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Olbromski M, Mrozowska M, Piotrowska A, Smolarz B, Romanowicz H. The VISTA/VSIG3/PSGL-1 axis: crosstalk between immune effector cells and cancer cells in invasive ductal breast carcinoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:136. [PMID: 38833004 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03701-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
A checkpoint protein called the V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) is important for controlling immune responses. Immune cells that interact with VISTA have molecules, or receptors, known as VISTA receptors. Immune system activity can be modified by the interaction between VISTA and its receptors. Since targeting VISTA or its receptors may be beneficial in certain conditions, VISTA has been studied in relation to immunotherapy for cancer and autoimmune illnesses. The purpose of this study was to examine the expression levels and interactions between VISTA and its receptors, VSIG3 and PSGL-1, in breast cancer tissues. IHC analysis revealed higher levels of proteins within the VISTA/VSIG3/PSGL-1 axis in cancer tissues than in the reference samples (mastopathies). VISTA was found in breast cancer cells and intratumoral immune cells, with membranous and cytoplasmic staining patterns. VISTA was also linked with pathological grade and VSIG3 and PSGL-1 levels. Furthermore, we discovered that the knockdown of one axis member boosted the expression of the other partners. This highlights the significance of VISTA/VSIG3/PSGL-1 in tumor stroma and microenvironment remodeling. Our findings indicate the importance of the VISTA/VSIG3/PSGL-1 axis in the molecular biology of cancer cells and the immune microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Olbromski
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Chalubinskiego 6a, 50-368, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Monika Mrozowska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Chalubinskiego 6a, 50-368, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Piotrowska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Chalubinskiego 6a, 50-368, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Beata Smolarz
- Department of Pathology, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute, 93-338, Lodz, Poland
| | - Hanna Romanowicz
- Department of Pathology, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute, 93-338, Lodz, Poland
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Kone AS, Ghouzlani A, Qandouci A, Issam Salah NEI, Bakoukou Y, Lakhdar A, Karkouri M, Badou A. High expression of BTN3A1 is associated with clinical and immunological characteristics and predicts a poor prognosis in advanced human gliomas. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1397486. [PMID: 38863709 PMCID: PMC11165028 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1397486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Gliomas represent the most prevalent and aggressive tumors within the central nervous system. Despite the current standard treatments, the median survival time for glioblastoma patients remains dismal, hovering around 14 months. While attempts have been made to inhibit the PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4/CD80-CD86 axes through immunotherapy, the outcomes have yet to demonstrate significant efficacy. The immune checkpoint Butyrophilin 3A1 (BTN3A1) can either be involved in advantageous or detrimental function depending on the cancer type. Methods In our study, we utilized a Moroccan cohort to delve into the role of BTN3A1 in gliomas. A transcriptomic analysis was conducted on 34 patients, which was then corroborated through a protein analysis in 27 patients and validated using the TCGA database (n = 667). Results Our results revealed an elevated expression of BTN3A1 in glioblastoma (grade 4), as evidenced in both the TCGA database and our cohort of Moroccan glioma patients. Within the TCGA cohort, BTN3A1 expression was notably higher in patients with wild-type IDH. We observed a positive correlation between BTN3A1 expression and immune infiltration of B cells, CD8+ T cells, naive CD4+ T cells, and M2 macrophages. Patients exhibiting increased BTN3A1 expression also presented elevated levels of TGF-β, IL-10, and TIM-3 compared to those with reduced BTN3A1 expression. Notably, patients with high BTN3A1 expression were associated with a poorer prognosis than their counterparts with lower expression. Conclussion Our findings suggest that BTN3A1 might promote the establishment of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Consequently, targeting BTN3A1 could offer novel therapeutic avenues for the management of advanced gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdou-samad Kone
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathology Laboratory (LIGEP), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Amina Ghouzlani
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathology Laboratory (LIGEP), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Ahmed Qandouci
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathology Laboratory (LIGEP), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Nour el Imane Issam Salah
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathology Laboratory (LIGEP), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Yann Bakoukou
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathology Laboratory (LIGEP), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abdelhakim Lakhdar
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Center (UHC) Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Mehdi Karkouri
- Laboratory of Pathological Anatomy, University Hospital Center (CHU) Ibn Rochd, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abdallah Badou
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathology Laboratory (LIGEP), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
- Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation, Rabat, Morocco and Mohammed VI University of Sciences and Health, Casablanca, Morocco
