenzyme. With this review, we hope to incite further study and ultimately the development of new therapeutic strategies in the treatment of a wide range of human diseases. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Little recognition is given to the causative role of Gαs-PKA pathway dysregulation in disease, with effects ranging from infectious disease, endocrine syndromes, and many cancers, yet these disparate diseases can all be understood by common genetic themes and biochemical signaling connections. By highlighting these common pathogenic mechanisms and bridging multiple disciplines, important progress can be made toward therapeutic advances in treating Gαs-PKA pathway-driven disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana J Ramms
- Department of Pharmacology (D.J.R., N.A., J.S.G.), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (S.S.T.), and Moores Cancer Center (D.J.R., N.A., J.S.G.), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California; Laboratorio di Biologia Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy (F.R.); and Department of Biochemistry, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany (F.W.H.)
| | - Francesco Raimondi
- Department of Pharmacology (D.J.R., N.A., J.S.G.), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (S.S.T.), and Moores Cancer Center (D.J.R., N.A., J.S.G.), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California; Laboratorio di Biologia Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy (F.R.); and Department of Biochemistry, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany (F.W.H.)
| | - Nadia Arang
- Department of Pharmacology (D.J.R., N.A., J.S.G.), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (S.S.T.), and Moores Cancer Center (D.J.R., N.A., J.S.G.), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California; Laboratorio di Biologia Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy (F.R.); and Department of Biochemistry, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany (F.W.H.)
| | - Friedrich W Herberg
- Department of Pharmacology (D.J.R., N.A., J.S.G.), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (S.S.T.), and Moores Cancer Center (D.J.R., N.A., J.S.G.), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California; Laboratorio di Biologia Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy (F.R.); and Department of Biochemistry, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany (F.W.H.)
| | - Susan S Taylor
- Department of Pharmacology (D.J.R., N.A., J.S.G.), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (S.S.T.), and Moores Cancer Center (D.J.R., N.A., J.S.G.), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California; Laboratorio di Biologia Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy (F.R.); and Department of Biochemistry, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany (F.W.H.)
| | - J Silvio Gutkind
- Department of Pharmacology (D.J.R., N.A., J.S.G.), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (S.S.T.), and Moores Cancer Center (D.J.R., N.A., J.S.G.), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California; Laboratorio di Biologia Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy (F.R.); and Department of Biochemistry, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany (F.W.H.)
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27
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Xu M, Wang X, Li Y, Geng X, Jia X, Zhang L, Yang H. Arachidonic Acid Metabolism Controls Macrophage Alternative Activation Through Regulating Oxidative Phosphorylation in PPARγ Dependent Manner. Front Immunol 2021; 12:618501. [PMID: 34149684 PMCID: PMC8211451 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.618501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophage polarization is mainly steered by metabolic reprogramming in the tissue microenvironment, thus leading to distinct outcomes of various diseases. However, the role of lipid metabolism in the regulation of macrophage alternative activation is incompletely understood. Using human THP-1 and mouse bone marrow derived macrophage polarization models, we revealed a pivotal role for arachidonic acid metabolism in determining the phenotype of M2 macrophages. We demonstrated that macrophage M2 polarization was inhibited by arachidonic acid, but inversely facilitated by its derived metabolite prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Furthermore, PPARγ bridges these two seemingly unrelated processes via modulating oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Through inhibiting PPARγ, PGE2 enhanced OXPHOS, resulting in the alternative activation of macrophages, which was counterweighted by the activation of PPARγ. This connection between PGE2 biosynthesis and macrophage M2 polarization also existed in human and mouse esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Our results highlight the critical role of arachidonic acid and metabolic PGE2 as immune regulators in modulating tissue homeostasis and pathological process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Xu
- West China School of Public Health/West China Fourth Hospital and Healthy Food Evaluation Research Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China
| | - Yongning Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Geng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China
| | - Xudong Jia
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China
| | - Lishi Zhang
- West China School of Public Health/West China Fourth Hospital and Healthy Food Evaluation Research Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China
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28
