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Benmelech S, Le T, McKay M, Nam J, Subramaniam K, Tellez D, Vlasak G, Mak M. Biophysical and biochemical aspects of immune cell-tumor microenvironment interactions. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:021502. [PMID: 38572312 PMCID: PMC10990568 DOI: 10.1063/5.0195244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME), composed of and influenced by a heterogeneous set of cancer cells and an extracellular matrix, plays a crucial role in cancer progression. The biophysical aspects of the TME (namely, its architecture and mechanics) regulate interactions and spatial distributions of cancer cells and immune cells. In this review, we discuss the factors of the TME-notably, the extracellular matrix, as well as tumor and stromal cells-that contribute to a pro-tumor, immunosuppressive response. We then discuss the ways in which cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems respond to tumors from both biochemical and biophysical perspectives, with increased focus on CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Building upon this information, we turn to immune-based antitumor interventions-specifically, recent biophysical breakthroughs aimed at improving CAR-T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoham Benmelech
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Thien Le
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Maggie McKay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Jungmin Nam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Krupakar Subramaniam
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Daniela Tellez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Grace Vlasak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Michael Mak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
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2
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Zhu W, Li M, Wang Q, Shen J, Ji J. Quantitative proteomic analysis reveals functional alterations of the peripheral immune system in colorectal cancer. Mol Cell Proteomics 2024:100784. [PMID: 38735538 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2024.100784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is characterized by high morbidity, high mortality, and limited response to immunotherapies. The peripheral immune system is an important component of tumor immunity, and enhancements of peripheral immunity help to suppress tumor progression. However, the functional alterations of the peripheral immune system in CRC are unclear. Here, we used mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics to establish a protein expression atlas for the peripheral immune system in CRC, including plasma and five types of immune cells (CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, monocytes, natural killer cells, and B cells). Synthesizing the results of the multidimensional analysis, we observed an enhanced inflammatory phenotype in CRC, including elevated expression of plasma inflammatory proteins, activation of the inflammatory pathway in monocytes, and increased inflammation-related ligand-receptor interactions. Notably, we observed tumor effects on peripheral T cells, including altered cell subpopulation ratios and suppression of cell function. Suppression of CD4+ T cell function is mainly mediated by high expression levels of protein tyrosine phosphatases. Among them, the expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type J (PTPRJ) gradually increased with CRC progression; knockdown of PTPRJ in vitro could promote T cell activation, thereby enhancing peripheral immunity. We also found that the combination of leucine-rich α-2 glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) and apolipoprotein A4 (APOA4) had the best predictive ability for colorectal cancer and has the potential to be a biomarker. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the peripheral immune system in CRC. It also offers insights regarding the potential clinical utilities of these peripheral immune characteristics as diagnostic indicators and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyuan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Minzhe Li
- General Surgery Department, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qingsong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Jian Shen
- General Surgery Department, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Jianguo Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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3
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Kirkpatrick C, Lu YCW. Deciphering CD4 + T cell-mediated responses against cancer. Mol Carcinog 2024. [PMID: 38725218 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024]
Abstract
It's been long thought that CD8+ cytotoxic T cells play a major role in T cell-mediated antitumor responses, whereas CD4+ T cells merely provide some assistance to CD8+ T cells as the "helpers." In recent years, numerous studies support the notion that CD4+ T cells play an indispensable role in antitumor responses. Here, we summarize and discuss the current knowledge regarding the roles of CD4+ T cells in antitumor responses and immunotherapy, with a focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind these observations. These new insights on CD4+ T cells may pave the way to further optimize cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Kirkpatrick
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Yong-Chen William Lu
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
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4
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Grenda A, Krawczyk P, Obara A, Gajek Ł, Łomża-Łaba A, Milanowski J. Transitioning to a Personalized Approach in Molecularly Subtyped Small-Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC). Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4208. [PMID: 38673793 PMCID: PMC11050005 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer has become a major public health concern, standing as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Among its subtypes, small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is characterized by aggressive and rapid growth, poor differentiation, and neuroendocrine features. Typically, SCLC is diagnosed at an advanced stage (extensive disease, ED-SCLC), with distant metastases, and is strongly associated with tobacco smoking and has a poor prognosis. Recent clinical trials, such as CASPIAN and IMpower133, have demonstrated promising outcomes with the incorporation of immune checkpoint inhibitors in first-line chemotherapy, leading to prolonged progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with ED-SCLC compared to standard chemotherapy. Other studies have emphasized the potential for future development of molecularly targeted therapies in SCLC patients, including inhibitors of IGF-1R, DLL3, BCL-2, MYC, or PARP. The molecular subdivision of SCLC based on transcriptomic and immunohistochemical analyses represents a significant advancement in both diagnostic and clinical approaches in SCLC patients. Specific molecular pathways are activated within distinct transcriptome subtypes of SCLC, offering the potential for personalized treatment strategies, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Such tailored approaches hold promise for significantly improving outcomes in SCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Grenda
- Department of Pneumonology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland; (P.K.); (A.Ł.-Ł.); (J.M.)
| | - Paweł Krawczyk
- Department of Pneumonology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland; (P.K.); (A.Ł.-Ł.); (J.M.)
| | - Adrian Obara
- Institute of Genetics and Immunology Genim LCC, Filaretów 27/2, 20-609 Lublin, Poland; (A.O.); (Ł.G.)
| | - Łukasz Gajek
- Institute of Genetics and Immunology Genim LCC, Filaretów 27/2, 20-609 Lublin, Poland; (A.O.); (Ł.G.)
| | - Aleksandra Łomża-Łaba
- Department of Pneumonology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland; (P.K.); (A.Ł.-Ł.); (J.M.)
| | - Janusz Milanowski
- Department of Pneumonology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland; (P.K.); (A.Ł.-Ł.); (J.M.)
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Lee S, Woo CJ, Jung HI, Nam KC, Lim JS, Kwak BS. Formation Pattern Analysis of Spheroids Formed by a Droplet-Based Microfluidic System for Predicting the Aggressiveness of Tumor Cells. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:2477-2485. [PMID: 38483467 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Examining tumor heterogeneity is essential for selecting an appropriate anticancer treatment for an individual. This study aimed to distinguish low- and high-aggressive tumor cells by analyzing the formation patterns of spheroids. The droplet-based microfluidic system was employed for the formation of each spheroid from four different subtypes of breast tumor cells. Additionally, heterotypic spheroids with T lymphocytes and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) were produced, and distinctions between low- and high-aggressive tumor cells were explored through the analysis of formation patterns using circularity, convexity, and cell distributions. In both homotypic spheroids and heterotypic spheroids with T lymphocytes, spheroids formed from low-aggressive tumor cells exhibited high circularity and convexity. On the other hand, spheroids formed from high-aggressive tumor cells had relatively low circularity and convexity. In the case of heterotypic spheroids with CAFs, circularity and convexity did not exhibit clear differences between low- and high-aggressive tumor cells, but distinct variations were observed in cell distributions. CAFs and low-aggressive tumor cells were evenly distributed, whereas the CAFs were predominantly located in the inner layer, and high-aggressive tumor cells were primarily located in the outer layer. This finding can offer valuable insights into predicting the aggressiveness of unknown tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunghan Lee
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seadaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- College of Medicine, Dongguk University, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyangsi 10326, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Jae Woo
- College of Medicine, Dongguk University, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyangsi 10326, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- National Cancer Center, 323 Ilsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si 10408, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Il Jung
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seadaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- The DABOM Inc., Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Chang Nam
- College of Medicine, Dongguk University, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyangsi 10326, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Seok Lim
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan-si 38541, Gyeongsanbuk-do, Republic of Korea
- MediSphere Inc., Gyeongsan-si 38541, Gyeongsanbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong Seop Kwak
- College of Medicine, Dongguk University, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyangsi 10326, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- MediSphere Inc., Gyeongsan-si 38541, Gyeongsanbuk-do, Republic of Korea
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6
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Garzia I, Nocchi L, Avalle L, Troise F, Leoni G, Seclì L, Antonucci L, Cotugno G, Allocca S, Romano G, Conti L, Caiazza C, Mallardo M, Poli V, Scarselli E, D'Alise AM. Tumor Burden Dictates the Neoantigen Features Required to Generate an Effective Cancer Vaccine. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:440-452. [PMID: 38331413 PMCID: PMC10985473 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Tumor neoantigens (nAg) represent a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. The identification of nAgs that can generate T-cell responses and have therapeutic activity has been challenging. Here, we sought to unravel the features of nAgs required to induce tumor rejection. We selected clinically validated Great Ape-derived adenoviral vectors (GAd) as a nAg delivery system for differing numbers and combinations of nAgs. We assessed their immunogenicity and efficacy in murine models of low to high disease burden, comparing multi-epitope versus mono-epitope vaccines. We demonstrated that the breadth of immune response is critical for vaccine efficacy and having multiple immunogenic nAgs encoded in a single vaccine improves efficacy. The contribution of each single neoantigen was examined, leading to the identification of 2 nAgs able to induce CD8+ T cell-mediated tumor rejection. They were both active as individual nAgs in a setting of prophylactic vaccination, although to different extents. However, the efficacy of these single nAgs was lost in a setting of therapeutic vaccination in tumor-bearing mice. The presence of CD4+ T-cell help restored the efficacy for only the most expressed of the two nAgs, demonstrating a key role for CD4+ T cells in sustaining CD8+ T-cell responses and the necessity of an efficient recognition of the targeted epitopes on cancer cells by CD8+ T cells for an effective antitumor response. This study provides insight into understanding the determinants of nAgs relevant for effective treatment and highlights features that could contribute to more effective antitumor vaccines. See related Spotlight by Slingluff Jr, p. 382.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lidia Avalle
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Laura Conti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Carmen Caiazza
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Mallardo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Poli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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7
