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Wang F, Jin Y, Wang M, Luo HY, Fang WJ, Wang YN, Chen YX, Huang RJ, Guan WL, Li JB, Li YH, Wang FH, Hu XH, Zhang YQ, Qiu MZ, Liu LL, Wang ZX, Ren C, Wang DS, Zhang DS, Wang ZQ, Liao WT, Tian L, Zhao Q, Xu RH. Combined anti-PD-1, HDAC inhibitor and anti-VEGF for MSS/pMMR colorectal cancer: a randomized phase 2 trial. Nat Med 2024; 30:1035-1043. [PMID: 38438735 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-02813-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications of chromatin, including histone acetylation, and tumor angiogenesis play pivotal roles in creating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In the randomized phase 2 CAPability-01 trial, we investigated the potential efficacy of combining the programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody sintilimab with the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) chidamide with or without the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibody bevacizumab in patients with unresectable chemotherapy-refractory locally advanced or metastatic microsatellite stable/proficient mismatch repair (MSS/pMMR) colorectal cancer. Forty-eight patients were randomly assigned to either the doublet arm (sintilimab and chidamide, n = 23) or the triplet arm (sintilimab, chidamide and bevacizumab, n = 25). The primary endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 18 weeks (18wPFS rate) was met with a rate of 43.8% (21 of 48) for the entire study population. Secondary endpoint results include a median PFS of 3.7 months, an overall response rate of 29.2% (14 of 48), a disease control rate of 56.3% (27 of 48) and a median duration of response of 12.0 months. The secondary endpoint of median overall survival time was not mature. The triplet arm exhibited significantly improved outcomes compared to the doublet arm, with a greater 18wPFS rate (64.0% versus 21.7%, P = 0.003), higher overall response rate (44.0% versus 13.0%, P = 0.027) and longer median PFS rate (7.3 months versus 1.5 months, P = 0.006). The most common treatment-emergent adverse events observed in both the triplet and doublet arms included proteinuria, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, anemia, leukopenia and diarrhea. There were two treatment-related fatalities (hepatic failure and pneumonitis). Analysis of bulk RNA sequencing data from the patients suggested that the triplet combination enhanced CD8+ T cell infiltration, resulting in a more immunologically active tumor microenvironment. Our study suggests that the combination of a PD-1 antibody, an HDACi, and a VEGF antibody could be a promising treatment regimen for patients with MSS/pMMR advanced colorectal cancer. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT04724239 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
| | - Ying Jin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Hui-Yan Luo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Wei-Jia Fang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Ying-Nan Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yan-Xing Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Run-Jie Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Long Guan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Ji-Bin Li
- Department of Clinical Research, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Hong Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Feng-Hua Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Hua Hu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, P. R. China
| | - Yan-Qiao Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Miao-Zhen Qiu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Lu-Lu Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Zi-Xian Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Chao Ren
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - De-Shen Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Dong-Sheng Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Ting Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Lin Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Bioinformatics Platform, Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Rui-Hua Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
- Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
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Yang Z, Zheng Y, Gao Q. Lysine lactylation in the regulation of tumor biology. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024:S1043-2760(24)00025-0. [PMID: 38395657 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2024.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Lysine lactylation (Kla), a newly discovered post-translational modification (PTM) of lysine residues, is progressively revealing its crucial role in tumor biology. A growing body of evidence supports its capacity of transcriptional regulation through histone modification and modulation of non-histone protein function. It intricately participates in a myriad of events in the tumor microenvironment (TME) by orchestrating the transitions of immune states and augmenting tumor malignancy. Its preferential modification of metabolic proteins underscores its specific regulatory influence on metabolism. This review focuses on the effect and the probable mechanisms of Kla-mediated regulation of tumor metabolism, the upstream factors that determine Kla intensity, and its potential implications for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingqi Zheng
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Gao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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3
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Kim B, Huh KY, Yu KS, Lee S. Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety of oral formulation (CG-750) of ivaltinostat, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, compared to IV formulation (CG-745). Br J Clin Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38263733 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS CG-750 is an oral formulation of ivaltinostat, a newly developing histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD) and safety of an oral formulation (CG-750) of ivaltinostat compared to an intravenous (IV) formulation (CG-745). METHODS A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in three cohorts. Subjects received either CG-745 (Cohorts 1 and 3: 125 mg; Cohort 2: 250 mg) or placebo followed by CG-750 (Cohort 1: 125 mg; Cohort 2: 375 mg; Cohort 3: 750 mg) or placebo. Blood samples for PK and PD assessment were collected up to 72 h post-dose. Histone H3 acetylation at sites K9, K9/K14 and K27 was assessed for area under the % acetylation induction versus time curve (AUEC). RESULTS A total of 25 subjects were randomized, and 23 subjects completed the study (Cohort 1, n = 6; Cohort 2, n = 6; Cohort 3, n = 6; placebo, n = 5). The mean bioavailability of CG-750 was 10.6% (range: 4.18%-21.33%) and displayed linear PK in the dose range of 125-750 mg. The comparison of AUEC between formulations and the evaluation of the dose-AUEC relationship were inconclusive, due to the small sample sizes and significant variability observed in PD markers. All adverse events (AEs) were transient and of mild or moderate intensity. CONCLUSIONS The oral formulation of ivaltinostat (CG-750) was generally well tolerated after a single dose. CG-750 displayed a mean bioavailability of 10.6%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byungwook Kim
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Young Huh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Sang Yu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - SeungHwan Lee
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Qian Y, Yin Y, Zheng X, Liu Z, Wang X. Metabolic regulation of tumor-associated macrophage heterogeneity: insights into the tumor microenvironment and immunotherapeutic opportunities. Biomark Res 2024; 12:1. [PMID: 38185636 PMCID: PMC10773124 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00549-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a heterogeneous population that play diverse functions in tumors. Their identity is determined not only by intrinsic factors, such as origins and transcription factors, but also by external signals from the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as inflammatory signals and metabolic reprogramming. Metabolic reprogramming has rendered TAM to exhibit a spectrum of activities ranging from pro-tumorigenic to anti-tumorigenic, closely associated with tumor progression and clinical prognosis. This review implicates the diversity of TAM phenotypes and functions, how this heterogeneity has been re-evaluated with the advent of single-cell technologies, and the impact of TME metabolic reprogramming on TAMs. We also review current therapies targeting TAM metabolism and offer new insights for TAM-dependent anti-tumor immunotherapy by focusing on the critical role of different metabolic programs in TAMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujing Qian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yujia Yin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xiaocui Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhaoyuan Liu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Xipeng Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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Tian X, Wang T, Shen H, Wang S. Tumor microenvironment, histone modifications, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2023; 74:108-121. [PMID: 37598011 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are important components of the tumor microenvironment (TME), which drive the tumor immune escape by inducing immunosuppression. The expansion and function of MDSCs are tightly associated with signaling pathways induced by molecules from tumor cells, stromal cells, and activated immune cells in the TME. Although these pathways have been well-characterized, the understanding of the epigenetic regulators involved is incomplete. Since histone modifications are the most studied epigenetic changes in MDSCs, we summarize current knowledge on the role of histone modifications in MDSCs within this review. We first discuss the influence of the TME on histone modifications in MDSCs, with an emphasis on histone modifications and modifiers that direct MDSC differentiation and function. Furthermore, we highlight current epigenetic interventions that can reverse MDSC-induced immunosuppression by modulating histone modifications and discuss future research directions to fully appreciate the role of histone modifications in MDSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Tian
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China; Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Han Shen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.
| | - Shengjun Wang
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
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Zhu L, Li XJ, Gangadaran P, Jing X, Ahn BC. Tumor-associated macrophages as a potential therapeutic target in thyroid cancers. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:3895-3917. [PMID: 37796300 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03549-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages are important precursor cell types of the innate immune system and bridge adaptive immune responses through the antigen presentation system. Meanwhile, macrophages constitute substantial portion of the stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) (referred to as tumor-associated macrophages, or TAMs) and exhibit conflicting roles in the development, invasion, and metastasis of thyroid cancer (TC). Moreover, TAMs play a crucial role to the behavior of TC due to their high degree of infiltration and prognostic relevance. Generally, TAMs can be divided into two subgroups; M1-like TAMs are capable of directly kill tumor cells, and recruiting and activating other immune cells in the early stages of cancer. However, due to changes in the TME, M2-like TAMs gradually increase and promote tumor progression. This review aims to discuss the impact of TAMs on TC, including their role in tumor promotion, gene mutation, and other factors related to the polarization of TAMs. Finally, we will explore the M2-like TAM-centered therapeutic strategies, including chemotherapy, clinical trials, and combinatorial immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya Zhu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Xiu Juan Li
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Taian City Central Hospital of Qingdao University, Taian, 271000, Shan-Dong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Prakash Gangadaran
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
- BK21 FOUR KNU Convergence Educational Program of Biomedical Sciences for Creative Future Talents, Department of Biomedical Science, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Xiuli Jing
- Center for Life Sciences Research, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shan-Dong Province, 271000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Byeong-Cheol Ahn
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea.
- BK21 FOUR KNU Convergence Educational Program of Biomedical Sciences for Creative Future Talents, Department of Biomedical Science, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea.
- Department Nuclear Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea.