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Shirakami Y, Nakanishi T, Ozawa N, Ideta T, Kochi T, Kubota M, Sakai H, Ibuka T, Tanaka T, Shimizu M. Inhibitory effects of a selective prostaglandin E2 receptor antagonist RQ-15986 on inflammation-related colon tumorigenesis in APC-mutant rats. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251942. [PMID: 34003864 PMCID: PMC8130959 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostaglandin E2 receptor EP4 is involved in inflammation and related tumorigenesis in the colorectum. This study aimed to investigate the chemopreventive ability of RQ-15986, a selective EP4 antagonist, in colitis-related colorectal tumorigenesis. Male Kyoto APC delta rats, which have APC mutations, were treated with azoxymethane and dextran sulfate sodium and subsequently administered RQ-15986 for eight weeks. At the end of the experiment, the development of colorectal tumor was significantly inhibited in the RQ-15986-treated group. The cell proliferation of the crypts and tumors in the colorectum was decreased following RQ-15986 treatment. RQ-15986 also suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-18, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1, in the colon mucosa. In addition, the expression levels of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, which is involved in immune tolerance, were decreased in the colorectal epithelium and tumors of the RQ-15986-treated group. These findings indicate that RQ-15986 inhibits colitis-associated colorectal tumorigenesis by attenuating inflammation, suppressing cell proliferation, and modulating the expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase. Targeting prostaglandin E2/EP4 signaling might be a useful strategy for chemoprevention of inflammation-related colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Shirakami
- Departments of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Takayuki Nakanishi
- Departments of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Noritaka Ozawa
- Departments of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takayasu Ideta
- Departments of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kochi
- Departments of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Masaya Kubota
- Departments of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Sakai
- Departments of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takashi Ibuka
- Departments of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takuji Tanaka
- Department of Pathological Diagnosis, Gifu Municipal Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Masahito Shimizu
- Departments of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
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Singh AK, Chatterjee U, MacDonald CR, Repasky EA, Halbreich U. Psychosocial stress and immunosuppression in cancer: what can we learn from new research? BJPSYCH ADVANCES 2021; 27:187-197. [PMID: 34295535 PMCID: PMC8294471 DOI: 10.1192/bja.2021.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
It is generally believed that the physiological consequences of stress could contribute to poor outcomes for patients being treated for cancer. However, despite preclinical and clinical evidence suggesting that stress promotes increased cancer-related mortality, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms involved in mediating these effects does not yet exist. We reviewed 47 clinical studies published between 2007 and 2020 to determine whether psychosocial stress affects clinical outcomes in cancer: 6.4% of studies showed a protective effect; 44.6% showed a harmful effect; 48.9% showed no association. These data suggest that psychosocial stress could affect cancer incidence and/or mortality, but the association is unclear. To shed light on this potentially important relationship, objective biomarkers of stress are needed to more accurately evaluate levels of stress and its downstream effects. As a potential candidate, the neuroendocrine signalling pathways initiated by stress are known to affect anti-tumour immune cells, and here we summarise how this may promote an immunosuppressive, pro-tumour microenvironment. Further research must be done to understand the relationships between stress and immunity to more accurately measure how stress affects cancer progression and outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurag K Singh
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Udit Chatterjee
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Cameron R MacDonald
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | - Uriel Halbreich
- Department of Psychiatry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, NY, USA
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30
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Wang Y, Cui L, Georgiev P, Singh L, Zheng Y, Yu Y, Grein J, Zhang C, Muise ES, Sloman DL, Ferguson H, Yu H, Pierre CS, Dakle PJ, Pucci V, Baker J, Loboda A, Linn D, Brynczka C, Wilson D, Haines BB, Long B, Wnek R, Sadekova S, Rosenzweig M, Haidle A, Han Y, Ranganath SH. Combination of EP 4 antagonist MF-766 and anti-PD-1 promotes anti-tumor efficacy by modulating both lymphocytes and myeloid cells. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1896643. [PMID: 33796403 PMCID: PMC7993229 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1896643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), an arachidonic acid pathway metabolite produced by cyclooxygenase (COX)-1/2, has been shown to impair anti-tumor immunity through engagement with one or more E-type prostanoid receptors (EP1-4). Specific targeting of EP receptors, as opposed to COX-1/2 inhibition, has been proposed to achieve preferential antagonism of PGE2–mediated immune suppression. Here we describe the anti-tumor activity of MF-766, a potent and highly selective small-molecule inhibitor of the EP4 receptor. EP4 inhibition by MF-766 synergistically improved the efficacy of anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) therapy in CT26 and EMT6 syngeneic tumor mouse models. Multiparameter flow cytometry analysis revealed that treatment with MF-766 promoted the infiltration of CD8+ T cells, natural killer (NK) cells and conventional dendritic cells (cDCs), induced M1-like macrophage reprogramming, and reduced granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In vitro experiments demonstrated that MF-766 restored PGE2-mediated inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production in THP-1 cells and human blood, and PGE2-mediated inhibition of interleukin (IL)-2-induced interferon (IFN)-γ production in human NK cells. MF-766 reversed the inhibition of IFN-γ in CD8+ T-cells by PGE2 and impaired suppression of CD8+ T-cells induced by myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC)/PGE2. In translational studies using primary human tumors, MF-766 enhanced anti-CD3-stimulated IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α production in primary histoculture and synergized with pembrolizumab in a PGE2 high TME. Our studies demonstrate that the combination of EP4 blockade with anti-PD-1 therapy enhances antitumor activity by differentially modulating myeloid cell, NK cell, cDC and T-cell infiltration profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Wang