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Shekari N, Shanehbandi D, Kazemi T, Zarredar H, Baradaran B, Jalali SA. VISTA and its ligands: the next generation of promising therapeutic targets in immunotherapy. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:265. [PMID: 37936192 PMCID: PMC10631023 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03116-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) is a novel negative checkpoint receptor (NCR) primarily involved in maintaining immune tolerance. It has a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders and cancer and has shown promising results as a therapeutic target. However, there is still some ambiguity regarding the ligands of VISTA and their interactions with each other. While V-Set and Immunoglobulin domain containing 3 (VSIG-3) and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1(PSGL-1) have been extensively studied as ligands for VISTA, the others have received less attention. It seems that investigating VISTA ligands, reviewing their functions and roles, as well as outcomes related to their interactions, may allow an understanding of their full functionality and effects within the cell or the microenvironment. It could also help discover alternative approaches to target the VISTA pathway without causing related side effects. In this regard, we summarize current evidence about VISTA, its related ligands, their interactions and effects, as well as their preclinical and clinical targeting agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najibeh Shekari
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Dariush Shanehbandi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Tohid Kazemi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Habib Zarredar
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Seyed Amir Jalali
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Zohair B, Chraa D, Rezouki I, Benthami H, Razzouki I, Elkarroumi M, Olive D, Karkouri M, Badou A. The immune checkpoint adenosine 2A receptor is associated with aggressive clinical outcomes and reflects an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in human breast cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1201632. [PMID: 37753093 PMCID: PMC10518422 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1201632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The crosstalk between the immune system and cancer cells has aroused considerable interest over the past decades. To escape immune surveillance cancer cells evolve various strategies orchestrating tumor microenvironment. The discovery of the inhibitory immune checkpoints was a major breakthrough due to their crucial contribution to immune evasion. The A2AR receptor represents one of the most essential pathways within the TME. It is involved in several processes such as hypoxia, tumor progression, and chemoresistance. However, its clinical and immunological significance in human breast cancer remains elusive. Methods The mRNA expression and protein analysis were performed by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. The log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test was used to estimate Kaplan-Meier analysis for overall survival. Using large-scale microarray data (METABRIC), digital cytometry was conducted to estimate cell abundance. Analysis was performed using RStudio software (7.8 + 2023.03.0) with EPIC, CIBERSORT, and ImmuneCellAI algorithms. Tumor purity, stromal and immune scores were calculated using the ESTIMATE computational method. Finally, analysis of gene set enrichment (GSEA) and the TISCH2 scRNA-seq database were carried out. Results Gene and protein analysis showed that A2AR was overexpressed in breast tumors and was significantly associated with high grade, elevated Ki-67, aggressive molecular and histological subtypes, as well as poor survival. On tumor infiltrating immune cells, A2AR was found to correlate positively with PD-1 and negatively with CTLA-4. On the other hand, our findings disclosed more profuse infiltration of protumoral cells such as M0 and M2 macrophages, Tregs, endothelial and exhausted CD8+ T cells within A2ARhigh tumors. According to the Single-Cell database, A2AR is expressed in malignant, stromal and immune cells. Moreover, it is related to tumor purity, stromal and immune scores. Our results also revealed that CD8+T cells from A2ARhigh patients exhibited an exhausted functional profile. Finally, GSEA analysis highlighted the association of A2AR with biological mechanisms involved in tumor escape and progression. Conclusion The present study is the first to elucidate the clinical and immunological relevance of A2AR in breast cancer patients. In light of these findings, A2AR could be deemed a promising therapeutic target to overcome immune evasion prevailing within the TME of breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basma Zohair
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathology Laboratory (LIGEP), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Dounia Chraa
- Team Immunity and Cancer, The Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, 41068, CNRS, UMR7258, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France
| | - Ibtissam Rezouki
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathology Laboratory (LIGEP), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Hamza Benthami
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathology Laboratory (LIGEP), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Ibtissam Razzouki
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Ibn Rochd University Hospital Center, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Elkarroumi
- Mohamed VI Oncology Center, Ibn Rochd University Hospital Center, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Daniel Olive
- Team Immunity and Cancer, The Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, 41068, CNRS, UMR7258, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France
| | - Mehdi Karkouri
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Ibn Rochd University Hospital Center, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abdallah Badou
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathology Laboratory (LIGEP), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
- Mohammed VI Center for Research & Innovation, Rabat, Morocco and Mohammed VI University of Sciences and Health, Casablanca, Morocco