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Ninmer EK, Zhu H, Chianese-Bullock KA, von Mehren M, Haas NB, Ross MI, Dengel LT, Slingluff CL. Multipeptide vaccines for melanoma in the adjuvant setting: long-term survival outcomes and post-hoc analysis of a randomized phase II trial. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2570. [PMID: 38519525 PMCID: PMC10959948 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46877-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The critical roles of CD4+ T cells have been understudied for cancer vaccines. Here we report long-term clinical outcomes of a randomized multicenter phase II clinical trial (NCT00118274), where patients with high-risk melanoma received a multipeptide vaccine targeting CD8+ T cells (12MP) and were randomized to receive either of two vaccines for CD4+ (helper) T cells: 6MHP (6 melanoma-specific helper peptides), or tet (a nonspecific helper peptide from tetanus toxoid). Cyclophosphamide (Cy) pre-treatment was also assessed. Primary outcomes for T cell responses to 12MP, 6MHP, and tet were previously reported, suggesting immunogenicity of both vaccines but that CD8 T cell responses to 12MP were lower when tet was replaced with 6MHP. Here, in post-hoc analyses, we report durable prolongation of overall survival by adding 6MHP instead of tet. That benefit was experienced only by male patients. A favorable interaction of 6MHP and Cy is also suggested. Multivariable Cox regression analysis of the intent-to-treat population identify vaccine arm (12MP + 6MHP+Cy) and patient sex (male) as the two significant predictors of enhanced survival. These findings support the value of adding cognate T cell help to cancer vaccines and also suggest a need to assess the impact of patient sex on immune therapy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K Ninmer
- Department of Surgery/Division of Surgical Oncology and the Human Immune Therapy Center, Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Hong Zhu
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- University of Virginia, School of Medicine, Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Kimberly A Chianese-Bullock
- Department of Surgery/Division of Surgical Oncology and the Human Immune Therapy Center, Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- University of Virginia, School of Medicine, Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | - Naomi B Haas
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Merrick I Ross
- Department of Surgical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lynn T Dengel
- Department of Surgery/Division of Surgical Oncology and the Human Immune Therapy Center, Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Craig L Slingluff
- Department of Surgery/Division of Surgical Oncology and the Human Immune Therapy Center, Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
- University of Virginia, School of Medicine, Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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Long J, Chen X, He M, Ou S, Zhao Y, Yan Q, Ma M, Chen J, Qin X, Zhou X, Chu J, Han Y. HLA-class II restricted TCR targeting human papillomavirus type 18 E7 induces solid tumor remission in mice. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2271. [PMID: 38480731 PMCID: PMC10937927 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46558-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cell therapy is a promising potential treatment for solid tumors, with preliminary efficacy demonstrated in clinical trials. However, obtaining clinically effective TCR molecules remains a major challenge. We have developed a strategy for cloning tumor-specific TCRs from long-term surviving patients who have responded to immunotherapy. Here, we report the identification of a TCR (10F04), which is human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRA/DRB1*09:01 restricted and human papillomavirus type 18 (HPV18) E784-98 specific, from a multiple antigens stimulating cellular therapy (MASCT) benefited metastatic cervical cancer patient. Upon transduction into human T cells, the 10F04 TCR demonstrated robust antitumor activity in both in vitro and in vivo models. Notably, the TCR effectively redirected both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to specifically recognize tumor cells and induced multiple cytokine secretion along with durable antitumor activity and outstanding safety profiles. As a result, this TCR is currently being investigated in a phase I clinical trial for treating HPV18-positive cancers. This study provides an approach for developing safe and effective TCR-T therapies, while underscoring the potential of HLA class II-restricted TCR-T therapy as a cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianting Long
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Xihe Chen
- HRYZ Biotech Co., Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Mian He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Shudan Ou
- HRYZ Biotech Co., Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yunhe Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | | | - Minjun Ma
- HRYZ Biotech Co., Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Jingyu Chen
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Xuping Qin
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
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Enzler T, Shi J, McGue J, Griffith BD, Sun L, Sahai V, Nathan H, Frankel TL. A Comparison of Spatial and Phenotypic Immune Profiles of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Its Precursor Lesions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2953. [PMID: 38474199 PMCID: PMC10932200 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with a 5-year survival rate of 12.5%. PDAC predominantly arises from non-cystic pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and cystic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN). We used multiplex immunofluorescence and computational imaging technology to characterize, map, and compare the immune microenvironments (IMEs) of PDAC and its precursor lesions. We demonstrate that the IME of IPMN was abundantly infiltrated with CD8+ T cells and PD-L1-positive antigen-presenting cells (APCs), whereas the IME of PanIN contained fewer CD8+ T cells and fewer PD-L1-positive APCs but elevated numbers of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs). Thus, immunosuppression in IPMN and PanIN seems to be mediated by different mechanisms. While immunosuppression in IPMN is facilitated by PD-L1 expression on APCs, Tregs seem to play a key role in PanIN. Our findings suggest potential immunotherapeutic interventions for high-risk precursor lesions, namely, targeting PD-1/PD-L1 in IPMN and CTLA-4-positive Tregs in PanIN to restore immunosurveillance and prevent progression to cancer. Tregs accumulate with malignant transformation, as observed in PDAC, and to a lesser extent in IPMN-associated PDAC (IAPA). High numbers of Tregs in the microenvironment of PDAC went along with a markedly decreased interaction between CD8+ T cells and cancerous epithelial cells (ECs), highlighting the importance of Tregs as key players in immunosuppression in PDAC. We found evidence that a defect in antigen presentation, further aggravated by PD-L1 expression on APC, may contribute to immunosuppression in IAPA, suggesting a role for PD-L1/PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of IAPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Enzler
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jiaqi Shi
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Jake McGue
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (J.M.); (B.D.G.); (L.S.); (H.N.)
| | - Brian D. Griffith
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (J.M.); (B.D.G.); (L.S.); (H.N.)
| | - Lei Sun
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (J.M.); (B.D.G.); (L.S.); (H.N.)
| | - Vaibhav Sahai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Hari Nathan
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (J.M.); (B.D.G.); (L.S.); (H.N.)
| | - Timothy L. Frankel
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (J.M.); (B.D.G.); (L.S.); (H.N.)
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10
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Lofiego MF, Piazzini F, Caruso FP, Marzani F, Solmonese L, Bello E, Celesti F, Costa MC, Noviello T, Mortarini R, Anichini A, Ceccarelli M, Coral S, Di Giacomo AM, Maio M, Covre A. Epigenetic remodeling to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy in human glioblastoma: pre-clinical evidence for development of new immunotherapy approaches. J Transl Med 2024; 22:223. [PMID: 38429759 PMCID: PMC10908027 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05040-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive primary brain tumor, that is refractory to standard treatment and to immunotherapy with immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Noteworthy, melanoma brain metastases (MM-BM), that share the same niche as GBM, frequently respond to current ICI therapies. Epigenetic modifications regulate GBM cellular proliferation, invasion, and prognosis and may negatively regulate the cross-talk between malignant cells and immune cells in the tumor milieu, likely contributing to limit the efficacy of ICI therapy of GBM. Thus, manipulating the tumor epigenome can be considered a therapeutic opportunity in GBM. METHODS Microarray transcriptional and methylation profiles, followed by gene set enrichment and IPA analyses, were performed to study the differences in the constitutive expression profiles of GBM vs MM-BM cells, compared to the extracranial MM cells and to investigate the modulatory effects of the DNA hypomethylating agent (DHA) guadecitabine among the different tumor cells. The prognostic relevance of DHA-modulated genes was tested by Cox analysis in a TCGA GBM patients' cohort. RESULTS The most striking differences between GBM and MM-BM cells were found to be the enrichment of biological processes associated with tumor growth, invasion, and extravasation with the inhibition of MHC class II antigen processing/presentation in GBM cells. Treatment with guadecitabine reduced these biological differences, shaping GBM cells towards a more immunogenic phenotype. Indeed, in GBM cells, promoter hypomethylation by guadecitabine led to the up-regulation of genes mainly associated with activation, proliferation, and migration of T and B cells and with MHC class II antigen processing/presentation. Among DHA-modulated genes in GBM, 7.6% showed a significant prognostic relevance. Moreover, a large set of immune-related upstream-regulators (URs) were commonly modulated by DHA in GBM, MM-BM, and MM cells: DHA-activated URs enriched for biological processes mainly involved in the regulation of cytokines and chemokines production, inflammatory response, and in Type I/II/III IFN-mediated signaling; conversely, DHA-inhibited URs were involved in metabolic and proliferative pathways. CONCLUSIONS Epigenetic remodeling by guadecitabine represents a promising strategy to increase the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy of GBM, supporting the rationale to develop new epigenetic-based immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of this still highly deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Francesca Pia Caruso
- BIOGEM Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Ariano Irpino, Italy
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (DIETI), University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Laura Solmonese
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | | | - Maria Claudia Costa
- BIOGEM Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Ariano Irpino, Italy
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (DIETI), University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Noviello
- BIOGEM Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Ariano Irpino, Italy
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Roberta Mortarini
- Human Tumors Immunobiology Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Anichini
- Human Tumors Immunobiology Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Ceccarelli
- BIOGEM Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Ariano Irpino, Italy
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Anna Maria Di Giacomo
- University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Michele Maio
- University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Wang C, Chen J, Li J, Xu Z, Huang L, Zhao Q, Chen L, Liang X, Hu H, Li G, Xiong C, Wu B, You H, Du D, Wang X, Li H, Wang Z, Chen L. An EBV-related CD4 TCR immunotherapy inhibits tumor growth in an HLA-DP5+ nasopharyngeal cancer mouse model. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e172092. [PMID: 38412034 PMCID: PMC11014665 DOI: 10.1172/jci172092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of T cell receptor-engineered T cells (TCR-T) is a promising strategy for immunotherapy against solid tumors. However, the potential of CD4+ T cells in mediating tumor regression has been neglected. Nasopharyngeal cancer is consistently associated with EBV. Here, to evaluate the therapeutic potential of CD4 TCR-T in nasopharyngeal cancer, we screened for CD4 TCRs recognizing EBV nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) presented by HLA-DP5. Using mass spectrometry, we identified EBNA1567-581, a peptide naturally processed and presented by HLA-DP5. We isolated TCR135, a CD4 TCR with high functional avidity, that can function in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and recognizes HLA-DP5-restricted EBNA1567-581. TCR135-transduced T cells functioned in two ways: directly killing HLA-DP5+EBNA1+ tumor cells after recognizing EBNA1 presented by tumor cells and indirectly killing HLA-DP5-negative tumor cells after recognizing EBNA1 presented by antigen-presenting cells. TCR135-transduced T cells preferentially infiltrated into the tumor microenvironment and significantly inhibited tumor growth in xenograft nasopharyngeal tumor models. Additionally, we found that 62% of nasopharyngeal cancer patients showed 50%-100% expression of HLA-DP on tumor cells, indicating that nasopharyngeal cancer is well suited for CD4 TCR-T therapy. These findings suggest that TCR135 may provide a new strategy for EBV-related nasopharyngeal cancer immunotherapy in HLA-DP5+ patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenwei Wang
- Guangzhou Medical University–Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health (GMU-GIBH) Joint School of Life Sciences and Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiewen Chen
- Guangzhou Medical University–Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health (GMU-GIBH) Joint School of Life Sciences and Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingyao Li
- Guangzhou Medical University–Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health (GMU-GIBH) Joint School of Life Sciences and Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhihong Xu
- Guangzhou Medical University–Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health (GMU-GIBH) Joint School of Life Sciences and Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lihong Huang
- Guangzhou Medical University–Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health (GMU-GIBH) Joint School of Life Sciences and Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
- Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Limited, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaolong Liang
- Guangzhou Medical University–Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health (GMU-GIBH) Joint School of Life Sciences and Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hai Hu
- Department of Pathology, Air Force Hospital of Southern Theater Command, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Huiqiao Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chengjie Xiong
