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Targeting TRAIL Death Receptors in Triple-Negative Breast Cancers: Challenges and Strategies for Cancer Therapy. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233717. [PMID: 36496977 PMCID: PMC9739296 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily member TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis in cancer cells via death receptor (DR) activation with little toxicity to normal cells or tissues. The selectivity for activating apoptosis in cancer cells confers an ideal therapeutic characteristic to TRAIL, which has led to the development and clinical testing of many DR agonists. However, TRAIL/DR targeting therapies have been widely ineffective in clinical trials of various malignancies for reasons that remain poorly understood. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has the worst prognosis among breast cancers. Targeting the TRAIL DR pathway has shown notable efficacy in a subset of TNBC in preclinical models but again has not shown appreciable activity in clinical trials. In this review, we will discuss the signaling components and mechanisms governing TRAIL pathway activation and clinical trial findings discussed with a focus on TNBC. Challenges and potential solutions for using DR agonists in the clinic are also discussed, including consideration of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of DR agonists, patient selection by predictive biomarkers, and potential combination therapies. Moreover, recent findings on the impact of TRAIL treatment on the immune response, as well as novel strategies to address those challenges, are discussed.
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2
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Wu C, You M, Nguyen D, Wangpaichitr M, Li YY, Feun LG, Kuo MT, Savaraj N. Enhancing the Effect of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand Signaling and Arginine Deprivation in Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147628. [PMID: 34299249 PMCID: PMC8306073 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma as a very aggressive type of cancer is still in urgent need of improved treatment. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG20) are two of many suggested drugs for treating melanoma. Both have shown anti-tumor activities without harming normal cells. However, resistance to both drugs has also been noted. Studies on the mechanism of action of and resistance to these drugs provide multiple targets that can be utilized to increase the efficacy and overcome the resistance. As a result, combination strategies have been proposed for these drug candidates with various other agents, and achieved enhanced or synergistic anti-tumor effect. The combination of TRAIL and ADI-PEG20 as one example can greatly enhance the cytotoxicity to melanoma cells including those resistant to the single component of this combination. It is found that combination treatment generally can alter the expression of the components of cell signaling in melanoma cells to favor cell death. In this paper, the signaling of TRAIL and ADI-PEG20-induced arginine deprivation including the main mechanism of resistance to these drugs and exemplary combination strategies is discussed. Finally, factors hampering the clinical application of both drugs, current and future development to overcome these hurdles are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunjing Wu
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami VA Healthcare System, Research Service, Miami, FL 33125, USA; (C.W.); (M.W.); (Y.-Y.L.)
| | - Min You
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.Y.); (D.N.); (L.G.F.)
| | - Dao Nguyen
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.Y.); (D.N.); (L.G.F.)
- Department of Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Medhi Wangpaichitr
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami VA Healthcare System, Research Service, Miami, FL 33125, USA; (C.W.); (M.W.); (Y.-Y.L.)
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.Y.); (D.N.); (L.G.F.)
- Department of Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Ying-Ying Li
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami VA Healthcare System, Research Service, Miami, FL 33125, USA; (C.W.); (M.W.); (Y.-Y.L.)
| | - Lynn G. Feun
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.Y.); (D.N.); (L.G.F.)
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Macus T. Kuo
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Niramol Savaraj
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami VA Healthcare System, Research Service, Miami, FL 33125, USA; (C.W.); (M.W.); (Y.-Y.L.)
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.Y.); (D.N.); (L.G.F.)