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Miftah H, Naji O, Ssi SA, Ghouzlani A, Lakhdar A, Badou A. NR2F6, a new immune checkpoint that acts as a potential biomarker of immunosuppression and contributes to poor clinical outcome in human glioma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1139268. [PMID: 37575237 PMCID: PMC10419227 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1139268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Intoroduction Nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group F member 6 (NR2F6) is a promising checkpoint target for cancer immunotherapy. However, there has been no investigation of NR2F6 in glioma. Our study systematically explored the clinical characteristics and biological functions of NR2F6 in gliomas. Methods We extracted RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data of 663 glioma samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) as the training cohort and 325 samples from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) as the validation cohort. We also confirmed the NR2F6 gene expression feature in our own cohort of 60 glioma patients. R language and GraphPad Prism softwares were mainly used for statistical analysis and graphical work. Results We found that NR2F6 was significantly related to high tumor aggressiveness and poor outcomes for glioma patients. Functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that NR2F6 was associated with many biological processes that are related to glioma progression, such as angiogenesis, and with multiple immune-related functions. Moreover, NR2F6 was found to be significantly correlated with stromal and immune infiltration in gliomas. Subsequent analysis based on Gliomas single-cell sequencing datasets showed that NR2F6 was expressed in immune cells, tumor cells, and stromal cells. Mechanistically, results suggested that NR2F6 might act as a potential immunosuppression-mediated molecule in the glioma microenvironment through multiple ways, such as the recruitment of immunosuppressive cells, secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines, M2 polarization of macrophages, in addition to combining with other immune checkpoint inhibitors. Conclusion Our findings indicated that intracellular targeting of NR2F6 in both immune cells and tumor cells, as well as stromal cells, may represent a promising immunotherapeutic strategy for glioma. Stromal cells, may represent a promising immunotherapeutic strategy for glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayat Miftah
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Oumayma Naji
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Saadia Ait Ssi
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Amina Ghouzlani
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abdelhakim Lakhdar
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Center (UHC) Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Morocco
- Laboratory of Research on Neurologic, Neurosensorial Diseases and Handicap, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abdallah Badou
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
- Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation, Rabat, Morocco
- Mohammed VI University of Sciences and Health, Casablanca, Morocco
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Bougras-Cartron G, Nadaradjane A, Joalland MP, Lalier-Bretaudeau L, Raimbourg J, Cartron PF. Adenosine Methylation Level of miR-125a-5p Promotes Anti-PD-1 Therapy Escape through the Regulation of IGSF11/VSIG3 Expression. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3188. [PMID: 37370798 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123188] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite encouraging anti-tumour activity in lung cancer, anti-PD-1 therapy has encountered increasing resistance to treatment. Several companion diagnostic assays have been performed to identify patients who may benefit from this immunotherapy and to adapt this therapy in case of acquired resistance. METHODS A large panel of methods was used for the analysis of expression and methylation levels of miRNAs (qPCR, MemiRIP, …), protein/miRNA interactions (CLIP, oligo pull-down, …), and protein-protein interactions (CoIP) in cells and/or blood samples. RESULTS Our work highlights that the saturation of PD-1 by anti-PD1 therapies induces an immune escape phenomenon due to the overexpression of IGSF11 following adenosine methylation of miR-125a-5p. Mechanistically, we identify METTL3/KHDRBS3 and HuR as two crucial players in the methylation and the loss of the repressive function of this miRNA. Finally, our work shows that the adenosine methylation of miR-125a-5p is analyzable from EVs/exosomes from longitudinal blood samples and that such EVs/exosomes modulate the IGSF11/VSIG3 expression in lung cancer cells to promote an immune escape phenomenon. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide a biomarker (m6A-miR-125a-5p level) and two therapeutic solutions (anti-IGSF11 antibody and METTL3 inhibitor) that could potentially address the anti-PD1 therapy failure in the context of precision and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwenola Bougras-Cartron
- CRCI2NA, INSERM, Université de Nantes, 44035 Nantes, France
- Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, 44805 Saint-Herblain, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Arulraj Nadaradjane
- CRCI2NA, INSERM, Université de Nantes, 44035 Nantes, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Joalland
- CRCI2NA, INSERM, Université de Nantes, 44035 Nantes, France
- Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, 44805 Saint-Herblain, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Lisenn Lalier-Bretaudeau
- CRCI2NA, INSERM, Université de Nantes, 44035 Nantes, France
- Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, 44805 Saint-Herblain, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Judith Raimbourg
- CRCI2NA, INSERM, Université de Nantes, 44035 Nantes, France
- Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, 44805 Saint-Herblain, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Pierre-François Cartron
- CRCI2NA, INSERM, Université de Nantes, 44035 Nantes, France
- Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, 44805 Saint-Herblain, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, 44000 Nantes, France
