1
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Taghiloo S, Asgarian-Omran H. Cross-talk between leukemic and immune cells at the tumor microenvironment in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: An update review. Eur J Haematol 2024; 113:4-15. [PMID: 38698678 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.14224] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a mature-type B cell malignancy correlated with significant changes and defects in both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system, together with a high dependency on the tumor microenvironment. Overall, the tumor microenvironment (TME) in CLL provides a supportive niche for leukemic cells to grow and survive, and interactions between CLL cells and the TME can contribute to disease progression and treatment resistance. Therefore, the increasing knowledge of the complicated interaction between immune cells and tumor cells, which is responsible for immune evasion and cancer progression, has provided an opportunity for the development of new therapeutic approaches. In this review, we outline tumor microenvironment-driven contributions to the licensing of immune escape mechanisms in CLL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Taghiloo
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hossein Asgarian-Omran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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2
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Zuo D, Zhu Y, Wang K, Qin Y, Su Y, Lan S, Li Y, Dong S, Liang Y, Feng M. A novel LAG3 neutralizing antibody improves cancer immunotherapy by dual inhibition of MHC-II and FGL1 ligand binding. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116782. [PMID: 38776682 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116782] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
LAG3 is an inhibitory immune checkpoint expressed on activated T and NK cells. Blocking the interaction of LAG3 with its ligands MHC-II and FGL1 renders T cells improved cytotoxicity to cancer cells. Current study generated a panel of LAG3 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) through immunization of mice followed by phage display. Some of them bound to the D1-D2 domain of LAG3, which is known for the engagement of its ligands FGL1 and MHC-II. Three outperformers, M208, M226, and M234, showed stronger blocking activity than Relatlimab in the FGL1 binding. Furthermore, M234 showed dual inhibition of FGL1 (IC50 of 20.6 nM) and MHC-II binding (IC50 of 6.2 nM) to LAG3. In vitro functional tests showed that M234 significantly stimulated IFN-γ secretion from activated PBMC cells. In vivo studies in a mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma xenografts demonstrated that combining M234 IgG with GPC3-targeted bispecific antibodies significantly improved efficacy. In addition, GPC3-targeted CAR-T cells secreting IL-21-M234 scFv fusion protein exhibited enhanced activity in inhibiting tumor growth and greatly increased the survival rate of mice. Taken together, M234 has potential in cancer immunotherapy and warrants further clinical trial.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Lymphocyte Activation Gene 3 Protein
- Humans
- Mice
- Antigens, CD/immunology
- Antigens, CD/metabolism
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Ligands
- Immunotherapy/methods
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class II/immunology
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class II/metabolism
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- Liver Neoplasms/immunology
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Protein Binding
- Female
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianbao Zuo
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Yuankui Zhu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Ke Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Youjia Qin
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Yiyi Su
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Sina Lan
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Yunyi Li
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Shuang Dong
- Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, China; Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Colorectal Cancer, China; Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Colorectal Cancer, China
| | - Yinming Liang
- Center of Disease Model and Immunology, Hunan Academy of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.
| | - Mingqian Feng
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Colorectal Cancer, China; College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China.
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3
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Jiang S, Tang Y, Wang X, Guo H, Chen L, Hu G, Cui Y, Liang S, Zuo J, Luo Z, Chen X, Wang X. ARHGAP4 promotes colon cancer metastasis through the TGF-β signaling pathway and may be associated with T cell exhaustion. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 722:150172. [PMID: 38805788 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150172] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colon cancer is a prevalent invasive neoplasm in the gastrointestinal system with a high degree of malignancy. Despite extensive research, the underlying mechanisms of its recurrence and metastasis remain elusive.Rho GTPase activating protein 4 (ARHGAP4), a member of the small GTPases protein family, may be closely related to tumor metastasis, and its expression is increased in colon cancer. However, the role of ARHGAP4 in colon cancer metastasis is uncertain. This study investigates the impact of ARHGAP4 on the metastasis of colon cancer cells. Our objective is to determine the role of ARHGAP4 in regulating the invasive behavior of colon cancer cells. METHODS We downloaded colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and performed differential analysis and survival analysis. By using the CIBERSORT algorithm, we evaluated the proportion of infiltrating immune cells in colon cancer. We further analyzed whether ARHGAP4 is associated with T cell exhaustion. Finally, we investigated the impact of ARHGAP4 knockdown on the migration and invasion of colon cancer cells through in vitro cell experiments. Additionally, we utilized western blotting to assess the expression of protein related to the TGF-β signaling pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). RESULTS We found that ARHGAP4 is upregulated in colon cancer. Subsequent survival analysis revealed that the high-expression group had significantly lower survival rates compared to the low-expression group. Immune infiltration analysis showed that ARHGAP4 was not only positively correlated with CD8+ T cells, but also positively correlated with T cell exhaustion markers programmed cell death 1 (PDCD-1), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), and lymphocyte activating 3 (LAG-3). In vitro cell experiments, the knockdown of ARHGAP4 inhibited the migration and invasion of colon cancer cells. Among EMT-related proteins, when ARHGAP4 was knocked down, the expression of E-cadherin was increased, while the expression of N-cadherin and Vimentin was decreased. Meanwhile, the expression of TGF-β1, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3, which are associated with the TGF-β/Smad pathway, all decreased. CONCLUSION ARHGAP4 promotes colon cancer metastasis through the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway and may be associated with T cell exhaustion. It plays an important role in the progression of colon cancer and may serve as a potential target for diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuanghong Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No.1 South Maoyuan Road, Shunqing District, Nanchong City, 637000, Sichuan, China; Digestive Endoscopy Center, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No.1 South Maoyuan Road, Shunqing District, Nanchong City, 637000, Sichuan, China
| | - Yong Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No.1 South Maoyuan Road, Shunqing District, Nanchong City, 637000, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No.1 South Maoyuan Road, Shunqing District, Nanchong City, 637000, Sichuan, China
| | - Haiyang Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No.1 South Maoyuan Road, Shunqing District, Nanchong City, 637000, Sichuan, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No.1 South Maoyuan Road, Shunqing District, Nanchong City, 637000, Sichuan, China
| | - Guangbing Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No.1 South Maoyuan Road, Shunqing District, Nanchong City, 637000, Sichuan, China
| | - Yutong Cui
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No.1 South Maoyuan Road, Shunqing District, Nanchong City, 637000, Sichuan, China
| | - Shiqi Liang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No.1 South Maoyuan Road, Shunqing District, Nanchong City, 637000, Sichuan, China
| | - Ji Zuo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No.1 South Maoyuan Road, Shunqing District, Nanchong City, 637000, Sichuan, China
| | - Zichen Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No.1 South Maoyuan Road, Shunqing District, Nanchong City, 637000, Sichuan, China
| | - Xinrui Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No.1 South Maoyuan Road, Shunqing District, Nanchong City, 637000, Sichuan, China
| | - Xianfei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No.1 South Maoyuan Road, Shunqing District, Nanchong City, 637000, Sichuan, China; Digestive Endoscopy Center, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No.1 South Maoyuan Road, Shunqing District, Nanchong City, 637000, Sichuan, China.
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4
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Al-Danakh A, Safi M, Jian Y, Yang L, Zhu X, Chen Q, Yang K, Wang S, Zhang J, Yang D. Aging-related biomarker discovery in the era of immune checkpoint inhibitors for cancer patients. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1348189. [PMID: 38590525 PMCID: PMC11000233 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1348189] [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: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Older patients with cancer, particularly those over 75 years of age, often experience poorer clinical outcomes compared to younger patients. This can be attributed to age-related comorbidities, weakened immune function, and reduced tolerance to treatment-related adverse effects. In the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) era, age has emerged as an influential factor impacting the discovery of predictive biomarkers for ICI treatment. These age-linked changes in the immune system can influence the composition and functionality of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) that play a crucial role in the cancer response. Older patients may have lower levels of TIICs infiltration due to age-related immune senescence particularly T cell function, which can limit the effectivity of cancer immunotherapies. Furthermore, age-related immune dysregulation increases the exhaustion of immune cells, characterized by the dysregulation of ICI-related biomarkers and a dampened response to ICI. Our review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms that contribute to the impact of age on ICI-related biomarkers and ICI response. Understanding these mechanisms will facilitate the development of treatment approaches tailored to elderly individuals with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Al-Danakh
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Mohammed Safi
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yuli Jian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Glycobiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Linlin Yang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Xinqing Zhu
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Qiwei Chen
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Kangkang Yang
- Institute for Genome Engineered Animal Models of Human Diseases, National Center of Genetically Engineered Animal Models for International Research, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Shujing Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Glycobiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Deyong Yang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- Department of Surgery, Healinghands Clinic, Dalian, Liaoning, China
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5
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Liu G, Chen T, Zhang X, Hu B, Shi H. Immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated cardiovascular toxicities: A review. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25747. [PMID: 38434280 PMCID: PMC10907684 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25747] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionary effects on therapeutic strategies for multiple malignancies. Their efficacy depends on their ability to reactivate the host immune system to fight cancer cells. However, adverse reactions to ICIs are common and involve several organs, limiting their use in clinical practice. Although the incidence of cardiovascular toxicity is relatively low, it is associated with serious consequences and high mortality rates. The primary cardiovascular toxicities include myocarditis, pericarditis, Takotsubo syndrome, arrhythmia, vasculitis, acute coronary syndrome, and venous thromboembolism. Currently, the mechanism underlying ICI-associated cardiovascular toxicity remains unclear and underexplored. The diagnosis and monitoring of ICI-associated cardiovascular toxicities mainly include the following indicators: symptoms, signs, laboratory examination, electrocardiography, imaging, and pathology. Treatments are based on the grade of cardiovascular toxicity and mainly include drug withdrawal, corticosteroid therapy, immunosuppressants, and conventional cardiac treatment. This review focuses on the incidence, underlying mechanisms, clinical manifestations, diagnoses, and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guihong Liu
- Guihong Liu Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Tao Chen Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Guihong Liu Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Binbin Hu
- Guihong Liu Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huashan Shi
- Guihong Liu Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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6
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Jayawickrama SM, Ranaweera PM, Pradeep RGGR, Jayasinghe YA, Senevirathna K, Hilmi AJ, Rajapakse RMG, Kanmodi KK, Jayasinghe RD. Developments and future prospects of personalized medicine in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma diagnoses and treatments. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2024; 7:e2045. [PMID: 38522008 PMCID: PMC10961052 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.2045] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Precision healthcare has entered a new era because of the developments in personalized medicine, especially in the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This paper explores the dynamic landscape of personalized medicine as applied to HNSCC, encompassing both current developments and future prospects. RECENT FINDINGS The integration of personalized medicine strategies into HNSCC diagnosis is driven by the utilization of genetic data and biomarkers. Epigenetic biomarkers, which reflect modifications to DNA that can influence gene expression, have emerged as valuable indicators for early detection and risk assessment. Treatment approaches within the personalized medicine framework are equally promising. Immunotherapy, gene silencing, and editing techniques, including RNA interference and CRISPR/Cas9, offer innovative means to modulate gene expression and correct genetic aberrations driving HNSCC. The integration of stem cell research with personalized medicine presents opportunities for tailored regenerative approaches. The synergy between personalized medicine and technological advancements is exemplified by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications. These tools empower clinicians to analyze vast datasets, predict patient responses, and optimize treatment strategies with unprecedented accuracy. CONCLUSION The developments and prospects of personalized medicine in HNSCC diagnosis and treatment offer a transformative approach to managing this complex malignancy. By harnessing genetic insights, biomarkers, immunotherapy, gene editing, stem cell therapies, and advanced technologies like AI and ML, personalized medicine holds the key to enhancing patient outcomes and ushering in a new era of precision oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Kalpani Senevirathna