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-305-575-3143; Fax: +1-305-575-3375
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3
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Vacchelli E, Aranda F, Eggermont A, Galon J, Sautès-Fridman C, Zitvogel L, Kroemer G, Galluzzi L. Trial Watch: Tumor-targeting monoclonal antibodies in cancer therapy. Oncoimmunology 2021; 3:e27048. [PMID: 24605265 PMCID: PMC3937194 DOI: 10.4161/onci.27048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/01/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In 1997, for the first time in history, a monoclonal antibody (mAb), i.e., the chimeric anti-CD20 molecule rituximab, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in cancer patients. Since then, the panel of mAbs that are approved by international regulatory agencies for the treatment of hematopoietic and solid malignancies has not stopped to expand, nowadays encompassing a stunning amount of 15 distinct molecules. This therapeutic armamentarium includes mAbs that target tumor-associated antigens, as well as molecules that interfere with tumor-stroma interactions or exert direct immunostimulatory effects. These three classes of mAbs exert antineoplastic activity via distinct mechanisms, which may or may not involve immune effectors other than the mAbs themselves. In previous issues of OncoImmunology, we provided a brief scientific background to the use of mAbs, all types confounded, in cancer therapy, and discussed the results of recent clinical trials investigating the safety and efficacy of this approach. Here, we focus on mAbs that primarily target malignant cells or their interactions with stromal components, as opposed to mAbs that mediate antineoplastic effects by activating the immune system. In particular, we discuss relevant clinical findings that have been published during the last 13 months as well as clinical trials that have been launched in the same period to investigate the therapeutic profile of hitherto investigational tumor-targeting mAbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Vacchelli
- Gustave Roussy; Villejuif, France ; INSERM, U848; Villejuif, France ; Equipe 11 labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer; Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers; Paris, France ; Université Paris-Sud/Paris XI; Paris, France
| | - Fernando Aranda
- Gustave Roussy; Villejuif, France ; INSERM, U848; Villejuif, France ; Equipe 11 labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer; Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers; Paris, France
| | | | - Jérôme Galon
- Université Paris Descartes/Paris V; Sorbonne Paris Cité; Paris, France ; Université Pierre et Marie Curie/Paris VI; Paris, France ; INSERM, U872; Paris, France ; Equipe 15, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers; Paris, France
| | - Catherine Sautès-Fridman
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie/Paris VI; Paris, France ; INSERM, U872; Paris, France ; Equipe 13, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers; Paris, France
| | - Laurence Zitvogel
- Gustave Roussy; Villejuif, France ; INSERM, U1015; CICBT507; Villejuif, France
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Pôle de Biologie; Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou; AP-HP; Paris, France ; Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms; Gustave Roussy; Villejuif, France ; INSERM, U848; Villejuif, France ; Equipe 11 labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer; Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers; Paris, France ; Université Paris Descartes/Paris V; Sorbonne Paris Cité; Paris, France
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Gustave Roussy; Villejuif, France ; Université Paris Descartes/Paris V; Sorbonne Paris Cité; Paris, France ; Equipe 11 labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer; Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers; Paris, France
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4
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Lim B, Greer Y, Lipkowitz S, Takebe N. Novel Apoptosis-Inducing Agents for the Treatment of Cancer, a New Arsenal in the Toolbox. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11081087. [PMID: 31370269 PMCID: PMC6721450 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Evasion from apoptosis is an important hallmark of cancer cells. Alterations of apoptosis pathways are especially critical as they confer resistance to conventional anti-cancer therapeutics, e.g., chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapeutics. Thus, successful induction of apoptosis using novel therapeutics may be a key strategy for preventing recurrence and metastasis. Inhibitors of anti-apoptotic molecules and enhancers of pro-apoptotic molecules are being actively developed for hematologic malignancies and solid tumors in particular over the last decade. However, due to the complicated apoptosis process caused by a multifaceted connection with cross-talk pathways, protein–protein interaction, and diverse resistance mechanisms, drug development within the category has been extremely challenging. Careful design and development of clinical trials incorporating predictive biomarkers along with novel apoptosis-inducing agents based on rational combination strategies are needed to ensure the successful development of these molecules. Here, we review the landscape of currently available direct apoptosis-targeting agents in clinical development for cancer treatment and update the related biomarker advancement to detect and validate the efficacy of apoptosis-targeted therapies, along with strategies to combine them with other agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bora Lim
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Yoshimi Greer
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Stanley Lipkowitz
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Naoko Takebe
- Early Clinical Trials Development, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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5
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Molecular Mode of Action of TRAIL Receptor Agonists-Common Principles and Their Translational Exploitation. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11070954. [PMID: 31284696 PMCID: PMC6678900 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11070954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and its death receptors TRAILR1/death receptor 4 (DR4) and TRAILR2/DR5 trigger cell death in many cancer cells but rarely exert cytotoxic activity on non-transformed cells. Against this background, a variety of recombinant TRAIL variants and anti-TRAIL death receptor antibodies have been developed and tested in preclinical and clinical studies. Despite promising results from mice tumor models, TRAIL death receptor targeting has failed so far in clinical studies to show satisfying anti-tumor efficacy. These disappointing results can largely be explained by two issues: First, tumor cells can acquire TRAIL resistance by several mechanisms defining a need for combination therapies with appropriate sensitizing drugs. Second, there is now growing preclinical evidence that soluble TRAIL variants but also bivalent anti-TRAIL death receptor antibodies typically require oligomerization or plasma membrane anchoring to achieve maximum activity. This review discusses the need for oligomerization and plasma membrane attachment for the activity of TRAIL death receptor agonists in view of what is known about the molecular mechanisms of how TRAIL death receptors trigger intracellular cell death signaling. In particular, it will be highlighted which consequences this has for the development of next generation TRAIL death receptor agonists and their potential clinical application.