- Guangzhou Medical University–Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health (GMU-GIBH) Joint School of Life Sciences and Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Guangzhou Medical University–Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health (GMU-GIBH) Joint School of Life Sciences and Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hua You
- Laboratory for Excellence in Systems Biomedicine of Pediatric Oncology, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Danyi Du
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Precision Medical Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoling Wang
- Guangzhou Medical University–Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health (GMU-GIBH) Joint School of Life Sciences and Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongle Li
- Department of Immunotherapy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zibing Wang
- Department of Immunotherapy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Guangzhou Medical University–Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health (GMU-GIBH) Joint School of Life Sciences and Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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12
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Wahbi W, Awad S, Salo T, Al-Samadi A. Stroma modulation of radiation response in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Insights from zebrafish larvae xenografts. Exp Cell Res 2024; 435:113911. [PMID: 38182078 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.113911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tumour microenvironment (TME) of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) consists of different subtypes of cells that interact with the tumour or with each other. This study investigates the possibility of co-culturing HNSCC cells with different stroma cells in a zebrafish xenograft model, focusing on the effect of stroma cells on HNSCC growth and response to irradiation. MATERIAL AND METHOD HNSCC metastatic cell line HSC-3 was used along with five types of stroma cells: normal gingival fibroblasts (NOF), cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF), macrophages, CD4+ T cells, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The mixture of HSC-3 cells and each-stroma cell type-was injected into 2-day post-fertilization zebrafish embryos, and the effect of stroma cells on tumour growth was tested. The study also aimed to mimic the HNSCC tumour by injecting a mixture of HSC-3 cells, CAFs, macrophages, and HUVECs into zebrafish embryos and testing the effect of these stroma cells on the cancer cells' response to irradiation compared to HSC-3-only tumours. RESULTS CAFs had a significant inducement effect on tumour size, while HUVECs showed the opposite effect. The irradiated group of HSC-3-only tumour had a significantly smaller tumor cell area compared to the control, while the group with stroma cells and HSC-3 cells showed cancer cells being resistant to irradiation. CONCLUSION This is the first report of co-culturing cancer cells with several types of stroma cells using a zebrafish xenograft model. This study also highlighted the role of stroma cells in turning the cancer cells from radioresponsive to radioresistant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafa Wahbi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Clinicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Biomedicum Helsinki 1, C223b, Haartmaninkatu 8, P.O. Box 63, Helsinki, 00014, Finland; Translational Immunology Research Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Biomedicum Helsinki 1, Haartmaninkatu 8, P.O. Box 63, Helsinki, 00014, Finland
| | - Shady Awad
- Clinical Pathology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; Hematology Research Unit, Department of Hematology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuula Salo
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Clinicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Biomedicum Helsinki 1, C223b, Haartmaninkatu 8, P.O. Box 63, Helsinki, 00014, Finland; Translational Immunology Research Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Biomedicum Helsinki 1, Haartmaninkatu 8, P.O. Box 63, Helsinki, 00014, Finland; Department of Pathology, HUSLAB, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, P.O. Box 21, Helsinki, 00014, Finland; Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5281, Oulu, 90014, Finland; Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5281, Oulu, 90014, Finland
| | - Ahmed Al-Samadi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Clinicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Biomedicum Helsinki 1, C223b, Haartmaninkatu 8, P.O. Box 63, Helsinki, 00014, Finland; Translational Immunology Research Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Biomedicum Helsinki 1, Haartmaninkatu 8, P.O. Box 63, Helsinki, 00014, Finland; Institute of Dentistry, School of Medicine, Kuopio Campus, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, Kuopio, Finland.
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13
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Bawden EG, Wagner T, Schröder J, Effern M, Hinze D, Newland L, Attrill GH, Lee AR, Engel S, Freestone D, de Lima Moreira M, Gressier E, McBain N, Bachem A, Haque A, Dong R, Ferguson AL, Edwards JJ, Ferguson PM, Scolyer RA, Wilmott JS, Jewell CM, Brooks AG, Gyorki DE, Palendira U, Bedoui S, Waithman J, Hochheiser K, Hölzel M, Gebhardt T. CD4 + T cell immunity against cutaneous melanoma encompasses multifaceted MHC II-dependent responses. Sci Immunol 2024; 9:eadi9517. [PMID: 38241401 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.adi9517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Whereas CD4+ T cells conventionally mediate antitumor immunity by providing help to CD8+ T cells, recent clinical studies have implied an important role for cytotoxic CD4+ T cells in cancer immunity. Using an orthotopic melanoma model, we provide a detailed account of antitumoral CD4+ T cell responses and their regulation by major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) in the skin. Intravital imaging revealed prominent interactions of CD4+ T cells with tumor debris-laden MHC II+ host antigen-presenting cells that accumulated around tumor cell nests, although direct recognition of MHC II+ melanoma cells alone could also promote CD4+ T cell control. CD4+ T cells stably suppressed or eradicated tumors even in the absence of other lymphocytes by using tumor necrosis factor-α and Fas ligand (FasL) but not perforin-mediated cytotoxicity. Interferon-γ was critical for protection, acting both directly on melanoma cells and via induction of nitric oxide synthase in myeloid cells. Our results illustrate multifaceted and context-specific aspects of MHC II-dependent CD4+ T cell immunity against cutaneous melanoma, emphasizing modulation of this axis as a potential avenue for immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma G Bawden
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Institute of Experimental Oncology (IEO), Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn 53105, Germany
| | - Teagan Wagner
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jan Schröder
- Computational Sciences Initiative, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Maike Effern
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Institute of Experimental Oncology (IEO), Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn 53105, Germany
| | - Daniel Hinze
- Institute of Experimental Oncology (IEO), Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn 53105, Germany
| | - Lewis Newland
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Institute of Experimental Oncology (IEO), Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn 53105, Germany
| | - Grace H Attrill
- Melanoma Institute Australia, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ariane R Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sven Engel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David Freestone
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Marcela de Lima Moreira
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Elise Gressier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nathan McBain
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Annabell Bachem
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ashraful Haque
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ruining Dong
- Computational Sciences Initiative, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Centre for Cancer Research, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Angela L Ferguson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation theme, School of Medical Sciences, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jarem J Edwards
- Melanoma Institute Australia, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter M Ferguson
- Melanoma Institute Australia, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Tissue Oncology and Diagnostic Pathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- NSW Health Pathology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard A Scolyer
- Melanoma Institute Australia, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Tissue Oncology and Diagnostic Pathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- NSW Health Pathology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - James S Wilmott
- Melanoma Institute Australia, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher M Jewell
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, College Park, MD, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrew G Brooks
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David E Gyorki
- Division of Cancer Surgery, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Umaimainthan Palendira
- Melanoma Institute Australia, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sammy Bedoui
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jason Waithman
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Katharina Hochheiser
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael Hölzel
- Institute of Experimental Oncology (IEO), Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn 53105, Germany
| | - Thomas Gebhardt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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14
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Qi J, Zhu H, Li Y, Guan X, He Y, Ren G, Guo Q, Liu L, Gu Y, Dong X, Liu Y. Creation of a High-Throughput Microfluidic Platform for Single-Cell Transcriptome Sequencing of Cell-Cell Interactions. Small Methods 2023; 7:e2300730. [PMID: 37712212 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Cell-cell interaction is one of the major modalities for transmitting information between cells and activating the effects of functional cells. However, the construction of high-throughput analysis technologies from cell omics focusing on the impact of interactions of functional cells on targets has been relatively unexplored. Here, they propose a droplet-based microfluidic platform for cell-cell interaction sequencing (c-c-seq) and screening in vitro to address this challenge. A class of interacting cells is pre-labeled using cell molecular tags, and additional single-cell sequencing reagents are introduced to quickly form functional droplet mixes. Lastly, gene expression analysis is used to deduce the impact of the interaction, while molecular sequence tracing identifies the type of interaction. Research into the active effect between antigen-presenting cells and T cells, one of the most common cell-to-cell interactions, is crucial for the advancement of cancer therapy, particularly T cell receptor-engineered T cell therapy. As it allows for high throughput, this platform is superior to well plates as a research platform for cell-to-cell interactions. When combined with the next generation of sequencing, the platform may be able to more accurately evaluate interactions between epitopes and receptors and verify their functional relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Qi
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | | | - Yijian Li
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiangyu Guan
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ying He
- Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, 518116, China
| | - Guanhua Ren
- China National Institute of Standardization, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Qiang Guo
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | | | - Ying Gu
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China
| | - Xuan Dong
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Human Disease Genomics, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Genomics, Shenzhen, 518083, China
| | - Ya Liu
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China
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15
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Niederlova V, Tsyklauri O, Kovar M, Stepanek O. IL-2-driven CD8 + T cell phenotypes: implications for immunotherapy. Trends Immunol 2023; 44:890-901. [PMID: 37827864 PMCID: PMC7615502 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic potential of interleukin (IL)-2 in cancer treatment has been known for decades, yet its widespread adoption in clinical practice remains limited. Recently, chimeric proteins of an anti-PD-1 antibody and suboptimal IL-2 variants were shown to stimulate potent antitumor and antiviral immunity by inducing unique effector CD8+ T cells in mice. A similar subset of cytotoxic T cells is induced by depletion of regulatory T cells (Tregs), suggesting IL-2 sequestration as a major mechanism through which regulatory T cells suppress activated CD8+ T cells. Here, we present our view of how IL-2-based biologicals can boost the antitumor response at a cellular level, and propose that the role of Tregs following such treatments may have been previously overestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Niederlova
- Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Oksana Tsyklauri
- Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Kovar
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Stepanek
- Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
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16