- Centre for Research in Oral Cancer, Faculty of Dental SciencesUniversity of PeradeniyaKandySri Lanka
| | | | | | - Kehinde Kazeem Kanmodi
- School of DentistryUniversity of RwandaKigaliRwanda
- Faculty of DentistryUniversity of PuthisastraPhnom PenhCambodia
- Cephas Health Research Initiative IncIbadanNigeria
- School of Health and Life SciencesTeesside UniversityMiddlesbroughUK
| | - Ruwan Duminda Jayasinghe
- Centre for Research in Oral Cancer, Faculty of Dental SciencesUniversity of PeradeniyaKandySri Lanka
- Faculty of DentistryUniversity of PuthisastraPhnom PenhCambodia
- School of Health and Life SciencesTeesside UniversityMiddlesbroughUK
- Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontology, Faculty of Dental SciencesUniversity of PeradeniyaKandySri Lanka
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7
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Boncompagni G, Tatangelo V, Lopresti L, Ulivieri C, Capitani N, Tangredi C, Finetti F, Marotta G, Frezzato F, Visentin A, Ciofini S, Gozzetti A, Bocchia M, Calzada-Fraile D, Martin Cofreces NB, Trentin L, Patrussi L, Baldari CT. Leukemic cell-secreted interleukin-9 suppresses cytotoxic T cell-mediated killing in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:144. [PMID: 38360867 PMCID: PMC10869739 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06528-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a central role in the pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), contributing to disease progression and chemoresistance. Leukemic cells shape the TME into a pro-survival and immunosuppressive niche through contact-dependent and contact-independent interactions with the cellular components of the TME. Immune synapse (IS) formation is defective in CLL. Here we asked whether soluble factors released by CLL cells contribute to their protection from cytotoxic T cell (CTL)-mediated killing by interfering with this process. We found that healthy CTLs cultured in media conditioned by leukemic cells from CLL patients or Eμ-TCL1 mice upregulate the exhaustion marker PD-1 and become unable to form functional ISs and kill target cells. These defects were more pronounced when media were conditioned by leukemic cells lacking p66Shc, a proapoptotic adapter whose deficiency has been implicated in disease aggressiveness both in CLL and in the Eμ-TCL1 mouse model. Multiplex ELISA assays showed that leukemic cells from Eμ-TCL1 mice secrete abnormally elevated amounts of CCL22, CCL24, IL-9 and IL-10, which are further upregulated in the absence of p66Shc. Among these, IL-9 and IL-10 were also overexpressed in leukemic cells from CLL patients, where they inversely correlated with residual p66Shc. Using neutralizing antibodies or the recombinant cytokines we show that IL-9, but not IL-10, mediates both the enhancement in PD-1 expression and the suppression of effector functions in healthy CTLs. Our results demonstrate that IL-9 secreted by leukemic cells negatively modulates the anti-tumor immune abilities of CTLs, highlighting a new suppressive mechanism and a novel potential therapeutical target in CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Nagaja Capitani
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | | | - Giuseppe Marotta
- Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Unit, University Hospital, Siena, Italy
| | - Federica Frezzato
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Branch, Padua University School of Medicine, Padua, Italy
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Visentin
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Branch, Padua University School of Medicine, Padua, Italy
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - Sara Ciofini
- Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gozzetti
- Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Monica Bocchia
- Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Diego Calzada-Fraile
- Immunology Unit from Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and Instituto de investigación Sanitaria La Princesa (IIS-IP), Madrid, Spain
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Noa B Martin Cofreces
- Immunology Unit from Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and Instituto de investigación Sanitaria La Princesa (IIS-IP), Madrid, Spain
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Livio Trentin
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Branch, Padua University School of Medicine, Padua, Italy
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - Laura Patrussi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
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8
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Alqurashi YE. Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) as a promising immune checkpoint in cancer immunotherapy: From biology to the clinic. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 254:155124. [PMID: 38295462 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, there have been notable advancements in the field of cancer immunotherapy, namely in the area of immune checkpoint inhibition. The Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) has garnered attention as a potentially valuable focus of study in this particular field. The present study examines the biological aspects of LAG-3, its clinical consequences, and the potential therapeutic opportunities associated with its modulation. LAG-3, similar to CD4, has a regulatory role in modulating the immune system. The upregulation of this protein inside the neoplastic milieu hampers the immune system's ability to mount an effective response, hence enabling the evasion of cancer cells from immune surveillance. The LAG-3 protein interacts with ligands, inhibiting cytotoxic immune cells such as CD8+ T cells and NK cells. The potential of LAG-3 inhibitors presents intriguing prospects. Integrating these medicines with established treatments like PD-1/PD-L1 or CTLA-4 inhibitors can broaden the range of available therapy choices and address resistance issues. The advent of personalized therapy is imminent, as evidenced by the utilization of predictive biomarkers such as LAG-3 expression to inform individualized therapeutic approaches. Additionally, inhibitors of LAG-3 exhibit promise in addressing immunological depletion and resistance by revitalizing T cells and producing durable immune responses. The realization of LAG-3's promise necessitates global collaboration and equal access. Multinational trials are expected to ascertain the efficacy of the intervention in various patient groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaser E Alqurashi
- Department of Biology, College of Science Al-zulfi, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia.
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9
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Vivier E, Rebuffet L, Narni-Mancinelli E, Cornen S, Igarashi RY, Fantin VR. Natural killer cell therapies. Nature 2024; 626:727-736. [PMID: 38383621 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06945-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes of the innate immune system. A key feature of NK cells is their ability to recognize a wide range of cells in distress, particularly tumour cells and cells infected with viruses. They combine both direct effector functions against their cellular targets and participate in the generation, shaping and maintenance of a multicellular immune response. As our understanding has deepened, several therapeutic strategies focused on NK cells have been conceived and are currently in various stages of development, from preclinical investigations to clinical trials. Here we explore in detail the complexity of NK cell biology in humans and highlight the role of these cells in cancer immunity. We also analyse the harnessing of NK cell immunity through immune checkpoint inhibitors, NK cell engagers, and infusions of preactivated or genetically modified, autologous or allogeneic NK cell products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Vivier
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France.
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France.
- APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille-Immunopôle, Marseille, France.
- Paris-Saclay Cancer Cluster, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | - Lucas Rebuffet
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Narni-Mancinelli
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Stéphanie Cornen
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France
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10
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Barshidi A, Ardeshiri K, Ebrahimi F, Alian F, Shekarchi AA, Hojjat-Farsangi M, Jadidi-Niaragh F. The role of exhausted natural killer cells in the immunopathogenesis and treatment of leukemia. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:59. [PMID: 38254135 PMCID: PMC10802000 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01428-2] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The immune responses to cancer cells involve both innate and acquired immune cells. In the meantime, the most attention has been drawn to the adaptive immune cells, especially T cells, while, it is now well known that the innate immune cells, especially natural killer (NK) cells, play a vital role in defending against malignancies. While the immune cells are trying to eliminate malignant cells, cancer cells try to prevent the function of these cells and suppress immune responses. The suppression of NK cells in various cancers can lead to the induction of an exhausted phenotype in NK cells, which will impair their function. Recent studies have shown that the occurrence of this phenotype in various types of leukemic malignancies can affect the prognosis of the disease, and targeting these cells may be considered a new immunotherapy method in the treatment of leukemia. Therefore, a detailed study of exhausted NK cells in leukemic diseases can help both to understand the mechanisms of leukemia progression and to design new treatment methods by creating a deeper understanding of these cells. Here, we will comprehensively review the immunobiology of exhausted NK cells and their role in various leukemic malignancies. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asal Barshidi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Keivan Ardeshiri
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farbod Ebrahimi
- Nanoparticle Process Technology, Faculty of Engineering, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Fatemeh Alian
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Shekarchi
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Farhad Jadidi-Niaragh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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11
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Su J, Fu Y, Cui Z, Abidin Z, Yuan J, Zhang X, Li R, Zhao C. Relatlimab: a novel drug targeting immune checkpoint LAG-3 in melanoma therapy. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1349081. [PMID: 38269271 PMCID: PMC10806167 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1349081] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Relatlimab is a type of human immunoglobulin G4 monoclonal blocking antibody. It is the world's first Lymphocyte-Activation Gene-3 (LAG-3) inhibitor and the third immune checkpoint inhibitor with clinical application, following PD-1 and CTLA-4. Relatlimab can bind to the LAG-3 receptor which blocks the interaction between LAG-3 and its ligand to reduce LAG-3 pathway-mediated immunosuppression and promote T-cell proliferation, inducing tumor cell death. On 18 March 2022, the U.S. FDA approved the fixed-dose combination of relatlimab developed by Bristol Myers Squibb with nivolumab, under the brand name Opdualag for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma in adult and pediatric patients aged 12 and older. This study comprehensively describes the mechanism of action and clinical trials of relatlimab and a brief overview of immune checkpoint drugs currently used for the treatment of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Su
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Translational Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yiting Fu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Translational Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Zitong Cui
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Translational Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Zain Abidin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, Queens, NY, United States
| | - Jingsong Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Translational Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Xinmiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Translational Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Runmin Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Translational Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Chunzhen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Translational Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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12
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Meenakshi S, Maharana KC, Nama L, Vadla UK, Dhingra S, Ravichandiran V, Murti K, Kumar N. Targeting Histone 3 Variants Epigenetic Landscape and Inhibitory Immune Checkpoints: An Option for Paediatric Brain Tumours Therapy. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:1248-1270. [PMID: 37605389 PMCID: PMC10964098 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230809110444] [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: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite little progress in survival rates with regular therapies, which do not provide complete care for curing pediatric brain tumors (PBTs), there is an urgent need for novel strategies to overcome the toxic effects of conventional therapies to treat PBTs. The co-inhibitory immune checkpoint molecules, e.g., CTLA-4, PD-1/PD-L1, etc., and epigenetic alterations in histone variants, e.g., H3K27me3 that help in immune evasion at tumor microenvironment have not gained much attention in PBTs treatment. However, key epigenetic mechanistic alterations, such as acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, sumoylation, poly (ADP)-ribosylation, and ubiquitination in histone protein, are greatly acknowledged. The crucial checkpoints in pediatric brain tumors are cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PDL1), OX-2 membrane glycoprotein (CD200), and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). This review covers the state of knowledge on the role of multiple co-inhibitory immunological checkpoint proteins and histone epigenetic alterations in different cancers. We further discuss the processes behind these checkpoints, cell signalling, the current scenario of clinical and preclinical research and potential futuristic opportunities for immunotherapies in the treatment of pediatric brain tumors. Conclusively, this article further discusses the possibilities of these interventions to be used for better therapy options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarasa Meenakshi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali- 844102, Bihar, India