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7
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Changjiang Y, Long Z, Yilin L, Shan W, Yingjiang Y, Zhanlong S. Current progress of immune checkpoint inhibitors for advanced colorectal cancer: concentrating on the efficacy improvement. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023:104204. [PMID: 37984588 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have paved a new pathway and revolutionized cancer treatment. Currently, ICIs have been extensively used for patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC), especially those harboring microsatellite instability (MSI). However, the efficacy of ICIs varies tremendously in different individuals, and some patients may not benefit from ICIs, which limits their clinical application. How to improve the efficacy of ICIs is an important issue to be solved. On the one hand, it is urgent to discover the predictive biomarkers to accurately screen the patients who gain benefit from ICIs, like microsatellite stability, tumor mutation burden (TMB), DNA polymerase ε/DNA polymerase δ1 mutations, and the expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). The rational use of these biomarkers will help clinicians identify suitable candidates who will benefit from ICI treatment, thereby improving therapeutic efficiency. Additionally, it is vital to design combination therapeutic strategies for optimizing the therapeutic effectiveness of ICIs. Nowadays, treatment strategies like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy along with ICIs, have helped improve the therapeutic effectiveness of ICIs. In this review, we have focused on the recent advancements in the predictive biomarkers and combination therapeutic strategies with ICIs for colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Changjiang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Zhao Long
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Lin Yilin
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Wang Shan
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Ye Yingjiang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Shen Zhanlong
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, PR China.
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Aizaz M, Khan A, Khan F, Khan M, Musad Saleh EA, Nisar M, Baran N. The cross-talk between macrophages and tumor cells as a target for cancer treatment. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1259034. [PMID: 38033495 PMCID: PMC10682792 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1259034] [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: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages represent an important component of the innate immune system. Under physiological conditions, macrophages, which are essential phagocytes, maintain a proinflammatory response and repair damaged tissue. However, these processes are often impaired upon tumorigenesis, in which tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) protect and support the growth, proliferation, and invasion of tumor cells and promote suppression of antitumor immunity. TAM abundance is closely associated with poor outcome of cancer, with impediment of chemotherapy effectiveness and ultimately a dismal therapy response and inferior overall survival. Thus, cross-talk between cancer cells and TAMs is an important target for immune checkpoint therapies and metabolic interventions, spurring interest in it as a therapeutic vulnerability for both hematological cancers and solid tumors. Furthermore, targeting of this cross-talk has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer treatment with the antibody against CD47 protein, a critical macrophage checkpoint recognized as the "don't eat me" signal, as well as other metabolism-focused strategies. Therapies targeting CD47 constitute an important milestone in the advancement of anticancer research and have had promising effects on not only phagocytosis activation but also innate and adaptive immune system activation, effectively counteracting tumor cells' evasion of therapy as shown in the context of myeloid cancers. Targeting of CD47 signaling is only one of several possibilities to reverse the immunosuppressive and tumor-protective tumor environment with the aim of enhancing the antitumor response. Several preclinical studies identified signaling pathways that regulate the recruitment, polarization, or metabolism of TAMs. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the role of macrophages in cancer progression and the mechanisms by which they communicate with tumor cells. Additionally, we dissect various therapeutic strategies developed to target macrophage-tumor cell cross-talk, including modulation of macrophage polarization, blockade of signaling pathways, and disruption of physical interactions between leukemia cells and macrophages. Finally, we highlight the challenges associated with tumor hypoxia and acidosis as barriers to effective cancer therapy and discuss opportunities for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Aizaz
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Aakif Khan
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Faisal Khan
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Maria Khan
- Center of Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Ebraheem Abdu Musad Saleh
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts & Science, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maryum Nisar
- School of Interdisciplinary Engineering & Sciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Natalia Baran
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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9
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Han R, Ling C, Wang Y, Lu L. Enhancing HCC Treatment: innovatively combining HDAC2 inhibitor with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:203. [PMID: 37716965 PMCID: PMC10504701 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03051-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignancy with high morbidity and mortality but lacks effective treatments thus far. Although the emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors in recent years has shed light on the treatment of HCC, a considerable number of patients are still unable to achieve durable and ideal clinical benefits. Therefore, refining the combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) to enhance the therapeutic effect has become a global research hotspot. Several histone deacetylase 2 inhibitors have shown advantages in ICIs in many solid cancers, except for HCC. Additionally, the latest evidence has shown that histone deacetylase 2 inhibition can regulate PD-L1 acetylation, thereby blocking the nuclear translocation of PD-L1 and consequently enhancing the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and improving anti-cancer immunity. Moreover, our team has recently discovered a novel HDAC2 inhibitor (HDAC2i), valetric acid (VA), that possesses great potential in HCC treatment as a monotherapy. Thus, a new combination strategy, combining HDAC2 inhibitors with ICIs, has emerged with significant development value. This perspective aims to ignite enthusiasm for exploring the application of ideal HDAC2 inhibitors with solid anti-tumor efficacy in combination with immunotherapy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Han
- Department of Chinese Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China.
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China.
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, P. R. China.
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06520-8034, USA.
- School of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Data Science, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06520-8034, USA.
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06520-8034, USA.
| | - Changquan Ling
- Department of Chinese Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Yuqian Wang
- Department of Chinese Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Lingeng Lu
- School of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Data Science, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06520-8034, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06520-8034, USA
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10
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Xie Z, Zhou Z, Yang S, Zhang S, Shao B. Epigenetic regulation and therapeutic targets in the tumor microenvironment. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2023; 4:17. [PMID: 37273004 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-023-00126-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial to neoplastic processes, fostering proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis. Epigenetic regulations, primarily including DNA and RNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNA, have been generally recognized as an essential feature of tumor malignancy, exceedingly contributing to the dysregulation of the core gene expression in neoplastic cells, bringing about the evasion of immunosurveillance by influencing the immune cells in TME. Recently, compelling evidence have highlighted that clinical therapeutic approaches based on epigenetic machinery modulate carcinogenesis through targeting TME components, including normalizing cells' phenotype, suppressing cells' neovascularization and repressing the immunosuppressive components in TME. Therefore, TME components have been nominated as a promising target for epigenetic drugs in clinical cancer management. This review focuses on the mechanisms of epigenetic modifications occurring to the pivotal TME components including the stroma, immune and myeloid cells in various tumors reported in the last five years, concludes the tight correlation between TME reprogramming and tumor progression and immunosuppression, summarizes the current advances in cancer clinical treatments and potential therapeutic targets with reference to epigenetic drugs. Finally, we summarize some of the restrictions in the field of cancer research at the moment, further discuss several interesting epigenetic gene targets with potential strategies to boost antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuojun Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Zirui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuxian Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiwen Zhang
- Department of Oral Implantology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China.
| | - Bin Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China.
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11
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Li D, Zhang Z, Li Y, Wang X, Zhong H, Yang H, Xi Y, Liu H, Shen A, Hu Y. Discovery of ( S)- N-(2-Amino-4-fluorophenyl)-4-(1-(3-(4-((dimethylamino)methyl)phenyl)-6-oxopyridazin-1(6 H)-yl)ethyl)benzamide as Potent Class I Selective HDAC Inhibitor for Oral Anticancer Drug Candidate. J Med Chem 2023; 66:7016-7037. [PMID: 37184921 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
A novel series of benzamide derivatives were successively designed and synthesized prepared from the pyridazinone scaffold. Among them, (S)-17b, demonstrated potent inhibitory activity in vitro toward human class I HDAC isoforms and human myelodysplastic syndrome (SKM-1) cell line. Also, (S)-17b strongly increased the intracellular level of acetyl-histone H3 and P21 simultaneously and effectively induced G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Through oral dosing in SKM-1 xenograft models, (S)-17b exhibited excellent in vivo antitumor activity. In addition, compound (S)-17b showed better antitumor efficacy on mouse models with intact immune system than those with thymus deficiencies. Furthermore, this compound displayed a favorable pharmacokinetic profile in ICR mice and SD rat, respectively, minimal metabolic property differences among hepatocytes from five species, and a low inhibition upon the human ether-a-go-go (hERG) channel with an IC50 value of 34.6 μΜ. This novel compound (S)-17b may serve as a new drug candidate for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daqiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 555 Zu-Chong-Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 555 Zu-Chong-Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 110039, China
| | - Yalei Li
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 555 Zu-Chong-Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 555 Zu-Chong-Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 110039, China
| | - Hanyue Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 555 Zu-Chong-Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 110039, China
| | - Huajie Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 555 Zu-Chong-Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yong Xi
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 555 Zu-Chong-Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hongchun Liu
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 555 Zu-Chong-Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Aijun Shen
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 555 Zu-Chong-Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 110039, China
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Youhong Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 555 Zu-Chong-Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 110039, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
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12
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Moran B, Davern M, Reynolds JV, Donlon NE, Lysaght J. The impact of histone deacetylase inhibitors on immune cells and implications for cancer therapy. Cancer Lett 2023; 559:216121. [PMID: 36893893 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Many cancers possess the ability to suppress the immune response to malignant cells, thus facilitating tumour growth and invasion, and this has fuelled research to reverse these mechanisms and re-activate the immune system with consequent important therapeutic benefit. One such approach is to use histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), a novel class of targeted therapies, which manipulate the immune response to cancer through epigenetic modification. Four HDACi have recently been approved for clinical use in malignancies including multiple myeloma and T-cell lymphoma. Most research in this context has focussed on HDACi and tumour cells, however, little is known about their impact on the cells of the immune system. Additionally, HDACi have been shown to impact the mechanisms by which other anti-cancer therapies exert their effects by, for example, increasing accessibility to exposed DNA through chromatin relaxation, impairing DNA damage repair pathways and increasing immune checkpoint receptor expression. This review details the effects of HDACi on immune cells, highlights the variability in these effects depending on experimental design, and provides an overview of clinical trials investigating the combination of HDACi with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and multimodal regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Moran
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland; Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Maria Davern
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Noel E Donlon
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Joanne Lysaght
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
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13
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Epigenetic Perspective of Immunotherapy for Cancers. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030365. [PMID: 36766706 PMCID: PMC9913322 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has brought new hope for cancer patients in recent times. However, despite the promising success of immunotherapy, there is still a need to address major challenges including heterogeneity in response among patients, the reoccurrence of the disease, and iRAEs (immune-related adverse effects). The first critical step towards solving these issues is understanding the epigenomic events that play a significant role in the regulation of specific biomolecules in the context of the immune population present in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) during various treatments and responses. A prominent advantage of this step is that it would enable researchers to harness the reversibility of epigenetic modifications for their druggability. Therefore, we reviewed the crucial studies in which varying epigenomic events were captured with immuno-oncology set-ups. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic possibilities of their utilization for the betterment of immunotherapy in terms of diagnosis, progression, and cure for cancer patients.