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Tang G, Peng J, Huo L, Yin W. An N6-methyladenosine regulation- and mRNAsi-related prognostic index reveals the distinct immune microenvironment and immunotherapy responses in lower-grade glioma. BMC Bioinformatics 2023; 24:225. [PMID: 37264314 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-023-05328-7] [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: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is involved in tumorigenesis and progression as well as closely correlated with stem cell differentiation and pluripotency. Moreover, tumor progression includes the acquisition of stemness characteristics and accumulating loss of differentiation phenotype. Therefore, we integrated m6A modification and stemness indicator mRNAsi to classify patients and predict prognosis for LGG. METHODS We performed consensus clustering, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression analysis to identify an m6A regulation- and mRNAsi-related prognostic index (MRMRPI). Based on this prognostic index, we also explored the differences in immune microenvironments between high- and low-risk populations. Next, immunotherapy responses were also predicted. Moreover, single-cell RNA sequencing data was further used to verify the expression of these genes in MRMRPI. At last, the tumor-promoting and tumor-associated macrophage polarization roles of TIMP1 in LGG were validated by in vitro experiments. RESULTS Ten genes (DGCR10, CYP2E1, CSMD3, HOXB3, CABP4, AVIL, PTCRA, TIMP1, CLEC18A, and SAMD9) were identified to construct the MRMRPI, which was able to successfully classify patients into high- and low-risk group. Significant differences in prognosis, immune microenvironment, and immunotherapy responses were found between distinct groups. A nomogram integrating the MRMRPI and other prognostic factors were also developed to accurately predict prognosis. Moreover, in vitro experiments illustrated that inhibition of TIMP1 could inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LGG cells and also inhibit the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages. CONCLUSION These findings provide novel insights into understanding the interactions of m6A methylation regulation and tumor stemness on LGG development and contribute to guiding more precise immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guihua Tang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The first affiliated hospital of Hunan Normal University, The College of Clinical Medicine of Human Normal University), Changsha, 410005, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianqiao Peng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The first affiliated hospital of Hunan Normal University, The College of Clinical Medicine of Human Normal University), Changsha, 410005, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Longwei Huo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yulin First Hospital Affiliated to Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Yulin, 719000, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Yin
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
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Singh H. Role of Molecular Targeted Therapeutic Drugs in Treatment of Glioblastoma: A Review Article. Glob Med Genet 2023; 10:42-47. [PMID: 37077370 PMCID: PMC10110362 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-57028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is remarkably periodic primary brain tumor, characterizing an eminently heterogeneous pattern of neoplasms that are utmost destructive and threatening cancers. An enhanced and upgraded knowledge of the various molecular pathways that cause malignant changes in glioblastoma has resulted in advancement of numerous biomarkers and the interpretation of various agents that pointedly target tumor cells and microenvironment. In this review, literature or information on various targeted therapy for glioblastoma is discussed. English language articles were scrutinized in plentiful directory or databases like PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Sciences, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The important keywords used for searching databases are "Glioblastoma," "Targeted therapy in glioblastoma," "Therapeutic drugs in glioblastoma," and "Molecular targets in glioblastoma."
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu Singh
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Oral Microbiology, Index Institute of Dental Sciences, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
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Rafii S, Kandoussi S, Ghouzlani A, Naji O, Reddy KP, Ullah Sadiqi R, Badou A. Deciphering immune microenvironment and cell evasion mechanisms in human gliomas. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1135430. [PMID: 37274252 PMCID: PMC10235598 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1135430] [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: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are considered one of the most malignant cancers in the body. Despite current therapies, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, these tumors usually recur with more aggressive and resistant phenotypes. Indeed, the survival following these conventional therapies is very poor, which makes immunotherapy the subject of active research at present. The anti-tumor immune response could also be considered a prognostic factor since each stage of cancer development is regulated by immune cells. However, glioma microenvironment contains malignant cells that secrete numerous chemokines, cytokines and growth factors, promoting the infiltration of immunosuppressive cells into the tumor, which limit the functioning of the immune system against glioma cells. Recently, researchers have been able to reverse the immune resistance of cancer cells and thus activate the anti-tumor immune response through different immunotherapy strategies. Here, we review the general concept of glioma's immune microenvironment and report the impact of its distinct components on the anti-tumor immune response. We also discuss the mechanisms of glioma cell evasion from the immune response and pinpoint some potential therapeutic pathways, which could alleviate such resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumaya Rafii
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathologies Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Sarah Kandoussi
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathologies Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Amina Ghouzlani
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathologies Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Oumayma Naji
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathologies Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | | | - Rizwan Ullah Sadiqi
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Abdallah Badou
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathologies Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
- Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation, Rabat, Morocco and Mohammed VI University of Sciences and Health, Casablanca, Morocco