| | - Krushna Ch Maharana
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali- 844102, Bihar, India
| | - Lokesh Nama
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali- 844102, Bihar, India
| | - Udaya Kumar Vadla
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali- 844102, Bihar, India
| | - Sameer Dhingra
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali- 844102, Bihar, India
| | - Velayutham Ravichandiran
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali- 844102, Bihar, India
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali- 844102, Bihar, India
| | - Krishna Murti
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali- 844102, Bihar, India
| | - Nitesh Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali- 844102, Bihar, India
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13
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Yakubovich E, Cook DP, Rodriguez GM, Vanderhyden BC. Mesenchymal ovarian cancer cells promote CD8 + T cell exhaustion through the LGALS3-LAG3 axis. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2023; 9:61. [PMID: 38086828 PMCID: PMC10716312 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-023-00322-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells often metastasize by undergoing an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Although abundance of CD8+ T-cells in the tumor microenvironment correlates with improved survival, mesenchymal cancer cells acquire greater resistance to antitumor immunity in some cancers. We hypothesized the EMT modulates the immune response to ovarian cancer. Here we show that cancer cells from infiltrated/inflamed tumors possess more mesenchymal cells, than excluded and desert tumors. We also noted high expression of LGALS3 is associated with EMT in vivo, a finding validated with in vitro EMT models. Dissecting the cellular communications among populations in the tumor revealed that mesenchymal cancer cells in infiltrated tumors communicate through LGALS3 to LAG3 receptor expressed by CD8+ T cells. We found CD8+ T cells express high levels of LAG3, a marker of T cell exhaustion. The results indicate that EMT in ovarian cancer cells promotes interactions between cancer cells and T cells through the LGALS3 - LAG3 axis, which could increase T cell exhaustion in infiltrated tumors, dampening antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Yakubovich
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Center for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - David P Cook
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Galaxia M Rodriguez
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Center for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Barbara C Vanderhyden
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Center for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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14
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Li Y, Ju M, Miao Y, Zhao L, Xing L, Wei M. Advancement of anti-LAG-3 in cancer therapy. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23236. [PMID: 37846808 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301018r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have effectively transformed the treatment of many cancers, particularly those highly devastating malignancies. With their widespread popularity, the drawbacks of immune checkpoint inhibitors are also recognized, such as drug resistance and immune-related systematic side effects. Thus, it never stops investigating novel immune checkpoint inhibitors. Lymphocyte Activation Gene-3 (LAG-3) is a well-established co-inhibitory receptor that performs negative regulation on immune responses. Recently, a novel FDA-approved LAG-3 blocking agent, together with nivolumab as a new combinational immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma, brought LAG-3 back into focus. Clinical data suggests that anti-LAG-3 agents can amplify the therapeutic response of other immune checkpoint inhibitors with manageable side effects. In this review, we elucidate the intercellular and intracellular mechanisms of LAG-3, clarify the current understanding of LAG-3 in the tumor microenvironment, identify present LAG-3-associated therapeutic agents, discuss current LAG-3-involving clinical trials, and eventually address future prospects for LAG-3 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunong Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Mingyi Ju
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Yuxi Miao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Lijuan Xing
- Precision Laboratory, Panjin Central Hospital, Panjin, P.R. China
| | - Minjie Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
- Shenyang Kangwei Medical Laboratory Analysis Co. Ltd, Shenyang, P.R. China
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15
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Tsumura A, Levis D, Tuscano JM. Checkpoint inhibition in hematologic malignancies. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1288172. [PMID: 37920162 PMCID: PMC10619902 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1288172] [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: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Checkpoint inhibitor therapy has emerged as an effective therapeutic strategy for many types of malignancies, especially in solid tumors. Within the last two decades, numerous monoclonal antibody drugs targeting the CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint pathways have seen FDA approval. Within hematologic malignancies, Hodgkin Lymphoma has seen the greatest clinical benefits thus far with more recent data showing efficacy in the front-line setting. As our understanding of checkpoint inhibition expands, using these pathways as a therapeutic target has shown some utility in the treatment of other hematologic malignancies as well, primarily in the relapsed/refractory settings. Checkpoint inhibition also appears to have a role as a synergistic agent to augment clinical responses to other forms of therapy such as hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Moreover, alternative checkpoint molecules that bypass the well-studied CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 pathways have emerged as exciting new therapeutic targets. Most excitingly is the use of anti-CD47 blockade in the treatment of high risk MDS and TP-53 mutated AML. Overall, there has been tremendous progress in understanding the benefits of checkpoint inhibition in hematologic malignancies, but further studies are needed in all areas to best utilize these agents. This is a review of the most recent developments and progress in Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in Hematologic Malignancies in the last decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Tsumura
- Division of Malignant Hematology/Cellular Therapy and Transplantation, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Daniel Levis
- School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Joseph M. Tuscano
- Division of Malignant Hematology/Cellular Therapy and Transplantation, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
- School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
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16
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Taghiloo S, Asgarian-Omran H. Current Approaches of Immune Checkpoint Therapy in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2023; 24:1408-1438. [PMID: 37561383 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-023-01129-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Increasing understanding of the complex interaction between leukemic and immune cells, which is responsible for tumor progression and immune evasion, has paved the way for the development of novel immunotherapy approaches in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). One of the well-known immune escape mechanisms of tumor cells is the up-regulation of immune checkpoint molecules. In recent years, targeting immune checkpoint receptors is the most clinically effective immunotherapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. In this regard, various immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) drugs are currently been investigating for their potential effects on improving anti-tumor immune response and clinical efficacy in the hematological malignancies; however, their effectiveness in patients with CLL has shown less remarkable success, and ongoing research is focused on identifying strategies to enhance the efficacy of ICB in CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Taghiloo
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hossein Asgarian-Omran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
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17
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Cai L, Li Y, Tan J, Xu L, Li Y. Targeting LAG-3, TIM-3, and TIGIT for cancer immunotherapy. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:101. [PMID: 37670328 PMCID: PMC10478462 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01499-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In one decade, immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) has become a new pillar of cancer treatment following surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. However, not all cancer patients benefit from single or combination therapy with anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies. Thus, an increasing number of immune checkpoint proteins (ICPs) have been screened and their effectiveness evaluated in preclinical and clinical trials. Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain-containing-3 (TIM-3), and T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) domain (TIGIT) constitute the second wave of immunotherapy targets that show great promise for use in the treatment of solid tumors and leukemia. To promote the research and clinical application of ICBs directed at these targets, we summarize their discovery, immunotherapy mechanism, preclinical efficiency, and clinical trial results in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letong Cai
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yuchen Li
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jiaxiong Tan
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Ling Xu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Yangqiu Li
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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Ocaña-Guzmán R, Osorio-Pérez D, Chavez-Galan L. Opportunistic Infections and Immune-Related Adverse Events Associated with Administering Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Narrative Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1119. [PMID: 37631034 PMCID: PMC10458516 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081119] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Manipulating the immune system by blocking the immune checkpoint receptors is the basis of immunotherapy, a relevant tool in current clinical oncology. The strategy of blocking the immune checkpoints (Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, ICI) consists of using monoclonal antibodies to inhibit the interaction between ligand and inhibitory receptors from triggering a complete activation of helper and cytotoxic T cells to fight against tumour cells. Immunotherapy has benefited patients with diverse cancers such as stomach, lung, melanoma, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, among others. Unfortunately, a growing number of reports have indicated that the ICI treatment also can show a dark side under specific conditions; some of the adverse effects induced by ICI are immunosuppression, opportunistic infections, and organ-specific alterations. This review discusses some immunologic aspects related to these unwanted effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranferi Ocaña-Guzmán
- Laboratory of Integrative Immunology, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosio Villegas, Mexico City 14080, Mexico;
| | - Diego Osorio-Pérez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital de la Mujer, Mexico City 11340, Mexico;
| | - Leslie Chavez-Galan
- Laboratory of Integrative Immunology, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosio Villegas, Mexico City 14080, Mexico;
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Lee H, Yoon SE, Kim SJ, Kim WS, Cho J. A unique expression pattern of LAG3 distinct from that of other immune checkpoints in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Cancer Med 2023; 12:16359-16369. [PMID: 37326144 PMCID: PMC10469648 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6268] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although some patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) show a response to immunotherapy, there are still many who do not respond. This suggests that various immune checkpoints are complicatedly intertwined in the composition of the tumor microenvironment of DLBCL. PATIENTS AND METHODS To comprehensively understand the expression of various immune checkpoint genes in DLBCL, we performed NanoString assay in 98 patients to investigate 579 genes. In addition, we performed immunohistochemistry for LAG-3 and PD-L1 to compare the results with expression in NanoString assay. RESULTS As a result of hierarchical clustering of NanoString assay, 98 DLBCLs were classified into three tumor immune microenvironment clusters. Most immune checkpoint genes showed the highest expression in cluster A and the lowest in cluster C. However, the expression of LAG3 was the highest in cluster C and the lowest in cluster A, showing an expression pattern opposite to that of other immune checkpoint genes. In Cluster A, the expression of genes related to T-cell activity such as CD8A and GZMB was increased. In Cluster C, the expression of genes related to major histocompatibility complex molecules was the highest. Immunohistochemical stains showed modest agreement with the NanoString results but did not help clustering. CONCLUSION Our results show that the unique expression pattern of LAG3 in DLBCL contrasts with that of other immune checkpoints. We suggest that the combination of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 and anti-LAG-3 blockades in the immunotherapy of DLBCL patients can have a synergistic effect, improving the immunotherapy efficacy and outcome in DLBCL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunjee Lee
- Department of PathologySamsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of MedicineSeoulSouth Korea
| | - Sang Eun Yoon
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of MedicineSamsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of MedicineSeoulSouth Korea
| | - Seok Jin Kim
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of MedicineSamsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of MedicineSeoulSouth Korea
| | - Won Seog Kim
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of MedicineSamsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of MedicineSeoulSouth Korea
| | - Junhun Cho
- Department of PathologySamsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of MedicineSeoulSouth Korea
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20