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14
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Targeting Epigenetic Mechanisms: A Boon for Cancer Immunotherapy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11010169. [PMID: 36672677 PMCID: PMC9855697 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is rapidly emerging as a promising approach against cancer. In the last decade, various immunological mechanisms have been targeted to induce an increase in the immune response against cancer cells. However, despite promising results, many patients show partial response, resistance, or serious toxicities. A promising way to overcome this is the use of immunotherapeutic approaches, in combination with other potential therapeutic approaches. Aberrant epigenetic modifications play an important role in carcinogenesis and its progression, as well as in the functioning of immune cells. Thus, therapeutic approaches targeting aberrant epigenetic mechanisms and the immune response might provide an effective antitumor effect. Further, the recent development of potent epigenetic drugs and immunomodulators gives hope to this combinatorial approach. In this review, we summarize the synergy mechanism between epigenetic therapies and immunotherapy for the treatment of cancer, and discuss recent advancements in the translation of this approach.
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15
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dos Reis FD, Jerónimo C, Correia MP. Epigenetic modulation and prostate cancer: Paving the way for NK cell anti-tumor immunity. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1152572. [PMID: 37090711 PMCID: PMC10113550 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1152572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunoepigenetics is a growing field, as there is mounting evidence on the key role played by epigenetic mechanisms in the regulation of tumor immune cell recognition and control of immune cell anti-tumor responses. Moreover, it is increasingly acknowledgeable a tie between epigenetic regulation and prostate cancer (PCa) development and progression. PCa is intrinsically a cold tumor, with scarce immune cell infiltration and low inflammatory tumor microenvironment. However, Natural Killer (NK) cells, main anti-tumor effector immune cells, have been frequently linked to improved PCa prognosis. The role that epigenetic-related mechanisms might have in regulating both NK cell recognition of PCa tumor cells and NK cell functions in PCa is still mainly unknown. Epigenetic modulating drugs have been showing boundless therapeutic potential as anti-tumor agents, however their role in immune cell regulation and recognition is scarce. In this review, we focused on studies addressing modulation of epigenetic mechanisms involved in NK cell-mediated responses, including both the epigenetic modulation of tumor cell NK ligand expression and NK cell receptor expression and function in different tumor models, highlighting studies in PCa. The integrated knowledge from diverse epigenetic modulation mechanisms promoting NK cell-mediated immunity in various tumor models might open doors for the development of novel epigenetic-based therapeutic options for PCa management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa D. dos Reis
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
- Master Program in Oncology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Margareta P. Correia
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Margareta P. Correia,
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16
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The Novel IGF-1R Inhibitor PB-020 Acts Synergistically with Anti-PD-1 and Mebendazole against Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235747. [PMID: 36497233 PMCID: PMC9737525 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235747] [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: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
CRC is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. Chemotherapy is widely used for the treatment of CRC, but its efficacy remains unsatisfactory, mainly due to drug resistance. Therefore, it is urgent to develop new strategies to overcome drug resistance. Combination therapy that aims to achieve additive or synergistic therapeutic effects is an effective approach to tackle the development of drug resistance. Given its established roles in tumor development, progression and metastasis, IGF-1R is a promising drug target for combination therapy against CRC. In this study, we revealed that the novel IGF-1R inhibitor PB-020 can act synergistically with mebendazole (MBZ) to reduce the viability of CRC cells and block xenograft CRC progression. Moreover, the PB-020/anti-PD-1 combination synergistically blocked CRC propagation in the MC38 murine colon carcinoma model. Both combination therapies potently suppressed the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway genes in CRC that may be associated with the development of drug resistance. Our findings establish a preclinical proof-of-concept for combating CRC using combined multi-target treatment with PB-020 and clinical anticancer drugs, which may provide useful clues for clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these drug combinations in CRC patients.
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17
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Khan FH, Bhat BA, Sheikh BA, Tariq L, Padmanabhan R, Verma JP, Shukla AC, Dowlati A, Abbas A. Microbiome dysbiosis and epigenetic modulations in lung cancer: From pathogenesis to therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:732-742. [PMID: 34273520 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The lung microbiome plays an essential role in maintaining healthy lung function, including host immune homeostasis. Lung microbial dysbiosis or disruption of the gut-lung axis can contribute to lung carcinogenesis by causing DNA damage, inducing genomic instability, or altering the host's susceptibility to carcinogenic insults. Thus far, most studies have reported the association of microbial composition in lung cancer. Mechanistic studies describing host-microbe interactions in promoting lung carcinogenesis are limited. Considering cancer as a multifaceted disease where epigenetic dysregulation plays a critical role, epigenetic modifying potentials of microbial metabolites and toxins and their roles in lung tumorigenesis are not well studied. The current review explains microbial dysbiosis and epigenetic aberrations in lung cancer and potential therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faizan Haider Khan
- Discipline of Pathology, Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | | | | | - Lubna Tariq
- Department of Biotechnology, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, India
| | - Roshan Padmanabhan
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, and University Hospital, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Jay Prakash Verma
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development, Banaras Hindu University Varanasi, India
| | | | - Afshin Dowlati
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA; University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA; Developmental Therapeutics Program, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44116, USA
| | - Ata Abbas
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA; Developmental Therapeutics Program, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44116, USA.
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18
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Harkus U, Wankell M, Palamuthusingam P, McFarlane C, Hebbard L. Immune checkpoint inhibitors in HCC: Cellular, molecular and systemic data. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:799-815. [PMID: 35065242 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths in the world, and for patients with advanced disease there are few therapeutic options available. The complex immunological microenvironment of HCC and the success of immunotherapy in several types of tumours, has raised the prospect of potential benefit for immune based therapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), in HCC. This has led to significant breakthrough research, numerous clinical trials and the rapid approval of multiple systemic drugs for HCC by regulatory bodies worldwide. Although some patients responded well to ICIs, many have failed to achieve significant benefit, while others showed unexpected and paradoxical deterioration. The aim of this review is to discuss the pathophysiology of HCC, the tumour microenvironment, key clinical trials evaluating ICIs in HCC, various resistance mechanisms to ICIs, and possible ways to overcome these impediments to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uasim Harkus
- Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Miriam Wankell
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Australian Institute of Tropical Medicine and Health, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Pranavan Palamuthusingam
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia; Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia; Mater Hospital, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Craig McFarlane
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Australian Institute of Tropical Medicine and Health, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Lionel Hebbard
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Australian Institute of Tropical Medicine and Health, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia; Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2145, Australia.