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Long Cui
- Department of Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Peter Georgiev
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Latika Singh
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yanyan Zheng
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ying Yu
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jeff Grein
- Department of Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chunsheng Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eric S Muise
- Department of Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David L Sloman
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Heidi Ferguson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hongshi Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Cristina St Pierre
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Pranal J Dakle
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vincenzo Pucci
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics & Drug Metabolism, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James Baker
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics & Drug Metabolism, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrey Loboda
- Department of Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Doug Linn
- Department of Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christopher Brynczka
- Dept. Safety and Exploratory Pharmacology, Safety Assessment and Laboratory Animal Resources, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Doug Wilson
- Department of Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brian B Haines
- Department of Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brian Long
- Department of Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Richard Wnek
- Department of Translational Biomarkers, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Svetlana Sadekova
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael Rosenzweig
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrew Haidle
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yongxin Han
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sheila H Ranganath
- Department of Oncology Early Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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31
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Pu D, Yin L, Huang L, Qin C, Zhou Y, Wu Q, Li Y, Zhou Q, Li L. Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitor: A Potential Combination Strategy With Immunotherapy in Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:637504. [PMID: 33718229 PMCID: PMC7952860 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.637504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical application of immunotherapy is the milestone of cancer treatment. However, some patients have bad reaction. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is frequently expressed in multiple cancer cells and is associated with poor prognosis. It is the key enzyme of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) that has been proved to promote the development, proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells. Recent studies further find the PGE2 in tumor microenvironment (TME) actively triggers tumor immune evasion via many ways, leading to poor response of immunotherapy. COX-2 inhibitor is suggested to restrain the immunosuppression of PGE2 and may enhance or reverse the response of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This review provides insight into the mechanism of COX-2/PGE2 signal in immunosuppressive TME and summarizes the clinical application and trials in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Pu
- Department of Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liyuan Yin
- Department of Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Huang
- Department of Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Changlong Qin
- Department of Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuwen Zhou
- Oncology Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiang Wu
- Department of Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- Department of Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu Li
- Department of Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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32
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Prostaglandin E2 Receptor 4 (EP4) as a Therapeutic Target to Impede Breast Cancer-Associated Angiogenesis and Lymphangiogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13050942. [PMID: 33668160 PMCID: PMC7956318 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13050942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of new blood (angiogenesis) and lymphatic (lymphangiogenesis) vessels are major events associated with most epithelial malignancies, including breast cancer. Angiogenesis is essential for cancer cell survival. Lymphangiogenesis is critical in maintaining tumoral interstitial fluid balance and importing tumor-facilitatory immune cells. Both vascular routes also serve as conduits for cancer metastasis. Intratumoral hypoxia promotes both events by stimulating multiple angiogenic/lymphangiogenic growth factors. Studies on tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis and its exploitation for therapy have received less attention from the research community than those on angiogenesis. Inflammation is a key mediator of both processes, hijacked by many cancers by the aberrant expression of the inflammation-associated enzyme cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2. In this review, we focus on breast cancer and showed that COX-2 is a major promoter of both events, primarily resulting from the activation of prostaglandin (PG) E receptor EP4 on tumor cells, tumor-infiltrating immune cells, and endothelial cells; and the induction of oncogenic microRNAs. The COX-2/EP4 pathway also promotes additional events in breast cancer progression, such as cancer cell migration, invasion, and the stimulation of stem-like cells. Based on a combination of studies using multiple breast cancer models, we show that EP4 antagonists hold a major promise in breast cancer therapy in combination with other modalities including immune check-point inhibitors.