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Dosta P, Cryer AM, Dion MZ, Shiraishi T, Langston SP, Lok D, Wang J, Harrison S, Hatten T, Ganno ML, Appleman VA, Taboada GM, Puigmal N, Ferber S, Kalash S, Prado M, Rodríguez AL, Kamoun WS, Abu-Yousif AO, Artzi N. Investigation of the enhanced antitumour potency of STING agonist after conjugation to polymer nanoparticles. Nat Nanotechnol 2023; 18:1351-1363. [PMID: 37443252 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01447-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Intravenously administered cyclic dinucleotides and other STING agonists are hampered by low cellular uptake and poor circulatory half-life. Here we report the covalent conjugation of cyclic dinucleotides to poly(β-amino ester) nanoparticles through a cathepsin-sensitive linker. This is shown to increase stability and loading, thereby expanding the therapeutic window in multiple syngeneic tumour models, enabling the study of how the long-term fate of the nanoparticles affects the immune response. In a melanoma mouse model, primary tumour clearance depends on the STING signalling by host cells-rather than cancer cells-and immune memory depends on the spleen. The cancer cells act as a depot for the nanoparticles, releasing them over time to activate nearby immune cells to control tumour growth. Collectively, this work highlights the importance of nanoparticle structure and nano-biointeractions in controlling immunotherapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pere Dosta
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Alexander M Cryer
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michelle Z Dion
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences & Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - David Lok
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. (TDCA), Lexington, MA, USA
| | - Jianing Wang
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. (TDCA), Lexington, MA, USA
| | - Sean Harrison
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. (TDCA), Lexington, MA, USA
| | - Tiquella Hatten
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. (TDCA), Lexington, MA, USA
| | - Michelle L Ganno
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. (TDCA), Lexington, MA, USA
| | - Vicky A Appleman
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. (TDCA), Lexington, MA, USA
| | | | - Núria Puigmal
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shiran Ferber
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Santhosh Kalash
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michaela Prado
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alma L Rodríguez
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Walid S Kamoun
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. (TDCA), Lexington, MA, USA
| | | | - Natalie Artzi
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
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17
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Liu J, Xu T, Pan D, Fan J, Fu Y, Huang X, Zhao W, Dong X, Zhang S, Kuerban K, Huang X, Wang S, Chen H, He Y, Zhu YZ, Wang C, Ye L. A collagen-binding SIRPαFc fusion protein for targeted cancer immunotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:110951. [PMID: 37722258 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Collagen is abundant but exposed in tumor due to the abnormal tumor blood vessels, thus is considered as a tumor-specific target. The A3 domain of von Willebrand factor (vWF A3) is a kind of collagen-binding domain (CBD) which could bind collagen specifically. Previously we reported a chemosynthetic CBD-SIRPαFc conjugate, which could block CD47 and derived tumor-targeting ability by CBD. CBD-SIRPαFc conjugate represented improved anti-tumor efficacy with increased MHC II+ M1 macrophages, but the uncertain coupling ratio remained a problem. Herein, we produced a vWF A3-SIRPαFc fusion protein through eukaryotic expression system. It was examined at both molecular and cellular levels with its collagen affinity, uninfluenced original affinity to targets and phagocytosis-promoting function compared to unmodified SIRPαFc. Living imaging showed that vWF A3-SIRPαFc fusion protein derived the improved accumulation and retention in tumor than SIRPαFc. In the MC38 allograft model, vWF A3-SIRPαFc demonstrated a superior tumor-suppressing effect, characterized by increased MHC II+ M1 macrophages and T cells (particularly CD4+ T cells). These results revealed that vWF A3-SIRPαFc fusion protein derived tumor-targeting ability, leading to improved anti-tumor immunotherapeutic efficacy compared to SIRPαFc. Altogether, vWF A3 improved the anti-tumor efficacy and immune-activating function of SIRPαFc, supporting targeting tumor collagen as a possible targeted strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayang Liu
- Minhang Hospital & Department of Biological Medicines at School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Tongyang Xu
- Minhang Hospital & Department of Biological Medicines at School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Danjie Pan
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR, China; Minhang Hospital & Department of Biological Medicines at School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Jiajun Fan
- Minhang Hospital & Department of Biological Medicines at School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Yuan Fu
- Minhang Hospital & Department of Biological Medicines at School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Xiting Huang
- Minhang Hospital & Department of Biological Medicines at School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Weili Zhao
- Minhang Hospital & Department of Biological Medicines at School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Xiaochun Dong
- Minhang Hospital & Department of Biological Medicines at School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Shaohui Zhang
- Minhang Hospital & Department of Biological Medicines at School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Kudelaidi Kuerban
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR, China; Minhang Hospital & Department of Biological Medicines at School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Xuan Huang
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR, China; Minhang Hospital & Department of Biological Medicines at School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Songna Wang
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR, China; Minhang Hospital & Department of Biological Medicines at School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Huaning Chen
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR, China; Minhang Hospital & Department of Biological Medicines at School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Yunpeng He
- Minhang Hospital & Department of Biological Medicines at School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Yi Zhun Zhu
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR, China
| | - Congjun Wang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China.
| | - Li Ye
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR, China; Minhang Hospital & Department of Biological Medicines at School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China.
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18
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Kropp KN, Fatho M, Huduti E, Faust M, Lübcke S, Lennerz V, Paschen A, Theobald M, Wölfel T, Wölfel C. Targeting the melanoma-associated antigen CSPG4 with HLA-C*07:01-restricted T-cell receptors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1245559. [PMID: 37849763 PMCID: PMC10577170 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1245559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Intorduction Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4), also known as high molecular weight-melanoma associated antigen, is expressed in melanoma but also other tumor entities and constitutes an attractive target for immunotherapeutic approaches. While recent preclinical reports focused on anti-CSPG4 chimeric antigen receptors (CAR), we here explore T-cell receptor (TCR)-based approaches targeting CSPG4. Methods The TCRs of two CSPG4-reactive T-cell clones (11C/73 and 2C/165) restricted by the highly prevalent HLA-C*07:01 allele were isolated and the respective αβTCR pairs were retrovirally expressed in CRISPR/Cas9-edited TCR-knockout T cells for functional testing. We also combined alpha and beta TCR chains derived from 11C/73 and 2C/165 in a cross-over fashion to assess for hemichain dominance. CSPG4+ melanoma, glioblastoma and lung cancer cell lines were identified and, if negative, retrovirally transduced with HLA-C*07:01. Results Functional tests confirmed specific recognition of CSPG4+HLA-C*07:01+ target cells by the αβTCR retrieved from the parental T-cell clones and in part also by the cross-over TCR construct 2Cα-11Cβ. Despite high surface expression, the 11Cα-2Cβ combination, however, was not functional. Discussion Collectively, 11C/73- and 2C/165-expressing T cells specifically and efficiently recognized CSPG4+HLA-C*07:01+ cancer cells which warrants further preclinical and clinical evaluation of these TCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korbinian N. Kropp
- Internal Medicine III, University Cancer Center (UCT), Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center (UMC) of the Johannes Gutenberg University and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Martina Fatho
- Internal Medicine III, University Cancer Center (UCT), Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center (UMC) of the Johannes Gutenberg University and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Enes Huduti
- Internal Medicine III, University Cancer Center (UCT), Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center (UMC) of the Johannes Gutenberg University and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Marilena Faust
- Internal Medicine III, University Cancer Center (UCT), Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center (UMC) of the Johannes Gutenberg University and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Silke Lübcke
- Internal Medicine III, University Cancer Center (UCT), Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center (UMC) of the Johannes Gutenberg University and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Volker Lennerz
- Internal Medicine III, University Cancer Center (UCT), Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center (UMC) of the Johannes Gutenberg University and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Annette Paschen
- Dermatology, University Hospital, University Duisburg/Essen and German Cancer Research Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen/Duesseldorf, Essen, Germany
| | - Matthias Theobald
- Internal Medicine III, University Cancer Center (UCT), Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center (UMC) of the Johannes Gutenberg University and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Thomas Wölfel
- Internal Medicine III, University Cancer Center (UCT), Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center (UMC) of the Johannes Gutenberg University and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Catherine Wölfel
- Internal Medicine III, University Cancer Center (UCT), Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center (UMC) of the Johannes Gutenberg University and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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19
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Xie L, Fang J, Yu J, Zhang W, He Z, Ye L, Wang H. The role of CD4 + T cells in tumor and chronic viral immune responses. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e390. [PMID: 37829505 PMCID: PMC10565399 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies are mainly aimed to promote a CD8+ T cell response rather than a CD4+ T cell response as cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) can directly kill target cells. Recently, CD4+ T cells have received more attention due to their diverse roles in tumors and chronic viral infections. In antitumor and antichronic viral responses, CD4+ T cells relay help signals through dendritic cells to indirectly regulate CD8+ T cell response, interact with B cells or macrophages to indirectly modulate humoral immunity or macrophage polarization, and inhibit tumor blood vessel formation. Additionally, CD4+ T cells can also exhibit direct cytotoxicity toward target cells. However, regulatory T cells exhibit immunosuppression and CD4+ T cells become exhausted, which promote tumor progression and chronic viral persistence. Finally, we also outline immunotherapies based on CD4+ T cells, including adoptive cell transfer, vaccines, and immune checkpoint blockade. Overall, this review summarizes diverse roles of CD4+ T cells in the antitumor or protumor and chronic viral responses, and also highlights the immunotherapies based on CD4+ T cells, giving a better understanding of their roles in tumors and chronic viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luoyingzi Xie
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary SurgeryChongqing General HospitalChongqingChina
- The Institute of ImmunologyThird Military Medical University (Army Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Jingyi Fang
- The Institute of ImmunologyThird Military Medical University (Army Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Juncheng Yu
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryXinqiao Hospital Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Weinan Zhang
- Department of Plastic & Cosmetic SurgeryArmy Medical Center of PLAAmy Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Zhiqiang He
- Department of Plastic & Cosmetic SurgeryArmy Medical Center of PLAAmy Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Lilin Ye
- The Institute of ImmunologyThird Military Medical University (Army Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Huaizhi Wang
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary SurgeryChongqing General HospitalChongqingChina
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20
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Hor JL, Germain RN. Spatiotemporal and cell-state control of antigen presentation during tolerance and immunity. Curr Opin Immunol 2023; 84:102357. [PMID: 37331219 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2023.102357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Effective adaptive immunity is rendered possible by highly organized tissue architecture and coordinated cellular crosstalk. While detailed spatiotemporal analyses of antigen presentation and adaptive immune activation in secondary lymphoid tissues have been a major focus of study, it is clear that antigen presentation in other tissues also plays a critical role in shaping the immune response. In this article, we concentrate on two opposing aspects of adaptive immunity: tolerance and antitumor immunity, to illustrate how a complex set of antigen presentation mechanisms contributes to maintaining a delicate balance between robust immunity and avoidance of autoimmune pathology. We emphasize the importance of how immune cell identity, state, and location collectively determine the nature of adaptive immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyh Liang Hor
- Lymphocyte Biology Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1892, USA
| | - Ronald N Germain
- Lymphocyte Biology Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1892, USA.