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Rafii S, Ghouzlani A, Naji O, Ait Ssi S, Kandoussi S, Lakhdar A, Badou A. A2AR as a Prognostic Marker and a Potential Immunotherapy Target in Human Glioma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076688. [PMID: 37047660 PMCID: PMC10095519 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are considered one of the most malignant tumors in the body. The immune system has the ability to control the initiation and development of tumors, including gliomas. Thus, immune cells find themselves controlled by various molecular pathways, inhibiting their activation, such as the immunosuppressive adenosine 2A receptor (A2AR). Our objective was to establish the expression profile and role of A2AR at the transcriptomic level, using real-time RT-PCR in Moroccan glioma patients, in addition to TCGA and CGGA cohorts. The real-time RT-PCR results in Moroccan patients showed that high expression of this gene was associated with poor survival in males. Our study on the CGGA cohort corroborated these results. In addition, there was a positive association of A2AR with T-cell exhaustion genes. A2AR also correlated strongly with genes that are primarily enriched in focal adhesion and extracellular matrix interactions, inducing epithelial mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, and glioma growth. However, in the TCGA cohort, the A2AR showed results that were different from the two previously examined cohorts. In fact, this gene was instead linked to a good prognosis in patients with the astrocytoma histological type. The correlation and enrichment results reinforced the prognostic role of A2AR in this TCGA cohort, in which its high expression was shown to be related to lymphocyte differentiation and a successful cytolytic response, suggesting a more efficient anti-tumor immune response. Correlations and differential analyses based on A2AR gene expression, to understand the cause of the association of this gene with two different prognoses (CGGA males and TCGA Astrocytoma), showed that the overexpression of A2AR in Chinese male patients could be associated with the overexpression of extracellular adenosine, which binds to A2AR to induce immunosuppression and consequently a poor prognosis. However, in the second group (TCGA astrocytomas), the overexpression of the gene could be associated with an adenosine deficiency, and therefore this receptor does not undergo activation. The absence of A2AR activation in these patients may have protected them from immunosuppression, which could reflect the good prognosis. A2AR can be considered a promising therapeutic target in male CGGA and Moroccan patients with gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumaya Rafii
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathologies Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca 20000, Morocco
| | - Amina Ghouzlani
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathologies Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca 20000, Morocco
| | - Oumayma Naji
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathologies Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca 20000, Morocco
| | - Saadia Ait Ssi
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathologies Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca 20000, Morocco
| | - Sarah Kandoussi
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathologies Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca 20000, Morocco
| | | | - Abdallah Badou
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathologies Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca 20000, Morocco
- Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation, Rabat, Morocco and Mohammed VI University of Sciences and Health, Casablanca 82403, Morocco
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11
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Rezouki I, Zohair B, Ssi SA, Karkouri M, Razzouki I, Elkarroumi M, Badou A. High VISTA expression is linked to a potent epithelial-mesenchymal transition and is positively correlated with PD1 in breast cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1154631. [PMID: 37152039 PMCID: PMC10157209 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1154631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common type of tumor in women worldwide. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, particularly anti-PDL1, have shown promise as a therapeutic approach for managing this disease. However, this type of immunotherapy still fails to work for some patients, leading researchers to explore alternative immune checkpoint targets. The Ig suppressor of T cell activation domain V (VISTA) has emerged as a novel immune checkpoint that delivers inhibitory signals to T cells and has demonstrated encouraging results in various cancers. Our study investigated the association of VISTA expression with clinicopathological parameters in breast cancer patients, its involvement in the Epithelial-Mesenchymal-Transition (EMT) process, and its correlation with PD1 expression. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that VISTA was associated with lobular and metaplastic histological type, tumor size, lymph node status, ER and PR negative status, and the TNBC molecular subtype. Furthermore, VISTA expression was strongly associated with an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Immunohistochemistry analysis corroborated the transcriptomic results, indicating that VISTA was expressed in most immune cells (94%) and was significantly expressed in breast cancer tumor cells compared to matched adjacent tissues. Our study also showed for the first time that VISTA overexpression in breast cancer cells could be associated with the EMT process. Additionally, we identified a positive correlation between VISTA and PD-1 expression. Together, these results highlight the immunosuppressive effect of VISTA in breast cancer patients and suggest that bi-specific targeting of VISTA and PD-1 in combination therapy could be beneficial for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibtissam Rezouki
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Human Pathologies, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Basma Zohair
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Human Pathologies, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Saadia Ait Ssi
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Human Pathologies, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Mehdi Karkouri
- Laboratory of Pathological Anatomy, University Hospital Center (CHU) Ibn Rochd, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Ibtissam Razzouki
