1
|
Bertin B, Zugman M, Schvartsman G. The Current Treatment Landscape of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma and Future Directions. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5808. [PMID: 38136353 PMCID: PMC10741667 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245808] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of malignant pleural mesothelioma is expected to increase globally. New treatment options for this malignancy are eagerly awaited to improve the survival and quality of life of patients. The present article highlights the results of recent advances in this field, analyzing data from several relevant trials. The heterogeneous tumor microenvironment and biology, together with the low mutational burden, pose a challenge for treating such tumors. So far, no single biomarker has been soundly correlated with targeted therapy development; thus, combination strategies are often required to improve outcomes. Locally applied vaccines, the expansion of genetically engineered immune cell populations such as T cells, the blockage of immune checkpoints that inhibit anti-tumorigenic responses and chemoimmunotherapy are among the most promising options expected to change the mesothelioma treatment landscape.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Bertin
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05651-901, Brazil;
| | - Miguel Zugman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05651-901, Brazil;
| | - Gustavo Schvartsman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05651-901, Brazil;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chevallier M, Kim F, Friedlaender A, Addeo A. Pleural Mesothelioma in the Era of Immunotherapy. Clin Med Insights Oncol 2023; 17:11795549231178173. [PMID: 37492425 PMCID: PMC10363857 DOI: 10.1177/11795549231178173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the course of the last decade, immunotherapy has revolutionised the management of a great number of cancer types. The treatment of pleural mesothelioma, a rare and highly aggressive cancer, is also being transformed by immunotherapy. The recent combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab improved overall survival compared with platinum-based chemotherapy, irrespective of the histology, establishing immunotherapy as a front-line standard of care in advanced pleural mesothelioma. Yet, most patients do not derive long-term benefit from any of the available therapies, and we note a significant lack of predictive and prognostic biomarkers. After progressing on first-line therapy, patients have limited therapeutic options, and data are scarce about optimal sequencing. In this perspective, we discuss the current management of pleural mesothelioma, defining what we consider to be the therapeutic sequence based on performance status and tumour histology. We also highlight promising ongoing trials that could further shape the management of this rare disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Floryane Kim
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alex Friedlaender
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Clinique General Beaulieu, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alfredo Addeo
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
The Evolving Role of Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitors in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12051757. [PMID: 36902544 PMCID: PMC10003250 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12051757] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare cancer usually caused by asbestos exposure and associated with a very poor prognosis. After more than a decade without new therapeutic options, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) demonstrated superiority over standard chemotherapy, with improved overall survival in the first and later-line settings. However, a significant proportion of patients still do not derive benefit from ICIs, highlighting the need for new treatment strategies and predictive biomarkers of response. Combinations with chemo-immunotherapy or ICIs and anti-VEGF are currently being evaluated in clinical trials and might change the standard of care in the near future. Alternatively, some non-ICI immunotherapeutic approaches, such as mesothelin targeted CAR-T cells or denditric-cells vaccines, have shown promising results in early phases of trials and are still in development. Finally, immunotherapy with ICIs is also being evaluated in the peri-operative setting, in the minority of patients presenting with resectable disease. The goal of this review is to discuss the current role of immunotherapy in the management of malignant pleural mesothelioma, as well as promising future therapeutic directions.
Collapse
|
4
|
The Chick Embryo Xenograft Model for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: A Cost and Time Efficient 3Rs Model for Drug Target Evaluation. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235836. [PMID: 36497318 PMCID: PMC9740959 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235836] [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: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) has limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Frequent inactivation of the tumour suppressors BAP1, NF2 and P16 may differentially sensitise tumours to treatments. We have established chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) xenograft models of low-passage MPM cell lines and protocols for evaluating drug responses. Ten cell lines, representing the spectrum of histological subtypes and tumour suppressor status, were dual labelled for fluorescence/bioluminescence imaging and implanted on the CAM at E7. Bioluminescence was used to assess viability of primary tumours, which were excised at E14 for immunohistological staining or real-time PCR. All MPM cell lines engrafted efficiently forming vascularised nodules, however their size, morphology and interaction with chick cells varied. MPM phenotypes including local invasion, fibroblast recruitment, tumour angiogenesis and vascular remodelling were evident. Bioluminescence imaging could be used to reliably estimate tumour burden pre- and post-treatment, correlating with tumour weight and Ki-67 staining. In conclusion, MPM-CAM models recapitulate important features of the disease and are suitable to assess drug targets using a broad range of MPM cell lines that allow histological or genetic stratification. They are amenable to multi-modal imaging, potentially offering a time and cost-efficient, 3Rs-compliant alternative to rodent xenograft models to prioritise candidate compounds from in vitro studies.
