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Ren J, Lv L, Tao X, Zhai X, Chen X, Yu H, Zhao X, Kong X, Yu Z, Dong D, Liu J. The role of CBL family ubiquitin ligases in cancer progression and therapeutic strategies. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1432545. [PMID: 39130630 PMCID: PMC11310040 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1432545] [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: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The CBL (Casitas B-lineage lymphoma) family, as a class of ubiquitin ligases, can regulate signal transduction and activate receptor tyrosine kinases through various tyrosine kinase-dependent pathways. There are three members of the family: c-CBL, CBL-b, and CBL-c. Numerous studies have demonstrated the important role of CBL in various cellular pathways, particularly those involved in the occurrence and progression of cancer, hematopoietic development, and regulation of T cell receptors. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to comprehensively summarize the function and regulatory role of CBL family proteins in different human tumors, as well as the progress of drug research targeting CBL family, so as to provide a broader clinical measurement strategy for the treatment of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Ren
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- School of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Linlin Lv
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xufeng Tao
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaohan Zhai
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xuyang Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hao Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- School of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xinya Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- School of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xin Kong
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- School of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zhan Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Deshi Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Stem Cell Clinical Research Center, National Joint Engineering Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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2
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Zhou L, Yang J, Zhang K, Wang T, Jiang S, Zhang X. Rising Star in Immunotherapy: Development and Therapeutic Potential of Small-Molecule Inhibitors Targeting Casitas B Cell Lymphoma-b (Cbl-b). J Med Chem 2024; 67:816-837. [PMID: 38181380 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Casitas B cell lymphoma-b (Cbl-b) is a vital negative regulator of TCR and BCR signaling pathways, playing a significant role in setting an appropriate threshold for the activation of T cells and controlling the tolerance of peripheral T cells via a variety of mechanisms. Overexpression of Cbl-b leads to immune hyporesponsiveness of T cells. Conversely, the deficiency of Cbl-b in T cells results in markedly increased production of IL-2, even in the lack of CD28 costimulation in vitro. And Cbl-b-/- mice spontaneously reject multifarious cancers. Therefore, Cbl-b may be associated with immune-mediated diseases, and blocking Cbl-b could be considered as a new antitumor immunotherapy strategy. In this review, the possible regulatory mechanisms and biological potential of Cbl-b for antitumor immunotherapy are summarized. Besides, the potential roles of Cbl-b in immune-mediated diseases are comprehensively discussed, with emphasis on Cbl-b immune-oncology agents in the preclinical stage and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixin Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jiamei Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Kuojun Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Tianyu Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Sheng Jiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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Laletin V, Bernard PL, Costa da Silva C, Guittard G, Nunes JA. Negative intracellular regulators of T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling as potential antitumor immunotherapy targets. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e005845. [PMID: 37217244 PMCID: PMC10231026 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy strategies aim to mobilize immune defenses against tumor cells by targeting mainly T cells. Co-inhibitory receptors or immune checkpoints (ICPs) (such as PD-1 and CTLA4) can limit T cell receptor (TCR) signal propagation in T cells. Antibody-based blocking of immune checkpoints (immune checkpoint inhibitors, ICIs) enable escape from ICP inhibition of TCR signaling. ICI therapies have significantly impacted the prognosis and survival of patients with cancer. However, many patients remain refractory to these treatments. Thus, alternative approaches for cancer immunotherapy are needed. In addition to membrane-associated inhibitory molecules, a growing number of intracellular molecules may also serve to downregulate signaling cascades triggered by TCR engagement. These molecules are known as intracellular immune checkpoints (iICPs). Blocking the expression or the activity of these intracellular negative signaling molecules is a novel field of action to boost T cell-mediated antitumor responses. This area is rapidly expanding. Indeed, more than 30 different potential iICPs have been identified. Over the past 5 years, several phase I/II clinical trials targeting iICPs in T cells have been registered. In this study, we summarize recent preclinical and clinical data demonstrating that immunotherapies targeting T cell iICPs can mediate regression of solid tumors including (membrane associated) immune-checkpoint inhibitor refractory cancers. Finally, we discuss how these iICPs are targeted and controlled. Thereby, iICP inhibition is a promising strategy opening new avenues for future cancer immunotherapy treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Laletin
- Immunity and Cancer, Cancer Research Centre Marseille, Marseille, France
- Onco-hematology and immuno-oncology (OHIO), Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre-Louis Bernard
- Immunity and Cancer, Cancer Research Centre Marseille, Marseille, France
- Onco-hematology and immuno-oncology (OHIO), Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Cathy Costa da Silva
- Immunity and Cancer, Cancer Research Centre Marseille, Marseille, France
- Onco-hematology and immuno-oncology (OHIO), Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Geoffrey Guittard
- Immunity and Cancer, Cancer Research Centre Marseille, Marseille, France
- Onco-hematology and immuno-oncology (OHIO), Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Jacques A Nunes
- Immunity and Cancer, Cancer Research Centre Marseille, Marseille, France
- Onco-hematology and immuno-oncology (OHIO), Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Marseille, France
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4
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Harabuchi S, Khan O, Bassiri H, Yoshida T, Okada Y, Takizawa M, Ikeda O, Katada A, Kambayashi T. Manipulation of diacylglycerol and ERK-mediated signaling differentially controls CD8 + T cell responses during chronic viral infection. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1032113. [PMID: 36846018 PMCID: PMC9951774 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1032113] [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: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Activation of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling is critical for clonal expansion of CD8+ T cells. However, the effects of augmenting TCR signaling during chronic antigen exposure is less understood. Here, we investigated the role of diacylglycerol (DAG)-mediated signaling downstream of the TCR during chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus clone 13 (LCMV CL13) infection by blocking DAG kinase zeta (DGKζ), a negative regulator of DAG. Methods We examined the activation, survival, expansion, and phenotype of virus-specific T cell in the acute and chronic phases of LCMV CL13-infected in mice after DGKζ blockade or selective activation of ERK. Results Upon LCMV CL13 infection, DGKζ deficiency promoted early short-lived effector cell (SLEC) differentiation of LCMV-specific CD8+ T cells, but this was followed by abrupt cell death. Short-term inhibition of DGKζ with ASP1570, a DGKζ-selective pharmacological inhibitor, augmented CD8+ T cell activation without causing cell death, which reduced virus titers both in the acute and chronic phases of LCMV CL13 infection. Unexpectedly, the selective enhancement of ERK, one key signaling pathway downstream of DAG, lowered viral titers and promoted expansion, survival, and a memory phenotype of LCMV-specific CD8+ T cells in the acute phase with fewer exhausted T cells in the chronic phase. The difference seen between DGKζ deficiency and selective ERK enhancement could be potentially explained by the activation of the AKT/mTOR pathway by DGKζ deficiency, since the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin rescued the abrupt cell death seen in virus-specific DGKζ KO CD8+ T cells. Discussion Thus, while ERK is downstream of DAG signaling, the two pathways lead to distinct outcomes in the context of chronic CD8+ T cell activation, whereby DAG promotes SLEC differentiation and ERK promotes a memory phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohei Harabuchi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Omar Khan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Hamid Bassiri
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Taku Yoshida
- Immuno-Oncology, Astellas Pharma Inc., Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yohei Okada
- Immuno-Oncology, Astellas Pharma Inc., Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Masaomi Takizawa