- Laboratory of Pathological Anatomy, University Hospital Center (CHU) Ibn Rochd, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Elkarroumi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Center (CHU) Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abdallah Badou
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Human Pathologies, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
- Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation, Rabat, Morocco, and Mohammed VI University of Sciences and Health, Casablanca, Morocco
- *Correspondence: Abdallah Badou, ; ;
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12
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Ghazi B, El Ghanmi A, Kandoussi S, Ghouzlani A, Badou A. CAR T-cells for colorectal cancer immunotherapy: Ready to go? Front Immunol 2022; 13:978195. [PMID: 36458008 PMCID: PMC9705989 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.978195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells represent a new genetically engineered cell-based immunotherapy tool against cancer. The use of CAR T-cells has revolutionized the therapeutic approach for hematological malignancies. Unfortunately, there is a long way to go before this treatment can be developed for solid tumors, including colorectal cancer. CAR T-cell therapy for colorectal cancer is still in its early stages, and clinical data are scarce. Major limitations of this therapy include high toxicity, relapses, and an impermeable tumor microenvironment for CAR T-cell therapy in colorectal cancer. In this review, we summarize current knowledge, highlight challenges, and discuss perspectives regarding CAR T-cell therapy in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bouchra Ghazi
- Faculty of Medicine, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences (UM6SS), Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Adil El Ghanmi
- Mohammed VI International University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences (UM6SS), Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Sarah Kandoussi
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Amina Ghouzlani
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abdallah Badou
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
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13
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Zhou X, Khan S, Huang D, Li L. V-Set and immunoglobulin domain containing (VSIG) proteins as emerging immune checkpoint targets for cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:938470. [PMID: 36189222 PMCID: PMC9520664 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.938470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of immune checkpoint inhibitors is becoming a promising approach to fight cancers. Antibodies targeting immune checkpoint proteins such as CTLA-4 and PD-1 can reinvigorate endogenous antitumor T-cell responses and bring durable advantages to several malignancies. However, only a small subset of patients benefit from these checkpoint inhibitors. Identification of new immune checkpoints with the aim of combination blockade of multiple immune inhibitory pathways is becoming necessary to improve efficiency. Recently, several B7 family-related proteins, TIGIT, VSIG4, and VSIG3, which belong to the VSIG family, have attracted substantial attention as coinhibitory receptors during T-cell activation. By interacting with their corresponding ligands, these VSIG proteins inhibit T-cell responses and maintain an immune suppressive microenvironment in tumors. These results indicated that VSIG family members are becoming putative immune checkpoints in cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we summarized the function of each VSIG protein in regulating immune responses and in tumor progression, thus providing an overview of our current understanding of VSIG family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zhou
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Sohail Khan
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Dabing Huang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Dabing Huang, ; Lu Li,
| | - Lu Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Dabing Huang, ; Lu Li,
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14
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Kuzevanova A, Apanovich N, Mansorunov D, Korotaeva A, Karpukhin A. The Features of Checkpoint Receptor—Ligand Interaction in Cancer and the Therapeutic Effectiveness of Their Inhibition. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092081. [PMID: 36140182 PMCID: PMC9495440 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, certain problems have been identified in cancer immunotherapy using the inhibition of immune checkpoints (ICs). Despite the excellent effect of cancer therapy in some cases when blocking the PD-L1 (programmed death-ligand 1) ligand and the immune cell receptors PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1) and CTLA4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4) with antibodies, the proportion of patients responding to such therapy is still far from desirable. This situation has stimulated the exploration of additional receptors and ligands as targets for immunotherapy. In our article, based on the analysis of the available data, the TIM-3 (T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3), LAG-3 (lymphocyte-activation gene 3), TIGIT (T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) domains), VISTA (V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation), and BTLA (B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator) receptors and their ligands are comprehensively considered. Data on the relationship between receptor expression and the clinical characteristics of tumors are presented and are analyzed together with the results of preclinical and clinical studies on the therapeutic efficacy of their blocking. Such a comprehensive analysis makes it possible to assess the prospects of receptors of this series as targets for anticancer therapy. The expression of the LAG-3 receptor shows the most unambiguous relationship with the clinical characteristics of cancer. Its inhibition is the most effective of the analyzed series in terms of the antitumor response. The expression of TIGIT and BTLA correlates well with clinical characteristics and demonstrates antitumor efficacy in preclinical and clinical studies, which indicates their high promise as targets for anticancer therapy. At the same time, the relationship of VISTA and TIM-3 expression with the clinical characteristics of the tumor is contradictory, and the results on the antitumor effectiveness of their inhibition are inconsistent.