Collapse
|
5
|
Isolated BAP1 Genomic Alteration in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Predicts Distinct Immunogenicity with Implications for Immunotherapeutic Response. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225626. [PMID: 36428720 PMCID: PMC9688367 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225626] [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: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), an aggressive cancer of the mesothelial cells lining the pleural cavity, lacks effective treatments. Multiple somatic mutations and copy number losses in tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) BAP1, CDKN2A/B, and NF2 are frequently associated with MPM. The impact of single versus multiple genomic alterations of TSG on MPM biology, the immune tumor microenvironment, clinical outcomes, and treatment responses are unknown. Tumors with genomic alterations in BAP1 alone were associated with a longer overall patient survival rate compared to tumors with CDKN2A/B and/or NF2 alterations with or without BAP1 and formed a distinct immunogenic subtype with altered transcription factor and pathway activity patterns. CDKN2A/B genomic alterations consistently contributed to an adverse clinical outcome. Since the genomic alterations of only BAP1 was associated with the PD-1 therapy response signature and higher LAG3 and VISTA gene expression, it might be a candidate marker for immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Our results on the impact of TSG genotypes on MPM and the correlations between TSG alterations and molecular pathways provide a foundation for developing individualized MPM therapies.
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang S, Wan X, Lv M, Li C, Chu Q, Wang G. TMEM92 acts as an immune-resistance and prognostic marker in pancreatic cancer from the perspective of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine. EPMA J 2022; 13:519-534. [PMID: 36061829 PMCID: PMC9437164 DOI: 10.1007/s13167-022-00287-0] [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: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Pancreatic cancer presents extremely poor prognosis due to the difficulty of early diagnosis, low resection rate, and high rates of recurrence and metastasis. Immune checkpoint blockades have been widely used in many cancer types but showed limited efficacy in pancreatic cancer. The current study aimed to evaluate the landscape of tumor microenvironment (TME) of pancreatic cancer and identify the potential markers of prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy which might contribute to improve the targeted therapy strategy and efficacy in pancreatic cancer in the context of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM). Methods In the current study, a total of 382 pancreatic samples from the datasets of Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were selected. LM22 gene signature matrix was applied to quantify the fraction of immune cells based on "CIBERSORT" algorithm. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) algorithm was applied to confirm the hub-network of immune-resistance phenotype. A nomogram model based on COX and Logistic regression was constructed to evaluate the prognostic value and the predictive value of hub-gene in immune-response. The role of transmembrane protein 92 (TMEM92) in regulating cell proliferation was evaluated by MTS assay. Western blot and Real-time PCR were applied to assess the biological effects of PD-L1 inhibition by TMEM92. Moreover, the effect of TMEM92 in immunotherapy was evaluated with PBMC co-culture and by MTS assay. Results Two tumor-infiltrating immune cell (TIIC) phenotypes were identified and a weighted gene co-expression network was constructed to confirm the 167 gene signatures correlated with immune-resistance TIIC subtype. TMEM92 was further identified as a core gene of 167 gene signature network based on MCODE algorithm. High TMEM92 expression was significantly correlated with unfavorable prognosis, characterizing by immune resistance. A nomogram model and external validation confirmed that TMEM92 was an independent prognostic factor in pancreatic cancer. An elevated tumor mutation burden (TMB), mostly is consistent with commonly mutations of KRAS and TP53, was found in the high TMEM92 group. The predictive role of TMEM92 in immunotherapeutic response was also confirmed by IMvigor210 datasets. In addition, the specific biological roles of TMEM92 in cancer was explored in vitro. The results showed that abnormal overexpression of TMEM92 was significantly associated with the poor survival rate of pancreatic cancer. Moreover, we demonstrated that TMEM92 inhibit tumour immune responses of the anti-PD-1 antibody with PBMC co-culture. Conclusion The current study explored for the first time the immune-resistance phenotype of pancreatic cancer and identified TMEM92 as an innovative marker in predicting clinical outcomes and immunotherapeutic efficacy. These findings not only help to recognize high-risk and immune-resistance population which could be supplied targeted prevention, but also provide personalized medical services by intervening TMEM92 function to improve the prognosis of pancreatic cancer. In addition, the biological role of TMEM92 might reveal the potential molecular mechanisms of pancreatic cancer and lead to a novel sight for development of a PPPM approach for pancreatic cancer management. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13167-022-00287-0.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simeng Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 China
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 China
- Liaoning Province Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Shenyang, 110001 China
| | - Xing Wan
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116000 China
| | - Mengzhu Lv
- Department of Plastic Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 China
| | - Ce Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 China
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 China
- Liaoning Province Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Shenyang, 110001 China
| | - Qiaoyun Chu
- School of Basic Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069 China
| | - Guan Wang
