An Overview on Immunogenic Cell Death in Cancer Biology and Therapy

Synthesis and evaluation of KX-01 analogs with an exploration of linker attachment points for antibody-drug conjugates

KX-01 (tirbanibulin, Klisyri®) is a recently FDA-approved drug for treating actinic keratosis, with a distinct dual mechanism of action combining microtubule disruption and non-ATP-competitive Src inhibition. This unique mechanism and novel chemotype highlight KX-01's potential as a payload for antibody-drug conjugates. In this study, we synthesized and evaluated KX-01 derivatives to enhance anticancer potency and explore functional groups suitable for antibody conjugation. Notably, replacing the morpholine group with an N-benzoylpiperazine scaffold resulted in an analog with significantly improved in vitro antiproliferative activity, attributed to enhanced microtubule disruption and Src inhibition. Furthermore, introducing a phenol or aniline functionality as a common linker attachment point preserved substantial cytotoxicity. These results suggest the potential of KX-01 derivatives for future use as ADC payloads.

Control of aggressive 4T1-luc metastatic breast cancer using immunogenic cell lysates generated with methotrexate

This study investigated a novel immunization therapy for pre-clinical aggressive metastatic breast cancer using immunogenic cell lysates derived from 4T1-luc cells treated with cisplatin and methotrexate, addressing the critical need for improved treatments given the poor prognosis associated with breast cancer metastasis and its significant mortality rate. Methotrexate, a conventional cytotoxic agent, demonstrated a previously unrecognized capacity to induce immunogenic cell lysates, presenting a potential drug repositioning opportunity. In a murine model of stage IV metastatic breast cancer, immunization with these lysates significantly reduced primary tumor growth and lung metastasis, as assessed by bioluminescence imaging. Immunization also modulated immune cell populations, reducing splenomegaly and hepatomegaly, and partially reversing the immunosuppressive phenotype associated with 4T1-luc tumor growth, as evidenced by cytokine profiling (IL-6 and IFN-γ) and flow cytometry analysis of CD4 + and CD8 + T cell subpopulations. Specifically, methotrexate-treated lysates induced a significant shift in CD4 + T cells towards an effector phenotype. These findings highlight the potential of this immunotherapy approach to improve breast cancer treatment outcomes and warrant further investigation.

Study on the Mechanism of QRICH1 Mediating PRMT1 to Regulate the Arginine Methylation Modification of cGAS to Promote Arsenics-Induced Pyroptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the mechanism of action of arsenic-based agents against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to identify effective drug targets for HCC treatment.

Methods

Huh7 and HepG2 cells treated with NaAsO2 were assessed for cell viability, pyroptosis, migration, and invasion after undergoing lentiviral transfection. An orthotopic liver tumor model was established and divided into a model group and a treatment group. Proteins associated with QRICH1, PRMT1, cGAS-STING, and the classical pyroptosis pathway were quantified using Western blotting. The intracellular expression and localization of PRMT1 and NLRP3 in HCC were analyzed through cellular immunofluorescence. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) was performed to examine the protein interactions between PRMT1 and cGAS, as well as between STING and NLRP3. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) was used to confirm QRICH1 enrichment in the PRMT1 promoter region.

Results

NaAsO2 treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation of Huh7 and HepG2 cells and effectively blocked their migration and invasion capabilities, while promoting cellular pyroptosis. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction(QRCR) and ChIP assays confirmed that NaAsO2 regulates PRMT1 expression by down-regulate QRICH1 binding in the PRMT1 promoter region. Additionally, NaAsO2 decreased the expression of the QRICH1-PRMT1 complex and upregulated the cGAS-STING signaling pathway, activating the downstream NLRP3-dependent classical pyroptosis pathway. Overexpression of QRICH1 reversed these effects.

Conclusion

NaAsO2 inhibits the expression of the QRICH1-PRMT1 axis, activates cGAS-STING signaling pathway transduction, and induces pyroptosis in HCC cells, thereby increasing the infiltration of immune cells in liver cancer tissues.