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21
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Schendel DJ. Evolution by innovation as a driving force to improve TCR-T therapies. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1216829. [PMID: 37810959 PMCID: PMC10552759 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1216829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapies continually evolve through science-based innovation. Specialized innovations for TCR-T therapies are described here that are embedded in an End-to-End Platform for TCR-T Therapy Development which aims to provide solutions for key unmet patient needs by addressing challenges of TCR-T therapy, including selection of target antigens and suitable T cell receptors, generation of TCR-T therapies that provide long term, durable efficacy and safety and development of efficient and scalable production of patient-specific (personalized) TCR-T therapy for solid tumors. Multiple, combinable, innovative technologies are used in a systematic and sequential manner in the development of TCR-T therapies. One group of technologies encompasses product enhancements that enable TCR-T therapies to be safer, more specific and more effective. The second group of technologies addresses development optimization that supports discovery and development processes for TCR-T therapies to be performed more quickly, with higher quality and greater efficiency. Each module incorporates innovations layered onto basic technologies common to the field of immunology. An active approach of "evolution by innovation" supports the overall goal to develop best-in-class TCR-T therapies for treatment of patients with solid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dolores J. Schendel
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH, Planegg, Germany
- Medigene AG, Planegg, Germany
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22
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Hartmann AK, Bartneck J, Pielenhofer J, Meiser SL, Arnold-Schild D, Klein M, Stassen M, Schild H, Muth S, Probst HC, Langguth P, Grabbe S, Radsak MP. Optimized dithranol-imiquimod-based transcutaneous immunization enables tumor rejection. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1238861. [PMID: 37727790 PMCID: PMC10505723 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1238861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Transcutaneous immunization (TCI) is a non-invasive vaccination method promoting strong cellular immune responses, crucial for the immunological rejection of cancer. Previously, we reported on the combined application of the TLR7 agonist imiquimod (IMQ) together with the anti-psoriatic drug dithranol as novel TCI platform DIVA (dithranol/IMQ based vaccination). In extension of this work, we further optimized DIVA in terms of drug dose, application pattern and established a new IMQ formulation. Methods C57BL/6 mice were treated on the ear skin with dithranol and IMQ-containing ointments together with ovalbumin-derived peptides. T cell responses were determined by flow cytometry and IFN-ɤ ELISpot assay, local skin inflammation was characterized by ear swelling. Results Applying the adjuvants on separate skin sites, a reduced number of specific CD8+ T cells with effector function was detectable, indicating that the local concurrence of adjuvants and peptide antigens is required for optimal vaccination. Likewise, changing the order of dithranol and IMQ resulted in an increased skin inflammatory reaction, but lower frequencies of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells indicating that dithranol is essential for superior T cell priming upon DIVA. Dispersing nanocrystalline IMQ in a spreadable formulation (IMI-Sol+) facilitated storage and application rendering comparable immune responses. DIVA applied one or two weeks after the first immunization resulted in a massive increase in antigen-specific T cells and up to a ten-fold increased memory response. Finally, in a prophylactic tumor setting, double but no single DIVA treatment enabled complete control of tumor growth, resulting in full tumor protection. Discussion Taken together, the described optimized transcutaneous vaccination method leads to the generation of a strong cellular immune response enabling the effective control of tumor growth and has the potential for clinical development as a novel non-invasive vaccination method for peptide-based cancer vaccines in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin Hartmann
- IIIrd Department of Medicine – Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Joschka Bartneck
- IIIrd Department of Medicine – Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jonas Pielenhofer
- Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sophie Luise Meiser
- Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Danielle Arnold-Schild
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Klein
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael Stassen
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Hansjörg Schild
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Mainz Research School of Translational Biomedicine (TransMed), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sabine Muth
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Hans Christian Probst
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Peter Langguth
- Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Stephan Grabbe
- Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Mainz Research School of Translational Biomedicine (TransMed), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Markus P. Radsak
- IIIrd Department of Medicine – Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Mainz Research School of Translational Biomedicine (TransMed), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
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23
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Bossio SN, Abrate C, Tosello Boari J, Rodriguez C, Canale FP, Ramello MC, Brunotto V, Richer W, Rocha D, Sedlik C, Vincent-Salomon A, Borcoman E, Del Castillo A, Gruppi A, Fernandez E, Acosta Rodríguez EV, Piaggio E, Montes CL. CD39 + conventional CD4 + T cells with exhaustion traits and cytotoxic potential infiltrate tumors and expand upon CTLA-4 blockade. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2246319. [PMID: 37885970 PMCID: PMC10599196 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2246319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional CD4+ T (Tconv) lymphocytes play important roles in tumor immunity; however, their contribution to tumor elimination remains poorly understood. Here, we describe a subset of tumor-infiltrating Tconv cells characterized by the expression of CD39. In several mouse cancer models, we observed that CD39+ Tconv cells accumulated in tumors but were absent in lymphoid organs. Compared to tumor CD39- counterparts, CD39+ Tconv cells exhibited a cytotoxic and exhausted signature at the transcriptomic level, confirmed by high protein expression of inhibitory receptors and transcription factors related to the exhaustion. Additionally, CD39+ Tconv cells showed increased production of IFNγ , granzyme B, perforin and CD107a expression, but reduced production of TNF. Around 55% of OVA-specific Tconv from B16-OVA tumor-bearing mice, expressed CD39. In vivo CTLA-4 blockade induced the expansion of tumor CD39+ Tconv cells, which maintained their cytotoxic and exhausted features. In breast cancer patients, CD39+ Tconv cells were found in tumors and in metastatic lymph nodes but were less frequent in adjacent non-tumoral mammary tissue and not detected in non-metastatic lymph nodes and blood. Human tumor CD39+ Tconv cells constituted a heterogeneous cell population with features of exhaustion, high expression of inhibitory receptors and CD107a. We found that high CD4 and ENTPD1 (CD39) gene expression in human tumor tissues correlated with a higher overall survival rate in breast cancer patients. Our results identify CD39 as a biomarker of Tconv cells, with characteristics of both exhaustion and cytotoxic potential, and indicate CD39+ Tconv cells as players within the immune response against tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina N. Bossio
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Carolina Abrate
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Jimena Tosello Boari
- Institut Curie Research Center, Translational Research Department, INSERM U932, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Constanza Rodriguez
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Fernando P. Canale
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - María C. Ramello
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Valentina Brunotto
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Wilfrid Richer
- Institut Curie Research Center, Translational Research Department, INSERM U932, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Dario Rocha
- Centro de Investigación y desarrollo en inmunología y enfermedades infecciosas (CIDIE-CONICET), Argentina
| | - Christine Sedlik
- Institut Curie Research Center, Translational Research Department, INSERM U932, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Anne Vincent-Salomon
- Diagnostic and Theranostic Medicine Division, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Edith Borcoman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | | | - Adriana Gruppi
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Elmer Fernandez
- Centro de Investigación y desarrollo en inmunología y enfermedades infecciosas (CIDIE-CONICET), Argentina
| | - Eva V. Acosta Rodríguez
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Eliane Piaggio
- Institut Curie Research Center, Translational Research Department, INSERM U932, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Carolina L. Montes
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
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24
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Veatch JR, Riddell SR. Stem-cell-like CD4 + T cells prey on MHC class II-negative tumors. Nat Immunol 2023; 24:1212-1214. [PMID: 37460640 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01563-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua R Veatch
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stanley R Riddell
- Translational Sciences and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Patterson MT, Burrack AL, Xu Y, Hickok GH, Schmiechen ZC, Becker S, Cruz-Hinojoza E, Schrank PR, Kennedy AE, Firulyova MM, Miller EA, Zaitsev K, Williams JW, Stromnes IM. Tumor-specific CD4 T cells instruct monocyte fate in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112732. [PMID: 37402168 PMCID: PMC10448358 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) orchestrates a suppressive tumor microenvironment that fosters immunotherapy resistance. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the principal immune cell infiltrating PDA and are heterogeneous. Here, by employing macrophage fate-mapping approaches and single-cell RNA sequencing, we show that monocytes give rise to most macrophage subsets in PDA. Tumor-specific CD4, but not CD8, T cells promote monocyte differentiation into MHCIIhi anti-tumor macrophages. By conditional major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II deletion on monocyte-derived macrophages, we show that tumor antigen presentation is required for instructing monocyte differentiation into anti-tumor macrophages, promoting Th1 cells, abrogating Treg cells, and mitigating CD8 T cell exhaustion. Non-redundant IFNγ and CD40 promote MHCIIhi anti-tumor macrophages. Intratumoral monocytes adopt a pro-tumor fate indistinguishable from that of tissue-resident macrophages following loss of macrophage MHC class II or tumor-specific CD4 T cells. Thus, tumor antigen presentation by macrophages to CD4 T cells dictates TAM fate and is a major determinant of macrophage heterogeneity in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Patterson
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA; Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - Adam L Burrack
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - Yingzheng Xu
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA; Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - Grant H Hickok
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - Zoe C Schmiechen
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - Samuel Becker
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - Eduardo Cruz-Hinojoza
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - Patricia R Schrank
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA; Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - Ainsley E Kennedy
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA; Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - Maria M Firulyova
- Computer Technologies Laboratory, ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia; National Medical Research Center, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ebony A Miller
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - Konstantin Zaitsev
- Computer Technologies Laboratory, ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Jesse W Williams
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA; Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA.
| | - Ingunn M Stromnes
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA; Masonic Cancer Center and University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA; Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA.
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26
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Savino W, Lepletier A. Thymus-derived hormonal and cellular control of cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1168186. [PMID: 37529610 PMCID: PMC10389273 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1168186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The thymus gland is a central lymphoid organ in which developing T cell precursors, known as thymocytes, undergo differentiation into distinct type of mature T cells, ultimately migrating to the periphery where they exert specialized effector functions and orchestrate the immune responses against tumor cells, pathogens and self-antigens. The mechanisms supporting intrathymic T cell differentiation are pleiotropically regulated by thymic peptide hormones and cytokines produced by stromal cells in the thymic microenvironment and developing thymocytes. Interestingly, in the same way as T cells, thymic hormones (herein exemplified by thymosin, thymulin and thymopoietin), can circulate to impact immune cells and other cellular components in the periphery. Evidence on how thymic function influences tumor cell biology and response of patients with cancer to therapies remains unsatisfactory, although there has been some improvement in the knowledge provided by recent studies. Herein, we summarize research progression in the field of thymus-mediated immunoendocrine control of cancer, providing insights into how manipulation of the thymic microenvironment can influence treatment outcomes, including clinical responses and adverse effects of therapies. We review data obtained from clinical and preclinical cancer research to evidence the complexity of immunoendocrine interactions underpinning anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ailin Lepletier
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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27
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Sun L, Su Y, Jiao A, Wang X, Zhang B. T cells in health and disease. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:235. [PMID: 37332039 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01471-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells are crucial for immune functions to maintain health and prevent disease. T cell development occurs in a stepwise process in the thymus and mainly generates CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets. Upon antigen stimulation, naïve T cells differentiate into CD4+ helper and CD8+ cytotoxic effector and memory cells, mediating direct killing, diverse immune regulatory function, and long-term protection. In response to acute and chronic infections and tumors, T cells adopt distinct differentiation trajectories and develop into a range of heterogeneous populations with various phenotype, differentiation potential, and functionality under precise and elaborate regulations of transcriptional and epigenetic programs. Abnormal T-cell immunity can initiate and promote the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of T cell development, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell classification, and differentiation in physiological settings. We further elaborate the heterogeneity, differentiation, functionality, and regulation network of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in infectious disease, chronic infection and tumor, and autoimmune disease, highlighting the exhausted CD8+ T cell differentiation trajectory, CD4+ T cell helper function, T cell contributions to immunotherapy and autoimmune pathogenesis. We also discuss the development and function of γδ T cells in tissue surveillance, infection, and tumor immunity. Finally, we summarized current T-cell-based immunotherapies in both cancer and autoimmune diseases, with an emphasis on their clinical applications. A better understanding of T cell immunity provides insight into developing novel prophylactic and therapeutic strategies in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Sun
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China
| | - Yanhong Su
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China
| | - Anjun Jiao
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China
| | - Baojun Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Immune Related Diseases, Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061, China.