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sun B, Dong Y, Xu J, Wang Z. Current status and progress in immunotherapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma. Chronic Dis Transl Med 2022; 8:91-99. [PMID: 35774429 PMCID: PMC9215716 DOI: 10.1002/cdt3.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Boyang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Beijing 100021 China
| | - Yiting Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Beijing 100021 China
| | - Jiachen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Beijing 100021 China
| | - Zhijie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Beijing 100021 China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rovers S, Janssens A, Raskin J, Pauwels P, van Meerbeeck JP, Smits E, Marcq E. Recent Advances of Immune Checkpoint Inhibition and Potential for (Combined) TIGIT Blockade as a New Strategy for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030673. [PMID: 35327475 PMCID: PMC8945074 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a fatal cancer type that affects the membranes lining the lungs, and is causally associated with asbestos exposure. Until recently, the first-line treatment consisted of a combination of chemotherapeutics that only had a limited impact on survival, and had not been improved in decades. With the recent approval of combined immune checkpoint inhibition for MPM, promising new immunotherapeutic strategies are now emerging for this disease. In this review, we describe the current preclinical and clinical evidence of various immune checkpoint inhibitors in MPM. We will consider the advantages of combined immune checkpoint blockade in comparison with single agent checkpoint inhibitor drugs. Furthermore, recent evidence suggests a role for T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT), an inhibitory immunoreceptor, as a novel target for immunotherapy. As this novel immune checkpoint remains largely unexplored in mesothelioma, we will discuss the potential of TIGIT blockade as an alternative therapeutic approach for MPM. This review will emphasize the necessity for new and improved treatments for MPM, while highlighting the recent advances and future perspectives of combined immune checkpoint blockade, particularly aimed at PD-L1 and TIGIT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Rovers
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (A.J.); (P.P.); (J.P.v.M.); (E.S.); (E.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Annelies Janssens
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (A.J.); (P.P.); (J.P.v.M.); (E.S.); (E.M.)
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), 2650 Edegem, Belgium;
| | - Jo Raskin
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), 2650 Edegem, Belgium;
| | - Patrick Pauwels
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (A.J.); (P.P.); (J.P.v.M.); (E.S.); (E.M.)
- Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Jan P. van Meerbeeck
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (A.J.); (P.P.); (J.P.v.M.); (E.S.); (E.M.)
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), 2650 Edegem, Belgium;
| | - Evelien Smits
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (A.J.); (P.P.); (J.P.v.M.); (E.S.); (E.M.)
| | - Elly Marcq
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (A.J.); (P.P.); (J.P.v.M.); (E.S.); (E.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Cantini L, Laniado I, Murthy V, Sterman D, Aerts JGJV. Immunotherapy for mesothelioma: Moving beyond single immune check point inhibition. Lung Cancer 2022; 165:91-101. [PMID: 35114509 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2022.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive neoplasm with low survival rates. Platinum-based chemotherapy has represented the cornerstone of treatment for over a decade, prompting the investigation of new therapeutic strategies both in the early stage of the disease and in the advanced setting. The advent of immune check-point inhibitors (ICIs) has recently revamped the enthusiasm for using immunotherapy also in MPM. However, results from first clinical trials using single immune check-point inhibition have been conflicting, and this may be mainly attributed to the lack of specific biomarkers as well as to intra- and inter- patient heterogeneity. The phase III Checkmate743 firstly demonstrated the superiority of an ICI combination (nivolumab plus ipilimumab) over chemotherapy in the first-line treatment of unresectable MPM, leading to FDA approval of this regimen and showing that moving beyond single immune check point inhibition might be a successful strategy to overcome resistance in the majority of MPM patients. In this review, we describe the emerging immunotherapy strategies for the treatment of MPM. We also discuss how refining the approach in pre-clinical studies towards a more holistic perspective (which takes into account not only genetic but also pathophysiological vulnerabilities) and strengthening multi-institutional collaboration in clinical trials is finally helping the clinical development of immunotherapy in MPM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Cantini
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Clinical Oncology, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti Ancona, Italy
| | - Isaac Laniado
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, New York University (NYU), School of Medicine/NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Vivek Murthy
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, New York University (NYU), School of Medicine/NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Daniel Sterman
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, New York University (NYU), School of Medicine/NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Joachim G J V Aerts