Role of liposomes in chemoimmunotherapy of breast cancer

In the dynamic arena of cancer therapeutics, chemoimmunotherapy has shown tremendous promise, especially for aggressive forms of breast cancer like triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This review delves into the significant role of liposomes in enhancing the effectiveness of chemoimmunotherapy by leveraging breast cancer-specific mechanisms such as the induction of immunogenic cell death (ICD), reprogramming the tumour microenvironment (TME), and enabling sequential drug release. We examine innovative dual-targeting liposomes that capitalise on tumour heterogeneity, as well as pH-sensitive formulations that offer improved control over drug delivery. Unlike prior analyses, this review directly links advancements in preclinical research-such as PAMAM dendrimer-based nanoplatforms and RGD-decorated liposomes-to clinical trial results, highlighting their potential to revolutionise TNBC treatment strategies. Additionally, we address ongoing challenges related to scalability, toxicity, and regulatory compliance, and propose future directions for personalised, immune-focused nanomedicine. This work not only synthesises the latest research but also offers a framework for translating liposomal chemoimmunotherapy from laboratory research to clinical practice.

Targeting uPAR with an antibody-drug conjugate suppresses tumor growth and reshapes the immune landscape in pancreatic cancer models

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) hold promise to advance targeted therapy of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), where the desmoplastic tumor stroma challenges effective treatment. Here, we explored the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) as a candidate ADC target in PDAC, harnessing its massive tumoral and stromal expression in this stroma-dense tumor. We generated a site-specific ADC offering high-affinity, cross-species reactivity, and efficient internalization of the anti-uPAR monoclonal antibody, FL1, carrying a potent anthracycline derivative (PNU-158692). In vitro, FL1-PNU exhibited potent and specific cytotoxicity against uPAR-expressing PDAC cell lines, stromal and immune cells, and bystander killing of uPAR-negative cells. In vivo, the ADC induced remission or sustained tumor regression and extended survival in xenograft models. In syngeneic orthotopic models, the antitumor effect promoted immunomodulation by enhancing infiltrating immune effectors and decreasing immunosuppressive cells. This study lays grounds for further exploring FL1-PNU as a putative clinical ADC candidate, potentially providing a promising therapeutic avenue for PDAC as a monotherapy or in combinatorial regimens.

Immunogenic Cell Death Traits Emitted from Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Cells Following Treatment with a Novel Anti-Cancer Agent, SpiD3

Background: Targeted therapies (e.g., ibrutinib) have markedly improved chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) management; however, ~20% of patients experience disease relapse, suggesting the inadequate depth and durability of these front-line strategies. Moreover, immunotherapeutic success in CLL has been stifled by its pro-tumor microenvironment milieu and low mutational burden, cultivating poor antigenicity and limited ability to generate anti-tumor immunity through adaptive immune cell engagement. Previously, we have demonstrated how a three-carbon-linker spirocyclic dimer (SpiD3) promotes futile activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in CLL cells through immense misfolded-protein mimicry, culminating in insurmountable ER stress and programmed CLL cell death. Method: Herein, we used flow cytometry and cell-based assays to capture the kinetics and magnitude of SpiD3-induced damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in CLL cell lines and primary samples. Result: SpiD3 treatment, in vitro and in vivo, demonstrated the capacity to propagate immunogenic cell death through emissions of classically immunogenic DAMPs (CALR, ATP, HMGB1) and establish a chemotactic gradient for bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. Conclusions: Thus, this study supports future investigation into the relationship between novel therapeutics, manners of cancer cell death, and their contributions to adaptive immune cell engagement as a means for improving anti-cancer therapy in CLL.

Peroxynitrite-Responsive Near-Infrared Fluorescent Imaging Guided Synergistic Chemo-Photodynamic Therapy via Biomimetic Metal-Organic Frameworks

Peroxynitrite (ONOO-) plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular redox homeostasis and regulating diffusive processes, cellular transport, and signal transduction. Extensive studies have revealed that increased ONOO- levels during tumor progression are associated with heightened levels of oxidative stress. However, current methods lack noninvasive visualization, immediate reporting, and highly sensitive fluorescence sensing. In light of this, we have designed a biomimetic fluorescent nanoplatform, named Z-C-T@CM, for peroxynitrite-responsive near-infrared fluorescent imaging guided cancer treatment. The nanoplatform comprises tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (TCPP) and curcumin (CCM) encapsulated within a zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), which is coated with a mouse breast cancer cell membrane for enhanced biocompatibility and targeting, while evading immune clearance. In vitro experimental results demonstrate that the as-prepared nanoplatform exhibits enhanced near-infrared fluorescence emission upon exposure to ONOO-, indicating a significant potential for noninvasive in vivo imaging of ONOO- during tumor progression. Additionally, Z-C-T@CM readily degrades in the tumor microenvironment, releasing TCPP and CCM, enabling a synergistic chemo-photodynamic therapy with near-infrared illumination. Further investigations indicate that Z-C-T@CM efficiently stimulates a tumor immune response and facilitates therapeutic efficiency. Collectively, this work introduces a novel noninvasive strategy for ONOO- detection, shedding new light on the integration of cancer diagnosis and efficient treatment.