- Research Program Management-Applied Research Management, Astellas Pharma Inc., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Ikeda
- Immuno-Oncology, Astellas Pharma Inc., Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Akihiro Katada
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Taku Kambayashi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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5
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Cooke M, Kazanietz MG. Overarching roles of diacylglycerol signaling in cancer development and antitumor immunity. Sci Signal 2022; 15:eabo0264. [PMID: 35412850 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abo0264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Diacylglycerol (DAG) is a lipid second messenger that is generated in response to extracellular stimuli and channels intracellular signals that affect mammalian cell proliferation, survival, and motility. DAG exerts a myriad of biological functions through protein kinase C (PKC) and other effectors, such as protein kinase D (PKD) isozymes and small GTPase-regulating proteins (such as RasGRPs). Imbalances in the fine-tuned homeostasis between DAG generation by phospholipase C (PLC) enzymes and termination by DAG kinases (DGKs), as well as dysregulation in the activity or abundance of DAG effectors, have been widely associated with tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. DAG is also a key orchestrator of T cell function and thus plays a major role in tumor immunosurveillance. In addition, DAG pathways shape the tumor ecosystem by arbitrating the complex, dynamic interaction between cancer cells and the immune landscape, hence representing powerful modifiers of immune checkpoint and adoptive T cell-directed immunotherapy. Exploiting the wide spectrum of DAG signals from an integrated perspective could underscore meaningful advances in targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Cooke
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Department of Medicine, Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19141, USA
| | - Marcelo G Kazanietz
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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6
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Arranz-Nicolás J, Martin-Salgado M, Rodríguez-Rodríguez C, Liébana R, Moreno-Ortiz MC, Leitner J, Steinberger P, Ávila-Flores A, Merida I. Diacylglycerol kinase ζ limits IL-2-dependent control of PD-1 expression in tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2020-001521. [PMID: 33246984 PMCID: PMC7703416 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The inhibitory functions triggered by the programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) receptor following binding to its ligand (PD-L1) protect healthy organs from cytotoxic T cells, and neutralize antitumor T cell attack. Antibody-based therapies to block PD-1/PD-L1 interaction have yielded notable results, but most patients eventually develop resistance. This failure is attributed to CD8+ T cells achieving hyporesponsive states from which recovery is hardly feasible. Dysfunctional T cell phenotypes are favored by a sustained imbalance in the diacylglycerol (DAG)- and Ca2+-regulated transcriptional programs. In mice, DAG kinase ζ (DGKζ) facilitates DAG consumption, limiting T cell activation and cytotoxic T cell responses. DGKζ deficiency facilitates tumor rejection in mice without apparent adverse autoimmune effects. Despite its therapeutic potential, little is known about DGKζ function in human T cells, and no known inhibitors target this isoform. Methods We used a human triple parameter reporter cell line to examine the consequences of DGKζ depletion on the transcriptional restriction imposed by PD-1 ligation. We studied the effect of DGKζ deficiency on PD-1 expression dynamics, as well as the impact of DGKζ absence on the in vivo growth of MC38 adenocarcinoma cells. Results We demonstrate that DGKζ depletion enhances DAG-regulated transcriptional programs, promoting interleukin-2 production and partially counteracting PD-1 inhibitory functions. DGKζ loss results in limited PD-1 expression and enhanced expansion of cytotoxic CD8+ T cell populations. This is observed even in immunosuppressive milieus, and correlates with the reduced ability of MC38 adenocarcinoma cells to form tumors in DGKζ-deficient mice. Conclusions Our results, which define a role for DGKζ in the control of PD-1 expression, confirm DGKζ potential as a therapeutic target as well as a biomarker of CD8+ T cell dysfunctional states.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rosa Liébana
- Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnologia, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Judith Leitner
- Institute of Immunology. Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Steinberger
- Institute of Immunology. Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Isabel Merida
- Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnologia, Madrid, Spain
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7
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Gu J, Wang C, Cao C, Huang J, Holzhauer S, Desilva H, Wesley EM, Evans DB, Benci J, Wichroski M, Wee S, Riese MJ. DGKζ exerts greater control than DGKα over CD8 + T cell activity and tumor inhibition. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1941566. [PMID: 34350062 PMCID: PMC8296965 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1941566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Two isoforms of diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs), DGKα and DGKζ, are primarily responsible for terminating DAG-mediated activation of Ras and PKCθ pathways in T cells. A direct comparison of tumor growth between mice lacking each isoform has not been undertaken. We evaluated the growth of three syngeneic tumor cell lines in mice lacking either DGKα or DGKζ in the presence or absence of treatment with anti-PD1 and determined that (i) mice deficient in DGKζ conferred enhanced control of tumor relative to mice deficient in DGKα and (ii) deficiency of DGKζ acted additively with anti-PD1 in tumor control. Consistent with this finding, functional and RNA-sequencing analyses revealed greater changes in stimulated DGKζ-deficient T cells compared with DGKα-deficient T cells, which were enhanced relative to wildtype T cells. DGKζ also imparted greater regulation than DGKα in human T cells. Together, these data support targeting the ζ isoform of DGKs to therapeutically enhance T cell anti-tumor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junchen Gu
- Oncology Translational Research, Janssen Research & Development, PA
| | - Cindy Wang
- Oncology Research, Janssen Pharmaceutical, Raritan, NJ
| | - Carolyn Cao
- Oncology Discovery, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jinwen Huang
- Oncology Discovery, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Sandra Holzhauer
- A Division of Versiti, Blood Research Institute, Blood Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Heshani Desilva
- Oncology Discovery, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Erin M Wesley
- A Division of Versiti, Blood Research Institute, Blood Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Douglas B Evans
- Blood Research Institute, Blood Center of Wisconsin, a Division of Versiti, Milwaukee
| | - Joseph Benci
- Oncology Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ
| | - Michael Wichroski
- Oncology Discovery, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Susan Wee
- Oncology Discovery, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Matthew J Riese
- A Division of Versiti, Blood Research Institute, Blood Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.,Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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8
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Islam R, Pupovac A, Evtimov V, Boyd N, Shu R, Boyd R, Trounson A. Enhancing a Natural Killer: Modification of NK Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051058. [PMID: 33946954 PMCID: PMC8146003 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are potent innate immune system effector lymphocytes armed with multiple mechanisms for killing cancer cells. Given the dynamic roles of NK cells in tumor surveillance, they are fast becoming a next-generation tool for adoptive immunotherapy. Many strategies are being employed to increase their number and improve their ability to overcome cancer resistance and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. These include the use of cytokines and synthetic compounds to bolster propagation and killing capacity, targeting immune-function checkpoints, addition of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) to provide cancer specificity and genetic ablation of inhibitory molecules. The next generation of NK cell products will ideally be readily available as an “off-the-shelf” product and stem cell derived to enable potentially unlimited supply. However, several considerations regarding NK cell source, genetic modification and scale up first need addressing. Understanding NK cell biology and interaction within specific tumor contexts will help identify necessary NK cell modifications and relevant choice of NK cell source. Further enhancement of manufacturing processes will allow for off-the-shelf NK cell immunotherapies to become key components of multifaceted therapeutic strategies for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasa Islam
- Cartherics Pty Ltd., Clayton 3168, Australia; (R.I.); (A.P.); (V.E.); (N.B.); (R.S.); (R.B.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton 3168, Australia
| | - Aleta Pupovac
- Cartherics Pty Ltd., Clayton 3168, Australia; (R.I.); (A.P.); (V.E.); (N.B.); (R.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Vera Evtimov
- Cartherics Pty Ltd., Clayton 3168, Australia; (R.I.); (A.P.); (V.E.); (N.B.); (R.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Nicholas Boyd