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19
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Weber JS, Vassallo M, Levinson BA, Laino AS, Pavlick AC, Woods DM. Clinical and immune correlate results from a phase 1b study of the histone deacetylase inhibitor mocetinostat with ipilimumab and nivolumab in unresectable stage III/IV melanoma. Melanoma Res 2022; 32:324-333. [PMID: 35678233 PMCID: PMC9444873 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Checkpoint immunotherapies (CPIs) have improved outcomes for metastatic melanoma patients, with objective response rates to combination ipilimumab and nivolumab of ~58%. Preclinical data suggest that histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition enhances antitumor immune activity and may augment CPI. In a phase Ib open-label pilot trial (NCT03565406), patients with therapy-naive metastatic melanoma were treated with the class I/IV HDAC inhibitor mocetinostat orally three times a week in combination with nivolumab and ipilimumab every 3 weeks for 12 weeks followed by 12-week maintenance cycles of nivolumab every 2 weeks and mocetinostat at the same dose and schedule as induction. The endpoints of the trial were safety, definition of a recommended phase 2 dose, preliminary assessment of response, and correlative marker determination. Patient PBMC and serum samples collected at baseline and on-treatment were assessed by flow cytometry and Luminex assays for immune correlates. Ten patients were treated: nine with 70-mg and one with 50-mg mocetinostat. In the 70-mg cohort, eight patients had objective responses. The patient in the 50-mg cohort had an early progression of disease. All patients had grade 2 or higher toxicities, and six had grades 3 and 4 toxicities. Patient PBMC showed significant decreases in myeloid-derived suppressor cells and trends towards reduced anti-inflammatory monocyte phenotypes. Patient serum showed significant upregulation of granzyme A and TNF and trends towards increased granzyme B and IFNγ. Collectively, combining CPI and mocetinostat had favorable response rates but with high levels of toxicity. Assessment of immune correlates supports a shift away from immunosuppressive phenotypes towards enhanced immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Anna C. Pavlick
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Health
| | - David M. Woods
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine
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20
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Liu Z, Zhang Y, Xiang Y, Kang X. Small-Molecule PROTACs for Cancer Immunotherapy. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175439. [PMID: 36080223 PMCID: PMC9458232 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Unsatisfactory physicochemical properties of macromolecular drugs seriously hinder their application in tumor immunotherapy. However, these problems can be effectively solved by small-molecule compounds. In the promising field of small-molecule drug development, proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) offers a novel mode of action in the interactions between small molecules and therapeutic targets (mainly proteins). This revolutionary technology has shown considerable impact on several proteins related to tumor survival but is rarely exploited in proteins associated with immuno-oncology up until now. This review attempts to comprehensively summarize the well-studied and less-developed immunological targets available for PROTAC technology, as well as some targets to be explored, aiming to provide more options and opportunities for the development of small-molecule-based tumor immunotherapy. In addition, some novel directions that can magnify and broaden the protein degradation efficiency are mentioned to improve PROTAC design in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xin Kang
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-19138939183
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21
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Sah VR, Karlsson J, Jespersen H, Lindberg MF, Nilsson LM, Ny L, Nilsson JA. Epigenetic therapy to enhance therapeutic effects of PD-1 inhibition in therapy-resistant melanoma. Melanoma Res 2022; 32:241-248. [PMID: 34753889 PMCID: PMC9245557 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Targeted therapy and immunotherapy have revolutionized the treatment of metastatic skin melanoma but around half of all patients develop resistance early or late during treatment. The situation is even worse for patients with metastatic uveal melanoma (UM). Here we hypothesized that the immunotherapy of therapy-resistant skin melanoma or UM can be enhanced by epigenetic inhibitors. Cultured B16F10 cells and human UM cells were treated with the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) entinostat or BETi JQ1. Entinostat-induced HLA expression and PD-L1, but JQ1 did not. A syngeneic mouse model carrying B16-F10 melanoma cells was treated with PD-1 and CTLA4 inhibitors, which was curative. Co-treatment with the bioavailable BETi iBET726 impaired the immunotherapy effect. Monotherapy of a B16-F10 mouse model with anti-PD-1 resulted in a moderate therapeutic effect that could be enhanced by entinostat. Mice carrying PD-L1 knockout B16-F10 cells were also sensitive to entinostat. This suggests HDAC inhibition and immunotherapy could work in concert. Indeed, co-cultures of UM with HLA-matched melanoma-specific tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) resulted in higher TIL-mediated melanoma killing when entinostat was added. Further exploration of combined immunotherapy and epigenetic therapy in metastatic melanoma resistant to PD-1 inhibition is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasu R. Sah
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Joakim Karlsson
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Henrik Jespersen
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Oncology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Mattias F. Lindberg
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lisa M. Nilsson
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Lars Ny
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jonas A. Nilsson
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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22
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Hao YY, Chen PP, Yuan XG, Zhao AQ, Liang Y, Liu H, Qian WB. Chidamide and sintilimab combination in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma progressing after chimeric antigen receptor T therapy. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:6555-6562. [PMID: 35979312 PMCID: PMC9294888 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i19.6555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is curable with first-line chemoimmunotherapy but patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) DLBCL still face a poor prognosis. For patients with R/R DLBCL, the complete response rate to traditional next-line therapy is only 7% and the median overall survival is 6.3 mo. Recently, CD19-targeting chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) have shown promise in clinical trials. However, approximately 50% of patients treated with CAR-T cells ultimately progress and few salvage therapies are effective.
CASE SUMMARY Here, we report on 7 patients with R/R DLBCL whose disease progressed after CAR-T infusion. They received a PD-1 inhibitor (sintilimab) and a histone deacetylase inhibitor (chidamide). Five of the 7 patients tolerated the treatment without any serious adverse events. Two patients discontinued the treatment due to lung infection and rash. At the 20-mo follow-up, the median overall survival of these 7 patients was 6 mo. Of note, there were 2 complete response rates (CRs) and 2 partial response rates (PRs) during this novel therapy, with an overall response rate (ORR) of 57.1%, and one patient had a durable CR that lasted at least 20 mo.
CONCLUSION In conclusion, chidamide combined with sintilimab may be a choice for DLBCL patients progressing after CD19-targeting CAR-T therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Yuan Hao
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Pan-Pan Chen
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiang-Gui Yuan
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ai-Qi Zhao
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yun Liang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Wen-Bin Qian
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
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23
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Integrated MRI–Immune–Genomic Features Enclose a Risk Stratification Model in Patients Affected by Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133249. [PMID: 35805021 PMCID: PMC9265092 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite crucial scientific advances, Glioblastoma (GB) remains a fatal disease with limited therapeutic options and a lack of suitable biomarkers. The unveiled competence of the brain immune system together with the breakthrough advent of immunotherapy has shifted the present translational research on GB towards an immune-focused perspective. Several clinical trials targeting the immunosuppressive GB background are ongoing. So far, results are inconclusive, underpinning our partial understanding of the complex cancer-immune interplay in brain tumors. High throughput Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging has shown the potential to decipher GB heterogeneity, including pathologic and genomic clues. However, whether distinct GB immune contextures can be deciphered at an imaging scale is still elusive, leaving unattained the non-invasive achievement of prognostic and predictive biomarkers. Along these lines, we integrated genetic, immunopathologic and imaging features in a series of GB patients. Our results suggest that multiparametric approaches might offer new efficient risk stratification models, opening the possibility to intercept the critical events implicated in the dismal prognosis of GB. Abstract Background: The aim of the present study was to dissect the clinical outcome of GB patients through the integration of molecular, immunophenotypic and MR imaging features. Methods: We enrolled 57 histologically proven and molecularly tested GB patients (5.3% IDH-1 mutant). Two-Dimensional Free ROI on the Biggest Enhancing Tumoral Diameter (TDFRBETD) acquired by MRI sequences were used to perform a manual evaluation of multiple quantitative variables, among which we selected: SD Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR), SD and mean Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC). Characterization of the Tumor Immune Microenvironment (TIME) involved the immunohistochemical analysis of PD-L1, and number and distribution of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs) and CD163+ Tumor Associated Macrophages (TAMs), focusing on immune-vascular localization. Genetic, MR imaging and TIME descriptors were correlated with overall survival (OS). Results: MGMT methylation was associated with a significantly prolonged OS (median OS = 20 months), while no impact of p53 and EGFR status was apparent. GB cases with high mean ADC at MRI, indicative of low cellularity and soft consistency, exhibited increased OS (median OS = 24 months). PD-L1 and the overall number of TILs and CD163+TAMs had a marginal impact on patient outcome. Conversely, the density of vascular-associated (V) CD4+ lymphocytes emerged as the most significant prognostic factor (median OS = 23 months in V-CD4high vs. 13 months in V-CD4low, p = 0.015). High V-CD4+TILs also characterized TIME of MGMTmeth GB, while p53mut appeared to condition a desert immune background. When individual genetic (MGMTunmeth), MR imaging (mean ADClow) and TIME (V-CD4+TILslow) negative predictors were combined, median OS was 21 months (95% CI, 0–47.37) in patients displaying 0–1 risk factor and 13 months (95% CI 7.22–19.22) in the presence of 2–3 risk factors (p = 0.010, HR = 3.39, 95% CI 1.26–9.09). Conclusion: Interlacing MRI–immune–genetic features may provide highly significant risk-stratification models in GB patients.
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24
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Martín-Otal C, Navarro F, Casares N, Lasarte-Cía A, Sánchez-Moreno I, Hervás-Stubbs S, Lozano T, Lasarte JJ. Impact of tumor microenvironment on adoptive T cell transfer activity. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 370:1-31. [PMID: 35798502 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in immunotherapy have revolutionized the treatment of cancer. The use of adoptive cell therapies (ACT) such as those based on tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) or genetically modified cells (transgenic TCR lymphocytes or CAR-T cells), has shown impressive results in the treatment of several types of cancers. However, cancer cells can exploit mechanisms to escape from immunosurveillance resulting in many patients not responding to these therapies or respond only transiently. The failure of immunotherapy to achieve long-term tumor control is multifactorial. On the one hand, only a limited percentage of the transferred lymphocytes is capable of circulating through the bloodstream, interacting and crossing the tumor endothelium to infiltrate the tumor. Metabolic competition, excessive glucose consumption, the high level of lactic acid secretion and the extracellular pH acidification, the shortage of essential amino acids, the hypoxic conditions or the accumulation of fatty acids in the tumor microenvironment (TME), greatly hinder the anti-tumor activity of the immune cells in ACT therapy strategies. Therefore, there is a new trend in immunotherapy research that seeks to unravel the fundamental biology that underpins the response to therapy and identifies new approaches to better amplify the efficacy of immunotherapies. In this review we address important aspects that may significantly affect the efficacy of ACT, indicating also the therapeutic alternatives that are currently being implemented to overcome these drawbacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Martín-Otal
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Flor Navarro
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Noelia Casares
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Aritz Lasarte-Cía
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Inés Sánchez-Moreno
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sandra Hervás-Stubbs
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Teresa Lozano
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Juan José Lasarte
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain.