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Beyrath J, Chekkat N, Smulski CR, Lombardo CM, Lechner MC, Seguin C, Decossas M, Spanedda MV, Frisch B, Guichard G, Fournel S. Synthetic ligands of death receptor 5 display a cell-selective agonistic effect at different oligomerization levels. Oncotarget 2018; 7:64942-64956. [PMID: 27409341 PMCID: PMC5323128 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
DR4 (Death Receptor 4) and DR5 (Death Receptor 5) are two potential targets for cancer therapy due to their ability to trigger apoptosis of cancer cells, but not normal ones, when activated by their cognate ligand TRAIL (TNF related apoptosis-inducing ligand). Therapies based on soluble recombinant TRAIL or agonist antibodies directed against one of the receptors are currently under clinical trials. However, TRAIL-R positive tumor cells are frequently resistant to TRAIL induced apoptosis. The precise mechanisms of this resistance are still not entirely understood. We have previously reported on synthetic peptides that bind to DR5 (TRAILmim/DR5) and induce tumor cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Here, we showed that while hexameric soluble TRAIL is able to efficiently kill the DR5 positive lymphoma Jurkat or the carcinoma HCT116, these cells are resistant to apoptosis induced by the divalent form of TRAILmim/DR5 and are poorly sensitive to apoptosis induced by an anti-DR5 agonist monoclonal antibody. This resistance can be restored by the cross-linking of anti-DR5 agonist antibody but not by the cross-linking of the divalent form of TRAILmim/DR5. Interestingly, the divalent form of TRAILmim/DR5 that induced apoptosis of DR5 positive BJAB cells, acts as an inhibitor of TRAIL-induced apoptosis on Jurkat and HCT116 cells. The rapid internalization of DR5 observed when treated with divalent form of TRAILmim/DR5 could explain the antagonist activity of the ligand on Jurkat and HCT116 cells but also highlights the independence of the mechanisms responsible for internalization and activation when triggering the DR5 apoptotic cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Beyrath
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, UMR 3572, Laboratoire d'Immunopathologie et Chimie Thérapeutique, Strasbourg 67084, France.,Current address: Khondrion BV, Nijmegen 6525EX, The Netherlands
| | - Neila Chekkat
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, UMR 3572, Laboratoire d'Immunopathologie et Chimie Thérapeutique, Strasbourg 67084, France.,Current address: Faculté de Pharmacie, UMR 7199, Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, Illkirch BP 67401, France
| | - Cristian R Smulski
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, UMR 3572, Laboratoire d'Immunopathologie et Chimie Thérapeutique, Strasbourg 67084, France.,Current address: University Medical Center Freiburg, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Freiburg D-79110, Germany
| | - Caterina M Lombardo
- Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, UMR 5248, Institut de Chimie & Biologie des Membranes & des Nano-objets (CBMN), Univ. Bordeaux, Pessac 33607, France.,UMR 5248, CBMN, CNRS, Pessac 33600, France
| | - Marie-Charlotte Lechner
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, UMR 3572, Laboratoire d'Immunopathologie et Chimie Thérapeutique, Strasbourg 67084, France.,Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, UMR 5248, Institut de Chimie & Biologie des Membranes & des Nano-objets (CBMN), Univ. Bordeaux, Pessac 33607, France.,UMR 5248, CBMN, CNRS, Pessac 33600, France
| | - Cendrine Seguin
- Current address: Faculté de Pharmacie, UMR 7199, Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, Illkirch BP 67401, France
| | - Marion Decossas
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, UMR 3572, Laboratoire d'Immunopathologie et Chimie Thérapeutique, Strasbourg 67084, France.,UMR 5248, CBMN, CNRS, Pessac 33600, France.,UMR 5248, CBMN, Univ. Bordeaux, Pessac 33600, France
| | - Maria Vittoria Spanedda
- Current address: Faculté de Pharmacie, UMR 7199, Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, Illkirch BP 67401, France
| | - Benoît Frisch
- Current address: Faculté de Pharmacie, UMR 7199, Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, Illkirch BP 67401, France
| | - Gilles Guichard
- Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, UMR 5248, Institut de Chimie & Biologie des Membranes & des Nano-objets (CBMN), Univ. Bordeaux, Pessac 33607, France.,UMR 5248, CBMN, CNRS, Pessac 33600, France
| | - Sylvie Fournel