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15
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Tang XY, Xiong YL, Shi XG, Zhao YB, Shi AP, Zheng KF, Liu YJ, Jiang T, Ma N, Zhao JB. IGSF11 and VISTA: a pair of promising immune checkpoints in tumor immunotherapy. Biomark Res 2022; 10:49. [PMID: 35831836 PMCID: PMC9277907 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-022-00394-0] [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: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has become the major treatment for tumors in clinical practice, but some intractable problems such as the low response rate and high rates of immune-related adverse events still hinder the progress of tumor immunotherapy. Hence, it is essential to explore additional immunotherapy treatment targets. In this review, we focus on the structure, expression and expression-related mechanisms, interactions, biological functions and the progress in preclinical/clinical research of IGSF11 and VISTA in tumors. We cover the progress in recent research with this pair of immune checkpoints in tumor immune regulation, proliferation, immune resistance and predictive prognosis. Both IGSF11 and VISTA are highly expressed in tumors and are modulated by various factors. They co-participate in the functional regulation of immune cells and the inhibition of cytokine production. Besides, in the downregulation of IGSF11 and VISTA, both inhibit the growth of some tumors. Preclinical and clinical trials all emphasize the predictive role of IGSF11 and VISTA in the prognosis of tumors, and that the predictive role of the same gene varies from tumor to tumor. At present, further research is proving the enormous potential of IGSF11 and VISTA in tumors, and especially the role of VISTA in tumor immune resistance. This may prove to be a breakthrough to solve the current clinical immune resistance, and most importantly, since research has focused on VISTA but less on IGSF11, IGSF11 may be the next candidate for tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Yang Tang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yan-Lu Xiong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xian-Gui Shi
- College of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ya-Bo Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - An-Ping Shi
- Department of Radiology & Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University (Air Force Medical University), 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kai-Fu Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yu-Jian Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Nan Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, 710038, Xi'an, China.
| | - Jin-Bo Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China.
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16
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Yang K, Wu Z, Zhang H, Zhang N, Wu W, Wang Z, Dai Z, Zhang X, Zhang L, Peng Y, Ye W, Zeng W, Liu Z, Cheng Q. Glioma targeted therapy: insight into future of molecular approaches. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:39. [PMID: 35135556 PMCID: PMC8822752 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01513-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 254] [Impact Index Per Article: 127.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are the common type of brain tumors originating from glial cells. Epidemiologically, gliomas occur among all ages, more often seen in adults, which males are more susceptible than females. According to the fifth edition of the WHO Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System (WHO CNS5), standard of care and prognosis of gliomas can be dramatically different. Generally, circumscribed gliomas are usually benign and recommended to early complete resection, with chemotherapy if necessary. Diffuse gliomas and other high-grade gliomas according to their molecule subtype are slightly intractable, with necessity of chemotherapy. However, for glioblastoma, feasible resection followed by radiotherapy plus temozolomide chemotherapy define the current standard of care. Here, we discuss novel feasible or potential targets for treatment of gliomas, especially IDH-wild type glioblastoma. Classic targets such as the p53 and retinoblastoma (RB) pathway and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene alteration have met failure due to complex regulatory network. There is ever-increasing interest in immunotherapy (immune checkpoint molecule, tumor associated macrophage, dendritic cell vaccine, CAR-T), tumor microenvironment, and combination of several efficacious methods. With many targeted therapy options emerging, biomarkers guiding the prescription of a particular targeted therapy are also attractive. More pre-clinical and clinical trials are urgently needed to explore and evaluate the feasibility of targeted therapy with the corresponding biomarkers for effective personalized treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyang Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhijing Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,One-Third Lab, College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wantao Wu
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zeyu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ziyu Dai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xun Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liyang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yun Peng
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Teaching and Research Section of Clinical Nursing, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weijie Ye
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenjing Zeng
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhixiong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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17
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Ghouzlani A, Lakhdar A, Rafii S, Karkouri M, Badou A. The immune checkpoint VISTA exhibits high expression levels in human gliomas and associates with a poor prognosis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21504. [PMID: 34728682 PMCID: PMC8563991 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00835-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In human gliomas, anti-tumor T cell responses are inhibited through induction of local and systemic immunosuppression. Immune checkpoint blockade is proving to be a success in several types of cancers. However, many studies reported that the treatment of glioblastoma patients with anti-CTLA-4 or anti-PD-1 has no survival benefit compared to standard chemotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the expression and role of VISTA, a newly described immune checkpoint regulator, in human gliomas. mRNA expression was assessed in a total of 87 samples from glioma patients. 57 glioma tissues were taken at different grades. 20 peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) samples were taken before surgery and ten after surgery, all from the same set of patients. As for the control, ten specimens of PBMC were taken from healthy donors. Protein expression using immunohistochemistry was performed for 30 patients. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data set, was also used to investigate VISTA expression through analysis of RNA-seq data of 667 glioma patients. In the Moroccan cohort, VISTA gene expression was significantly upregulated in glioma tissues related to PBMC of healthy donors. This high expression was specific to patient tissues since VISTA expression in PBMC was low when assessed either before or after surgery. Besides, VISTA exhibited higher expression levels in grade III/IV relative to grade I/II glioma patients. Interestingly, VISTA correlated positively with PD-1 expression. PD-1 also showed elevated expressions in higher glioma grades. The TCGA cohort corroborated these observations. Indeed, VISTA was also found to be strongly expressed in high grades. It was positively correlated with other critical immune checkpoints. Finally, increased VISTA transcript levels were associated with weak overall survival of glioma patients. Our study highlighted a correlation between high levels of VISTA expression and poor prognosis in glioma patients. VISTA might be involved in glioma progression and could be considered as a possible new therapeutic target, especially in advanced gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Ghouzlani
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abdelhakim Lakhdar
- Department of Neurosurgery, UHC Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Morocco.,Laboratory of Research on Neurologic, Neurosensorial Diseases and Handicap, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Soumaya Rafii
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Mehdi Karkouri
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco.,Department of Pathology, CHU Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abdallah Badou
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco.