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Archilla-Ortega A, Domuro C, Martin-Liberal J, Muñoz P. Blockade of novel immune checkpoints and new therapeutic combinations to boost antitumor immunity. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:62. [PMID: 35164813 PMCID: PMC8842574 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02264-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy for boosting antitumoral immunity. Blockade of immune checkpoints (ICs), which regulate the activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells has proven clinical benefits. Antibodies targeting CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1 are IC-blockade drugs approved for the treatment of various solid and hematological malignancies. However, a large subset of patients does not respond to current anti-IC immunotherapy. An integrative understanding of tumor-immune infiltrate, and IC expression and function in immune cell populations is fundamental to the design of effective therapies. The simultaneous blockade of newly identified ICs, as well as of previously described ICs, could improve antitumor response. We review the potential for novel combinatory blockade strategies as antitumoral therapy, and their effects on immune cells expressing the targeted ICs. Preclinical evidence and clinical trials involving the blockade of the various ICs are reported. We finally discuss the rationale of IC co-blockade strategy with respect to its downstream signaling in order to improve effective antitumoral immunity and prevent an increased risk of immune-related adverse events (irAEs).
Collapse
|
11
|
Shi AP, Tang XY, Xiong YL, Zheng KF, Liu YJ, Shi XG, Lv Y, Jiang T, Ma N, Zhao JB. Immune Checkpoint LAG3 and Its Ligand FGL1 in Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 12:785091. [PMID: 35111155 PMCID: PMC8801495 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.785091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
LAG3 is the most promising immune checkpoint next to PD-1 and CTLA-4. High LAG3 and FGL1 expression boosts tumor growth by inhibiting the immune microenvironment. This review comprises four sections presenting the structure/expression, interaction, biological effects, and clinical application of LAG3/FGL1. D1 and D2 of LAG3 and FD of FGL1 are the LAG3-FGL1 interaction domains. LAG3 accumulates on the surface of lymphocytes in various tumors, but is also found in the cytoplasm in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. FGL1 is found in the cytoplasm in NSCLC cells and on the surface of breast cancer cells. The LAG3-FGL1 interaction mechanism remains unclear, and the intracellular signals require elucidation. LAG3/FGL1 activity is associated with immune cell infiltration, proliferation, and secretion. Cytokine production is enhanced when LAG3/FGL1 are co-expressed with PD-1. IMP321 and relatlimab are promising monoclonal antibodies targeting LAG3 in melanoma. The clinical use of anti-FGL1 antibodies has not been reported. Finally, high FGL1 and LAG3 expression induces EGFR-TKI and gefitinib resistance, and anti-PD-1 therapy resistance, respectively. We present a comprehensive overview of the role of LAG3/FGL1 in cancer, suggesting novel anti-tumor therapy strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- 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), Xi'an, China
| | - Xi-Yang Tang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan-Lu Xiong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kai-Fu Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yu-Jian Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xian-Gui Shi
- College of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yao Lv
- College of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Nan Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jin-Bo Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhou C, Liu Q, Xiang Y, Gou X, Li W. Role of the tumor immune microenvironment in tumor immunotherapy. Oncol Lett 2022; 23:53. [PMID: 34992685 PMCID: PMC8721848 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.13171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor immunotherapy is considered to be a novel and promising therapy for tumors and it has recently become a hot research topic. The clinical success of tumor immunotherapy has been notable, but it has been less than totally satisfactory because tumor immunotherapy has performed poorly in numerous patients although it has shown appreciable efficacy in some patients. A minority of patients demonstrate durable responses but the majority of patients do not respond to tumor immunotherapy as the tumor immune microenvironment is different in different patients for different tumor types. The success of tumor immunotherapy may be affected by the heterogeneity of the tumor immune microenvironment and its components, as these vary widely during neoplastic progression. The deepening of research and the development of technology have improved our understanding of the complexity and heterogeneity of the tumor immune microenvironment and its components, and their effects on response to tumor immunotherapy. Therefore, investigating the tumor immune microenvironment and its components and elucidating their association with tumor immunotherapy should improve the ability to study, predict and guide immunotherapeutic responsiveness, and uncover new therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changsheng Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, P.R. China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou 550002, P.R. China.,School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, P.R. China.,Cancer Research Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, P.R. China.,Retroperitoneal Tumor Research Center of Oncology Chapter of Chinese Medical Association, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, P.R. China
| | - Qianqian Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, P.R. China.,School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, P.R. China
| | - Yi Xiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou 550002, P.R. China
| | - Xin Gou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou 550002, P.R. China
| | - Wengang Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, P.R. China.,School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, P.R. China.,Cancer Research Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, P.R. China.,Retroperitoneal Tumor Research Center of Oncology Chapter of Chinese Medical Association, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chen BJ, Zhao JW, Zhang DH, Zheng AH, Wu GQ. Immunotherapy of Cancer by Targeting Regulatory T cells. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 104:108469. [PMID: 35008005 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells maintain immune homeostasis by inhibiting abnormal/overactive immune responses to both autogenic and nonautogenic antigens. Treg cells play an important role in immune tolerance, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, organ transplantation, and tumor diseases. Treg cells have two functional characteristics: T cell anergy and immunosuppression. Treg cells remain immune unresponsive to high concentrations of interleukin-2 and anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies. In addition, the activation of Treg cells after TCR-mediated signal stimulation inhibits the activation and proliferation of effector T cells. In the process of tumor development, Treg cells accumulate locally in the tumor and lead to tumor escape by inducing anergy and immunosuppression. It is believed that targeted elimination of Treg cells can activate tumor-specific effector T cells and improve the efficiency of cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, inhibition/clearance of Treg cells is a promising strategy for enhancing antitumor immunity. Here, we review studies of cancer immunotherapies targeting Treg cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Jin Chen