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, UMR 3572, Laboratoire d'Immunopathologie et Chimie Thérapeutique, Strasbourg 67084, France.,Current address: Faculté de Pharmacie, UMR 7199, Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, Illkirch BP 67401, France
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7
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Toiyama D, Takaha N, Shinnoh M, Ueda T, Kimura Y, Nakamura T, Hongo F, Mikami K, Kamoi K, Kawauchi A, Miki T. Significance of serum tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand as a prognostic biomarker for renal cell carcinoma. Mol Clin Oncol 2012; 1:69-74. [PMID: 24649125 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2012.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2012] [Accepted: 09/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is endogenously expressed in immune cells and contributes to immunosurveillance for cancer. TRAIL induces apoptosis preferentially in various cancer cells, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells. In this study, the serum TRAIL level was examined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 52 healthy controls and in 84 RCC patients prior to surgery and its significance as a biomarker was evaluated. The median serum TRAIL level was lower in RCC patients compared to the healthy controls (55.9 vs. 103.1 pg/ml; P=0.019). RCC with lymph node metastasis (N1-2), distant metastasis (M1), stage III-IV, or microscopic venous invasion was associated with decreased serum TRAIL levels (P=0.032, 0.067, 0.020 and 0.011). When comparing serum TRAIL levels in the same RCC patients prior and subsequent to surgery (n=11), the levels were significantly higher after surgery (P=0.031). The cause-specific survival rate was significantly higher in RCC patients with high serum TRAIL levels compared to those with low serum TRAIL levels (P=0.0451). TRAIL was estimated to contribute 64 and 13% of the lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity against human RCC ACHN and Caki-1 cells, respectively. These data suggest that the serum TRAIL level may be useful as a prognostic biomarker in RCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Takashi Ueda
- Departments of Urology and ; Translational Cancer Drug Development, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tsuneharu Miki
- Departments of Urology and ; Translational Cancer Drug Development, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
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Du X, Xiang L, Mackall C, Pastan I. Killing of resistant cancer cells with low Bak by a combination of an antimesothelin immunotoxin and a TRAIL Receptor 2 agonist antibody. Clin Cancer Res 2011; 17:5926-34. [PMID: 21813632 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-11-1235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Many solid tumors express cell surface mesothelin making them attractive targets for antibody-based therapies of cancer. SS1P [antimesothelin(Fv)PE38] is a recombinant immunotoxin (RIT) that has potent cytotoxic activity on several cancer cell lines and clinical activity in mesothelioma patients. Pancreatic cancers express mesothelin and are known to be resistant to most chemotherapeutic agents. The goal of this study is to treat pancreatic cancer with RIT by targeting mesothelin. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We measured the cytotoxic activity of an antimesothelin immunotoxin on pancreatic cancer cells. We also measured the levels of several pro- and antiapoptotic proteins, as well as the ability of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) or the anti-TRAIL receptor 2 agonist antibody (HGS-ETR2) to kill pancreatic cells, and the cytotoxic activity of the two agents together in cell culture and against tumors in mice. RESULTS In two pancreatic cancer cell lines, immunotoxin treatment inhibited protein synthesis but did not produce significant cell death. The resistant lines had low levels of the proapoptotic protein Bak. Increasing Bak expression enhanced the sensitivity to immunotoxins, whereas Bak knockdown diminished it. We also found that combining immunotoxin with TRAIL or HGS-ETR2 caused synergistic cell death, and together triggered caspase-8 recruitment and activation, Bid cleavage and Bax activation. Combining SS1P with HGS-ETR2 also acted synergistically to decrease tumor burden in a mouse model. CONCLUSION Our data show that low Bak can cause cancer cells to be resistant to immunotoxin treatment and that combining immunotoxin with TRAIL or a TRAIL agonist antibody can overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Du