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Kreidieh FY, Tawbi HA. The introduction of LAG-3 checkpoint blockade in melanoma: immunotherapy landscape beyond PD-1 and CTLA-4 inhibition. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2023; 15:17588359231186027. [PMID: 37484526 PMCID: PMC10357068 DOI: 10.1177/17588359231186027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite major advances with immunotherapy and targeted therapy in the past decade, metastatic melanoma continues to be a deadly disease for close to half of all patients. Over the past decade, advancement in immune profiling and a deeper understanding of the immune tumor microenvironment (TME) have enabled the development of novel approaches targeting and a multitude of targets being investigated for the immunotherapy of melanoma. However, to date, immune checkpoint blockade has remained the most successful with programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) inhibitors, alone or in combination, yielding the most robust and durable clinical outcome in patients with metastatic melanoma. The highest rate of durable responses is achieved with the combination with PD-1 and CTLA-4 inhibition, and is effective in a variety of settings including brain metastases; however, it comes at the expense of a multitude of life-threatening toxicities occurring in up to 60% of patients. This has also established melanoma as the forefront of immuno-oncology (IO) drug development, and the search for novel checkpoints has been ongoing with multiple relevant targets including T-cell immunoglobulin and mucinodomain containing-3 (TIM-3), LAG-3, V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor T-cell activation (VISTA), T-cell immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) domain (TIGIT), among others. Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), which is a co-inhibitory receptor on T cells that suppress their activation, has revolutionized immunomodulation in melanoma. The 'game changing' results from the RELATIVITY-047 trial validated LAG-3 blockade as a relevant biological target and established it as the third clinically relevant immune checkpoint. Importantly, LAG-3 inhibition in combination with PD-1 inhibition offered impressive efficacy with modest increases in toxicity over single agent PD-1 inhibitor and has been U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved for the first-line therapy of patients with metastatic melanoma. The efficacy of this combination in patients with untreated brain or leptomeningeal metastases or with rare melanoma types, such as uveal melanoma, remains to be established. The challenge remains to elucidate specific mechanisms of response and resistance to LAG-3 blockade and to extend its benefits to other malignancies. Ongoing trials are studying the combination of LAG-3 antibodies with PD-1 inhibitors in multiple cancers and settings. The low toxicity of the combination may also allow for further layering of additional therapeutic approaches such as chemotherapy, oncolytic viruses, cellular therapies, and possibly novel cytokines, among others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firas Y. Kreidieh
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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21
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Ibrahim R, Saleh K, Chahine C, Khoury R, Khalife N, Cesne AL. LAG-3 Inhibitors: Novel Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Changing the Landscape of Immunotherapy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1878. [PMID: 37509517 PMCID: PMC10377063 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most important steps forward in the management of cancer was the discovery of immunotherapy. It has become an essential pillar in the treatment paradigm of cancer patients. Unfortunately, despite the various options presented with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), the benefit is still limited to select patients and the vast majority of these patients gain either minimal benefit or eventually progress, leaving an unmet need for the development of novel therapeutic agents and strategies. Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), an immune checkpoint receptor protein, is a molecule found on the surface of activated T-cells. It plays a major role in negatively regulating T-cell function thereby providing tumors with an immune escape in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Given its importance in regulating the immune system, LAG-3 has been considered as a promising target in oncology and precision medicine. To date, two LAG-3-directed agents (eftilagimod alpha and relatlimab) have been approved in combination with programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors in the setting of advanced solid tumors. In this review, we discuss the structure of LAG-3, its mechanism of action, and its interaction with its ligands. We also shed light on the emerging treatments targeting LAG-3 for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ibrahim
- International Department, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Khalil Saleh
- International Department, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Claude Chahine
- International Department, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Rita Khoury
- International Department, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Nadine Khalife
- Department of head and neck Oncology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Axel Le Cesne
- International Department, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 94800 Villejuif, France
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22
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Krone P, Wolff A, Teichmann J, Maennicke J, Henne J, Engster L, Salewski I, Bergmann W, Junghanss C, Maletzki C. Short-term immune-checkpoint inhibition partially rescues perturbed bone marrow hematopoiesis in mismatch-repair deficient tumors. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2230669. [PMID: 37396958 PMCID: PMC10312035 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2230669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Wide-spread cancer-related immunosuppression often curtails immune-mediated antitumoral responses. Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become a state-of-the-art treatment modality for mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) tumors. Still, the impact of ICI-treatment on bone marrow perturbations is largely unknown. Using anti-PD1 and anti-LAG-3 ICI treatments, we here investigated the effect of bone marrow hematopoiesis in tumor-bearing Msh2loxP/loxP;TgTg(Vil1-cre) mice. The OS under anti-PD1 antibody treatment was 7.0 weeks (vs. 3.3 weeks and 5.0 weeks, control and isotype, respectively). In the anti-LAG-3 antibody group, OS was 13.3 weeks and thus even longer than in the anti-PD1 group (p = 0.13). Both ICIs induced a stable disease and reduced circulating and splenic regulatory T cells. In the bone marrow, a perturbed hematopoiesis was identified in tumor-bearing control mice, which was partially rescued by ICI treatment. In particular, B cell precursors and innate lymphoid progenitors were significantly increased upon anti-LAG-3 therapy to levels seen in tumor-free control mice. Additional normalizing effects of ICI treatment were observed for lin-c-Kit+IRF8+ hematopoietic stem cells, which function as a "master" negative regulator of the formation of polymorphonuclear-myeloid-derived suppressor cell generation. Accompanying immunofluorescence on the TME revealed significantly reduced numbers of CD206+F4/80+ and CD163+ tumor-associated M2 macrophages and CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells especially upon anti-LAG-3 treatment. This study confirms the perturbed hematopoiesis in solid cancer. Anti-LAG-3 treatment partially restores normal hematopoiesis. The interference of anti-LAG-3 with suppressor cell populations in otherwise inaccessible niches renders this ICI very promising for subsequent clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Krone
- Department of Medicine, Clinic III – Hematology, Oncology, Palliative Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Annabell Wolff
- Department of Medicine, Clinic III – Hematology, Oncology, Palliative Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Julia Teichmann
- Department of Medicine, Clinic III – Hematology, Oncology, Palliative Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Johanna Maennicke
- Department of Medicine, Clinic III – Hematology, Oncology, Palliative Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Julia Henne
- Department of Medicine, Clinic III – Hematology, Oncology, Palliative Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Leonie Engster
- Department of Medicine, Clinic III – Hematology, Oncology, Palliative Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Inken Salewski
- Department of Medicine, Clinic III – Hematology, Oncology, Palliative Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Wendy Bergmann
- Core Facility for Cell Sorting & Cell Analysis, Laboratory for Clinical Immunology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Christian Junghanss
- Department of Medicine, Clinic III – Hematology, Oncology, Palliative Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Claudia Maletzki
- Department of Medicine, Clinic III – Hematology, Oncology, Palliative Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
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23
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Manso T, Kushwaha A, Abdollahi N, Duroux P, Giudicelli V, Kossida S. Mechanisms of action of monoclonal antibodies in oncology integrated in IMGT/mAb-DB. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1129323. [PMID: 37215135 PMCID: PMC10196129 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1129323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer cells activate different immune checkpoint (IC) pathways in order to evade immunosurveillance. Immunotherapies involving ICs either block or stimulate these pathways and enhance the efficiency of the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. In this way, the development of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting ICs has significant success in cancer treatment. Recently, a systematic description of the mechanisms of action (MOA) of the mAbs has been introduced in IMGT/mAb-DB, the IMGT® database dedicated to mAbs for therapeutic applications. The characterization of these antibodies provides a comprehensive understanding of how mAbs work in cancer. Methods In depth biocuration taking advantage of the abundant literature data as well as amino acid sequence analyses from mAbs managed in IMGT/2Dstructure-DB, the IMGT® protein database, allowed to define a standardized and consistent description of the MOA of mAbs targeting immune checkpoints in cancer therapy. Results A fine description and a standardized graphical representation of the MOA of selected mAbs are integrated within IMGT/mAb-DB highlighting two main mechanisms in cancer immunotherapy, either Blocking or Agonist. In both cases, the mAbs enhance cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)-mediated anti-tumor immune response (Immunostimulant effect) against tumor cells. On the one hand, mAbs targeting co-inhibitory receptors may have a functional Fc region to increase anti-tumor activity by effector properties that deplete Treg cells (Fc-effector function effect) or may have limited FcγR binding to prevent Teff cells depletion and reduce adverse events. On the other hand, agonist mAbs targeting co-stimulatory receptors may bind to FcγRs, resulting in antibody crosslinking (FcγR crosslinking effect) and substantial agonism. Conclusion In IMGT/mAb-DB, mAbs for cancer therapy are characterized by their chains, domains and sequence and by several therapeutic metadata, including their MOA. MOAs were recently included as a search criterion to query the database. IMGT® is continuing standardized work to describe the MOA of mAbs targeting additional immune checkpoints and novel molecules in cancer therapy, as well as expanding this study to other clinical domains.
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24
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Bruss C, Kellner K, Albert V, Hutchinson JA, Seitz S, Ortmann O, Brockhoff G, Wege AK. Immune Checkpoint Profiling in Humanized Breast Cancer Mice Revealed Cell-Specific LAG-3/PD-1/TIM-3 Co-Expression and Elevated PD-1/TIM-3 Secretion. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092615. [PMID: 37174080 PMCID: PMC10177290 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092615] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Checkpoint blockade is particularly based on PD-1/PD-L1-inhibiting antibodies. However, an efficient immunological tumor defense can be blocked not only by PD-(L)1 but also by the presence of additional immune checkpoint molecules. Here, we investigated the co-expression of several immune checkpoint proteins and the soluble forms thereof (e.g., PD-1, TIM-3, LAG-3, PD-L1, PD-L2 and others) in humanized tumor mice (HTM) simultaneously harboring cell line-derived (JIMT-1, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7) or patient-derived breast cancer and a functional human immune system. We identified tumor-infiltrating T cells with a triple-positive PD-1, LAG-3 and TIM-3 phenotype. While PD-1 expression was increased in both the CD4 and CD8 T cells, TIM-3 was found to be upregulated particularly in the cytotoxic T cells in the MDA-MB-231-based HTM model. High levels of soluble TIM-3 and galectin-9 (a TIM-3 ligand) were detected in the serum. Surprisingly, soluble PD-L2, but only low levels of sPD-L1, were found in mice harboring PD-L1-positive tumors. Analysis of a dataset containing 3039 primary breast cancer samples on the R2 Genomics Analysis Platform revealed increased TIM-3, galectin-9 and LAG-3 expression, not only in triple-negative breast cancer but also in the HER2+ and hormone receptor-positive breast cancer subtypes. These data indicate that LAG-3 and TIM-3 represent additional key molecules within the breast cancer anti-immunity landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Bruss
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Kellner
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Veruschka Albert
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - James A Hutchinson
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Seitz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Olaf Ortmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gero Brockhoff
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Anja K Wege
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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25
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Sordo-Bahamonde C, Lorenzo-Herrero S, Martínez-Pérez A, Gonzalez-Rodriguez AP, Payer ÁR, González-García E, Aguilar-García C, González-Rodríguez S, López-Soto A, García-Torre A, Gonzalez S. BTLA dysregulation correlates with poor outcome and diminished T cell-mediated antitumor responses in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023:10.1007/s00262-023-03435-1. [PMID: 37041226 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03435-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) progressively develop marked immunosuppression, dampening innate and adaptive-driven antitumor responses. However, the underlying mechanisms promoting immune exhaustion are largely unknown. Herein, we provide new insights into the role of BTLA/HVEM axis promoting defects in T cell-mediated responses against leukemic cells. Increased expression of BTLA, an inhibitory immune checkpoint, was detected on the surface of CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocytes in patients with CLL. Moreover, high levels of BTLA on CD4 + T cells correlated with diminished time to treatment. Signaling through BTLA activation led to decreased IL-2 and IFN-γ production ex vivo, whereas BTLA/HVEM binding disruption enhanced IFN-γ + CD8 + T lymphocytes. Accordingly, BTLA blockade in combination with bispecific anti-CD3/anti-CD19 antibody promoted CD8 + T cell-mediated anti-leukemic responses. Finally, treatment with an anti-BLTA blocking monoclonal antibody alone or in combination with ibrutinib-induced leukemic cell depletion in vitro. Altogether, our data reveal that BTLA dysregulation has a prognostic role and is limiting T cell-driven antitumor responses, thus providing new insights about immune exhaustion in patients with CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sordo-Bahamonde
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain.