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25
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Xu Y, Li P, Liu Y, Xin D, Lei W, Liang A, Han W, Qian W. Epi-immunotherapy for cancers: rationales of epi-drugs in combination with immunotherapy and advances in clinical trials. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2022; 42:493-516. [PMID: 35642676 PMCID: PMC9198339 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last two decades, several epi-drugs, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and adoptive cell therapies have received clinical approval for use in certain types of cancer. However, monotherapy with epi-drugs or ICIs has shown limited efficacy in most cancer patients. Epigenetic agents have been shown to regulate the crosstalk between the tumor and host immunity to alleviate immune evasion, suggesting that epi-drugs can potentially synergize with immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss recent insights into the rationales of incorporating epigenetic therapy into immunotherapy, called epi-immunotherapy, and focus on an update of current clinical trials in both hematological and solid malignancies. Furthermore, we outline the future challenges and strategies in the field of cancer epi-immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xu
- Department of Hematologythe Second Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell BiologyLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of HematologyTongji Hospital of Tongji UniversityShanghai200065P. R. China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Bio‐Therapeuticthe First Medical CentreChinese PLA General HospitalBeijing100853P. R. China
| | - Dijia Xin
- Department of Hematologythe Second Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell BiologyLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Wen Lei
- Department of Hematologythe Second Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell BiologyLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Aibin Liang
- Department of HematologyTongji Hospital of Tongji UniversityShanghai200065P. R. China
| | - Weidong Han
- Department of Bio‐Therapeuticthe First Medical CentreChinese PLA General HospitalBeijing100853P. R. China
| | - Wenbin Qian
- Department of Hematologythe Second Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
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26
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Sim W, Lim WM, Hii LW, Leong CO, Mai CW. Targeting pancreatic cancer immune evasion by inhibiting histone deacetylases. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:1934-1945. [PMID: 35664961 PMCID: PMC9150054 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i18.1934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system plays a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance between immune recognition and tumor development. Regardless, it is not uncommon that cancerous cells can intelligently acquire abilities to bypass the antitumor immune responses, thus allowing continuous tumor growth and development. Immune evasion has emerged as a significant factor contributing to the progression and immune resistance of pancreatic cancer. Compared with other cancers, pancreatic cancer has a tumor microenvironment that can resist most treatment modalities, including emerging immunotherapy. Sadly, the use of immunotherapy has yet to bring significant clinical breakthrough among pancreatic cancer patients, suggesting that pancreatic cancer has successfully evaded immunomodulation. In this review, we summarize the impact of genetic alteration and epigenetic modification (especially histone deacetylases, HDAC) on immune evasion in pancreatic cancer. HDAC overexpression significantly suppresses tumor suppressor genes, contributing to tumor growth and progression. We review the evidence on HDAC inhibitors in tumor eradication, improving T cells activation, restoring tumor immunogenicity, and modulating programmed death 1 interaction. We provide our perspective in targeting HDAC as a strategy to reverse immune evasion in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wynne Sim
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Wei-Meng Lim
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development, and Innovation, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Ling-Wei Hii
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development, and Innovation, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Onn Leong
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development, and Innovation, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
- AGTC Genomics, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Chun-Wai Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
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27
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Ding P, Ma Z, Liu D, Pan M, Li H, Feng Y, Zhang Y, Shao C, Jiang M, Lu D, Han J, Wang J, Yan X. Lysine Acetylation/Deacetylation Modification of Immune-Related Molecules in Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:865975. [PMID: 35585975 PMCID: PMC9108232 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.865975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As major post-translational modifications (PTMs), acetylation and deacetylation are significant factors in signal transmission and cellular metabolism, and are modulated by a dynamic process via two pivotal categories of enzymes, histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs). In previous studies, dysregulation of lysine acetylation and deacetylation has been reported to be associated with the genesis and development of malignancy. Scientists have recently explored acetylation/deacetylation patterns and prospective cancer therapy techniques, and the FDA has approved four HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) to be used in clinical treatment. In the present review, the most recent developments in the area of lysine acetylation/deacetylation alteration in cancer immunotherapy were investigated. Firstly, a brief explanation of the acetylation/deacetylation process and relevant indispensable enzymes that participate therein is provided. Subsequently, a multitude of specific immune-related molecules involved in the lysine acetylation/deacetylation process are listed in the context of cancer, in addition to several therapeutic strategies associated with lysine acetylation/deacetylation modification in cancer immunotherapy. Finally, a number of prospective research fields related to cancer immunotherapy concepts are offered with detailed analysis. Overall, the present review may provide a reference for researchers in the relevant field of study, with the aim of being instructive and meaningful to further research as well as the selection of potential targets and effective measures for future cancer immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Ding
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, Chinese People'’s Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, The Fifth Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiqiang Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, Chinese People'’s Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, The Fifth Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Minghong Pan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Huizi Li
- Department of Outpatient, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yingtong Feng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yimeng Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Changjian Shao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Menglong Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, 1st Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Di Lu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, Chinese People'’s Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, The Fifth Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Jing Han, ; Jinliang Wang, ; Xiaolong Yan,
| | - Jinliang Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, Chinese People'’s Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, The Fifth Medical Center, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jing Han, ; Jinliang Wang, ; Xiaolong Yan,
| | - Xiaolong Yan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Jing Han, ; Jinliang Wang, ; Xiaolong Yan,
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28
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Chen C, Liu Z, Liu J, Zhang W, Zhou D, Zhang Y. Case Report: Outcome and Adverse Events of Anti-PD-1 Antibody Plus Chidamide for Relapsed/Refractory Sézary Syndrome: Case Series and A Literature Review. Front Oncol 2022; 12:842123. [PMID: 35387123 PMCID: PMC8977601 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.842123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sézary syndrome (SS) is an aggressive leukemic variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma with a poor prognosis and survival rate. Existing therapies for relapsed/refractory (R/R) SS have a low response rate with a short duration time. Herein, we presented three cases of R/R SS treated with the anti-PD-1 antibody and chidamide. Case 1 and case 2 showed the potential efficacy of this combination therapy with a long duration time. Case 2 and case 3 both showed that the patients developed acute and transient worsening of erythroderma and pruritus after anti-PD-1 antibody infusion, and this flare reaction was associated with transient decreased leukocytes and lymphocytes in peripheral blood. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the anti-PD-1 antibody combined with chidamide for treatment of R/R SS. This report suggests that the combination therapy may be a new and effective treatment and that further clinical trials are needed to prove it and elucidate the mechanism of this combination therapy and its flare reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Chen
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaorui Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Daobin Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
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29
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Adeshakin AO, Adeshakin FO, Yan D, Wan X. Regulating Histone Deacetylase Signaling Pathways of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Enhanced T Cell-Based Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:781660. [PMID: 35140716 PMCID: PMC8818783 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.781660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach to combat immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) for improved cancer treatment. FDA approval for the clinical use of programmed death receptor 1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors revolutionized T cell-based immunotherapy. Although only a few cancer patients respond to this treatment due to several factors including the accumulation of immunosuppressive cells in the TME. Several immunosuppressive cells within the TME such as regulatory T cells, myeloid cells, and cancer-associated fibroblast inhibit the activation and function of T cells to promote tumor progression. The roles of epigenetic modifiers such as histone deacetylase (HDAC) in cancer have long been investigated but little is known about their impact on immune cells. Recent studies showed inhibiting HDAC expression on myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) promoted their differentiation to less suppressive cells and reduced their immunosuppressive effect in the TME. HDAC inhibitors upregulated PD-1 or PD-L1 expression level on tumor or immune cells sensitizing tumor-bearing mice to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies. Herein we discuss how inhibiting HDAC expression on MDSCs could circumvent drawbacks to immune checkpoint inhibitors and improve cancer immunotherapy. Furthermore, we highlighted current challenges and future perspectives of HDAC inhibitors in regulating MDSCs function for effective cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeleye O. Adeshakin
- Guangdong Immune Cell Therapy Engineering and Technology Research Center, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing , China
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Funmilayo O. Adeshakin
- Guangdong Immune Cell Therapy Engineering and Technology Research Center, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing , China
| | - Dehong Yan
- Guangdong Immune Cell Therapy Engineering and Technology Research Center, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing , China
- *Correspondence: Dehong Yan, ; Xiaochun Wan,
| | - Xiaochun Wan
- Guangdong Immune Cell Therapy Engineering and Technology Research Center, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing , China
- *Correspondence: Dehong Yan, ; Xiaochun Wan,
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30
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Nanamori H, Sawada Y. Epigenetic Modification of PD-1/PD-L1-Mediated Cancer Immunotherapy against Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031119. [PMID: 35163049 PMCID: PMC8835029 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is one of the representative skin cancers with unfavorable clinical behavior. Immunotherapy is currently used for the treatment, and it dramatically improves clinical outcomes in patients with advanced malignant melanoma. On the other hand, not all these patients can obtain therapeutic efficacy. To overcome this limitation of current immunotherapy, epigenetic modification is a highlighted issue for clinicians. Epigenetic modification is involved in various physiological and pathological conditions in the skin. Recent studies identified that skin cancer, especially malignant melanoma, has advantages in tumor development, indicating that epigenetic manipulation for regulation of gene expression in the tumor can be expected to result in additional therapeutic efficacy during immunotherapy. In this review, we focus on the detailed molecular mechanism of epigenetic modification in immunotherapy, especially anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody treatment for malignant melanoma.