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, and Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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9
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Zeng Y, He Y, Yang F, Mooney SM, Getzenberg RH, Orban J, Kulkarni P. The cancer/testis antigen prostate-associated gene 4 (PAGE4) is a highly intrinsically disordered protein. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:13985-94. [PMID: 21357425 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.210765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The cancer/testis antigens (CTAs) are an important group of heterogeneous proteins that are predominantly expressed in the testis in the normal human adult but are aberrantly expressed in several types of cancers. Prostate-associated gene 4 (PAGE4) is a member of the CT-X family of CTAs that in addition to testis, is highly expressed in the fetal prostate, and may also play an important role both in benign and malignant prostate diseases. However, the function of this gene remains poorly understood. Here, we show that PAGE4 is a highly (100%) intrinsically disordered protein (IDP). The primary protein sequence conforms to the features of a typical IDP sequence and the secondary structure prediction algorithm metaPrDOS strongly supported this prediction. Furthermore, SDS-gel electrophoresis and analytical size exclusion chromatography of the recombinant protein revealed an anomalous behavior characteristic of IDPs. UV circular dichroism (CD) and NMR spectroscopy confirmed that PAGE4 is indeed a highly disordered protein. In further bioinformatic analysis, the PredictNLS algorithm uncovered a potential nuclear localization signal, whereas the algorithm DBS-Pred returned a 99.1% probability that PAGE4 is a DNA-binding protein. Consistent with this prediction, biochemical experiments showed that PAGE4 preferentially binds a GC-rich sequence. Silencing PAGE4 expression induced cell death via apoptosis and in mice carrying PCa xenografts, siRNA-mediated knockdown of the PAGE4 mRNA attenuated tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, overexpressing PAGE4 protected cells from stress-induced death. To our knowledge, PAGE4 is the first example of a CTA that is an IDP with an anti-apoptotic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zeng
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute & the George O'Brien Urology Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA
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10
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Wakelee HA, Patnaik A, Sikic BI, Mita M, Fox NL, Miceli R, Ullrich SJ, Fisher GA, Tolcher AW. Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of lexatumumab (HGS-ETR2) given every 2 weeks in patients with advanced solid tumors. Ann Oncol 2009; 21:376-381. [PMID: 19633048 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdp292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lexatumumab (HGS-ETR2) is a fully human agonistic mAb to the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor 2 that activates the extrinsic apoptosis pathway and has potent preclinical antitumor activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS This phase 1, dose escalation study assessed the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PKs) and immunogenicity of lexatumumab administered i.v. every 14 days in patients with advanced solid tumors. RESULTS Thirty-one patients received lexatumumab over five dose levels (0.1-10 mg/kg). Most (26 of 31) received four or more cycles of treatment. One patient at 10 mg/kg experienced a possibly related dose-limiting toxicity of grade 3 hyperamylasemia. Nine patients achieved stable disease. One patient with chemotherapy-refractive Hodgkin's disease experienced a mixed response. Lexatumumab PKs were linear up to 10 mg/kg. At the 10 mg/kg dose, the mean (+/-standard deviation) t(1/2b) was 13.67 +/- 4.07 days, clearance was 4.95 +/- 1.93 ml/day/kg, V(1) was 45.55 ml/kg and V(ss) was 79.08 ml/kg, indicating that lexatumumab distributes outside the plasma compartment. No human antihuman antibodies were detected. CONCLUSIONS Lexatumumab can be safely administered every 14 days at 10 mg/kg. The PK profile supports this schedule. Further evaluation of lexatumumab at this dose schedule is warranted, including combination trials with other agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- H A Wakelee
- Department of Medicine-Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA.