Unraveling the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in B cell lymphoma

Recent breakthroughs in research have sparked a paradigm shift in our understanding of cancer biology, uncovering the critical role of the crosstalk between tumor cells and the immune cells of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in malignant transformation. Fibroblasts have long been viewed as ancillary participants in cancer progression, often eclipsed by the prominence given to malignant cells. Novel investigations, however, have increasingly acknowledged the essential part played by the fibroblasts and their phenotypic doppelganger cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in fostering immunosuppression and promoting tumor progression. Here we review the cell-of-origin from which CAFs derive and their altered programs compared to their normal counterpart. We will also discuss the complex interplay between CAFs and the surrounding immune cells of the TME in the context of solid tumors and B cell lymphomas, with a focus on the "reprogrammable" role of CAFs in immunosuppression, immuno-activation and immuno-avoidance, and their implications on drug resistance. Finally, we will examine the existing and plausible therapeutic approaches targeting CAFs as a strategy to enhance treatment response.

PARP inhibitors enhance antitumor immune responses by triggering pyroptosis via TNF-caspase 8-GSDMD/E axis in ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

In addition to their established action of synthetic lethality in tumor cells, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPis) also orchestrate tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) that contributes to suppressing tumor growth. However, it remains not fully understood whether and how PARPis trigger tumor-targeting immune responses.

METHODS

To decode the immune responses reshaped by PARPis, we conducted T-cell receptor (TCR) sequencing and immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses of paired clinical specimens before and after niraparib monotherapy obtained from a prospective study, as well as ID8 mouse ovarian tumors. To validate the induction of immunogenic cell death (ICD) by PARPis, we performed immunofluorescence/IHC staining with homologous recombination deficiency tumor cells and patient-derived xenograft tumor tissues, respectively. To substantiate that PARPis elicited tumor cell pyroptosis, we undertook comprehensive assessments of the cellular morphological features, cleavage of gasdermin (GSDM) proteins, and activation of TNF-caspase signaling pathways through genetic downregulation/depletion and selective inhibition. We also evaluated the critical role of pyroptosis in tumor suppression and immune activation following niraparib treatment using a syngeneic mouse model with implanting CRISPR/Cas9 edited Gsdme-/ - ID8 tumor cells into C57BL/6 mice.

RESULTS

Our findings revealed that PARPis augmented the proportion of neoantigen-recognized TCR clones and TCR clonal expansion, and induced an inflamed TIME characterized by increased infiltration of both innate and adaptive immune cells. This PARPis-strengthened immune response was associated with the induction of ICD, specifically identified as pyroptosis, which possessed distinctive morphological features and GSDMD/E cleavage. It was validated that the cleavage of GSDMD/E was due to elevated caspase 8 activity downstream of the TNFR1, rather than FAS and TRAIL-R. On PARP inhibition, the NF-κB signaling pathway was activated, leading to increased secretion of TNF-α and subsequent initiation of the TNFR1-caspase 8 cascade. Impeding pyroptosis through the depletion of Gsdme significantly compromised the tumor-suppressing effects of PARP inhibition and undermined the anti-immune response in the syngeneic ID8 mouse model.

CONCLUSIONS

PARPis induce a specific type of ICD called pyroptosis via TNF-caspase 8-GSDMD/E axis, resulting in an inflamed TIME and augmentation of tumor-targeting immune responses. These findings deepen our understanding of PARPis activities and point toward a promising avenue for synergizing PARPis with immunotherapeutic interventions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04507841.