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31
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Liang Y, Turcan S. Epigenetic Drugs and Their Immune Modulating Potential in Cancers. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020211. [PMID: 35203421 PMCID: PMC8868629 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic drugs are used for the clinical treatment of hematologic malignancies; however, their therapeutic potential in solid tumors is still under investigation. Current evidence suggests that epigenetic drugs may lead to antitumor immunity by increasing antigen presentation and may enhance the therapeutic effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Here, we highlight their impact on the tumor epigenome and discuss the recent evidence that epigenetic agents may optimize the immune microenvironment and promote antiviral response.
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32
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Harnessing Antitumor CD4 + T Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14010260. [PMID: 35008422 PMCID: PMC8750687 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Diverse evidence revealed that CD4+ T cells play an important role in antitumor immunity by promoting or suppressing cytotoxic T cell responses. This review outlines the role of CD4+ T subsets within the tumor microenvironment and summarizes the latest progress regarding their potentials in cancer immunotherapy and methods for improving outcomes in cancer strategies by modulating CD4+ T responses. Abstract Over the past decades, CD4+ T cells have been considered as a supporting actor in the fields of cancer immunotherapy. Until recently, accumulating evidence has demonstrated the critical role of CD4+ T cells during antitumor immunity. CD4+ T cells can either suppress or promote the antitumor cytotoxic CD8+ T cell responses, either in secondary lymphoid organs or in the tumor. In this review, we provide an overview of the multifaceted role of different CD4+ T cell subsets in cancer immune response and their contribution during cancer therapies. Specifically, we focus on the latest progress regarding the impact of CD4+ T cell modulation on immunotherapies and other cancer therapies and discuss the prospect for harnessing CD4+ T cells to control tumor progression and prevent recurrence in patients.
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33
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Kawakubo K, Castillo CFD, Liss AS. Epigenetic regulation of pancreatic adenocarcinoma in the era of cancer immunotherapy. J Gastroenterol 2022; 57:819-826. [PMID: 36048239 PMCID: PMC9596544 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-022-01915-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a lethal cancer with poor response to chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Recent studies suggest that epigenetic alterations contribute to its aggressive biology and the tumor microenvironment which render it unresponsive to immune checkpoint blockade. Here, we review our current understandings of epigenetic dysregulation in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, its effect on the tumor immune microenvironment, and the potential for epigenetic therapy to be combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumichi Kawakubo
- grid.39158.360000 0001 2173 7691Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Carlos Fernandez-del Castillo
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Andrew Scott Liss
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
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34
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Xiang XS, Li PC, Wang WQ, Liu L. Histone deacetylases: A novel class of therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188676. [PMID: 35016922 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the seventh leading cause of cancer death worldwide, with a low 5-year survival rate. Novel agents are urgently necessary to treat the main pathological type, known as pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PDAC). The dysregulation of histone deacetylases (HDACs) has been identified in association with PDAC, which can be more easily targeted by small molecular inhibitors than gene mutations and may represent a therapeutic breakthrough for PDAC. However, the contributions of HDACs to PDAC remain controversial, and pharmacokinetic challenges have limited the application of HDAC inhibitors (HDACis) in PDAC. This review summarizes the mechanisms associated with success and failure of HDACis in PDAC and discusses the recent progress made in HDACi development and application, such as combination therapies designed to enhance efficacy. More precise strategies involving HDACis might eventually improve the outcomes of PDAC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Song Xiang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng-Cheng Li
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Quan Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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35
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Dai E, Zhu Z, Wahed S, Qu Z, Storkus WJ, Guo ZS. Epigenetic modulation of antitumor immunity for improved cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:171. [PMID: 34930302 PMCID: PMC8691037 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01464-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms play vital roles not only in cancer initiation and progression, but also in the activation, differentiation and effector function(s) of immune cells. In this review, we summarize current literature related to epigenomic dynamics in immune cells impacting immune cell fate and functionality, and the immunogenicity of cancer cells. Some important immune-associated genes, such as granzyme B, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12, FoxP3 and STING, are regulated via epigenetic mechanisms in immune or/and cancer cells, as are immune checkpoint molecules (PD-1, CTLA-4, TIM-3, LAG-3, TIGIT) expressed by immune cells and tumor-associated stromal cells. Thus, therapeutic strategies implementing epigenetic modulating drugs are expected to significantly impact the tumor microenvironment (TME) by promoting transcriptional and metabolic reprogramming in local immune cell populations, resulting in inhibition of immunosuppressive cells (MDSCs and Treg) and the activation of anti-tumor T effector cells, professional antigen presenting cells (APC), as well as cancer cells which can serve as non-professional APC. In the latter instance, epigenetic modulating agents may coordinately promote tumor immunogenicity by inducing de novo expression of transcriptionally repressed tumor-associated antigens, increasing expression of neoantigens and MHC processing/presentation machinery, and activating tumor immunogenic cell death (ICD). ICD provides a rich source of immunogens for anti-tumor T cell cross-priming and sensitizing cancer cells to interventional immunotherapy. In this way, epigenetic modulators may be envisioned as effective components in combination immunotherapy approaches capable of mediating superior therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enyong Dai
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zhi Zhu
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Surgical Oncology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shudipto Wahed
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Zhaoxia Qu
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Walter J Storkus
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Departments of Dermatology, Immunology, Pathology and Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zong Sheng Guo
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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Chen C, Zhang W, Zhou D, Zhang Y. Sintilimab and Chidamide for Refractory Transformed Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma: A Case Report and A Literature Review. Front Oncol 2021; 11:757403. [PMID: 34820328 PMCID: PMC8606549 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.757403] [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] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) transformed diffused large B cell lymphoma (tDLBCL) have a poor prognosis and a low survival rate. In addition, no standard therapy has yet been established for R/R tDLBCL. Herein we presented a single case of a patient with R/R tDLBCL who was successfully treated with sintilimab and chidamide. The patient was a 71-year-old man with pulmonary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. He did not receive any treatment until tDLBCL was confirmed 2 years later. The tDLBCL was primary refractory to R2-CHOP, R2-MTX, and Gemox regimens. However, the patient achieved sustained complete remission after the combination therapy of sintilimab and chidamide. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of sintilimab combined with chidamide for the treatment of R/R tDLBCL, which opens up new therapeutic possibilities for this new combination therapy in future prospective clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Chen
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), Beijing, China
| | - Daobin Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), Beijing, China
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37
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Fan C, Kam S, Ramadori P. Metabolism-Associated Epigenetic and Immunoepigenetic Reprogramming in Liver Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205250. [PMID: 34680398 PMCID: PMC8534280 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic changes have been characterized as hallmarks of liver cancer. Independently of etiology, oncogenic pathways as well as the availability of different energetic substrates critically influence cellular metabolism, and the resulting perturbations often cause aberrant epigenetic alterations, not only in cancer cells but also in the hepatic tumor microenvironment. Metabolic intermediates serve as crucial substrates for various epigenetic modulations, from post-translational modification of histones to DNA methylation. In turn, epigenetic changes can alter the expression of metabolic genes supporting on the one hand, the increased energetic demand of cancer cells and, on the other hand, influence the activity of tumor-associated immune cell populations. In this review, we will illustrate the most recent findings about metabolic reprogramming in liver cancer. We will focus on the metabolic changes characterizing the tumor microenvironment and on how these alterations impact on epigenetic mechanisms involved in the malignant progression. Furthermore, we will report our current knowledge about the influence of cancer-specific metabolites on epigenetic reprogramming of immune cells and we will highlight how this favors a tumor-permissive immune environment. Finally, we will review the current strategies to target metabolic and epigenetic pathways and their therapeutic potential in liver cancer, alone or in combinatorial approaches.
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38
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Leblond MM, Zdimerova H, Desponds E, Verdeil G. Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Bladder Cancer: Biological Role, Impact on Therapeutic Response and Perspectives for Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184712. [PMID: 34572939 PMCID: PMC8467100 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are one of the most abundant infiltrating immune cells of solid tumors. Despite their possible dual role, i.e., pro- or anti-tumoral, there is considerable evidence showing that the accumulation of TAMs promotes tumor progression rather than slowing it. Several strategies are being developed and clinically tested to target these cells. Bladder cancer (BCa) is one of the most common cancers, and despite heavy treatments, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), the overall patient survival for advanced BCa is still poor. TAMs are present in bladder tumors and play a significant role in BCa development. However, few investigations have analyzed the effect of targeting TAMs in BCa. In this review, we focus on the importance of TAMs in a cancerous bladder, their association with patient outcome and treatment efficiency as well as on how current BCa treatments impact these cells. We also report different strategies used in other cancer types to develop new immunotherapeutic strategies with the aim of improving BCa management through TAMs targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine M. Leblond
- UNICAEN, CEA, CNRS, ISTCT/CERVOxy Group, GIP CYCERON, Normandie University, 14000 Caen, France;
| | - Hana Zdimerova
- Department of Oncology UNIL CHUV, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (H.Z.); (E.D.)
| | - Emma Desponds
- Department of Oncology UNIL CHUV, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (H.Z.); (E.D.)
| | - Grégory Verdeil
- Department of Oncology UNIL CHUV, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (H.Z.); (E.D.)