| | - A Patnaik
- Department of Clinical Research, Institute for Drug Development, Cancer Therapy and Research Center, San Antonio, TX
| | - B I Sikic
- Department of Medicine-Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - M Mita
- Department of Clinical Research, Institute for Drug Development, Cancer Therapy and Research Center, San Antonio, TX
| | - N L Fox
- Human Genome Sciences, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - R Miceli
- Human Genome Sciences, Rockville, MD, USA
| | | | - G A Fisher
- Department of Medicine-Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - A W Tolcher
- Department of Clinical Research, Institute for Drug Development, Cancer Therapy and Research Center, San Antonio, TX
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11
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Macher-Goeppinger S, Aulmann S, Tagscherer KE, Wagener N, Haferkamp A, Penzel R, Brauckhoff A, Hohenfellner M, Sykora J, Walczak H, Teh BT, Autschbach F, Herpel E, Schirmacher P, Roth W. Prognostic value of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and TRAIL receptors in renal cell cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2009; 15:650-9. [PMID: 19147771 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-08-0284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The death ligand tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and its receptors (TRAIL-R) are involved in immune surveillance and tumor development. Here, we studied a possible association between the expression of TRAIL/TRAIL-Rs and the prognosis in patients with renal cell carcinomas (RCC). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN A tissue microarray containing RCC tumor tissue samples and corresponding normal tissue samples from 838 patients was generated. Expression of TRAIL and TRAIL-Rs was examined by immunohistochemistry and the effect of TRAIL and TRAIL-R expression on disease-specific survival was assessed. RESULTS High TRAIL-R2 expression levels were associated with high-grade RCCs (P < 0.001) and correlated negatively with disease-specific survival (P = 0.01). Similarly, high TRAIL expression was associated with a shorter disease-specific survival (P = 0.01). In contrast, low TRAIL-R4 expression was associated with high-stage RCCs (P < 0.001) as well as with the incidence of distant metastasis (P = 0.03) and correlated negatively with disease-specific survival (P = 0.02). In patients without distant metastasis, multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that TRAIL-R2 and TRAIL are independent prognostic factors for cancer-specific survival (in addition to tumor extent, regional lymph node metastasis, grade of malignancy, and type of surgery). CONCLUSION High TRAIL-R2, high TRAIL, and low TRAIL-R4 expression levels are associated with a worse disease-specific survival in patients with RCCs. Therefore, the assessment of TRAIL/TRAIL-R expression offers valuable prognostic information that could be used to select patients for adjuvant therapy studies. Moreover, our findings are of relevance for a potential experimental therapeutic administration of TRAIL-R agonists in patients with RCCs.