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33
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Castelletti L, Yeo D, van Zandwijk N, Rasko JEJ. Anti-Mesothelin CAR T cell therapy for malignant mesothelioma. Biomark Res 2021; 9:11. [PMID: 33588928 PMCID: PMC7885509 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-021-00264-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a treatment-resistant tumor originating in the mesothelial lining of the pleura or the abdominal cavity with very limited treatment options. More effective therapeutic approaches are urgently needed to improve the poor prognosis of MM patients. Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has emerged as a novel potential treatment for this incurable solid tumor. The tumor-associated antigen mesothelin (MSLN) is an attractive target for cell therapy in MM, as this antigen is expressed at high levels in the diseased pleura or peritoneum in the majority of MM patients and not (or very modestly) present in healthy tissues. Clinical trials using anti-MSLN CAR T cells in MM have shown that this potential therapeutic is relatively safe. However, efficacy remains modest, likely due to the MM tumor microenvironment (TME), which creates strong immunosuppressive conditions and thus reduces anti-MSLN CAR T cell tumor infiltration, efficacy and persistence. Various approaches to overcome these challenges are reviewed here. They include local (intratumoral) delivery of anti-MSLN CAR T cells, improved CAR design and co-stimulation, and measures to avoid T cell exhaustion. Combination therapies with checkpoint inhibitors as well as oncolytic viruses are also discussed. Preclinical studies have confirmed that increased efficacy of anti-MSLN CAR T cells is within reach and offer hope that this form of cellular immunotherapy may soon improve the prognosis of MM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Castelletti
- Li Ka Shing Cell & Gene Therapy Program, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,Cell and Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District (SLHD), Camperdown, Australia
| | - Dannel Yeo
- Li Ka Shing Cell & Gene Therapy Program, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,Cell and Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District (SLHD), Camperdown, Australia
| | - Nico van Zandwijk
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.,Cell and Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District (SLHD), Camperdown, Australia.,Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney Local Health District (SLHD), Concord, Australia
| | - John E J Rasko
- Li Ka Shing Cell & Gene Therapy Program, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia. .,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia. .,Cell and Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District (SLHD), Camperdown, Australia. .,Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.
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34
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Xia L, Oyang L, Lin J, Tan S, Han Y, Wu N, Yi P, Tang L, Pan Q, Rao S, Liang J, Tang Y, Su M, Luo X, Yang Y, Shi Y, Wang H, Zhou Y, Liao Q. The cancer metabolic reprogramming and immune response. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:28. [PMID: 33546704 PMCID: PMC7863491 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01316-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 391] [Impact Index Per Article: 130.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The overlapping metabolic reprogramming of cancer and immune cells is a putative determinant of the antitumor immune response in cancer. Increased evidence suggests that cancer metabolism not only plays a crucial role in cancer signaling for sustaining tumorigenesis and survival, but also has wider implications in the regulation of antitumor immune response through both the release of metabolites and affecting the expression of immune molecules, such as lactate, PGE2, arginine, etc. Actually, this energetic interplay between tumor and immune cells leads to metabolic competition in the tumor ecosystem, limiting nutrient availability and leading to microenvironmental acidosis, which hinders immune cell function. More interestingly, metabolic reprogramming is also indispensable in the process of maintaining self and body homeostasis by various types of immune cells. At present, more and more studies pointed out that immune cell would undergo metabolic reprogramming during the process of proliferation, differentiation, and execution of effector functions, which is essential to the immune response. Herein, we discuss how metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells and immune cells regulate antitumor immune response and the possible approaches to targeting metabolic pathways in the context of anticancer immunotherapy. We also describe hypothetical combination treatments between immunotherapy and metabolic intervening that could be used to better unleash the potential of anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longzheng Xia
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Linda Oyang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jinguan Lin
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shiming Tan
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yaqian Han
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Nayiyuan Wu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Pin Yi
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China.,University of South China, 421001, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Lu Tang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China.,University of South China, 421001, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Qing Pan
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China.,University of South China, 421001, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Shan Rao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiaxin Liang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yanyan Tang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Min Su
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xia Luo
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yiqing Yang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yingrui Shi
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yujuan Zhou
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Qianjin Liao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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35
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Postler TS. A most versatile kinase: The catalytic subunit of PKA in T-cell biology. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 361:301-318. [PMID: 34074497 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2021.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cAMP-dependent protein kinase, more commonly referred to as protein kinase A (PKA), is one of the most-studied enzymes in biology. PKA is ubiquitously expressed in mammalian cells, can be activated in response to a plethora of biological stimuli, and phosphorylates more than 250 known substrates. Indeed, PKA is of central importance to a wide range of organismal processes, including energy homeostasis, memory formation and immunity. It serves as the primary effector of the second-messenger molecule 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), which is believed to have mostly inhibitory effects on the adaptive immune response. In particular, elevated levels of intracellular cAMP inhibit the activation of conventional T cells by limiting signal transduction through the T-cell receptor and altering gene expression, primarily in a PKA-dependent manner. Regulatory T cells have been shown to increase the cAMP levels in adjacent T cells by direct and indirect means, but the role of cAMP within regulatory T cells themselves remains incompletely understood. Paradoxically, cAMP has been implicated in promoting T-cell activation as well, adding another functional dimension beyond its established immunosuppressive effects. Furthermore, PKA can phosphorylate the NF-κB subunit p65, a transcription factor that is essential for T-cell activation, independently of cAMP. This phosphorylation of p65 drastically enhances NF-κB-dependent transcription and thus is likely to facilitate immune activation. How these immunosuppressive and immune-activating properties of PKA balance in vivo remains to be elucidated. This review provides a brief overview of PKA regulation, its ability to affect NF-κB activation, and its diverse functions in T-cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas S Postler
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States.