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28
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Boulch M, Cazaux M, Cuffel A, Guerin MV, Garcia Z, Alonso R, Lemaître F, Beer A, Corre B, Menger L, Grandjean CL, Morin F, Thieblemont C, Caillat-Zucman S, Bousso P. Tumor-intrinsic sensitivity to the pro-apoptotic effects of IFN-γ is a major determinant of CD4 + CAR T-cell antitumor activity. Nat Cancer 2023:10.1038/s43018-023-00570-7. [PMID: 37248395 PMCID: PMC10368531 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00570-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
CD4+ T cells and CD4+ chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells display highly variable antitumor activity in preclinical models and in patients; however, the mechanisms dictating how and when CD4+ T cells promote tumor regression are incompletely understood. With the help of functional intravital imaging, we report that interferon (IFN)-γ production but not perforin-mediated cytotoxicity was the dominant mechanism for tumor elimination by anti-CD19 CD4+ CAR T cells. Mechanistically, mouse or human CD4+ CAR T-cell-derived IFN-γ diffused extensively to act on tumor cells at distance selectively killing tumors sensitive to cytokine-induced apoptosis, including antigen-negative variants. In anti-CD19 CAR T-cell-treated patients exhibiting elevated CAR CD4:CD8 ratios, strong induction of serum IFN-γ was associated with increased survival. We propose that the sensitivity of tumor cells to the pro-apoptotic activity of IFN-γ is a major determinant of CD4+ CAR T-cell efficacy and may be considered to guide the use of CD4+ T cells during immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Boulch
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, INSERM U1223, Dynamics of Immune Responses Unit, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Marine Cazaux
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, INSERM U1223, Dynamics of Immune Responses Unit, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Alexis Cuffel
- Université de Paris Cité, Hôpital Saint-Louis, AP-HP Nord, Laboratoire d'Immunologie, Paris, France
- INSERM UMR976, Institut de Recherche St-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Marion V Guerin
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, INSERM U1223, Dynamics of Immune Responses Unit, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Zacarias Garcia
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, INSERM U1223, Dynamics of Immune Responses Unit, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Ruby Alonso
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, INSERM U1223, Dynamics of Immune Responses Unit, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Fabrice Lemaître
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, INSERM U1223, Dynamics of Immune Responses Unit, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Alexander Beer
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, INSERM U1223, Dynamics of Immune Responses Unit, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Béatrice Corre
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, INSERM U1223, Dynamics of Immune Responses Unit, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Laurie Menger
- Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France; INSERM U1015, Villejuif, France
| | - Capucine L Grandjean
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, INSERM U1223, Dynamics of Immune Responses Unit, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Florence Morin
- Université de Paris Cité, Hôpital Saint-Louis, AP-HP Nord, Laboratoire d'Immunologie, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Thieblemont
- Service d'Hémato-Oncologie, Hôpital Saint-Louis, AP-HP, Université de Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Caillat-Zucman
- Université de Paris Cité, Hôpital Saint-Louis, AP-HP Nord, Laboratoire d'Immunologie, Paris, France
- INSERM UMR976, Institut de Recherche St-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Bousso
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, INSERM U1223, Dynamics of Immune Responses Unit, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France.
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29
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Abstract
Oral cancers are among the common head and neck malignancies. Different anticancer therapy modalities such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and also targeted molecular therapy may be prescribed for targeting oral malignancies. Traditionally, it has been assumed that targeting malignant cells alone by anticancer modalities such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy suppresses tumor growth. In the last decade, a large number of experiments have confirmed the pivotal role of other cells and secreted molecules in the tumor microenvironment (TME) on tumor progression. Extracellular matrix and immunosuppressive cells such as tumor-associated macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and regulatory T cells (Tregs) play key roles in the progression of tumors like oral cancers and resistance to therapy. On the other hand, infiltrated CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells are key anti-tumor cells that suppress the proliferation of malignant cells. Modulation of extracellular matrix and immunosuppressive cells, and also stimulation of anticancer immunity have been suggested to treat oral malignancies more effectively. Furthermore, the administration of some adjuvants or combination therapy modalities may suppress oral malignancies more effectively. In this review, we discuss various interactions between oral cancer cells and TME. Furthermore, we also review the basic mechanisms within oral TME that may cause resistance to therapy. Potential targets and approaches for overcoming the resistance of oral cancers to various anticancer modalities will also be reviewed. The findings for targeting cells and potential therapeutic targets in clinical studies will also be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Setia Budi
- Department of Oral Biology, Dental Pharmacology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia.
| | - Bagher Farhood
- Department of Medical Physics and Radiology, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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30
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Himes JE, Wisdom AJ, Wang L, Shepard SJ, Daniel AR, Williams N, Luo L, Ma Y, Mowery YM, Kirsch DG. Both CD8 and CD4 T cells contribute to immunosurveillance preventing the development of neoantigen-expressing autochthonous sarcomas. bioRxiv 2023:2023.04.04.535550. [PMID: 37066384 PMCID: PMC10104072 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.04.535550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
The adaptive immune system plays an essential anti-tumor role through immunosurveillance and response to immunotherapies. Characterizing phenotypic features and mechanisms of dysfunction of tumor-specific T cell populations may uncover novel immunotherapeutic targets and biomarkers of response. To study tumor-specific T cell responses in vivo, a tumor model must express a known neoantigen. While transplant models with known neoantigen expression are widely available, autochthonous tumor models in which the tumor coevolves with the immune system are limited. In this study, we combined CRISPR/Cas9 and sleeping beauty transposase technology to develop an autochthonous orthotopic murine sarcoma model with oncogenic KrasG12D, functionally impaired p53, and expression of known MHCI and MHCII sarcoma neoantigens. Using MHC tetramer flow cytometry, we identified a tumor-specific immune response in the peripheral blood as early as 10 days after tumor induction leading to tumor clearance. Tumors developed at high penetrance after co-depletion of CD8 and CD4 T cells, but depletion of either CD8 or CD4 T cells alone was insufficient to permit tumor growth. These results suggest that CD8 and CD4 T cells can independently contribute to immunosurveillance leading to clearance of sarcomas expressing MHCI and MHCII neoantigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathon E. Himes
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Amy J. Wisdom
- Harvard Radiation Oncology Program, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115
| | - Laura Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Sam J. Shepard
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Andrea R. Daniel
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Nerissa Williams
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Lixia Luo
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Yan Ma
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Yvonne M. Mowery
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - David G. Kirsch
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
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31
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Speiser DE, Chijioke O, Schaeuble K, Münz C. CD4(+) T cells in cancer. Nat Cancer 2023. [PMID: 36894637 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00521-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunology and immunotherapy are driving forces of research and development in oncology, mostly focusing on CD8+ T cells and the tumor microenvironment. Recent progress highlights the importance of CD4+ T cells, corresponding to the long-known fact that CD4+ T cells are central players and coordinators of innate and antigen-specific immune responses. Moreover, they have now been recognized as anti-tumor effector cells in their own right. Here we review the current status of CD4+ T cells in cancer, which hold great promise for improving knowledge and therapies in cancer.
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32
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Plewa N, Poncette L, Blankenstein T. Generation of TGFβR2(-1) neoantigen-specific HLA-DR4-restricted T cell receptors for cancer therapy. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-006001. [PMID: 36822673 PMCID: PMC9950979 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adoptive transfer of patient's T cells, engineered to express a T cell receptor (TCR) with defined novel antigen specificity, is a convenient form of cancer therapy. In most cases, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I-restricted TCRs are expressed in CD8+ T cells and the development of CD4+ T cells engineered to express an MHC II-restricted TCR lacks behind. Critical is the choice of the target antigen, whether the epitope is efficiently processed and binds with high affinity to MHC molecules. A mutation in the transforming growth factor β receptor 2 (TGFβR2(-1)) gene creates a frameshift peptide caused by the deletion of one adenine (-1) within a microsatellite sequence. This somatic mutation is recurrent in microsatellite instable colorectal and gastric cancers and, therefore, is a truly tumor-specific antigen detected in many patients. METHODS ABabDR4 mice, which express a diverse human TCR repertoire restricted to human MHC II molecule HLA-DRA/DRB1*0401 (HLA-DR4), were immunized with the TGFβR2(-1) peptide and TGFβR2(-1)-specific TCRs were isolated from responding CD4+ T cells. The TGFβR2(-1)-specific TCRs were expressed in human CD4+ T cells and their potency and safety profile were assessed by co-cultures and other functional assays. RESULTS We demonstrated that TGFβR2(-1) neoantigen is immunogenic and elicited CD4+ T cell responses in ABabDR4 mice. When expressed in human CD4+ T cells, the HLA-DR4 restricted TGFβR2(-1)-specific TCRs induced IFNy expression at low TGFβR2(-1) peptide amounts. The TGFβR2(-1)-specific TCRs recognized HLA-DR4+ lymphoblastoid cells, which endogenously processed and presented the neoantigen, and colorectal cancer cell lines SW48 and HCT116 naturally expressing the TGFβR2(-1) mutation. No MHC II alloreactivity or cross-reactivity to peptides with a similar TCR-recognition motif were observed, indicating the safety of the TCRs. CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that HLA-DR4-restricted TCRs specific for the TGFβR2(-1) recurrent neoantigen can be valuable candidates for adoptive T cell therapy of a sizeable number of patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Plewa
- Max Delbruck Centre for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lucia Poncette
- Max Delbruck Centre for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
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33
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Kilian M, Sheinin R, Tan CL, Friedrich M, Krämer C, Kaminitz A, Sanghvi K, Lindner K, Chih YC, Cichon F, Richter B, Jung S, Jähne K, Ratliff M, Prins RM, Etminan N, von Deimling A, Wick W, Madi A, Bunse L, Platten M. MHC class II-restricted antigen presentation is required to prevent dysfunction of cytotoxic T cells by blood-borne myeloids in brain tumors. Cancer Cell 2023; 41:235-251.e9. [PMID: 36638785 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2022.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy critically depends on fitness of cytotoxic and helper T cell responses. Dysfunctional cytotoxic T cell states in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are a major cause of resistance to immunotherapy. Intratumoral myeloid cells, particularly blood-borne myeloids (bbm), are key drivers of T cell dysfunction in the TME. We show here that major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII)-restricted antigen presentation on bbm is essential to control the growth of brain tumors. Loss of MHCII on bbm drives dysfunctional intratumoral tumor-reactive CD8+ T cell states through increased chromatin accessibility and expression of Tox, a critical regulator of T cell exhaustion. Mechanistically, MHCII-dependent activation of CD4+ T cells restricts myeloid-derived osteopontin that triggers a chronic activation of NFAT2 in tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells. In summary, we provide evidence that MHCII-restricted antigen presentation on bbm is a key mechanism to directly maintain functional cytotoxic T cell states in brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kilian
- DKTK Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Neurology, MCTN, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ron Sheinin
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Blavatnik School of Computer Science, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Chin Leng Tan
- DKTK Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Neurology, MCTN, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mirco Friedrich
- DKTK Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christopher Krämer
- DKTK Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ayelet Kaminitz
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Khwab Sanghvi
- DKTK Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Neurology, MCTN, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina Lindner
- DKTK Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Immune Monitoring Unit, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yu-Chan Chih
- DKTK Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Neurology, MCTN, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frederik Cichon
- DKTK Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Joint Immunotherapeutics Laboratory of the DKFZ-Bayer Innovation Alliance, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Richter
- DKTK Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Jung
- DKTK Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kristine Jähne
- DKTK Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Miriam Ratliff
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Robert M Prins
- Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nima Etminan
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Andreas von Deimling
- DKTK CCU Neuropathology, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Neuropathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wick
- Neurology Clinic, Heidelberg University Hospital, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; DKTK CCU Neurooncology, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Asaf Madi
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Lukas Bunse
- DKTK Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Neurology, MCTN, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Michael Platten
- DKTK Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Neurology, MCTN, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; Immune Monitoring Unit, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany; Helmholtz Institute of Translational Oncology (HI-TRON), Mainz, Germany; DKFZ Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.