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Seila Lorenzo-Herrero
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Alejandra Martínez-Pérez
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Ana P Gonzalez-Rodriguez
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Ángel R Payer
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Esther González-García
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital de Cabueñes, 33203, Gijón, Spain
| | - Candelaria Aguilar-García
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Sara González-Rodríguez
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006, PharmacologyOviedo, Spain
| | - Alejandro López-Soto
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad of Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Alejandra García-Torre
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Segundo Gonzalez
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain.
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006, Oviedo, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain.
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26
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Systematic Evaluation of Antigenic Stimulation in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Humoral Immunity as Biomarkers for Disease Evolution. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030891. [PMID: 36765855 PMCID: PMC9913429 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030891] [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] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia in the Western world. Studies of CLL antibody reactivity have shown differential targets to autoantigens and antimicrobial molecular motifs that support the current hypothesis of CLL pathogenesis. METHODS In this study, we conducted a quantitative serum analysis of 7 immunoglobulins in CLL and monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) patients (bead-suspension protein arrays) and a serological profile (IgG and IgM) study of autoantibodies and antimicrobial antigens (protein microarrays). RESULTS Significant differences in the IgA levels were observed according to disease progression and evolution as well as significant alterations in IgG1 according to IGHV mutational status. More representative IgG autoantibodies in the cohort were against nonmutagenic proteins and IgM autoantibodies were against vesicle proteins. Antimicrobial IgG and IgM were detected against microbes associated with respiratory tract infections. CONCLUSIONS Quantitative differences in immunoglobulin serum levels could be potential biomarkers for disease progression. In the top 5 tumoral antigens, we detected autoantibodies (IgM and IgG) against proteins related to cell homeostasis and metabolism in the studied cohort. The top 5 microbial antigens were associated with respiratory and gastrointestinal infections; moreover, the subsets with better prognostics were characterized by a reactivation of Cytomegalovirus. The viral humoral response could be a potential prognosis biomarker for disease progression.
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27
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Dutta S, Ganguly A, Chatterjee K, Spada S, Mukherjee S. Targets of Immune Escape Mechanisms in Cancer: Basis for Development and Evolution of Cancer Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020218. [PMID: 36829496 PMCID: PMC9952779 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has emerged as a novel therapeutic tool for cancer therapy in the last decade. Unfortunately, a small number of patients benefit from approved immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Therefore, multiple studies are being conducted to find new ICIs and combination strategies to improve the current ICIs. In this review, we discuss some approved immune checkpoints, such as PD-L1, PD-1, and CTLA-4, and also highlight newer emerging ICIs. For instance, HLA-E, overexpressed by tumor cells, represents an immune-suppressive feature by binding CD94/NKG2A, on NK and T cells. NKG2A blockade recruits CD8+ T cells and activates NK cells to decrease the tumor burden. NKG2D acts as an NK cell activating receptor that can also be a potential ICI. The adenosine A2A and A2B receptors, CD47-SIRPα, TIM-3, LAG-3, TIGIT, and VISTA are targets that also contribute to cancer immunoresistance and have been considered for clinical trials. Their antitumor immunosuppressive functions can be used to develop blocking antibodies. PARPs, mARTs, and B7-H3 are also other potential targets for immunosuppression. Additionally, miRNA, mRNA, and CRISPR-Cas9-mediated immunotherapeutic approaches are being investigated with great interest. Pre-clinical and clinical studies project these targets as potential immunotherapeutic candidates in different cancer types for their robust antitumor modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shovan Dutta
- The Center for Immunotherapy & Precision Immuno-Oncology (CITI), Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Anirban Ganguly
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar 814152, India
| | | | - Sheila Spada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (S.M.)
| | - Sumit Mukherjee
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (S.M.)
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28
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Soldi LR, Silva VLC, Rabelo DH, Uehara IA, Silva MJB. Reactivation of natural killer cells with monoclonal antibodies in the microenvironment of malignant neoplasms. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023:10.1007/s00432-023-04575-8. [PMID: 36633682 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04575-8] [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: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer cells are critical players in the antitumor immune response due to their ability to destroy target cells through cytotoxic activity and other means. However, this response is inhibited in the tumor microenvironment, where a crippling hypoxic environment and several inhibitory molecules bind to NK cells to trigger an anergic state. Inhibitory receptors such as PD-1, NK2GA, KIR, TIGIT, and LAG-3 have been associated with inhibition of NK cells in multiple cancer types. Binding to these receptors leads to loss of cytotoxicity, lower proliferation and metabolic rates, and even apoptosis. While these receptors are important for avoiding auto-immunity, in a pathological setting like malignant neoplasms they are disadvantageous for the individual's immune system to combat cancer cells. The use of monoclonal antibodies to block these receptors contributes to cancer therapy by preventing the inhibition of NK cells. In this review, the impact of NK cell inhibition and activation on cancer therapy was summarized and an overview of the blockade of inhibitory pathways by monoclonal antibodies was provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Ricardo Soldi
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.,Tumor Biomarkers and Osteoimmunology Laboratory, Av. Pará - 1720 - Block 6T, Room 07 - District Umuarama, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Applied Immunology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Victor Luigi Costa Silva
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.,Tumor Biomarkers and Osteoimmunology Laboratory, Av. Pará - 1720 - Block 6T, Room 07 - District Umuarama, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Diogo Henrique Rabelo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.,Tumor Biomarkers and Osteoimmunology Laboratory, Av. Pará - 1720 - Block 6T, Room 07 - District Umuarama, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Applied Immunology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Isadora Akemi Uehara
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.,Tumor Biomarkers and Osteoimmunology Laboratory, Av. Pará - 1720 - Block 6T, Room 07 - District Umuarama, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcelo José Barbosa Silva
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil. .,Tumor Biomarkers and Osteoimmunology Laboratory, Av. Pará - 1720 - Block 6T, Room 07 - District Umuarama, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
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29
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Li Y, Wang W, Tian J, Zhou Y, Shen Y, Wang M, Tang L, Liu C, Zhang X, Shen F, Chen Y, Gu Y. Clinical Significance of Soluble LAG-3 (sLAG-3) in Patients With Cervical Cancer Determined via Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay With Monoclonal Antibodies. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2023; 22:15330338231202650. [PMID: 37968933 PMCID: PMC10655791 DOI: 10.1177/15330338231202650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The tumor microenvironment and tumor immunity have become the focus of research on tumor diagnosis and treatment. Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3, CD223) is a newly discovered immunosuppressive receptor that is abnormally expressed in various tumor microenvironments and plays an important role as an immune checkpoint in the tumor immune response. Objective: We developed a novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, examined the levels of soluble LAG-3 (sLAG-3) in the serum of patients with cervical cancer, and identified new biomarkers for cervical cancer development. Methods: To investigate the potential biological function of sLAG-3, we generated and characterized 2 novel anti-LAG-3 monoclonal antibodies, namely 4F4 and 4E12. We performed western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry using hybridoma technology and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit for detecting human sLAG-3 based on an improved double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The stability and sensitivity of these kits were also assessed. Results: We screened and characterized 2 novel monoclonal antibodies against human LAG-3. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit also includes a wide range of tests. Using this enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system, we found that the expression level of sLAG-3 in the peripheral blood of patients with cervical cancer significantly decreased as the disease progressed (P < .0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that low sLAG-3 expression was an independent predictor of cervical cancer and related diseases (P < .05). Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that sLAG-3 had diagnostic value for cervical cancer metastasis (P < .0001). Conclusion: These data suggest that sLAG-3 is a potential biomarker for cervical cancer development. Therefore, this kit has a certain application value in the diagnosis of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenwen Wang
- Department of General surgery, The Affiliated Jiangsu Shengze Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingluan Tian
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Shen
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingyuan Wang
- Suzhou Red Cross Blood Station, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Longhai Tang
- Suzhou Red Cross Blood Station, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Cuiping Liu
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xueguang Zhang
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fangrong Shen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Youguo Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanzheng Gu
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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30
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Martinez-Perez A, Aguilar-Garcia C, Gonzalez S. The Emerging Role of NK Cells in Immune Checkpoint Blockade. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14236005. [PMID: 36497486 PMCID: PMC9736655 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14236005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate cytotoxic immune cells that play a fundamental role in anti-tumor immunity, particularly in hematological cancers, disseminated cancers, and metastasis [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Martinez-Perez
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Candelaria Aguilar-Garcia
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Segundo Gonzalez
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Perez-Santos M, Anaya-Ruiz M, Villafaña-Diaz L, Sánchez Esgua G. Approaches for development of LAG-3 inhibitors and the promise they hold as anticancer agents. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:1341-1355. [PMID: 36399656 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2148652] [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: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION LAG-3 is considered to be the third point of immunological control in relation to clinical trials that address cancer treatment, only behind PD-1 and CTLA-4, due to its role as a suppressor of the immune response and enhancer of differentiation of Treg cells. AREAS COVERED The authors focus on emphasizing the strategy of development of LAG-3 inhibitors to develop anticancer therapeutics, especially from the perspective of designing new monoclonal and bispecific antibodies against LAG-3. This article also covers details of patents and clinical trials of LAG-3 inhibitors reported in the literature. In addition, we highlight as future research challenges the design and development of peptides and small molecules as inhibitors of LAG-3 function. EXPERT OPINION Three approaches have been used for the development of LAG-3 inhibitors, and they include inhibitory LAG-3 binding peptides and antagonist monoclonal and multispecific antibodies. These approaches include more than 100 clinical trials of 21 molecules that bind to LAG-3 and block its binding to MHC II. However, these approaches do not cover the design and development of peptides and small molecules that could inhibit the function of LAG-3, for which it is necessary to develop new alternatives that cover this gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Perez-Santos
- Dirección de Innovación y Transferencia de Conocimiento, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla CP, México
| | - Maricruz Anaya-Ruiz
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Oriente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Metepec, Puebla CP, México
| | - Luis Villafaña-Diaz
- Centro de Investigación en Inteligencia de Negocios, Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - Gabriela Sánchez Esgua
- Dirección de Innovación y Transferencia de Conocimiento, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla CP, México
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Yano M, Byrd JC, Muthusamy N. Natural Killer Cells in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Functional Impairment and Therapeutic Potential. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235787. [PMID: 36497266 PMCID: PMC9739887 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy approaches have advanced rapidly in recent years. While the greatest therapeutic advances so far have been achieved with T cell therapies such as immune checkpoint blockade and CAR-T, recent advances in NK cell therapy have highlighted the therapeutic potential of these cells. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the most prevalent form of leukemia in Western countries, is a very immunosuppressive disease but still shows significant potential as a target of immunotherapy, including NK-based therapies. In addition to their antileukemia potential, NK cells are important immune effectors in the response to infections, which represent a major clinical concern for CLL patients. Here, we review the interactions between NK cells and CLL, describing functional changes and mechanisms of CLL-induced NK suppression, interactions with current therapeutic options, and the potential for therapeutic benefit using NK cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Yano
- Medical Science Training Program, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - John C. Byrd
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Correspondence: (J.C.B.); (N.M.)
| | - Natarajan Muthusamy
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Correspondence: (J.C.B.); (N.M.)