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing-Wen Zhao
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Da-Hong Zhang
- Department of Urology Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ai-Hong Zheng
- Department of Oncology Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Guo-Qing Wu
- Department of Oncology Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Banerji S, Meyers DE, Harlos C, Dawe DE. The Role of Immunotherapy in the Treatment of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Curr Oncol 2021; 28:4542-4551. [PMID: 34898559 PMCID: PMC8628656 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28060385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive malignancy arising from mesothelial cells that line the serous membranes of the body. Cytotoxic chemotherapy has been a mainstay of therapy, resulting in a modest improvement in overall survival, but toxicity limits the eligible patient population. Few targeted agents beyond bevacizumab have demonstrated superior efficacy compared to placebos. With an improved understanding of the relationship between the immune system and cancer progression, immunotherapies are playing a greater role in the treatment of many cancers. Several early- and late-phase trials in malignant pleural mesothelioma, including assessments of the first-line efficacy of combination ipilimumab/nivolumab treatment, have now demonstrated promising results for both immune checkpoint inhibition and cell-based therapies. These immune therapies are likely to play a central role in the treatment of this disease going forward.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shantanu Banerji
- CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada;
| | - Daniel E. Meyers
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 2T9, Canada;
| | - Craig Harlos
- CancerCare Manitoba, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada;
| | - David E. Dawe
- CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada;
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Harber J, Kamata T, Pritchard C, Fennell D. Matter of TIME: the tumor-immune microenvironment of mesothelioma and implications for checkpoint blockade efficacy. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e003032. [PMID: 34518291 PMCID: PMC8438820 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an incurable cancer with a dismal prognosis and few effective treatment options. Nonetheless, recent positive phase III trial results for immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in MPM herald a new dawn in the fight to advance effective treatments for this cancer. Tumor mutation burden (TMB) has been widely reported to predict ICB in other cancers, but MPM is considered a low-TMB tumor. Similarly, tumor programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression has not been proven predictive in phase III clinical trials in MPM. Consequently, the precise mechanisms that determine response to immunotherapy in this cancer remain unknown. The present review therefore aimed to synthesize our current understanding of the tumor immune microenvironment in MPM and reflects on how specific cellular features might impact immunotherapy responses or lead to resistance. This approach will inform stratified approaches to therapy and advance immunotherapy combinations in MPM to improve clinical outcomes further.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James Harber
- Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester College of Life Sciences, Leicester, UK
| | - Tamihiro Kamata
- Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester College of Life Sciences, Leicester, UK
| | - Catrin Pritchard
- Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester College of Life Sciences, Leicester, UK
| | - Dean Fennell
- Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester College of Life Sciences, Leicester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Terenziani R, Zoppi S, Fumarola C, Alfieri R, Bonelli M. Immunotherapeutic Approaches in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2793. [PMID: 34199722 PMCID: PMC8200040 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive malignant disease affecting the mesothelium, commonly associated to asbestos exposure. The current therapeutic actions, based on cisplatin/pemetrexed treatment, are limited due to the late stage at which most patients are diagnosed and to the intrinsic chemo-resistance of the tumor. Another relevant point is the absence of approved therapies in the second line setting following progression of MPM after chemotherapy. Considering the poor prognosis of the disease and the fact that the incidence of this tumor is expected to increase in the next decade, novel therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. In the last few years, several studies have investigated the efficacy and safety of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in the treatment of unresectable advanced MPM, and a number of trials with immunotherapeutic agents are ongoing in both first line and second line settings. In this review, we describe the most promising emerging immunotherapy treatments for MPM (ICIs, engineered T cells to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), dendritic cells (DCs) vaccines), focusing on the biological and immunological features of this tumor as well as on the issues surrounding clinical trial design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Roberta Alfieri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (R.T.); (S.Z.); (C.F.)