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Wu XX, Kakehi Y. Enhancement of lexatumumab-induced apoptosis in human solid cancer cells by Cisplatin in caspase-dependent manner. Clin Cancer Res 2009; 15:2039-47. [PMID: 19276256 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-08-2667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was designed to evaluate the apoptotic effect of mapatumumab or lexatumumab, human agonistic antibodies that target the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor 1 (TRAIL-R1) and receptor 2 (TRAIL-R2), in combination with chemotherapeutic agents, against human solid cancer cells. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Cytotoxicity was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Synergy was assessed by isobolographic analysis. RESULTS Treatment of ACHN human renal cell carcinoma cells with cisplatin combined with mapatumumab did not overcome resistance to these agents. However, treatment with cisplatin in combination with lexatumumab had a synergistic cytotoxicity. Synergy was also achieved in six primary renal cell carcinoma cell cultures. Lexatumumab and cisplatin also synergistically enhanced apoptosis. Pretreatment with cisplatin followed by lexatumumab resulted in high cytotoxicity compared with the reverse sequence. Cisplatin significantly increased TRAIL-R2 expression at both the mRNA and the protein levels. Furthermore, the combination of lexatumumab and cisplatin significantly enhanced caspase-8 activity, Bid cleavage, up-regulation of Bax, cytochrome c release, and caspase-9, caspase-6, and caspase-3 activities. Importantly, the activation of caspase-8 was significantly abrogated by the specific inhibitors of caspase-9, caspase-6, and caspase-3. Furthermore, combination-induced cytotoxicity was significantly suppressed by the DR5:Fc chimeric protein and the specific inhibitors of caspase-8, caspase-9, caspase-6, and caspase-3. A similar effect was observed in prostate cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer, and cervical cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS Cisplatin sensitizes solid cancer cells to lexatumumab-induced apoptosis by potentiation of the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways that lead to amplification of caspase activation, particularly caspase-8, suggesting the combination treatment of solid cancers with cisplatin and lexatumumab might overcome their resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-Xian Wu
- Authors' Affiliations: Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan; and Qiqiha Medical College, Heilongjiang, China
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Booth NL, Sayers TJ, Brooks AD, Thomas CL, Jacobsen K, Goncharova EI, McMahon JB, Henrich CJ. A cell-based high-throughput screen to identify synergistic TRAIL sensitizers. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2008; 58:1229-44. [PMID: 19089423 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-008-0637-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2008] [Accepted: 11/24/2008] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
We have developed a high-throughput screen (HTS) to search for novel molecules that can synergize with TRAIL, thus promoting apoptosis of ACHN renal tumor cells in a combinatorial fashion. The HTS detects synthetic compounds and pure natural products that can pre-sensitize the cancer cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis, yet have limited toxicity on their own. We have taken into account the individual effects of the single agents, versus the combination, and have identified hits that are synergistic, synergistic-toxic, or additive when combined with TRAIL in promoting tumor cell death. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that a subset of the synergistic TRAIL sensitizers act very rapidly to promote cleavage and activation of caspase-8 following TRAIL binding. Caspase-8 is an apical enzyme that initiates programmed cell death via the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. Thus, these TRAIL sensitizers may potentially reduce resistance of tumor cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. Two representative sensitizers were found to increase levels of p53 but did not inhibit the proteasome, suggesting that early DNA damage-sensing pathways may be involved in their mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Lynn Booth
- Molecular Targets Development Program, Center for Cancer Research, NCI-Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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Kandasamy K, Kraft AS. Proteasome inhibitor PS-341 (VELCADE) induces stabilization of the TRAIL receptor DR5 mRNA through the 3'-untranslated region. Mol Cancer Ther 2008; 7:1091-100. [PMID: 18483298 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-07-2368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Addition of proteasome inhibitor PS-341 (VELCADE, bortezomib) to prostate cancer cells enhances cell death mediated by tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). PS-341 sensitizes prostate cancer cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis by increasing TRAIL receptors (DR5), inhibiting protein degradation, and elevating DR5 mRNA. Investigations into how PS-341 regulates the stability of DR5 mRNA revealed that PS-341 increased DR5 mRNA by extending its half-life from 4 to 10 h. The 2.5-kb 3'-untranslated region of the DR5 gene stabilized a heterologous gene in LNCaP human prostate cancer cells, suggesting the importance of this mRNA sequence. In contrast, human prostate cancer cell lines PC-3 and DU145 do not show this stabilization, suggesting cell specificity. PS-341 treatment of LNCaP cells increases the level of specific cytoplasmic mRNA-binding proteins, including AUF-1 isoforms, hnRNP C1/C2, and HuR proteins. In UV cross-linking experiments, after PS-341 treatment, the HuR protein markedly increases binding to specific sequences in the DR5 3'-untranslated region. In LNCaP cells treated with PS-341, small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of HuR markedly decreases the half-life of DR5 mRNA, indicating that HuR is essential for mRNA stabilization. HuR protein is ubiquitinated, suggesting that PS-341 increases this protein by preventing its degradation. These experiments implicate modulation of mRNA stability as a novel mechanism by which proteasome inhibitors function, sensitizing cancer cells to antineoplastic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthikeyan Kandasamy