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Cassioli C, Patrussi L, Valitutti S, Baldari CT. Learning from TCR Signaling and Immunological Synapse Assembly to Build New Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:14255. [PMID: 36430728 PMCID: PMC9694822 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapy is a revolutionary pillar in cancer treatment. Clinical experience has shown remarkable successes in the treatment of certain hematological malignancies but only limited efficacy against B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and other cancer types, especially solid tumors. A wide range of engineering strategies have been employed to overcome the limitations of CAR T cell therapy. However, it has become increasingly clear that CARs have unique, unexpected features; hence, a deep understanding of how CARs signal and trigger the formation of a non-conventional immunological synapse (IS), the signaling platform required for T cell activation and execution of effector functions, would lead a shift from empirical testing to the rational design of new CAR constructs. Here, we review current knowledge of CARs, focusing on their structure, signaling and role in CAR T cell IS assembly. We, moreover, discuss the molecular features accounting for poor responses in CLL patients treated with anti-CD19 CAR T cells and propose CLL as a paradigm for diseases connected to IS dysfunctions that could significantly benefit from the development of novel CARs to generate a productive anti-tumor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Cassioli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Laura Patrussi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Salvatore Valitutti
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1037, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Université de Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, 31037 Toulouse, France
- Department of Pathology, Institut Universitaire du Cancer-Oncopole de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - Cosima T. Baldari
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Immunotherapy targeting inhibitory checkpoints: The role of NK and other innate lymphoid cells. Semin Immunol 2022; 61-64:101660. [PMID: 36370672 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies that target specific ligand-receptor signaling pathways and act as immune checkpoint inhibitors have been designed to remove the brakes in T cells and restore strong and long-term antitumor-immunity. Of note, many of these inhibitory receptors are also expressed by Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILCs), suggesting that also blockade of inhibitory pathways in innate lymphocytes has a role in the response to the treatment with checkpoint inhibitors. ILCs comprise cytotoxic NK cells and "helper" subsets and are important cellular components in the tumor microenvironment. In addition to killing tumor cells, ILCs release inflammatory cytokines, thus contributing to shape adaptive cell activation in the context of immunotherapy. Therefore, ILCs play both a direct and indirect role in the response to checkpoint blockade. Understanding the impact of ILC-mediated response on the treatment outcome would contribute to enhance immunotherapy efficacy, as still numerous patients resist or relapse.
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Phillips AL, Reeves DJ. Nivolumab/Relatlimab: A Novel Addition to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy in Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma. Ann Pharmacother 2022; 57:738-745. [PMID: 36268952 DOI: 10.1177/10600280221131396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this article is to assess available data regarding use of nivolumab/relatlimab for adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. DATA SOURCES A search of PubMed conducted from August 2019 to August 2022 with the search terms Opdualag, nivolumab AND relatlimab, and BMS-986016 resulted in 14 publications. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION Relevant clinical trials written in English language were analyzed. DATA SYNTHESIS Nivolumab/relatlimab was approved by the Food and Drug Administration following results of a phase 1/2 trial and phase 2/3 RELATIVITY-047 trial. Nivolumab/relatlimab demonstrated a median progression free survival (PFS) of 10.1 months in the first-line setting without new safety signals. The PFS benefits appear greatest in those with programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) <1% and lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3) ≥1%. Adverse effects commonly experienced were immune related in nature and require early identification and prompt management. Grade 3 or 4 adverse effects occurred in 18.9% of patients. RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE For patients 12 years of age and older with unresectable or metastatic melanoma, nivolumab/relatlimab offers a new first-line treatment option. Evaluation of PD-L1 expression along with concomitant use of medications with potential interactions should be evaluated when deciding if nivolumab/relatlimab is the most appropriate treatment option. CONCLUSIONS Nivolumab/relatlimab adds an additional first-line treatment option demonstrating promising improved PFS for patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma, particularly those with PD-L1 <1% and/or LAG 3 ≥1%. Additional uses of nivolumab/relatlimab may be on the horizon as further clinical trials are ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison L Phillips
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - David J Reeves
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Franciscan Health Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Landeira-Viñuela A, Arias-Hidalgo C, Juanes-Velasco P, Alcoceba M, Navarro-Bailón A, Pedreira CE, Lecrevisse Q, Díaz-Muñoz L, Sánchez-Santos JM, Hernández ÁP, García-Vaquero ML, Góngora R, De Las Rivas J, González M, Orfao A, Fuentes M. Unravelling soluble immune checkpoints in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Physiological immunomodulators or immune dysfunction. Front Immunol 2022; 13:965905. [PMID: 36248816 PMCID: PMC9554405 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.965905] [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: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a lymphoid neoplasm characterized by the accumulation of mature B cells. The diagnosis is established by the detection of monoclonal B lymphocytes in peripheral blood, even in early stages [monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBLhi)], and its clinical course is highly heterogeneous. In fact, there are well-characterized multiple prognostic factors that are also related to the observed genetic heterogenicity, such as immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (IGHV) mutational status, del17p, and TP53 mutations, among others. Moreover, a dysregulation of the immune system (innate and adaptive immunity) has been observed in CLL patients, with strong impact on immune surveillance and consequently on the onset, evolution, and therapy response. In addition, the tumor microenvironment is highly complex and heterogeneous (i.e., matrix, fibroblast, endothelial cells, and immune cells), playing a critical role in the evolution of CLL. In this study, a quantitative profile of 103 proteins (cytokines, chemokines, growth/regulatory factors, immune checkpoints, and soluble receptors) in 67 serum samples (57 CLL and 10 MBLhi) has been systematically evaluated. Also, differential profiles of soluble immune factors that discriminate between MBLhi and CLL (sCD47, sCD27, sTIMD-4, sIL-2R, and sULBP-1), disease progression (sCD48, sCD27, sArginase-1, sLAG-3, IL-4, and sIL-2R), or among profiles correlated with other prognostic factors, such as IGHV mutational status (CXCL11/I-TAC, CXCL10/IP-10, sHEVM, and sLAG-3), were deciphered. These results pave the way to explore the role of soluble immune checkpoints as a promising source of biomarkers in CLL, to provide novel insights into the immune suppression process and/or dysfunction, mostly on T cells, in combination with cellular balance disruption and microenvironment polarization leading to tumor escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Landeira-Viñuela
- Department of Medicine and General Service of Cytometry, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC)- CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre-Instituto Universitario de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas - Universidad de Salamanca (CSIC-USAL), Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Carlota Arias-Hidalgo
- Department of Medicine and General Service of Cytometry, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC)- CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre-Instituto Universitario de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas - Universidad de Salamanca (CSIC-USAL), Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Pablo Juanes-Velasco
- Department of Medicine and General Service of Cytometry, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC)- CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre-Instituto Universitario de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas - Universidad de Salamanca (CSIC-USAL), Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Miguel Alcoceba
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital of Salamanca, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC)- CB16/12/00233, Center Research-Centre Instituto Universitario de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC) Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas - Universidad de Salamanca, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (CSIC-USAL, IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Almudena Navarro-Bailón
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital of Salamanca, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC)- CB16/12/00233, Center Research-Centre Instituto Universitario de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC) Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas - Universidad de Salamanca, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (CSIC-USAL, IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Carlos Eduardo Pedreira
- Systems and Computing Department Instituto Alberto Luiz Coimbra de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa de Engenharia-Programa de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computação (COPPE-PESC), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Quentin Lecrevisse
- Department of Medicine and General Service of Cytometry, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC)- CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre-Instituto Universitario de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas - Universidad de Salamanca (CSIC-USAL), Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Laura Díaz-Muñoz
- Department of Medicine and General Service of Cytometry, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC)- CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre-Instituto Universitario de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas - Universidad de Salamanca (CSIC-USAL), Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | | | - Ángela-Patricia Hernández
- Department of Medicine and General Service of Cytometry, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC)- CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre-Instituto Universitario de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas - Universidad de Salamanca (CSIC-USAL), Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Organic Chemistry Section, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Marina L. García-Vaquero
- Department of Medicine and General Service of Cytometry, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC)- CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre-Instituto Universitario de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas - Universidad de Salamanca (CSIC-USAL), Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rafael Góngora
- Department of Medicine and General Service of Cytometry, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC)- CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre-Instituto Universitario de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas - Universidad de Salamanca (CSIC-USAL), Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Javier De Las Rivas
- Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics Group, Cancer Research Center Instituto Universitario de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad de Salamanca (CIC-IBMCC, CSIC/USAL), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) and University of Salamanca (USAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Marcos González
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital of Salamanca, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC)- CB16/12/00233, Center Research-Centre Instituto Universitario de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC) Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas - Universidad de Salamanca, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (CSIC-USAL, IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Alberto Orfao
- Department of Medicine and General Service of Cytometry, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC)- CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre-Instituto Universitario de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas - Universidad de Salamanca (CSIC-USAL), Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Manuel Fuentes
- Department of Medicine and General Service of Cytometry, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC)- CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre-Instituto Universitario de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas - Universidad de Salamanca (CSIC-USAL), Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Proteomics Unit, Cancer Research Centre-IBMCC, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Salamanca, Spain
- *Correspondence: Manuel Fuentes,
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Zhao Y, Bai Y, Shen M, Li Y. Therapeutic strategies for gastric cancer targeting immune cells: Future directions. Front Immunol 2022; 13:992762. [PMID: 36225938 PMCID: PMC9549957 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.992762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignancy with a high incidence and mortality, and the emergence of immunotherapy has brought survival benefits to GC patients. Compared with traditional therapy, immunotherapy has the advantages of durable response, long-term survival benefits, and lower toxicity. Therefore, targeted immune cells are the most promising therapeutic strategy in the field of oncology. In this review, we introduce the role and significance of each immune cell in the tumor microenvironment of GC and summarize the current landscape of immunotherapy in GC, which includes immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell therapy (ACT), dendritic cell (DC) vaccines, reduction of M2 tumor-associated macrophages (M2 TAMs), N2 tumor-associated neutrophils (N2 TANs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), effector regulatory T cells (eTregs), and regulatory B cells (Bregs) in the tumor microenvironment and reprogram TAMs and TANs into tumor killer cells. The most widely used immunotherapy strategies are the immune checkpoint inhibitor programmed cell death 1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) antibody, cytotoxic T lymphocyte–associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) antibody, and chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) in ACT, and these therapeutic strategies have significant anti-tumor efficacy in solid tumors and hematological tumors. Targeting other immune cells provides a new direction for the immunotherapy of GC despite the relatively weak clinical data, which have been confirmed to restore or enhance anti-tumor immune function in preclinical studies and some treatment strategies have entered the clinical trial stage, and it is expected that more and more effective immune cell–based therapeutic methods will be developed and applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuansong Bai
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Meili Shen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Yapeng Li, ; Meili Shen,
| | - Yapeng Li
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis Technology of High Performance Polymer, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Yapeng Li, ; Meili Shen,
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Therapeutic targets and biomarkers of tumor immunotherapy: response versus non-response. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:331. [PMID: 36123348 PMCID: PMC9485144 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01136-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancers are highly complex diseases that are characterized by not only the overgrowth of malignant cells but also an altered immune response. The inhibition and reprogramming of the immune system play critical roles in tumor initiation and progression. Immunotherapy aims to reactivate antitumor immune cells and overcome the immune escape mechanisms of tumors. Represented by immune checkpoint blockade and adoptive cell transfer, tumor immunotherapy has seen tremendous success in the clinic, with the capability to induce long-term regression of some tumors that are refractory to all other treatments. Among them, immune checkpoint blocking therapy, represented by PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors (nivolumab) and CTLA-4 inhibitors (ipilimumab), has shown encouraging therapeutic effects in the treatment of various malignant tumors, such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and melanoma. In addition, with the advent of CAR-T, CAR-M and other novel immunotherapy methods, immunotherapy has entered a new era. At present, evidence indicates that the combination of multiple immunotherapy methods may be one way to improve the therapeutic effect. However, the overall clinical response rate of tumor immunotherapy still needs improvement, which warrants the development of novel therapeutic designs as well as the discovery of biomarkers that can guide the prescription of these agents. Learning from the past success and failure of both clinical and basic research is critical for the rational design of studies in the future. In this article, we describe the efforts to manipulate the immune system against cancer and discuss different targets and cell types that can be exploited to promote the antitumor immune response.