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18
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Ait Ssi S, Chraa D, El Azhary K, Sahraoui S, Olive D, Badou A. Prognostic Gene Expression Signature in Patients With Distinct Glioma Grades. Front Immunol 2021; 12:685213. [PMID: 34539626 PMCID: PMC8448281 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.685213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Glioma is the most common type of primary brain tumor in adults. Patients with the most malignant form have an overall survival time of <16 months. Although considerable progress has been made in defining the adapted therapeutic strategies, measures to counteract tumor escape have not kept pace, due to the developed resistance of malignant glioma. In fact, identifying the nature and role of distinct tumor-infiltrating immune cells in glioma patients would decipher potential mechanisms behind therapy failure. Methods We integrated into our study glioma transcriptomic datasets from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort (154 GBM and 516 LGG patients). LM22 immune signature was built using CIBERSORT. Hierarchical clustering and UMAP dimensional reduction algorithms were applied to identify clusters among glioma patients either in an unsupervised or supervised way. Furthermore, differential gene expression (DGE) has been performed to unravel the top expressed genes among the identified clusters. Besides, we used the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and Cox regression algorithm to set up the most valuable prognostic factor. Results Our study revealed, following gene enrichment analysis, the presence of two distinct groups of patients. The first group, defined as cluster 1, was characterized by the presence of immune cells known to exert efficient antitumoral immune response and was associated with better patient survival, whereas the second group, cluster 2, which exhibited a poor survival, was enriched with cells and molecules, known to set an immunosuppressive pro-tumoral microenvironment. Interestingly, we revealed that gene expression signatures were also consistent with each immune cluster function. A strong presence of activated NK cells was revealed in cluster 1. In contrast, potent immunosuppressive components such as regulatory T cells, neutrophils, and M0/M1/M2 macrophages were detected in cluster 2, where, in addition, inhibitory immune checkpoints, such as PD-1, CTLA-4, and TIM-3, were also significantly upregulated. Finally, Cox regression analysis further corroborated that tumor-infiltrating cells from cluster 2 exerted a significant impact on patient prognosis. Conclusion Our work brings to light the tight implication of immune components on glioma patient prognosis. This would contribute to potentially developing better immune-based therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saadia Ait Ssi
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Dounia Chraa
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, 41068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France
| | - Khadija El Azhary
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Souha Sahraoui
- Mohammed VI Center of Oncology, CHU Ibn Rochd, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Daniel Olive
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, 41068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France
| | - Abdallah Badou
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
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19
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Ghouzlani A, Kandoussi S, Tall M, Reddy KP, Rafii S, Badou A. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Human Glioma Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2021; 12:679425. [PMID: 34305910 PMCID: PMC8301219 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.679425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors in adults. Despite the fact that they are relatively rare, they cause significant morbidity and mortality. High-grade gliomas or glioblastomas are rapidly progressing tumors with a very poor prognosis. The presence of an intrinsic immune system in the central nervous system is now more accepted. During the last decade, there has been no major progress in glioma therapy. The lack of effective treatment for gliomas can be explained by the strategies that cancer cells use to escape the immune system. This being said, immunotherapy, which involves blockade of immune checkpoint inhibitors, has improved patients' survival in different cancer types. This novel cancer therapy appears to be one of the most promising approaches. In the present study, we will start with a review of the general concept of immune response within the brain and glioma microenvironment. Then, we will try to decipher the role of various immune checkpoint inhibitors within the glioma microenvironment. Finally, we will discuss some promising therapeutic pathways, including immune checkpoint blockade and the body's effective anti-glioma immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Ghouzlani
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Sarah Kandoussi
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Mariam Tall
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Konala Priyanka Reddy
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Pleven, Pleven, Bulgaria
| | - Soumaya Rafii
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abdallah Badou
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
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