Nanomedicine for combination of chemodynamic therapy and immunotherapy of cancers

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT), as a new type of therapy, has received more and more attention in the field of tumor therapy in recent years. By virtue of the characteristics of weak acidity and excess H2O2 in the tumor microenvironment, CDT uses the Fenton or Fenton-like reactions to catalyze the transformation of H2O2 into strongly oxidizing ˙OH, resulting in increased intracellular oxidative stress for lipid oxidation, protein inactivation, or DNA damage, and finally inducing apoptosis of cancer cells. In particular, CDT has the advantage of tumor specificity. However, the therapeutic efficacy of CDT frequently depends on the catalytic efficiency of the Fenton reaction, which needs the presence of sufficient H2O2 and catalytic metal ions. Relatively low concentrations of H2O2 and the lack of catalytic metal ions usually limit the final therapeutic effect. The combination of CDT with immunotherapy will be an effective means to improve the therapeutic effect. In this review paper, the recent progress related to nanomedicine for the combination of CDT and immunotherapy is summarized. Immunogenic death of tumor cells, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and stimulator of interferon gene (STING) activation as the main immunotherapy strategies to combine with CDT are discussed. Finally, the challenges and prospects for the clinical translation and future development direction are discussed.

Reprogramming tumor immune microenvironment by milbemycin oxime results in pancreatic tumor growth suppression and enhanced anti-PD-1 efficacy

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a survival rate of 12%, and multiple clinical trials testing anti-PD-1 therapies against PDAC have failed, suggesting a need for a novel therapeutic strategy. In this study, we evaluated the potential of milbemycin oxime (MBO), an antiparasitic compound, as an immunomodulatory agent in PDAC. Our results show that MBO inhibited the growth of multiple PDAC cell lines by inducing apoptosis. In vivo studies showed that the oral administration of 5 mg/kg MBO inhibited PDAC tumor growth in both subcutaneous and orthotopic models by 49% and 56%, respectively. Additionally, MBO treatment significantly increased the survival of tumor-bearing mice by 27 days as compared to the control group. Interestingly, tumors from MBO-treated mice had increased infiltration of CD8+ T cells. Notably, depletion of CD8+ T cells significantly reduced the anti-tumor efficacy of MBO in mice. Furthermore, MBO significantly augmented the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy, and the combination treatment resulted in a greater proportion of active cytotoxic T cells within the tumor microenvironment. MBO was safe and well tolerated in all our preclinical toxicological studies. Overall, our study provides a new direction for the use of MBO against PDAC and highlights the potential of repurposing MBO for enhancing anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.

Human NQO1 as a Selective Target for Anticancer Therapeutics and Tumor Imaging

Human NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase1 (HNQO1) is a two-electron reductase antioxidant enzyme whose expression is driven by the NRF2 transcription factor highly active in the prooxidant milieu found in human malignancies. The resulting abundance of NQO1 expression (up to 200-fold) in cancers and a barely detectable expression in body tissues makes it a selective marker of neoplasms. NQO1 can catalyze the repeated futile redox cycling of certain natural and synthetic quinones to their hydroxyquinones, consuming NADPH and generating rapid bursts of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) and H2O2. A greater level of this quinone bioactivation due to elevated NQO1 content has been recognized as a tumor-specific therapeutic strategy, which, however, has not been clinically exploited. We review here the natural and new quinones activated by NQO1, the catalytic inhibitors, and the ensuing cell death mechanisms. Further, the cancer-selective expression of NQO1 has opened excellent opportunities for distinguishing cancer cells/tissues from their normal counterparts. Given this diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic importance, we and others have engineered a large number of specific NQO1 turn-on small molecule probes that remain latent but release intense fluorescence groups at near-infrared and other wavelengths, following enzymatic cleavage in cancer cells and tumor masses. This sensitive visualization/quantitation and powerful imaging technology based on NQO1 expression offers promise for guided cancer surgery, and the reagents suggest a theranostic potential for NQO1-targeted chemotherapy.

Integration of Single-Cell RNA Sequencing and Bulk RNA Sequencing to Identify an Immunogenic Cell Death-Related 5-Gene Prognostic Signature in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Introduction

Immunogenic cell death (ICD) can enhance the potency of immunotherapy in cancer treatment. Nevertheless, it is ambiguous how ICD-related genes (ICDRGs) contribute to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data were used to distinguish malignant cells from normal cells in the HCC tumor microenvironment(TME). Bulk RNA sequencing data was employed to acquire the landscape of the 33 ICDRGs. Unsupervised clustering identified two ICD molecular subtypes. The cellular infiltration characteristics and biological behavior in different subtypes were analyzed by ssGSEA. Subsequently, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two subtypes were determined, based on which patients were classified into three gene clusters. Then, the prognostic model was constructed by Lasso-Cox analysis. Finally, we investigated the expression of risk genes in cancer cell line encyclopedia (CCLE) and validated the function of NKX3-2 in vitro experiments.