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Liang X, Meng Y, Li C, Liu L, Wang Y, Pu L, Hu L, Li Q, Zhai Z. Super-Enhancer–Associated nine-gene prognostic score model for prediction of survival in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients. Front Genet 2022; 13:1001364. [PMID: 36186463 PMCID: PMC9521409 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1001364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of highly heterogeneous mature B-cell malignancy with various disease courses. Although a multitude of prognostic markers in CLL have been reported, insights into the role of super-enhancer (SE)–related risk indicators in the occurrence and development of CLL are still lacking. A super-enhancer (SE) is a cluster of enhancers involved in cell differentiation and tumorigenesis, and is one of the promising therapeutic targets for cancer therapy in recent years. In our study, the CLL-related super-enhancers in the training database were processed by LASSO-penalized Cox regression analysis to screen a nine-gene prognostic model including TCF7, VEGFA, MNT, GMIP, SLAMF1, TNFRSF25, GRWD1, SLC6AC, and LAG3. The SE-related risk score was further constructed and it was found that the predictive performance with overall survival and time-to-treatment (TTT) was satisfactory. Moreover, a high correlation was found between the risk score and already known prognostic markers of CLL. In the meantime, we noticed that the expressions of TCF7, GMIP, SLAMF1, TNFRSF25, and LAG3 in CLL were different from those of healthy donors (p < 0.01). Moreover, the risk score and LAG3 level of matched pairs before and after treatment samples varied significantly. Finally, an interactive nomogram consisting of the nine-gene risk group and four clinical traits was established. The inhibitors of mTOR and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) were considered effective in patients in the high-risk group according to the pRRophetic algorithm. Collectively, the SE-associated nine-gene prognostic model developed here may be used to predict the prognosis and assist in the risk stratification and treatment of CLL patients in the future.
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Sauer N, Szlasa W, Jonderko L, Oślizło M, Kunachowicz D, Kulbacka J, Karłowicz-Bodalska K. LAG-3 as a Potent Target for Novel Anticancer Therapies of a Wide Range of Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:9958. [PMID: 36077354 PMCID: PMC9456311 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
LAG-3 (Lymphocyte activation gene 3) protein is a checkpoint receptor that interacts with LSEC-tin, Galectin-3 and FGL1. This interaction leads to reduced production of IL-2 and IFN-γ. LAG-3 is widely expressed in different tumor types and modulates the tumor microenvironment through immunosuppressive effects. Differential expression in various tumor types influences patient prognosis, which is often associated with coexpression with immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as TIM-3, PD-1 and CTLA-4. Here, we discuss expression profiles in different tumor types. To date, many clinical trials have been conducted using LAG-3 inhibitors, which can be divided into anti-LAG-3 monoclonal antibodies, anti-LAG-3 bispecifics and soluble LAG-3-Ig fusion proteins. LAG-3 inhibitors supress T-cell proliferation and activation by disallowing for the interaction between LAG-3 to MHC-II. The process enhances anti-tumor immune response. In this paper, we will review the current state of knowledge on the structure, function and expression of LAG-3 in various types of cancer, as well as its correlation with overall prognosis, involvement in cell-based therapies and experimental medicine. We will consider the role of compounds targeting LAG-3 in clinical trials both as monotherapy and in combination, which will provide data relating to the efficacy and safety of proposed drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Sauer
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Szlasa
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Laura Jonderko
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Julita Kulbacka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
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Chocarro L, Bocanegra A, Blanco E, Fernández-Rubio L, Arasanz H, Echaide M, Garnica M, Ramos P, Piñeiro-Hermida S, Vera R, Escors D, Kochan G. Cutting-Edge: Preclinical and Clinical Development of the First Approved Lag-3 Inhibitor. Cells 2022; 11:2351. [PMID: 35954196 PMCID: PMC9367598 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized medical practice in oncology since the FDA approval of the first ICI 11 years ago. In light of this, Lymphocyte-Activation Gene 3 (LAG-3) is one of the most important next-generation immune checkpoint molecules, playing a similar role as Programmed cell Death protein 1 (PD-1) and Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4 (CTLA-4). 19 LAG-3 targeting molecules are being evaluated at 108 clinical trials which are demonstrating positive results, including promising bispecific molecules targeting LAG-3 simultaneously with other ICIs. Recently, a new dual anti-PD-1 (Nivolumab) and anti-LAG-3 (Relatimab) treatment developed by Bristol Myers Squibb (Opdualag), was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the first LAG-3 blocking antibody combination for unresectable or metastatic melanoma. This novel immunotherapy combination more than doubled median progression-free survival (PFS) when compared to nivolumab monotherapy (10.1 months versus 4.6 months). Here, we analyze the large clinical trial responsible for this historical approval (RELATIVITY-047), and discuss the preclinical and clinical developments that led to its jump into clinical practice. We will also summarize results achieved by other LAG-3 targeting molecules with promising anti-tumor activities currently under clinical development in phases I, I/II, II, and III. Opdualag will boost the entry of more LAG-3 targeting molecules into clinical practice, supporting the accumulating evidence highlighting the pivotal role of LAG-3 in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Chocarro
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
| | - Ana Bocanegra
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
| | - Ester Blanco
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Leticia Fernández-Rubio
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
| | - Hugo Arasanz
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
- Medical Oncology Unit, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Miriam Echaide
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
| | - Maider Garnica
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
| | - Pablo Ramos
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
| | - Sergio Piñeiro-Hermida
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
| | - Ruth Vera
- Medical Oncology Unit, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - David Escors
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
| | - Grazyna Kochan
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
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Hassanian H, Asadzadeh Z, Baghbanzadeh A, Derakhshani A, Dufour A, Rostami Khosroshahi N, Najafi S, Brunetti O, Silvestris N, Baradaran B. The expression pattern of Immune checkpoints after chemo/radiotherapy in the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:938063. [PMID: 35967381 PMCID: PMC9367471 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.938063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As a disease with the highest disease-associated burden worldwide, cancer has been the main subject of a considerable proportion of medical research in recent years, intending to find more effective therapeutic approaches with fewer side effects. Combining conventional methods with newer biologically based treatments such as immunotherapy can be a promising approach to treating different tumors. The concept of "cancer immunoediting" that occurs in the field of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is the aspect of cancer therapy that has not been at the center of attention. One group of the role players of the so-called immunoediting process are the immune checkpoint molecules that exert either co-stimulatory or co-inhibitory effects in the anti-tumor immunity of the host. It involves alterations in a wide variety of immunologic pathways. Recent studies have proven that conventional cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination of them, i.e., chemoradiotherapy, alter the "immune compartment" of the TME. The mentioned changes encompass a wide range of variations, including the changes in the density and immunologic type of the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and the alterations in the expression patterns of the different immune checkpoints. These rearrangements can have either anti-tumor immunity empowering or immune attenuating sequels. Thus, recognizing the consequences of various chemo(radio)therapeutic regimens in the TME seems to be of great significance in the evolution of therapeutic approaches. Therefore, the present review intends to summarize how chemo(radio)therapy affects the TME and specifically some of the most important, well-known immune checkpoints' expressions according to the recent studies in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Hassanian
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Asadzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Baghbanzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Afshin Derakhshani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- McCaig Insitute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Antoine Dufour
- McCaig Insitute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Souzan Najafi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Oronzo Brunetti
- Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Silvestris
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Human Pathology “G. Barresi” University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - 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
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43
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Lv B, Wang Y, Ma D, Cheng W, Liu J, Yong T, Chen H, Wang C. Immunotherapy: Reshape the Tumor Immune Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:844142. [PMID: 35874717 PMCID: PMC9299092 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.844142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) include tumor cells, immune cells, cytokines, etc. The interactions between these components, which are divided into anti-tumor and pro-tumor, determine the trend of anti-tumor immunity. Although the immune system can eliminate tumor through the cancer-immune cycle, tumors appear to eventually evade from immune surveillance by shaping an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Immunotherapy reshapes the TIME and restores the tumor killing ability of anti-tumor immune cells. Herein, we review the function of immune cells within the TIME and discuss the contribution of current mainstream immunotherapeutic approaches to remolding the TIME. Changes in the immune microenvironment in different forms under the intervention of immunotherapy can shed light on better combination treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingzhe Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yunpeng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Dongjiang Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wei Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tao Yong
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Surgical Oncology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
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44
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Huo JL, Wang YT, Fu WJ, Lu N, Liu ZS. The promising immune checkpoint LAG-3 in cancer immunotherapy: from basic research to clinical application. Front Immunol 2022; 13:956090. [PMID: 35958563 PMCID: PMC9361790 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.956090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
LAG-3, a type of immune checkpoint receptor protein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily, is confirmed to be expressed on activated immune cells, mainly including activated T cells. LAG-3 can negatively regulate the function of T cells, exerting important effects on maintaining the homeostasis of the immune system under normal physiological conditions and promoting tumor cells immune escape in the tumor microenvironment. Given its important biological roles, LAG-3 has been regarded as a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. To date, many LAG-3 inhibitors have been reported, which can be divided into monoclonal antibody, double antibody, and small molecule drug, some of which have entered the clinical research stage. LAG-3 inhibitors can negatively regulate and suppress T cell proliferation and activation through combination with MHC II ligand. Besides, LAG-3 inhibitors can also affect T cell function via binding to Galectin-3 and LSECtin. In addition, LAG-3 inhibitors can prevent the FGL1-LAG-3 interaction, thereby enhancing the human body’s antitumor immune effect. In this review, we will describe the function of LAG-3 and summarize the latest LAG-3 inhibitors in the clinic for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ling Huo
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Henan Province Research Center For Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ya-Tao Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, First People’s Hospital of Shangqiu, Shangqiu, China
| | - Wen-Jia Fu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Henan Province Research Center For Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Nan Lu
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Nan Lu, ; Zhang-Suo Liu,
| | - Zhang-Suo Liu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Henan Province Research Center For Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Nan Lu, ; Zhang-Suo Liu,
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45