- Cartherics Pty Ltd., Clayton 3168, Australia; (R.I.); (A.P.); (V.E.); (N.B.); (R.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Runzhe Shu
- Cartherics Pty Ltd., Clayton 3168, Australia; (R.I.); (A.P.); (V.E.); (N.B.); (R.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Richard Boyd
- Cartherics Pty Ltd., Clayton 3168, Australia; (R.I.); (A.P.); (V.E.); (N.B.); (R.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Alan Trounson
- Cartherics Pty Ltd., Clayton 3168, Australia; (R.I.); (A.P.); (V.E.); (N.B.); (R.S.); (R.B.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton 3168, Australia
- Correspondence:
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Diacylglycerol kinase α inhibition cooperates with PD-1-targeted therapies to restore the T cell activation program. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 70:3277-3289. [PMID: 33837851 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-02924-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibody-based therapies blocking the programmed cell death-1/ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) axis have provided unprecedent clinical success in cancer treatment. Acquired resistance, however, frequently occurs, commonly associated with the upregulation of additional inhibitory molecules. Diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) α limits the extent of Ras activation in response to antigen recognition, and its upregulation facilitates hypofunctional, exhausted T cell states. Pharmacological DGKα targeting restores cytotoxic function of chimeric antigen receptor and CD8+ T cells isolated from solid tumors, suggesting a mechanism to reverse T cell exhausted phenotypes. Nevertheless, the contribution of DGKα downstream of the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitory axis in human T cells and the consequences of combining DGKα and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are still unresolved relevant issues. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used a human triple parameter reporter cell line to investigate DGKα contribution to the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitory pathway. We also addressed the impact of deleting DGKα expression in the growth dynamics and systemic tumor-derived effects of a PD-1-related tumor model, the MC38 colon adenocarcinoma. RESULTS We identify DGKα as a contributor to the PD-1/PD-L1 axis that strongly limits the Ras/ERK/AP-1 pathway. DGKα function reinforces exhausted T cell phenotypes ultimately promoting tumor growth and generalized immunosuppression. Pharmacological DGKα inhibition selectively enhances AP-1 transcription and, importantly, cooperates with antibodies blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 interrelation. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that DGKα inhibition could provide an important mechanism to revert exhausted T lymphocyte phenotypes and thus favor proper anti-tumor T cell responses. The cooperative effect observed after PD-1/PD-L1 and DGKα blockade offers a promising strategy to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer.
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10
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Potential role of diacylglycerol kinases in immune-mediated diseases. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 134:1637-1658. [PMID: 32608491 DOI: 10.1042/cs20200389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The mechanism promoting exacerbated immune responses in allergy and autoimmunity as well as those blunting the immune control of cancer cells are of primary interest in medicine. Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) are key modulators of signal transduction, which blunt diacylglycerol (DAG) signals and produce phosphatidic acid (PA). By modulating lipid second messengers, DGK modulate the activity of downstream signaling proteins, vesicle trafficking and membrane shape. The biological role of the DGK α and ζ isoforms in immune cells differentiation and effector function was subjected to in deep investigations. DGK α and ζ resulted in negatively regulating synergistic way basal and receptor induced DAG signals in T cells as well as leukocytes. In this way, they contributed to keep under control the immune response but also downmodulate immune response against tumors. Alteration in DGKα activity is also implicated in the pathogenesis of genetic perturbations of the immune function such as the X-linked lymphoproliferative disease 1 and localized juvenile periodontitis. These findings suggested a participation of DGK to the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying several immune-mediated diseases and prompted several researches aiming to target DGK with pharmacologic and molecular strategies. Those findings are discussed inhere together with experimental applications in tumors as well as in other immune-mediated diseases such as asthma.