- Correspondence:
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39
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Zhang Y, Li X, Zhou R, Lin A, Cao M, Lyu Q, Luo P, Zhang J. Glycogen Metabolism Predicts the Efficacy of Immunotherapy for Urothelial Carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:723066. [PMID: 34512351 PMCID: PMC8424112 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.723066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Urothelial cancer (UC) is one of the common refractory tumors and chemotherapy is the primary treatment for it. The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has facilitated the development of treatment strategies for UC patients. To screen out UC patients sensitive to ICI, researchers have proposed that PD-L1, tumor mutation burden and TCGA molecular subtypes can be used as predictors of ICI efficacy. However, the performance of these predictors needs further validation. We need to identify novel biomarkers to screen out UC patients sensitive to ICI. In our study, we collected the data of two clinical cohorts: the ICI cohort and the TCGA cohort. The result of the multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that glycogen metabolism score (GMS) (HR = 1.26, p = 0.017) was the negative predictor of prognosis for UC patients receiving ICI treatment. Low-GMS patients had a higher proportion of patients achieving complete response or partial response to ICI. After the comparison of gene mutation status between high-GMS and low-GMS patients, we identified six genes with significant differences in mutation frequencies, which may provide new directions for potential drug targets. Moreover, we analyzed the immune infiltration status and immune-related genes expression between high-GMS and low-GMS patients. A reduced proportion of tumor-associated fibroblasts and elevated proportion of CD8+ T cells can be observed in low-GMS patients while several immunosuppressive molecules were elevated in the high-GMS patients. Using the sequencing data of the GSE164042 dataset, we also found that myeloid-derived suppressor cell and neutrophil related signature scores were lower in α-glucosidase knockout bladder carcinoma cells when compared to the control group. In addition, angiogenesis, classic carcinogenic pathways, immunosuppressive cells related pathways and immunosuppressive cytokine secretion were mainly enriched in high-GMS patients and cell samples from the control group. Finally, we suspected that the combination treatment of ICI and histone deacetylase inhibitors may achieve better clinical responses in UC patients based on the analysis of drug sensitivity data. In conclusion, our study revealed the predictive value of GMS for ICI efficacy of UC patients, providing a novel perspective for the exploration of new drug targets and potential treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueming Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuechun Li
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Department of Information, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anqi Lin
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Manming Cao
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingwen Lyu
- Department of Information, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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40
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Ny L, Jespersen H, Karlsson J, Alsén S, Filges S, All-Eriksson C, Andersson B, Carneiro A, Helgadottir H, Levin M, Ljuslinder I, Olofsson Bagge R, Sah VR, Stierner U, Ståhlberg A, Ullenhag G, Nilsson LM, Nilsson JA. The PEMDAC phase 2 study of pembrolizumab and entinostat in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5155. [PMID: 34453044 PMCID: PMC8397717 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25332-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Preclinical studies have suggested that epigenetic therapy could enhance immunogenicity of cancer cells. We report the results of the PEMDAC phase 2 clinical trial (n = 29; NCT02697630) where the HDAC inhibitor entinostat was combined with the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma (UM). The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR), and was met with an ORR of 14%. The clinical benefit rate at 18 weeks was 28%, median progression free survival was 2.1 months and the median overall survival was 13.4 months. Toxicities were manageable, and there were no treatment-related deaths. Objective responses and/or prolonged survival were seen in patients with BAP1 wildtype tumors, and in one patient with an iris melanoma that exhibited a UV signature. Longer survival also correlated with low baseline ctDNA levels or LDH. In conclusion, HDAC inhibition and anti-PD1 immunotherapy results in durable responses in a subset of patients with metastatic UM.Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT02697630 (registered 3 March 2016). EudraCT registration number: 2016-002114-50.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Ny
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Henrik Jespersen
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Oncology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Joakim Karlsson
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Samuel Alsén
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Stefan Filges
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Department of Clinical Genetics and Genomics, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Bengt Andersson
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ana Carneiro
- Department of Hematology Oncology and Radiation Physics, Skåne University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Hildur Helgadottir
- Department of Oncology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Max Levin
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Roger Olofsson Bagge
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Vasu R Sah
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Stierner
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders Ståhlberg
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Department of Clinical Genetics and Genomics, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gustav Ullenhag
- Department of Oncology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lisa M Nilsson
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Jonas A Nilsson
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
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41
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Li T, Liu T, Zhu W, Xie S, Zhao Z, Feng B, Guo H, Yang R. Targeting MDSC for Immune-Checkpoint Blockade in Cancer Immunotherapy: Current Progress and New Prospects. CLINICAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS-ONCOLOGY 2021; 15:11795549211035540. [PMID: 34408525 PMCID: PMC8365012 DOI: 10.1177/11795549211035540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint blockade (ICB) demonstrated inspiring effect and great promise in anti-cancer therapy. However, many obstacles, such as drug resistance and difficulty in patient selection, limited the efficacy of ICB therapy and awaited to be overcome. By timely identification and intervention of the key immune-suppressive promotors in the tumor microenvironment (TME), we may better understand the mechanisms of cancer immune-escape and use novel strategies to enhance the therapeutic effect of ICB. Myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) is recognized as a major immune suppressor in the TME. In this review, we summarized the roles MDSC played in the cancer context, focusing on its negative biologic functions in ICB therapy, discussed the strategies targeted on MDSC to optimize the diagnosis and therapy process of ICB and improve the efficacy of ICB therapy against malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhang Li
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Urology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianyao Liu
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Urology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjie Zhu
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Urology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, People's Republic of China
| | - Shangxun Xie
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Urology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, People's Republic of China
| | - Zihan Zhao
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Urology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, People's Republic of China
| | - Baofu Feng
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Urology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongqian Guo
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Urology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Yang
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Urology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, People's Republic of China
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Jung JK, Yoon GE, Jang G, Park KM, Kim I, Kim JI. Inhibition of HDACs (Histone Deacetylases) Ameliorates High-Fat Diet-Induced Hypertension Through Restoration of the MsrA (Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase A)/Hydrogen Sulfide Axis. Hypertension 2021; 78:1103-1115. [PMID: 34397279 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.121.17149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Ki Jung
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Research Center, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea (J.K.J., G.-E.Y., J.I.K.)
| | - Ga-Eun Yoon
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Research Center, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea (J.K.J., G.-E.Y., J.I.K.)
| | - GiBong Jang
- Department of Anatomy and BK21 Plus (G.J., K.M.P.), School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwon Moo Park
- Department of Anatomy and BK21 Plus (G.J., K.M.P.), School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - InKyeom Kim
- Department of Pharmacology (I.K.), School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee In Kim
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Research Center, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea (J.K.J., G.-E.Y., J.I.K.)
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43
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Hai R, He L, Shu G, Yin G. Characterization of Histone Deacetylase Mechanisms in Cancer Development. Front Oncol 2021; 11:700947. [PMID: 34395273 PMCID: PMC8360675 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.700947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Over decades of studies, accumulating evidence has suggested that epigenetic dysregulation is a hallmark of tumours. Post-translational modifications of histones are involved in tumour pathogenesis and development mainly by influencing a broad range of physiological processes. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) and histone acetyltransferases (HATs) are pivotal epigenetic modulators that regulate dynamic processes in the acetylation of histones at lysine residues, thereby influencing transcription of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes. Moreover, HDACs mediate the deacetylation process of many nonhistone proteins and thus orchestrate a host of pathological processes, such as tumour pathogenesis. In this review, we elucidate the functions of HDACs in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rihan Hai
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liuer He
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guang Shu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Gang Yin
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
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44
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Shi H, Li K, Ni Y, Liang X, Zhao X. Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells: Implications in the Resistance of Malignant Tumors to T Cell-Based Immunotherapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:707198. [PMID: 34336860 PMCID: PMC8317971 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.707198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
T lymphocytes function as major players in antigen-mediated cytotoxicity and have become powerful tools for exploiting the immune system in tumor elimination. Several types of T cell-based immunotherapies have been prescribed to cancer patients with durable immunological response. Such strategies include immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive T cell therapy, cancer vaccines, oncolytic virus, and modulatory cytokines. However, the majority of cancer patients still failed to take the advantage of these kinds of treatments. Currently, extensive attempts are being made to uncover the potential mechanism of immunotherapy resistance, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have been identified as one of vital interpretable factors. Here, we discuss the immunosuppressive mechanism of MDSCs and their contributions to failures of T cell-based immunotherapy. Additionally, we summarize combination therapies to ameliorate the efficacy of T cell-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houhui Shi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanghong Ni
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xia Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Renaude E, Kroemer M, Borg C, Peixoto P, Hervouet E, Loyon R, Adotévi O. Epigenetic Reprogramming of CD4 + Helper T Cells as a Strategy to Improve Anticancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:669992. [PMID: 34262562 PMCID: PMC8273698 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.669992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidences highlight the role of various CD4+ helper T cells (CD4+ Th) subpopulations in orchestrating the immune responses against cancers. Epigenetics takes an important part in the regulation of CD4+ Th polarization and plasticity. In this review, we described the epigenetic factors that govern CD4+ T cells differentiation and recruitment in the tumor microenvironment and their subsequent involvement in the antitumor immunity. Finally, we discussed how to manipulate tumor reactive CD4+ Th responses by epigenetic drugs to improve anticancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Renaude