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Chocarro L, Blanco E, Arasanz H, Fernández-Rubio L, Bocanegra A, Echaide M, Garnica M, Ramos P, Fernández-Hinojal G, Vera R, Kochan G, Escors D. Clinical landscape of LAG-3-targeted therapy. IMMUNO-ONCOLOGY TECHNOLOGY 2022; 14:100079. [PMID: 35755891 PMCID: PMC9216443 DOI: 10.1016/j.iotech.2022.100079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Lymphocyte-activated gene 3 (LAG-3) is a cell surface inhibitory receptor and a key regulator of immune homeostasis with multiple biological activities related to T-cell functions. LAG-3 is considered a next-generation immune checkpoint of clinical importance, right next to programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-cell lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4). Indeed, it is the third inhibitory receptor to be exploited in human anticancer immunotherapies. Several LAG-3-antagonistic immunotherapies are being evaluated at various stages of preclinical and clinical development. In addition, combination therapies blocking LAG-3 together with other immune checkpoints are also being evaluated at preclinical and clinical levels. Indeed, the co-blockade of LAG-3 with PD-1 is demonstrating encouraging results. A new generation of bispecific PD-1/LAG-3-blocking agents have also shown strong capacities to specifically target PD-1+ LAG-3+ highly dysfunctional T cells and enhance their proliferation and effector activities. Here we identify and classify preclinical and clinical trials conducted involving LAG-3 as a target through an extensive bibliographic research. The current understanding of LAG-3 clinical applications is summarized, and most of the publically available data up to date regarding LAG-3-targeted therapy preclinical and clinical research and development are reviewed and discussed. LAG-3 is a highly important next-generation immune checkpoint molecule. Ninety-seven clinical trials are evaluating at least 16 LAG-3-targeting molecules. Here we identify preclinical and clinical studies conducted involving LAG-3. Bispecific LAG-3 molecules are being developed, showing strong capacities. LAG-3/PD-1 co-blockade is demonstrating encouraging results.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Chocarro
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - E Blanco
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain.,Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - H Arasanz
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain.,Medical Oncology Unit, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - L Fernández-Rubio
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - A Bocanegra
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - M Echaide
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - M Garnica
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - P Ramos
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - G Fernández-Hinojal
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain.,Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - R Vera
- Medical Oncology Unit, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - G Kochan
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - D Escors
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
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Abstract
Nivolumab plus relatlimab (nivolumab and relatlimab-rmbw; Opdualag™) is a fixed-dose, combination immunotherapy treatment being developed by Bristol Myers Squibb for the treatment of multiple types of advanced cancers. Both drugs are immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) monoclonal antibodies developed to target immune checkpoints, with nivolumab targeting the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) receptor and relatlimab being a newly developed, first-in-class drug targeting the lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) protein. In March 2022, nivolumab plus relatlimab received its first approval in the USA for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma in adult patients and paediatric patients aged ≥ 12 years who weigh ≥ 40 kg. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of this combination therapy leading to this first approval for unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
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47
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Sung E, Ko M, Won JY, Jo Y, Park E, Kim H, Choi E, Jung UJ, Jeon J, Kim Y, Ahn H, Choi DS, Choi S, Hong Y, Park H, Lee H, Son YG, Park K, Won J, Oh SJ, Lee S, Kim KP, Yoo C, Song HK, Jin HS, Jung J, Park Y. LAG-3xPD-L1 bispecific antibody potentiates antitumor responses of T cells through dendritic cell activation. Mol Ther 2022; 30:2800-2816. [PMID: 35526096 PMCID: PMC9372323 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Several preclinical studies demonstrate that antitumor efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade can be improved by combination with other checkpoint inhibitors. Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) is an inhibitory checkpoint receptor involved in T cell exhaustion and tumor immune escape. Here, we describe ABL501, a bispecific antibody targeting LAG-3 and PD-L1 in modulating immune cell responses against tumors. ABL501 that efficiently inhibits both LAG-3 and PD-L1 pathways enhances the activation of effector CD4+ and CD8+ T cells with a higher degree than a combination of single anti-LAG-3 and anti-PD-L1. The augmented effector T cell responses by ABL501 resulted in mitigating regulatory T cell-mediated immunosuppression. Mechanistically, the simultaneous binding of ABL501 to LAG-3 and PD-L1 promotes DC activation and tumor cell conjugation with T cells that subsequently mounts effective CD8+T cell responses. ABL501 demonstrates its potent in vivo antitumor efficacy in a humanized xenograft model and with knock-in mice expressing human orthologs. The immune profiling analysis of peripheral blood reveals an increased abundance of LAG-3hiPD-1hi memory CD4+T cell subset in relapsed cholangiocarcinoma patients after gemcitabine plus cisplatin therapy, which are more responsive to ABL501. This study supports the clinical evaluation of ABL501 as a novel cancer immunotherapeutic, and a first-in-human trial has started (NCT05101109).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Minkyung Ko
- Theragnosis center, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, South Korea
| | - Ju-Young Won
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Yunju Jo
- Theragnosis center, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, South Korea; Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02481, South Korea
| | | | | | - Eunji Choi
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | | | | | | | - Hyejin Ahn
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Da-Som Choi
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Seunghyun Choi
- Theragnosis center, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, South Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Soo Jin Oh
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Seonmin Lee
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Kyu-Pyo Kim
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Changhoon Yoo
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Hyun Kyu Song
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02481, South Korea
| | - Hyung-Seung Jin
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea.
| | - Jaeho Jung
- ABL Bio Inc, Seongnam, 13488, South Korea.
| | - Yoon Park
- Theragnosis center, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, South Korea.
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48
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Fatima S, Ma Y, Safrachi A, Haider S, Spring KJ, Vafaee F, Scott KF, Roberts TL, Becker TM, de Souza P. Harnessing Liquid Biopsies to Guide Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1669. [PMID: 35406441 PMCID: PMC8997025 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy (IO), involving the use of immune checkpoint inhibition, achieves improved response-rates and significant disease-free survival for some cancer patients. Despite these beneficial effects, there is poor predictability of response and substantial rates of innate or acquired resistance, resulting in heterogeneous responses among patients. In addition, patients can develop life-threatening adverse events, and while these generally occur in patients that also show a tumor response, these outcomes are not always congruent. Therefore, predicting a response to IO is of paramount importance. Traditionally, tumor tissue analysis has been used for this purpose. However, minimally invasive liquid biopsies that monitor changes in blood or other bodily fluid markers are emerging as a promising cost-effective alternative. Traditional biomarkers have limitations mainly due to difficulty in repeatedly obtaining tumor tissue confounded also by the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of tumours. Liquid biopsy has the potential to circumvent tumor heterogeneity and to help identifying patients who may respond to IO, to monitor the treatment dynamically, as well as to unravel the mechanisms of relapse. We present here a review of the current status of molecular markers for the prediction and monitoring of IO response, focusing on the detection of these markers in liquid biopsies. With the emerging improvements in the field of liquid biopsy, this approach has the capacity to identify IO-eligible patients and provide clinically relevant information to assist with their ongoing disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadma Fatima
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia; (Y.M.); (S.H.); (K.J.S.); (K.F.S.); (T.L.R.); (T.M.B.); (P.d.S.)
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia; (A.S.); (F.V.)
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Yafeng Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia; (Y.M.); (S.H.); (K.J.S.); (K.F.S.); (T.L.R.); (T.M.B.); (P.d.S.)
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
- Centre for Circulating Tumor Cell Diagnosis and Research, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia
| | - Azadeh Safrachi
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia; (A.S.); (F.V.)
| | - Sana Haider
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia; (Y.M.); (S.H.); (K.J.S.); (K.F.S.); (T.L.R.); (T.M.B.); (P.d.S.)
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Kevin J. Spring
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia; (Y.M.); (S.H.); (K.J.S.); (K.F.S.); (T.L.R.); (T.M.B.); (P.d.S.)
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Fatemeh Vafaee
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia; (A.S.); (F.V.)
- UNSW Data Science Hub, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Kieran F. Scott
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia; (Y.M.); (S.H.); (K.J.S.); (K.F.S.); (T.L.R.); (T.M.B.); (P.d.S.)
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Tara L. Roberts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia; (Y.M.); (S.H.); (K.J.S.); (K.F.S.); (T.L.R.); (T.M.B.); (P.d.S.)
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Therese M. Becker
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia; (Y.M.); (S.H.); (K.J.S.); (K.F.S.); (T.L.R.); (T.M.B.); (P.d.S.)
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
- Centre for Circulating Tumor Cell Diagnosis and Research, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia
| | - Paul de Souza
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia; (Y.M.); (S.H.); (K.J.S.); (K.F.S.); (T.L.R.); (T.M.B.); (P.d.S.)
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
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Gertel S, Polachek A, Elkayam O, Furer V. Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3) regulatory T cells: An evolving biomarker for treatment response in autoimmune diseases. Autoimmun Rev 2022; 21:103085. [PMID: 35341974 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) comprise a CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cell subset for maintaining immune tolerance, and their deficits and/or dysfunction are observed in autoimmune diseases. The lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3, also known as CD223), which is an immunoglobulin superfamily member expressed on peripheral immune cells, is recognized as an inhibitory regulator of Tregs. LAG-3+ T cells represent a novel protective Tregs subset that produces interleukin-10. Alterations in LAG-3+ Tregs have been reported in several autoimmune diseases, suggesting their potential pathogenic role. Recent studies have indicated that LAG-3+ Tregs may be associated not only with immunopathology but also with response to therapy in several autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and others. We present a review of Tregs phenotypes and functions, with a focus on LAG-3+ Tregs, and discuss their potential role as biomarkers for treatment response in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smadar Gertel
- Department of Rheumatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Ari Polachek
- Department of Rheumatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ori Elkayam
- Department of Rheumatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Victoria Furer
- Department of Rheumatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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50
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Abstract
The discovery of immune checkpoints (ICs) and the development of specific blockers to relieve immune effector cells from this inhibiting mechanism has changed the view of anti-cancer therapy. In addition to cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) and programmed death 1 (PD1), classical ICs of T lymphocytes and recently described also on a fraction of natural killer (NK) cells, several NK cell receptors, including killer immunoglobulin-like inhibitory receptors (KIRs) and NGK2A, have been recognized as checkpoint members typical of the NK cell population. This offers the opportunity of a dual-checkpoint inhibition approach, targeting classical and non-classical ICs and leading to a synergistic therapeutic effect. In this review, we will overview and discuss this new perspective, focusing on the most relevant candidates for this role among the variety of potential NK ICs. Beside listing and defining classical ICs expressed also by NK cells, or non-classical ICs either on T or on NK cells, we will address their role in NK cell survival, chronic stimulation or functional exhaustion, and the potential relevance of this phenomenon on anti-tumor immune response. Furthermore, NK ICs will be proposed as possible new targets for the development of efficient combined immunotherapy, not forgetting the relevant concerns that may be raised on NK IC blockade. Finally, the impact of epigenetic drugs in such a complex therapeutic picture will be briefly addressed.
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