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Babl N, Hofbauer J, Matos C, Voll F, Menevse AN, Rechenmacher M, Mair R, Beckhove P, Herr W, Siska PJ, Renner K, Kreutz M, Schnell A. Low-density lipoprotein balances T cell metabolism and enhances response to anti-PD-1 blockade in a HCT116 spheroid model. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1107484. [PMID: 36776340 PMCID: PMC9911890 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1107484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The discovery of immune checkpoints and the development of their specific inhibitors was acclaimed as a major breakthrough in cancer therapy. However, only a limited patient cohort shows sufficient response to therapy. Hence, there is a need for identifying new checkpoints and predictive biomarkers with the objective of overcoming immune escape and resistance to treatment. Having been associated with both, treatment response and failure, LDL seems to be a double-edged sword in anti-PD1 immunotherapy. Being embedded into complex metabolic conditions, the impact of LDL on distinct immune cells has not been sufficiently addressed. Revealing the effects of LDL on T cell performance in tumor immunity may enable individual treatment adjustments in order to enhance the response to routinely administered immunotherapies in different patient populations. The object of this work was to investigate the effect of LDL on T cell activation and tumor immunity in-vitro. Methods Experiments were performed with different LDL dosages (LDLlow = 50 μg/ml and LDLhigh = 200 μg/ml) referring to medium control. T cell phenotype, cytokines and metabolism were analyzed. The functional relevance of our findings was studied in a HCT116 spheroid model in the context of anti-PD-1 blockade. Results The key points of our findings showed that LDLhigh skewed the CD4+ T cell subset into a central memory-like phenotype, enhanced the expression of the co-stimulatory marker CD154 (CD40L) and significantly reduced secretion of IL-10. The exhaustion markers PD-1 and LAG-3 were downregulated on both T cell subsets and phenotypical changes were associated with a balanced T cell metabolism, in particular with a significant decrease of reactive oxygen species (ROS). T cell transfer into a HCT116 spheroid model resulted in a significant reduction of the spheroid viability in presence of an anti-PD-1 antibody combined with LDLhigh. Discussion Further research needs to be conducted to fully understand the impact of LDL on T cells in tumor immunity and moreover, to also unravel LDL effects on other lymphocytes and myeloid cells for improving anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. The reason for improved response might be a resilient, less exhausted phenotype with balanced ROS levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Babl
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Joshua Hofbauer
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Carina Matos
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Florian Voll
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany,Division of Interventional Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT), Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ayse Nur Menevse
- Division of Interventional Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT), Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Rechenmacher
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ruth Mair
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Beckhove
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany,Division of Interventional Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT), Regensburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Herr
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Peter J. Siska
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Renner
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Marina Kreutz
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany,Division of Interventional Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT), Regensburg, Germany
| | - Annette Schnell
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany,*Correspondence: Annette Schnell,
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Vyasamneni R, Kohler V, Karki B, Mahimkar G, Esaulova E, McGee J, Kallin D, Sheen JH, Harjanto D, Kirsch M, Poran A, Dong J, Srinivasan L, Gaynor RB, Bushway ME, Srouji JR. A universal MHCII technology platform to characterize antigen-specific CD4 + T cells. Cell Rep Methods 2023; 3:100388. [PMID: 36814840 PMCID: PMC9939426 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2022.100388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
CD4+ T cells are critical to the immune system and perform multiple functions; therefore, their identification and characterization are crucial to better understanding the immune system in both health and disease states. However, current methods rarely preserve their ex vivo phenotype, thus limiting our understanding of their in vivo functions. Here we introduce a flexible, rapid, and robust platform for ex vivo CD4+ T cell identification. By combining MHCII allele purification, allele-independent peptide loading, and multiplexed flow cytometry technologies, we can enable high-throughput personalized CD4+ T cell identification, immunophenotyping, and sorting. Using this platform in combination with single-cell sorting and multimodal analyses, we identified and characterized antigen-specific CD4+ T cells relevant to COVID-19 and cancer neoantigen immunotherapy. Overall, our platform can be used to detect and characterize CD4+ T cells across multiple diseases, with potential to guide CD4+ T cell epitope design for any disease-specific immunization strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Binisha Karki
- BioNTech US, Inc., 40 Erie Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Gauri Mahimkar
- BioNTech US, Inc., 40 Erie Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Jonathan McGee
- BioNTech US, Inc., 40 Erie Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Daniel Kallin
- BioNTech US, Inc., 40 Erie Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Dewi Harjanto
- BioNTech US, Inc., 40 Erie Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Miles Kirsch
- BioNTech US, Inc., 40 Erie Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Asaf Poran
- BioNTech US, Inc., 40 Erie Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jesse Dong
- BioNTech US, Inc., 40 Erie Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | | | | | - John R. Srouji
- BioNTech US, Inc., 40 Erie Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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Abstract
Engineered T cell therapy has shown remarkable efficacy in hematologic malignancies and has the potential for application to common epithelial cancers. Diverse T cell therapy strategies including adoptive transfer of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells, and T cell receptor (TCR)-T cells have been studied in clinical trials. Recent research has established treatment of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancers with TCR-T cells as a model for proof-of-principle studies in epithelial cancers. These studies and others have provided critical insight into mechanisms of tumor regression, therapeutic targets, treatment safety, treatment design, and barriers to curative cell therapies for common types of cancer. This perspective will review and consolidate understanding gained from clinical trials to treat viral and non-viral epithelial cancers with cell and gene therapy and will examine how past experience may guide future strategy in treatment and biomarker discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Norberg
- National Cancer Institute, Center for Immuno-Oncology, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Christian S Hinrichs
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Duncan and Nancy MacMillan Cancer Immunology and Metabolism Center of Excellence, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
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Wahbi HS, Al Manadili A. Immunoexpression of Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes(TILS) CD4 + and CD8 + in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) in Correlations with Clinicopathological Characteristics and Prognosis. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2022; 23:4177-4183. [PMID: 36580000 PMCID: PMC9971484 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2022.23.12.4177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to analyze CD4 +and CD8 + TILs in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and to correlate it with histologic grade of malignancy and clinicopathologic data. METHODS The sample was composed of 43 archived specimens. Clinical features and histological grade of malignancy were obtained. The infiltrating intensity of CD4 +, CD8 positive cells were assessed by immunohistochemistry. One-way ANOVA was used to study the association between CD4 +, CD8 + and the grade of OSCC. The cut-off values of the proposed diagnostic indices were received from calculating the coordinates of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. For clinicopathologic data Independent-Samples T test, Pearson Correlation Coefficient, Correlation Coefficient were used clinicopathologic characteristics. RESULTS CD4 +and CD8 + were observed in all specimens. CD4 + were more frequent in poorly differentiated specimens (74.14) (P= 0.021<0.05). CD8 + were more frequent in well- differentiated specimens (51.18). None of these correlations were significant (P=0.454>0.05). CD4 +/ CD8 ratio was higher in low-grade specimens (180.28) (P=0.017<0.05). No differences between CD4 +, CD8 +and CD4 +/ CD8 ratio between poorly- differentiated and moderately- differentiated groups ROC P value (0.370, 0.248, 0.126) respectively. there is a difference between CD4 +, CD4 +/ CD8ratio between poorly- differentiated and well- differentiated groups ROC P value (0.022, 0.341, 0.012) Sensitivity (0.857, 0.882), specificity (0.706, 0.857) respectively. and no differences between CD8 + poorly- differentiated and well- differentiated groups ROC P value (0.341). there is a difference between CD4 + between moderately - differentiated and well- differentiated groups ROC P value (0.038) Sensitivity (0.368), specificity (0,765). No significant correlation was obtained with clinicopathologic findings of OSCC. CONCLUSION CD4 + and CD4 +/ CD8 + ratio are independent prognostic factor in OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahmed Al Manadili
- Department of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria.
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Zhang S, Wang H, Liu J, Tao T, Zeng Z, Wang M. RGS1 and related genes as potential targets for immunotherapy in cervical cancer: computational biology and experimental validation. J Transl Med 2022; 20:334. [PMID: 35879796 PMCID: PMC9310486 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03526-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Effective treatment is needed for advanced, inoperable, or chemotherapy-resistant cervical cancer patients. Immunotherapy has become a new treatment modality for cervical cancer patients, and there is an urgent need to identify additional targets for cervical cancer immunotherapy. Methods In this study the core gene, RGS1, which affects immune status and the FIGO stage of cervical cancer patients was identified by WGCNA analysis and differential analysis using TCGA database. 10 related genes interacting with RGS1 were identified using PPI network, and the functional and immune correlations were analyzed. Based on the expression of RGS1 and related genes, the consensus clustering method was used to divide CESC patients into two groups (group 1, high expression of RGS1; group 2, low expression of RGS1). Then, the functional enrichment analysis was used to search for the functional differences in differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between group 1 and group 2. Immune infiltration analysis was performed using ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, and ssGSEA, and the differences in expression of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targets were assessed between the two groups. We investigated the effect of RGS1 on the clinical relevance of CESC patients, and experimentally verified the differences in RGS1 expression between cervical cancer patient tissues and normal cervical tissues, the role of RGS1 in cell function, and the effect on tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice. Results We found that RGS1 was associated with CD4, GNAI3, RGS2, GNAO1, GNAI2, RGS20, GNAZ, GNAI1, HLA-DRA and HLA-DRB1, especially CD4 and RGS2. Functional enrichment of DEGs was associated with T cell activation. Compared with group 2, group 1 had stronger immune infiltration and higher ICI target expression. RGS1 had higher expression in cervical cancer tissues than normal tissues, especially in HPV-E6 positive cancer tissues. In cervical cancer cell lines, knockdown of RGS1 can inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth in nude mice and promoted apoptosis. Conclusions RGS1, as an oncogenic gene of cervical cancer, affects the immune microenvironment of patients with cervical cancer and may be a target of immunotherapy.