Results

ICD scores and ICDRGs expression in malignant cells were significantly lower than in normal cells by scRNA-seq analysis. ICD-high subtype was characterized by ICD-related gene overexpression and high levels of immune infiltration abundance and immune checkpoints; Three DEGs-related gene clusters were likewise strongly linked to stromal and immunological activation. In the ICD-related prognostic model consisting of NKX3-2, CHODL, MMP1, NR0B1, and CTSV, the low-risk group patients had a better endpoint and displayed increased susceptibility to immunotherapy and chemotherapeutic drugs like 5-Fluorouracil, afatinib, bortezomib, cediratinib, lapatinib, dasatinib, gefitinib and crizotinib. Moreover, NKX3-2 amplification in HCC samples has been verified by experiments, and its disruption suppressed the proliferation and invasion of tumor cells.

Conclusion

Our study highlighted the potential of the ICDRGs risk score as a prognostic indicator to aid in the accurate diagnosis and immunotherapy sensitivity of HCC.

Arsenic trioxide augments immunogenic cell death and induces cGAS-STING-IFN pathway activation in hepatocellular carcinoma

The treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is particularly challenging due to the inherent tumoral heterogeneity and easy resistance towards chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Arsenic trioxide (ATO) has emerged as a cytotoxic agent effective for treating solid tumors, including advanced HCC. However, its effectiveness in HCC treatment remains limited, and the underlying mechanisms are still uncertain. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the effects and mechanisms of ATO in HCC. By evaluating the susceptibilities of human and murine HCC cell lines to ATO treatment, we discovered that HCC cells exhibited a range of sensitivity to ATO treatment, highlighting their inherent heterogeneity. A gene signature comprising 265 genes was identified to distinguish ATO-sensitive from ATO-insensitive cells. According to this signature, HCC patients have also been classified and exhibited differential features of ATO response. Our results showed that ATO treatment induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and the activation of multiple cell death modalities, including necroptosis and ferroptosis, in ATO-sensitive HCC cells. Meanwhile, elevated tumoral immunogenicity was also observed in ATO-sensitive HCC cells. Similar effects were not observed in ATO-insensitive cells. We reported that ATO treatment induced mitochondrial injury and mtDNA release into the cytoplasm in ATO-sensitive HCC tumors. This subsequently activated the cGAS-STING-IFN axis, facilitating CD8+ T cell infiltration and activation. However, we found that the IFN pathway also induced tumoral PD-L1 expression, potentially antagonizing ATO-mediated immune attack. Additional anti-PD1 therapy promoted the anti-tumor response of ATO in ATO-sensitive HCC tumors. In summary, our data indicate that heterogeneous ATO responses exist in HCC tumors, and ATO treatment significantly induces immunogenic cell death (ICD) and activates the tumor-derived mtDNA-STING-IFN axis. These findings may offer a new perspective on the clinical treatment of HCC and warrant further study.

Advancing nanotechnology for neoantigen-based cancer theranostics

Neoantigens play a pivotal role in the field of tumour therapy, encompassing the stimulation of anti-tumour immune response and the enhancement of tumour targeting capability. Nonetheless, numerous factors directly influence the effectiveness of neoantigens in bolstering anti-tumour immune responses, including neoantigen quantity and specificity, uptake rates by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), residence duration within the tumour microenvironment (TME), and their ability to facilitate the maturation of APCs for immune response activation. Nanotechnology assumes a significant role in several aspects, including facilitating neoantigen release, promoting neoantigen delivery to antigen-presenting cells, augmenting neoantigen uptake by dendritic cells, shielding neoantigens from protease degradation, and optimizing interactions between neoantigens and the immune system. Consequently, the development of nanotechnology synergistically enhances the efficacy of neoantigens in cancer theranostics. In this review, we provide an overview of neoantigen sources, the mechanisms of neoantigen-induced immune responses, and the evolution of precision neoantigen-based nanomedicine. This encompasses various therapeutic modalities, such as neoantigen-based immunotherapy, phototherapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, chemodynamic therapy, and other strategies tailored to augment precision in cancer therapeutics. We also discuss the current challenges and prospects in the application of neoantigen-based precision nanomedicine, aiming to expedite its clinical translation.