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11
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Jafari D, Mousavi MJ, Keshavarz Shahbaz S, Jafarzadeh L, Tahmasebi S, Spoor J, Esmaeilzadeh A. E3 ubiquitin ligase Casitas B lineage lymphoma-b and its potential therapeutic implications for immunotherapy. Clin Exp Immunol 2021; 204:14-31. [PMID: 33306199 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The distinction of self from non-self is crucial to prevent autoreactivity and ensure protection from infectious agents and tumors. Maintaining the balance between immunity and tolerance of immune cells is strongly controlled by several sophisticated regulatory mechanisms of the immune system. Among these, the E3 ligase ubiquitin Casitas B cell lymphoma-b (Cbl-b) is a newly identified component in the ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation system, which is thought to be an important negative regulator of immune cells. An update on the current knowledge and new concepts of the relevant immune homeostasis program co-ordinated by Cbl-b in different cell populations could pave the way for future immunomodulatory therapies of various diseases, such as autoimmune and allergic diseases, infections, cancers and other immunopathological conditions. In the present review, the latest findings are comprehensively summarized on the molecular structural basis of Cbl-b and the suppressive signaling mechanisms of Cbl-b in physiological and pathological immune responses, as well as its emerging potential therapeutic implications for immunotherapy in animal models and human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Jafari
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.,Immunotherapy Research and Technology Group, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - M J Mousavi
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Allied medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Keshavarz Shahbaz
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - L Jafarzadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Tahmasebi
- Department of Immunology, School of public health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - J Spoor
- Erasmus University Medical Centre, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A Esmaeilzadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.,Immunotherapy Research and Technology Group, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.,Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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Matson CA, Singh NJ. Manipulating the TCR signaling network for cellular immunotherapy: Challenges & opportunities. Mol Immunol 2020; 123:64-73. [PMID: 32422416 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2020.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
T cells can help confer protective immunity by eliminating infections and tumors or drive immunopathology by damaging host cells. Both outcomes require a series of steps from the activation of naïve T cells to their clonal expansion, differentiation and migration to tissue sites. In addition to specific recognition of the antigen via the T cell receptor (TCR), multiple accessory signals from costimulatory molecules, cytokines and metabolites also influence each step along the progression of the T cell response. Current efforts to modify effector T cell function in many clinical contexts focus on the latter - which encompass antigen-independent and broad, contextual regulators. Not surprisingly, such approaches are often accompanied by adverse events, as they also affect T cells not relevant to the specific treatment. In contrast, fine tuning T cell responses by precisely targeting antigen-specific TCR signals has the potential to radically alter therapeutic strategies in a focused manner. Development of such approaches, however, requires a better understanding of functioning of the TCR and the biochemical signaling network coupled to it. In this article, we review some of the recent advances which highlight important roles of TCR signals throughout the activation and differentiation of T cells during an immune response. We discuss how, an appreciation of specific signaling modalities and variant ligands that influence the function of the TCR has the potential to influence design principles for the next generation of pharmacologic and cellular therapies, especially in the context of tumor immunotherapies involving adoptive cell transfers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney A Matson
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W Baltimore St, HSF1, Room 380, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Nevil J Singh
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W Baltimore St, HSF1, Room 380, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States.
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Beyond the Cell Surface: Targeting Intracellular Negative Regulators to Enhance T cell Anti-Tumor Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20235821. [PMID: 31756921 PMCID: PMC6929154 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20235821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well established that extracellular proteins that negatively regulate T cell function, such as Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-Associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and Programmed Cell Death protein 1 (PD-1), can be effectively targeted to enhance cancer immunotherapies and Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells (CAR-T cells). Intracellular proteins that inhibit T cell receptor (TCR) signal transduction, though less well studied, are also potentially useful therapeutic targets to enhance T cell activity against tumor. Four major classes of enzymes that attenuate TCR signaling include E3 ubiquitin kinases such as the Casitas B-lineage lymphoma proteins (Cbl-b and c-Cbl), and Itchy (Itch), inhibitory tyrosine phosphatases, such as Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatases (SHP-1 and SHP-2), inhibitory protein kinases, such as C-terminal Src kinase (Csk), and inhibitory lipid kinases such as Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase (SHIP) and Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs). This review describes the mechanism of action of eighteen intracellular inhibitory regulatory proteins in T cells within these four classes, and assesses their potential value as clinical targets to enhance the anti-tumor activity of endogenous T cells and CAR-T cells.
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