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Liu Y, He E, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Wang Y, Chen S, Wu X, Zeng Y, Leng P. WW domain binding protein 2 (WBP2) as an oncogene in breast cancer: mechanisms and therapeutic prospects-a narrative review. Gland Surg 2022; 11:1984-2002. [PMID: 36654949 PMCID: PMC9841001 DOI: 10.21037/gs-22-716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objective WW domain binding protein 2 (WBP2), considered an emerging breast cancer gene, functions as a binding partner for WW domain proteins. The WBP2 gene is involved in mediating the malignant development and clinical drug resistance of breast cancer, but its potential mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, it is necessary to elucidate the mechanism of WBP2 in breast cancer, which will help to provide new methods for clinical diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Methods The PubMed database was searched using the terms "WW Domain Binding Protein 2" or "WBP2", "breast cancer" or "breast neoplasms" or "human cancer" from January 1997 through August 2022. Through the screening and evaluation of titles and abstracts, about 120 English articles were included in this study. Key Content and Findings By describing the multiple regulatory functions of WBP2 at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational levels, and summarizing how WBP2 as a key node crosstalks multiple signaling pathways, we reveal the ability of WBP2 to promote breast cancer malignant progression. In different subtypes of breast cancer, the mechanism of WBP2-mediated drug resistance is related to estrogen receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) 2 status, and hormones may be an essential factor in WBP2-mediated drug resistance. In addition, we discuss the application prospects of WBP2 in targeted therapy and immunotherapy and propose therapeutic strategies to overcome drug resistance in breast cancer by jointly targeting WBP2 and its related molecules. This provides a theoretical basis for the innovation of breast cancer targeted drugs. Conclusions WBP2 is a promising target for breast cancer therapy. Nuclear WBP2, as the main functional form of WBP2 after its activation, is a meaningful indicator for the diagnosis and prediction of breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Enping He
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College (China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital), Chengdu, China
| | - Yanling Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Ya’an People’s Hospital, Ya’an, China
| | - Yitong Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yingshuang Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinyu Wu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Youqing Zeng
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ping Leng
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Munisamy S, Radhakrishnan AK, Ramdas P, Samuel PJ, Singh VA. Immune Biomarkers in Blood from Sarcoma Patients: A Pilot Study. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:5585-603. [PMID: 36005179 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29080441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The main role of the host immune system is to identify and eliminate cancer cells, which is a complex process, but it is not a fail-safe mechanism. Many sarcoma patients succumb to this disease despite treatments rendered. The aim of this pilot study was to compare the levels of CD4+ T-cells, T-regulatory (Treg) cells, and cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-17A (IL-17A), and transforming growth factor-beta-1 (TGF-β1) in peripheral blood leukocytes of sarcoma patients and healthy controls. For gene expression studies, total ribonucleic acid (RNA) was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes and genes that were differentially regulated in peripheral blood leukocytes of sarcoma patients compared with healthy controls were determined using a commercial T-helper cell differentiation quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) array. Flow cytometer analysis was performed on blood samples from 26 sarcoma patients and 10 healthy controls to identify the levels of CD4+ T-cells and T-reg cells. The level of cytokines in plasma and culture supernatant were quantified using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. A marked reduction in the percentage of CD4+ T-cells (p = 0.037) and levels of TNF-α (p = 0.004) and IFN-γ (0.010) was observed in sarcoma patients. Gene expression analysis showed five genes (homeobox A10 (HOXA10), GATA binding protein 3 (GATA3), prostaglandin D2 receptor 2 (PTGDR2), thymocyte selection associated high mobility group box (TOX), and C-C motif chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3)) were dysregulated (p < 0.05) in sarcoma patients. This study suggests that T-helper-1 immune responses are reduced in sarcoma patients.
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Filderman JN, Storkus WJ. Finding the right help in the tumor microenvironment. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:161052. [PMID: 35703176 PMCID: PMC9197508 DOI: 10.1172/jci161052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) contain substantial numbers of CD4+ T cells mediating pro- and antitumor functions. While CD4+ Tregs are well characterized and known to promote tumor immune evasion, the fingerprint of CD4+ Th cells that recognizes tumor antigens and serves to restrict disease progression has remained poorly discriminated. In this issue of the JCI, Duhen et al. analyzed tumors from patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma or colon carcinoma and identified a unique programmed cell death 1-positive, ICOS1-positive (PD-1+ICOS1+) subpopulation of CD4+ TILs highly enriched for the ability to recognize tumor-associated antigens. These cells localized proximally to MHC II+ antigen-presenting cells and CD8+ T cells within tumors, where they appeared to proliferate and function almost exclusively as Th cells. These potentially therapeutic Th cells can be monitored for patient prognosis and are expected to have substantial utility in developing personalized adoptive cell- and vaccine-based immunotherapeutic approaches for improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Walter J Storkus
- Department of Immunology.,Department of Dermatology.,Department of Pathology, and.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Santos F, Valderas-Gutiérrez J, Pérez Del Río E, Castellote-Borrell M, Rodriguez XR, Veciana J, Ratera I, Guasch J. Enhanced human T cell expansion with inverse opal hydrogels. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:3730-3738. [PMID: 35660816 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm00486k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Advanced personalized immunotherapies still have to overcome several biomedical and technical limitations before they become a routine cancer treatment in spite of recent achievements. In adoptive cell therapy (ACT), the capacity to obtain adequate numbers of therapeutic T cells in the patients following ex vivo treatment should be improved. Moreover, the time and costs to produce these T cells should be reduced. In this work, inverse opal (IOPAL) 3D hydrogels consisting of poly(ethylene) glycol (PEG) covalently combined with heparin were engineered to resemble the environment of lymph nodes, where T cells get activated and proliferate. The introduction of an IOPAL strategy allowed a precise control on the porosity of the hydrogels, providing an increase in the proliferation of primary human CD4+ T cells, when compared with state-of-the-art expansion systems. Additionally, the IOPAL hydrogels also showed a superior expansion compared to hydrogels with the same composition, but without the predetermined pore structure. In summary, we have shown the beneficial effect of having an IOPAL architecture in our 3D hydrogels to help achieving large numbers of cells, while maintaining the desired selected phenotypes required for ACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabião Santos
- Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Spain. .,Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Spain
| | | | - Eduardo Pérez Del Río
- Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Spain. .,Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Spain
| | - Miquel Castellote-Borrell
- Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Spain. .,Dynamic Biomimetics for Cancer Immunotherapy, Max Planck Partner Group, ICMAB-CSIC, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Spain
| | - Xavier Rodriguez Rodriguez
- Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Spain. .,Dynamic Biomimetics for Cancer Immunotherapy, Max Planck Partner Group, ICMAB-CSIC, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Spain
| | - Jaume Veciana
- Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Spain. .,Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Spain
| | - Imma Ratera
- Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Spain. .,Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Spain
| | - Judith Guasch
- Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Spain. .,Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Spain.,Dynamic Biomimetics for Cancer Immunotherapy, Max Planck Partner Group, ICMAB-CSIC, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Spain
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Abstract
In 1986, Mosmann and Coffman identified 2 functionally distinct subsets of activated CD4 T cells, Th1 and Th2 cells, being key in distinct T cell mediated responses. Over the past three decades, our understanding of CD4 T cell differentiation has expanded and the initial paradigm of a dichotomic CD4 T cell family has been revisited to accommodate a constantly growing number of functionally distinct CD4 T helper and regulatory subpopulations. Of note, CD4 T cells with cytotoxic functions have also been described, initially in viral infections, autoimmune disorders and more recently also in cancer settings. Here, we provide an historical overview on the discovery and characterization of cytotoxic CD4 T cells, followed by a description of their mechanisms of cytotoxicity. We emphasize the relevance of these cells in disease conditions, particularly in cancer, and we provide insights on how to exploit these cells in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Cenerenti
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Margaux Saillard
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pedro Romero
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Camilla Jandus
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Rentschler M, Braumüller H, Briquez PS, Wieder T. Cytokine-Induced Senescence in the Tumor Microenvironment and Its Effects on Anti-Tumor Immune Responses. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1364. [PMID: 35326515 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In contrast to surgical excision, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, immune checkpoint blockade therapies primarily influence cells in the tumor microenvironment, especially the tumor-associated lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells. Besides complete remission of tumor lesions, in some patients, early tumor regression is followed by a consolidation phase where residing tumors remain dormant. Whereas the cytotoxic mechanisms of the regression phase (i.e., apoptosis, necrosis, necroptosis, and immune cell-mediated cell death) have been extensively described, the mechanisms underlying the dormant state are still a matter of debate. Here, we propose immune-mediated induction of senescence in cancers as one important player. Senescence can be achieved by tumor-associated antigen-specific T helper 1 cells, cytokines or antibodies targeting immune checkpoints. This concept differs from cytotoxic treatment, which often targets the genetic makeup of cancer cells. The immune system's ability to establish "defensive walls" around tumors also places the tumor microenvironment into the fight against cancer. Those "defensive walls" isolate the tumor cells instead of increasing the selective pressure. They also keep the tumor cells in a non-proliferating state, thereby correcting the derailed tissue homeostasis. In conclusion, strengthening the senescence surveillance of tumors by the immune cells of the microenvironment is a future goal to dampen this life-threatening disease.
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Davis L, Tarduno A, Lu YC. Neoantigen-Reactive T Cells: The Driving Force behind Successful Melanoma Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236061. [PMID: 34885172 PMCID: PMC8657037 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer immunotherapy is a revolutionary type of cancer therapy. It uses the patient’s own immune system to fight and potentially cure cancer. The first major breakthrough of immunotherapy came from successful clinical trials for melanoma treatments. Since then, researchers have focused on understanding the science behind immunotherapy, so that patients with other types of cancer may also benefit. One of the major findings is that the T cells in melanoma patients may recognize a specific type of tumor antigen, called neoantigens, and then kill tumor cells that present these neoantigens. The neoantigens mainly arise from the DNA mutations found in tumor cells. These mutations are translated into mutated proteins that are then distinguished by T cells. In this article, we discuss the critical role of T cells in immunotherapy, as well as the clinical trials that shaped the treatments for melanoma. Abstract Patients with metastatic cutaneous melanoma have experienced significant clinical responses after checkpoint blockade immunotherapy or adoptive cell therapy. Neoantigens are mutated proteins that arise from tumor-specific mutations. It is hypothesized that the neoantigen recognition by T cells is the critical step for T-cell-mediated anti-tumor responses and subsequent tumor regressions. In addition to describing neoantigens, we review the sentinel and ongoing clinical trials that are helping to shape the current treatments for patients with cutaneous melanoma. We also present the existing evidence that establishes the correlations between neoantigen-reactive T cells and clinical responses in melanoma immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindy Davis
- Department of Surgery, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (L.D.); (A.T.)
| | - Ashley Tarduno
- Department of Surgery, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (L.D.); (A.T.)
| | - Yong-Chen Lu
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Correspondence:
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