HIF-1α Mediates Immunosuppression and Chemoresistance in Colorectal Cancer by Inhibiting CXCL9, -10 and -11

Uncertainty exists regarding the mechanisms by which hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) control CD8+T-cell migration into tumor microenvironments. Here, we found that HIF-1α knockdown or overexpression resulted in increased or decreased CXCL9, -10, and -11 expression in vitro, respectively. Gene Set Variation Analysis revealed that elevated HIF-1α levels correlated with a poor prognosis, severe pathological stage, and an absence of CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. HIF-1α was inversely associated with pathways beneficial to anti-tumor immunotherapy and cytokine/chemokine function. In vivo, inhibiting HIF-1α or its upstream regulator BIRC2 significantly suppressed tumor growth and promoted CD8+ T-cell infiltration. CXCR3 neutralizing antibodies reversed these effects, implicating the involvement of CXCL9, -10, and -11/CXCR3 axis. The presence of HIF-1α weakened the upregulation of CXCL9, -10, and -11 by bleomycin and doxorubicin. Combining HIF-1α inhibition with bleomycin promoted CD8+ T-cell infiltration and tumor suppression in vivo. Moreover, doxorubicin could upregulate CXCL9, -10 and -11 by suppressing HIF-1α. Our findings highlight the potential of HIF-1α inhibition to improve CRC microenvironments and increase chemotherapy sensitivity.

Nanomedicines as enhancers of tumor immunogenicity to augment cancer immunotherapy

The potential of cancer immunotherapy is hampered by the poor immunogenicity of cancer cells. Strategies to enhance tumor immunogenicity are imperative to enhance T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity. Although conventional therapeutics can increase tumor antigen expression or stimulate the release of danger signals to promote immunogenic cell death (ICD), they face challenges relating to efficacy and tumor-specific delivery. Nanomedicines can efficiently deliver tumor antigens, immune adjuvants, epigenetic modulators, or ICD inducers through targeted drug delivery with minimal off-target effects. Collectively, nanomedicines can overcome biological barriers to immunotherapy through targeted antigen delivery, induction of ICD, or epigenetic remodeling, resulting in increased tumor immunogenicity.

An immunogenic cell death-related gene expression signature in predicting prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Immunogenic cell death (ICD) has been identified as regulated cell death, which is sufficient to activate the adaptive immune response. This study aimed to research ICD-related genes and create a gene model to predict pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PAAD) patients' prognosis.

METHODS

The RNA sequencing and clinical data were downloaded from the TGCA and GEO databases. The PAAD samples were classified into two subtypes based on the expression levels of ICD-related genes using consensus clustering. Based on the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), a prognostic scoring model was constructed using LASSO regression and Cox regression, and the scoring model was used to predict the prognosis of PAAD patients. Moreover, colony formation assay was performed to confirm the prognostic value of those genes.

RESULTS

We identified two ICD cluster by consensus clustering, and found that the the ICD-high group was closely associated with immune-hot phenotype, favorable clinical outcomes. We established an ICD-related prognostic model which can predict the prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Moreover, depletion of NT5E, ATG5, FOXP3, and IFNG inhibited the colony formation ability of pancreatic cancer cell.

CONCLUSION

We identified a novel classification for PAAD based on the expression of ICD-related genes, which may provide a potential strategy for therapeutics against PAAD.

Phospholipid scramblase 1 is involved in immunogenic cell death and contributes to dendritic cell-based vaccine efficiency to elicit antitumor immune response in vitro

BACKGROUND AIMS

Whole tumor cell lysates (TCLs) obtained from cancer cells previously killed by treatments able to promote immunogenic cell death (ICD) can be efficiently used as a source of tumor-associated antigens for the development of highly efficient dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccines. Herein, the potential role of the interferon (IFN)-inducible protein phospholipid scramblase 1 (PLSCR1) in influencing immunogenic features of dying cancer cells and in enhancing DC-based vaccine efficiency was investigated.

METHODS

PLSCR1 expression was evaluated in different mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL) cell lines following ICD induction by 9-cis-retinoic acid (RA)/IFN-α combination, and commercial kinase inhibitor was used to identify the signaling pathway involved in its upregulation. A Mino cell line ectopically expressing PLSCR1 was generated to investigate the potential involvement of this protein in modulating ICD features. Whole TCLs obtained from Mino overexpressing PLSCR1 were used for DC loading, and loaded DCs were employed for generation of tumor antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes.