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, 86 Jonathan Lucas Street, Suite 124, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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Mahajan S, Dammai V, Hsu T, Kraft AS. Hypoxia-inducible factor-2alpha regulates the expression of TRAIL receptor DR5 in renal cancer cells. Carcinogenesis 2008; 29:1734-41. [PMID: 18544564 PMCID: PMC2527645 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgn132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
To understand the role of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-2alpha in regulating sensitivity of renal cancer cells to tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis, we transfected wild-type and mutant von Hippel Lindau (VHL) proteins into TRAIL-sensitive, VHL-negative A498 cells. We find that wild-type VHL, but not the VHL mutants S65W and C162F that do not degrade HIF proteins, cause TRAIL resistance. Knock down of the HIF-2alpha protein by RNA interference (short hairpin RNA) blocked TRAIL-induced apoptosis, decreased the level of TRAIL receptor (DR5) protein and inhibited the transcription of DR5 messenger RNA. By using luciferase constructs containing the upstream region of the DR5 promoter, we demonstrate that HIF-2alpha stimulates the transcription of the DR5 gene by activating the upstream region between -448 and -1188. Because HIF-2alpha is thought to exert its effect on gene transcription by interacting with the Max protein partner of Myc in the Myc/Max dimer, small interfering RNAs to Myc were used to lower the levels of this protein. In multiple renal cancer cell lines decreasing the levels of Myc blocked the ability of HIF-2alpha to stimulate DR5 transcription. PS-341 (VELCADE, bortezomib), a proteasome inhibitor used to treat human cancer, increases the levels of both HIF-2alpha and c-Myc and elevates the level of DR5 in renal cancer, sensitizing renal cancer cells to TRAIL therapy. Similarly, increasing HIF-2alpha in prostate and lung cancer cell lines increased the levels of DR5. Thus, in renal cancer cell lines expressing HIF-2alpha, this protein plays a role in regulating the levels of the TRAIL receptor DR5.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mahajan
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, 86 Jonathan Lucas Street, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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Zhang X, Li W, Olumi AF. Low-Dose 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-Acetate Enhances Tumor Necrosis Factor–Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand–Induced Apoptosis in Prostate Cancer Cells. Clin Cancer Res 2007; 13:7181-90. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-07-1133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Mérino D, Lalaoui N, Morizot A, Solary E, Micheau O. TRAIL in cancer therapy: present and future challenges. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2007; 11:1299-314. [PMID: 17907960 PMCID: PMC2976473 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.11.10.1299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Since its identification in 1995, TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has sparked growing interest in oncology due to its reported ability to selectively trigger cancer cell death. In contrast to other members of the TNF superfamily, TRAIL administration in vivo is safe. The relative absence of toxic side effects of this naturally occurring cytokine, in addition to its antitumoural properties, has led to its preclinical evaluation. However, despite intensive investigations, little is known in regards to the mechanisms underlying TRAIL selectivity or efficiency. An appropriate understanding of its physiological relevance, and of the mechanisms controlling cancer cells escape from TRAIL-induced cell death, will be required to optimally use the cytokine in clinics. The present review focuses on recent advances in the understanding of TRAIL signal transduction and discusses the existing and future challenges of TRAIL-based cancer therapy development.
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Plummer R, Attard G, Pacey S, Li L, Razak A, Perrett R, Barrett M, Judson I, Kaye S, Fox NL, Halpern W, Corey A, Calvert H, de Bono J. Phase 1 and Pharmacokinetic Study of Lexatumumab in Patients with Advanced Cancers. Clin Cancer Res 2007; 13:6187-94. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-07-0950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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de Vries EGE, Gietema JA, de Jong S. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand pathway and its therapeutic implications. Clin Cancer Res 2006; 12:2390-3. [PMID: 16638843 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-06-0352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth G E de Vries
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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