| | - Mara Bonelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (R.T.); (S.Z.); (C.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Gray SG. Emerging avenues in immunotherapy for the management of malignant pleural mesothelioma. BMC Pulm Med 2021; 21:148. [PMID: 33952230 PMCID: PMC8097826 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-021-01513-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of immunotherapy in cancer is now well-established, and therapeutic options such as checkpoint inhibitors are increasingly being approved in many cancers such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare orphan disease associated with prior exposure to asbestos, with a dismal prognosis. Evidence from clinical trials of checkpoint inhibitors in this rare disease, suggest that such therapies may play a role as a treatment option for a proportion of patients with this cancer. MAIN TEXT While the majority of studies currently focus on the established checkpoint inhibitors (CTLA4 and PD1/PDL1), there are many other potential checkpoints that could also be targeted. In this review I provide a synopsis of current clinical trials of immunotherapies in MPM, explore potential candidate new avenues that may become future targets for immunotherapy and discuss aspects of immunotherapy that may affect the clinical outcomes of such therapies in this cancer. CONCLUSIONS The current situation regarding checkpoint inhibitors in the management of MPM whilst encouraging, despite impressive durable responses, immune checkpoint inhibitors do not provide a long-term benefit to the majority of patients with cancer. Additional studies are therefore required to further delineate and improve our understanding of both checkpoint inhibitors and the immune system in MPM. Moreover, many new potential checkpoints have yet to be studied for their therapeutic potential in MPM. All these plus the existing checkpoint inhibitors will require the development of new biomarkers for patient stratification, response and also for predicting or monitoring the emergence of resistance to these agents in MPM patients. Other potential therapeutic avenues such CAR-T therapy or treatments like oncolytic viruses or agents that target the interferon pathway designed to recruit more immune cells to the tumor also hold great promise in this hard to treat cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven G Gray
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Central Pathology Laboratory, CPL 30, TCDSJ Cancer Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin, D08 RX0X, Ireland.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
- School of Biology, Technical University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Guo W, Zhang C, Qiao T, Zhao J, Shi C. Strategies for the Construction of Mouse Models With Humanized Immune System and Evaluation of Tumor Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:673199. [PMID: 33996603 PMCID: PMC8117211 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.673199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has been used as a first-line treatment for a variety of advanced tumors, allowing remarkable progress to be made in cancer treatment. Nonetheless, only a small number of patients can benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy. To improve the effect of immunotherapy, the underlying mechanism of combination therapy was investigated in the context of an intact human tumor immune microenvironment using mice with a human immune system (HIS) bearing human tumors. Herein, we summarize and discuss strategies for the development and use of HIS mice models in tumor immunotherapies. Most importantly, this review proposes a method of t11umor identification and classification in HIS mice based on the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and PD-L1 expression, and according to this classification, we propose different combination treatment strategies that can be utilized to enhance the effect of immunotherapy. Thus, we provide effective experimental schemes for tumor immunotherapy in HIS mice models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Guo
- Division of Cancer Biology, Laboratory Animal Center, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College of Yan'an University, Yanan, China
| | - Caiqin Zhang
- Division of Cancer Biology, Laboratory Animal Center, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tianyun Qiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jumei Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College of Yan'an University, Yanan, China
| | - Changhong Shi
- Division of Cancer Biology, Laboratory Animal Center, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| |
Collapse
|