RESULTS

The ICD inducer RA/IFN-α combination promoted PLSCR1 expression through STAT1 activation. PLSCR1 upregulation favored pro-apoptotic effects of RA/IFN-α treatment and enhanced the exposure of calreticulin on cell surface. Moreover, DCs loaded with TCLs obtained from Mino ectopically expressing PLSCR1 elicited in vitro greater T-cell-mediated antitumor responses compared with DCs loaded with TCLs derived from Mino infected with empty vector or the parental cell line. Conversely, PLSCR1 knock-down inhibited the stimulating activity of DCs loaded with RA/IFN-α-treated TCLs to elicit cyclin D1 peptide-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that PLSCR1 improved ICD-associated calreticulin exposure induced by RA/IFN-α and was clearly involved in DC-based vaccine efficiency as well, suggesting a potential contribution in the control of pathways associated to DC activation, possibly including those involved in antigen uptake and concomitant antitumor immune response activation.

Antibody-Drug Conjugates: The Dynamic Evolution from Conventional to Next-Generation Constructs

Introduced almost two decades ago, ADCs have marked a breakthrough in the targeted therapy era, providing clinical benefits to many cancer patients. While the inherent complexity of this class of drugs has challenged their development and broad application, the experience gained from years of trials and errors and recent advances in construct design and delivery have led to an increased number of ADCs approved or in late clinical development in only five years. Target and payload diversification, along with novel conjugation and linker technologies, are at the forefront of next-generation ADC development, renewing hopes to broaden the scope of these targeted drugs to difficult-to-treat cancers and beyond. This review highlights recent trends in the ADC field, focusing on construct design and mechanism of action and their implications on ADCs' therapeutic profile. The evolution from conventional to innovative ADC formats will be illustrated, along with some of the current hurdles, including toxicity and drug resistance. Future directions to improve the design of next-generation ADCs will also be presented.

Doxorubicin-induced Immunogenic Cell Death Impairs Tumor Progression and Distant Metastasis in a 4T1 Breast Cancer Tumor Model

INTRODUCTION

Cancer is an individual disease and its formation and development are specific to each host. Conventional treatments are ineffective in complex cases, such as metastasis, and have severe adverse side effects. New strategies are needed to address the problem, and the use of immunogenic cell death (ICD) as a trigger or booster of the immune system through the exposure of damage-associated molecular patterns, along with tumor antigens, by cancerous cells is presented as an immunization approach in this work.

METHODS

For this purpose, 4T1 cells were exposed to doxorubicin (DOX) for 24 hours and then, these cells undergoing ICD were subcutaneously administered to mice. The ICD induction by DOX on 4T1 was assessed by flow cytometry and image analysis. This immunization process was performed three times and after the last administration, the immunized mice were challenged with a subcutaneous xenograft of live cancer cells.

RESULTS

The results demonstrate that the mice immunized with cells undergoing ICD after exposure to DOX presented no primary tumor or indications of distant metastatic lesion development.

CONCLUSION

In summary, our findings indicate that the immunization process utilizing ICD is indeed efficacious in managing this aggressive form of pre-clinical breast cancer.

Construction of immunogenic cell death-related molecular subtypes and prognostic signature in colorectal cancer

Immunotherapy is a promising treatment for advanced colorectal cancers (CRCs). However, immunotherapy resistance remains a common problem. Immunogenic cell death (ICD), a form of regulated cell death, induces adaptive immunity, thereby enhancing anti-tumor immunity. Research increasingly suggests that inducing ICD is a promising avenue for cancer immunotherapy and identifying ICD-related biomarkers for CRCs would create a new direction for targeted therapies. Thus, this study used bioinformatics to address these questions and create a prognostic signature, aiming to improve individualized CRC treatment. We identified two ICD -related molecular subtypes of CRCs. The high subtype showed pronounced immune cell infiltration, high immune activity, and high expression of human leukocyte antigen and immune checkpoints genes. Subsequently, we constructed and validated a prognostic signature comprising six genes (CD1A, TSLP, CD36, TIMP1, MC1R, and NRG1) using random survival forest analyses. Further analysis using this prediction model indicated that patients with CRCs in the low-risk group exhibited favorable clinical outcomes and better immunotherapy responses than those in the high-risk group. Our findings provide novel insights into determining the prognosis and design of personalized immunotherapeutic strategies for patients with CRCs.