- University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, Besançon, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Besançon, Centre d'Investigation Clinique, INSERM CIC 1431, Besançon, France
| | - Marie Kroemer
- University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, Besançon, France.,Department of Pharmacy, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Christophe Borg
- University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, Besançon, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Besançon, Centre d'Investigation Clinique, INSERM CIC 1431, Besançon, France.,Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Paul Peixoto
- University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, Besançon, France.,EPIGENEXP Platform, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Eric Hervouet
- University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, Besançon, France.,EPIGENEXP Platform, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France.,DImaCell Platform, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Romain Loyon
- University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, Besançon, France
| | - Olivier Adotévi
- University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, Besançon, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Besançon, Centre d'Investigation Clinique, INSERM CIC 1431, Besançon, France.,Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France
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46
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Cui Y, Cai J, Wang W, Wang S. Regulatory Effects of Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors on Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells. Front Immunol 2021; 12:690207. [PMID: 34149732 PMCID: PMC8208029 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.690207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) are antitumor drugs that are being developed for use in clinical settings. HDACIs enhance histone or nonhistone acetylation and promote gene transcription via epigenetic regulation. Importantly, these drugs have cytotoxic or cytostatic properties and can directly inhibit tumor cells. However, how HDACIs regulate immunocytes in the tumor microenvironment, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), has yet to be elucidated. In this review, we summarize the effects of different HDACIs on the immunosuppressive function and expansion of MDSCs based on the findings of relevant studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudan Cui
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated People’s Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jingshan Cai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated People’s Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Wenxin Wang
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Shengjun Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated People’s Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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Wei C, Hu S, Luo M, Chen C, Wang W, Zhang W, Zhou D. A Novel Mechanism of Action of Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Chidamide: Enhancing the Chemotaxis Function of Circulating PD-1(+) Cells From Patients With PTCL. Front Oncol 2021; 11:682436. [PMID: 34141623 PMCID: PMC8204089 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.682436] [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] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Peripheral T‐cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms characterized by a poor prognosis. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have emerged as novel therapeutic agents for PTCLs. In this study, we aimed to explore the immunomodulatory effect of the HDAC inhibitor chidamide on circulating PD-1(+) cells from patients with PTCL, as well as its correlation with treatment response. Methods We enrolled newly diagnosed patients with PTCLs treated with a combination of chidamide and chemotherapy. Gene expression profile analysis was performed on peripheral blood PD-1(+) cells, both at baseline and at the end of treatment. A list of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was identified. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed to annotate the biological implications of the DEGs. A gene concept network was constructed to identify the key DEGs for further PCR verification. Results A total of 302 DEGs were identified in the complete remission (CR) group, including 162 upregulated and 140 downregulated genes. In contrast, only 12 DEGs were identified in the non-CR group. GO analysis revealed that these upregulated DEGs were mainly involved in chemokine activity, cell chemotaxis, and cellular response to interleukin-1 and interferon-γ. Furthermore, KEGG pathway analysis showed that these DEGs were enriched in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and chemokine signaling pathways. The innate immune signaling pathways, including the Toll-like and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways, were also influenced. The gene concept network revealed that the key upregulated genes belonged to the C-C chemokine family. Conclusion Our results showed that chidamide treatment notably enhanced the expression of genes associated with chemokine activity and chemotaxis function of circulating PD-1(+) cells. By recruiting immune cells and improving the innate immune function of PD-1(+) cells, chidamide may reshape the tumor microenvironment to an anti-tumor phenotype and synergize with checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Wei
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shaoxuan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Lymphoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Mingjie Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chong Chen
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Daobin Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Jin L, Duan W, Cai Z, Lim D, Feng Z. Valproic acid triggers radiation-induced abscopal effect by modulating the unirradiated tumor immune microenvironment in a rat model of breast cancer. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2021:rrab037. [PMID: 34050356 DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rrab037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
An abscopal effect occurs when localized radiotherapy causes the regression of tumors distant from the irradiated site. However, such a clinically detectable abscopal effect from radiotherapy alone is rare. This study investigated whether valproic acid ([VPA], a histone deacetylase inhibitor [HDACi]) treatment can stimulate radiation-induced abscopal effect. We used 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene, a typical environmental carcinogen, to establish a rat model with multiple breast tumors. Only one tumor received 8 Gy fractionated doses of X-rays (2 Gy daily fractions over four days) and 200 mg/kg VPA was administered intraperitoneally. We monitored the growth of both irradiated and unirradiated tumors after treatments. The unirradiated tumor was collected for hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC) (CD8, Granzyme B, Cleaved Caspase-3, BrdU, Ki67, F4/80 and CD68), double immunofluorescence (F4/80 and CD86), Western blot (Cleaved Caspase-3) and qRT-PCR (CD86, CD163, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, IL-23, IL-10, TGF-β) analysis. We found ionizing radiation (IR) + VPA treatment inhibited both irradiated and unirradiated tumor growth as compared to IR alone. Such observe abscopal effect was mediated by the recruitment of activated CD8+ T cells into the unirradiated tumor sites, which released Granzyme B to cause tumor cell apoptosis. Furthermore, IR + VPA treatment led to macrophages infiltration into the unirradiated tumor sites and polarization to M1 phenotype, resulted in increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-12, and decreased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 and TGF-β. Our data supports the proposition that VPA may be a potential therapeutic candidate to trigger radiation-induced abscopal effect by modulating the unirradiated tumor immune microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya Jin
- Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Wenhua Duan
- Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Zuchao Cai
- Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - David Lim
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown 2560, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Place 5042, Australia
| | - Zhihui Feng
- Department of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
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Bam M, Chintala S, Fetcko K, Williamsen BC, Siraj S, Liu S, Wan J, Xuei X, Liu Y, Leibold AT, Dey M. Genome wide DNA methylation landscape reveals glioblastoma's influence on epigenetic changes in tumor infiltrating CD4+ T cells. Oncotarget 2021; 12:967-981. [PMID: 34012510 PMCID: PMC8121608 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CD4+ helper T (Th) cells play a critical role in shaping anti-tumor immunity by virtue of their ability to differentiate into multiple lineages in response to environmental cues. Various CD4+ lineages can orchestrate a broad range of effector activities during the initiation, expansion, and memory phase of endogenous anti-tumor immune response. In this clinical corelative study, we found that Glioblastoma (GBM) induces multi- and mixed-lineage immune response in the tumor microenvironment. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing of tumor infiltrating and blood CD4+ T-cell from GBM patients showed 13571 differentially methylated regions and a distinct methylation pattern of methylation of tumor infiltrating CD4+ T-cells with significant inter-patient variability. The methylation changes also resulted in transcriptomic changes with 341 differentially expressed genes in CD4+ tumor infiltrating T-cells compared to blood. Analysis of specific genes involved in CD4+ differentiation and function revealed differential methylation status of TBX21, GATA3, RORC, FOXP3, IL10 and IFNG in tumor CD4+ T-cells. Analysis of lineage specific genes revealed differential methylation and gene expression in tumor CD4+ T-cells. Interestingly, we observed dysregulation of several ligands of T cell function genes in GBM tissue corresponding to the T-cell receptors that were dysregulated in tumor infiltrating CD4+ T-cells. Our results suggest that GBM might induce epigenetic alterations in tumor infiltrating CD4+ T-cells there by influencing anti-tumor immune response by manipulating differentiation and function of tumor infiltrating CD4+ T-cells. Thus, further research is warranted to understand the role of tumor induced epigenetic modification of tumor infiltrating T-cells to develop effective anti-GBM immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marpe Bam
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Sreenivasulu Chintala
- Department of Neurosurgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Kaleigh Fetcko
- Department of Neurosurgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Brooke Carmen Williamsen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Seema Siraj
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sheng Liu
- Department of Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jun Wan
- Department of Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Xiaoling Xuei
- Department of Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Yunlong Liu
- Department of Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Adam T. Leibold
- Department of Neurosurgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Mahua Dey
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Radpour R, Stucki M, Riether C, Ochsenbein AF. Epigenetic Silencing of Immune-Checkpoint Receptors in Bone Marrow- Infiltrating T Cells in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Front Oncol 2021; 11:663406. [PMID: 34017684 PMCID: PMC8130556 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.663406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Immune-checkpoint (IC) inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of multiple solid tumors and defined lymphomas, but they are largely ineffective in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The reason why especially PD1/PD-L1 blocking agents are not efficacious is not well-understood but it may be due to the contribution of different IC ligand/receptor interactions that determine the function of T cells in AML. Methods To analyze the interactions of IC ligands and receptors in AML, we performed a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of FACS-purified leukemia stem/progenitor cells and paired bone marrow (BM)-infiltrating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from 30 patients with AML. The gene expression profiles of activating and inhibiting IC ligands and receptors were correlated with the clinical data. Epigenetic mechanisms were studied by inhibiting the histone deacetylase with valproic acid or by gene silencing of PAC1. Results We observed that IC ligands and receptors were mainly upregulated in leukemia stem cells. The gene expression of activating IC ligands and receptors correlated with improved prognosis and vice versa. In contrast, the majority of IC receptor genes were downregulated in BM-infiltrating CD8+ T cells and partially in CD4+ T cells, due to pathological chromatin remodeling via histone deacetylation. Therefore, treatment with histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) or silencing of PAC1, as a T cell-specific epigenetic modulator, significantly increased the expression of IC receptors and defined effector molecules in CD8+ T cells. Conclusions Our results suggest that CD8+ T cells in AML are dysfunctional mainly due to pathological epigenetic silencing of activating IC receptors rather than due to signaling by immune inhibitory IC receptors, which may explain the limited efficacy of antibodies that block immune-inhibitory ICs in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Radpour
- Tumor Immunology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Miriam Stucki
- Tumor Immunology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Carsten Riether
- Tumor Immunology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Adrian F Ochsenbein
- Tumor Immunology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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