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36
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Musser ML, Viall AK, Phillips RL, Hostetter JM, Johannes CM. Gene expression of prostaglandin EP4 receptor in three canine carcinomas. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:213. [PMID: 32571310 PMCID: PMC7310232 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02431-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic inflammation mediated by the cyclooxygenase enzymes, specifically their product prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), can result in the development of cancer. PGE2 promotes cell proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis through interaction with its specific receptors (EP1 receptor - EP4 receptor [EP1R-EP4R]). In multiple human cancers, the expression of EP4R is associated with the development of malignancy and a poor prognosis. The expression of EP4R has not yet been evaluated in canine tumors. The aim of this study was to characterize the mRNA gene expression of EP4R (ptger4) in canine squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASACA), and transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Archived tumor samples of canine cutaneous SCC (n = 9), AGASACA (n = 9), and TCC (n = 9), and matched archived normal tissue controls were evaluated for mRNA expression of canine EP4R using RNA in situ hybridization (RNAscope®). Quantification of RNAscope® signals in tissue sections was completed with an advanced digital pathology image analysis system (HALO). Data was expressed as copy number, H-index, and percent tumor cell expression of EP4R. RESULTS In all canine SCC, AGASACA, and TCC samples evaluated, strong universal positive expression of EP4R was identified. For SCC and AGASACA, mRNA EP4R expression was statistically higher than that of their respective normal tissues. The TCC tissues displayed significantly less mRNA EP4R expression when compared to normal bladder mucosa. CONCLUSIONS These results confirm the mRNA expression of canine EP4R in all tumor types evaluated, with SCC and AGASACA displaying the highest expression, and TCC displaying the lowest expression. This study also represents the first reported veterinary evaluation of EP4R expression using the novel in situ hybridization technique, RNAscope®.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret L Musser
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA, USA.
| | - Austin K Viall
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Rachel L Phillips
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Jesse M Hostetter
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA, USA.,Present address: University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, 501 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Chad M Johannes
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA, USA
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Ching MM, Reader J, Fulton AM. Eicosanoids in Cancer: Prostaglandin E 2 Receptor 4 in Cancer Therapeutics and Immunotherapy. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:819. [PMID: 32547404 PMCID: PMC7273839 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme is frequently overexpressed in epithelial malignancies including those of the breast, prostate, lung, kidney, ovary, and liver and elevated expression is associated with worse outcomes. COX-2 catalyzes the metabolism of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. The COX-2 product prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) binds to four G-protein-coupled EP receptors designated EP1-EP4. EP4 is commonly upregulated in cancer and supports cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis through activation of multiple signaling pathways including ERK, cAMP/PKA, PI3K/AKT, and NF-κB. EP4 antagonists inhibit metastasis in preclinical models. Cancer stem cells, that underlie therapy resistance and disease relapse, are driven by the expression of EP4. Resistance to several chemotherapies is reversed in the presence of EP4 antagonists. In addition to tumor cell-autonomous roles of EP4, many EP4-positive host cells play a role in tumor behavior. Endothelial cell-EP4 supports tumor angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Natural Killer (NK) cells are critical to the mechanism by which systemically administered EP4 antagonists inhibit metastasis. PGE2 acts on EP4 expressed on the NK cell to inhibit tumor target cell killing, cytokine production, and chemotactic activity. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), that inhibit the development of cytotoxic T cells, are induced by PGE2 acting on myeloid-expressed EP2 and EP4 receptors. Inhibition of MDSC-EP4 leads to maturation of effector T cells and suppresses the induction of T regulatory cells. A number of EP4 antagonists have proven useful in dissecting these mechanisms. There is growing evidence that EP4 antagonism, particularly in combination with either chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, or immune-based therapies, should be investigated further as a promising novel approach to cancer therapy. Several EP4 antagonists have now progressed to early phase clinical trials and we eagerly await the results of those studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mc Millan Ching
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jocelyn Reader
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Amy M. Fulton
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Baltimore Veterans Administration Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
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