Novel phenanthrene imidazoles as telomeric G-quadruplex ligands trigger potent immunogenic cell death in triple-negative breast cancer

Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a typical type of regulated cell demise, and ICD inducers stimulate the immune responses against dead-cell antigens and exert specific antitumor effects. G-quadruplex (G4) binders targeting the telomeres lead to DNA damage response (DDR) and the potential of harnessing the immune system for cancer therapy. However, the immunostimulatory effects of G4 ligands in cancer cells are still seldomly determined. In this study, we rationally designed and synthesized a series of novel phenanthrene imidazoles targeting telomeric G4. Among them, PI-2 was identified as the most promising ligand with high cytotoxicity, cellular uptake efficiency and G4-interacting ability. Cellular studies indicated that PI-2 inhibited the proliferation and migration of both human and mouse triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. PI-2 triggered the occurrence of DDR and ICD, where the related pathways were further decided. In vivo experiments displayed that PI-2-treated dying cells could be an effective vaccination to reduce tumor burden and promote the infiltration of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells to the tumor microenvironment (TME). To our knowledge, it is the first time to report a DDR-targeted G4 ligand with ICD-inducing ability in immunocompetent animals, which may provide new insights for the development of promising G4-based immunochemotherapeutic agents.

Application of Nanomedicine in Immunotherapy: Recent Advances and Prospects

Nanomedicine is a special medical field focused on the application of nanotechnology to provide innovations for healthcare in different areas, including the treatment of a wide variety of diseases, including cancer [...].

Trial watch: chemotherapy-induced immunogenic cell death in oncology

Immunogenic cell death (ICD) refers to an immunologically distinct process of regulated cell death that activates, rather than suppresses, innate and adaptive immune responses. Such responses culminate into T cell-driven immunity against antigens derived from dying cancer cells. The potency of ICD is dependent on the immunogenicity of dying cells as defined by the antigenicity of these cells and their ability to expose immunostimulatory molecules like damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and cytokines like type I interferons (IFNs). Moreover, it is crucial that the host's immune system can adequately detect the antigenicity and adjuvanticity of these dying cells. Over the years, several well-known chemotherapies have been validated as potent ICD inducers, including (but not limited to) anthracyclines, paclitaxels, and oxaliplatin. Such ICD-inducing chemotherapeutic drugs can serve as important combinatorial partners for anti-cancer immunotherapies against highly immuno-resistant tumors. In this Trial Watch, we describe current trends in the preclinical and clinical integration of ICD-inducing chemotherapy in the existing immuno-oncological paradigms.

Recent Developments in Nanoparticle-Based Photo-Immunotherapy for Cancer Treatment

Phototherapy is an emerging approach for cancer treatment that is effective at controlling the growth of primary tumors. In the presence of light irradiation, photothermal and photodynamic agents that are delivered to tumor sites can induce local hyperthermia and the production of reactive oxygen species, respectively, that directly eradicate cancer cells. Nanoparticles, characterized by their small size and tunable physiochemical properties, have been widely utilized as carriers for phototherapeutic agents to improve their biocompatibility and tumor-targeted delivery. Nanocarriers can also be used to implement various codelivery strategies for further enhancing phototherapeutic efficiency. More recently, there has been considerable interest in augmenting the immunological effects of nanoparticle-based phototherapies, which can yield durable and systemic antitumor responses. This review provides an overview of recent developments in using nanoparticle technology to achieve photo-immunotherapy.

An immunogenic cell death-associated classification predictions are important for breast invasive carcinoma prognosis and immunotherapy

As a type of regulated cell death (RCD), immunogenic cell death (ICD) can initiate the adaptive immune responses. Numerous reports highlight the capacity of ICD to alter the tumor immune microenvironment by releasing Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMP) or danger signals to boost the efficacy of immunotherapy. Therefore, identification of the ICD-associated biomarkers is crucial for the prediction of ICD-induced immune responses. In this report, the consensus clustering technique was used to identify two subcategories (subtypes) linked to ICD. In comparison to the ICD-low subcategory, the ICD-high subcategory showed longer survival and more immune cell infiltration. Then, a novel ICD-associated prognostic model was developed and validated for predicting the survival of patients with breast invasive carcinomas (BRCA) and is linked to the tumor immune microenvironment. To conclude, a novel ICD-based BRCA classification scheme was designed. For individuals with BRCA, this categorization will be crucial for directing the assessment of prognosis and treatment.