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Zhang C, Qin M. Extracellular vesicles targeting tumor microenvironment in ovarian cancer. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 252:126300. [PMID: 37573911 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126300] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is a prevalent neoplastic condition affecting women. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), nano-sized membrane vesicles, are secreted by various cells in both physiological and pathological states. The profound interplay between EVs and the tumor microenvironment (TME) in ovarian cancer is crucial. In this review, we explores the pivotal role of EVs in facilitating intercellular communication between cancer cells and the TME, emphasizing the potential of EVs as promising diagnostic markers and innovative therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer. The comprehensive analysis outlines the specific mechanisms by which EVs engage in communication with the constituents of the TME, including the modulation of tumor growth through EVs carrying matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and EV-mediated inhibition of angiogenesis, among other factors. Additionally, the we discuss the potential clinical applications of EVs that target the TME in ovarian cancer, encompassing the establishment of novel treatment strategies and the identification of novel biomarkers for early detection and prognosis. Finally, this review identifies novel strategies for therapeutic interventions, such as utilizing EVs as carriers for drug delivery and targeting specific EV-mediated signaling pathways. In summary, this manuscript offers valuable insights into the role of EVs in ovarian cancer and highlights the significance of comprehending intercellular communication in the realm of cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunmei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China
| | - Meiying Qin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China.
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Habel A, Weili X, Hadj Ahmed M, Stayoussef M, Bouaziz H, Ayadi M, Mezlini A, Larbi A, Yaacoubi-Loueslati B. Immune checkpoints as potential theragnostic biomarkers for epithelial ovarian cancer. Int J Biol Markers 2023; 38:203-213. [PMID: 37518940 DOI: 10.1177/03936155231186163] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the leading cause of death associated with gynecologic tumors. EOC is asymptomatic in early stages, so most patients are not diagnosed until late stages, highlighting the need to develop new diagnostic biomarkers. Mediators of the tumoral microenvironment may influence EOC progression and resistance to treatment. AIM To analyze immune checkpoints to evaluate them as theranostic biomarkers for EOC. PATIENTS AND METHODS Serum levels of 16 immune checkpoints were determined in EOC patients and healthy controls using the MILLIPLEX MAP® Human Immuno-Oncology Checkpoint Protein Magnetic Bead Panel. RESULTS Seven receptors: BTLA, CD40, CD80/B7-1, GITRL, LAG-3, TIM-3, TLR-2 are differentially expressed between EOC and healthy controls. Serum levels of immune checkpoints in EOC patients are positively significantly correlated with levels of their ligands, with a higher significant correlation between CD80 and CTLA4 than between CD28 and CD80. Four receptors, CD40, HVEM, PD-1, and PD-L1, are positively associated with the development of resistance to Taxol-platinum-based chemotherapy. All of them have an acceptable area under the curve (>0.7). CONCLUSION This study has yielded a first panel of seven immune checkpoints (BTLA, CD40, CD80/B7-1, GITRL, LAG-3, TIM-3, TLR-2) associated with a higher risk of EOC and a second panel of four immune checkpoints (CD40, HVEM, PD-1, PD-L1) that may help physicians to identify EOC patients who are at high risk of developing resistance to EOC chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azza Habel
- Laboratory of Mycology, Pathologies, and Biomarkers (LR16ES05), Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Xu Weili
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mariem Hadj Ahmed
- Laboratory of Mycology, Pathologies, and Biomarkers (LR16ES05), Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mouna Stayoussef
- Laboratory of Mycology, Pathologies, and Biomarkers (LR16ES05), Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | | | - Mouna Ayadi
- Salah Azaiez Oncology Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
| | | | - Anis Larbi
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Beckman Coulter Life Sciences, Villepinte, France
| | - Basma Yaacoubi-Loueslati
- Laboratory of Mycology, Pathologies, and Biomarkers (LR16ES05), Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
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3
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Zhu D, Xu X, Zou P, Liu Y, Wang H, Han G, Lu C, Xie M. Synthesis and preliminary biological evaluation of a novel 99mTc-labeled small molecule for PD-L1 imaging. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2023; 96:129496. [PMID: 37797805 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2023.129496] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint blockade immunotherapy with remarkable efficacy has set off a heat wave. The expression level of PD-L1, which plays a predictive role in anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy, could be quantified by noninvasive imaging with radiotracers. Herein, we introduced the synthesis and preliminary biological evaluation of a novel 99mTc-labeled small molecule radiotracer [99mTc]G3C-CBM for PD-L1 imaging. [99mTc]G3C-CBM was achieved with high radiochemical purity (>96 %) and remained good stability in PBS and FBS. In competitive combination experiment, [99mTc]G3C-CBM was displaced by increasing concentrations of unlabeled G3C-CBM, resulting in an IC50 value of 41.25±2.23 nM for G3C-CBM. The uptake of [99mTc]G3C-CBM in A375-hPD-L1 cells (17.51±2.08 %) was approximately 6.47 folds of that in A375 cells (2.71±0.36 %) after co-incubation for 2 h. The biodistribution results showed that the radioactivity uptake in A375-hPD-L1 tumor reached the maximum (0.35±0.01 %ID/g) at 2 h post injection, and the optimum tumor/muscle ratio of 2.94±0.29 occurred at the same time. In addition, [99mTc]G3C-CBM was quickly cleared from the blood with a clearance half-life of just 119.25 min. These results indicate that [99mTc]G3C-CBM is a potential SPECT PD-L1 imaging agent and is worthy of further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Xiang Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Pei Zou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Yaling Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Hongyong Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Guoqing Han
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Chunxiong Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China.
| | - Minhao Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China.
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4
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Zhao B, Wang S, Xue L, Wang Q, Liu Y, Xu Q, Xue Q. EFHD1 expression is correlated with tumor-infiltrating neutrophils and predicts prognosis in gastric cancer. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21062. [PMID: 37876466 PMCID: PMC10590971 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21062] [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: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gastric cancer (GC) ranks third in terms of mortality worldwide. The tumor microenvironment is critical for the progression of gastric cancer. This study investigated the association between EF-hand domain containing 1 (EFHD1) expression and its clinical significance in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of gastric cancer. Methods We used bioinformatic analyses to assess the relevance of EFHD1 mRNA in the TME of gastric carcinoma tissues and its relationship with clinical features. Therefore, we performed multiplex immunohistochemistry analyses to determine the potential role of the EFHD1 protein in the TME of gastric cancer. Results EFHD1 expression increased dramatically in gastric cancer tissues compared to levels in non-cancerous tissue samples (t = 6.246, P < 0.001). The EFHD1 protein presentation was associated with invasion depth (χ2 = 19.120, P < 0.001) and TNM stages (χ2 = 14.468, P = 0.002). Notably, EFHD1 protein expression was significantly related to CD66b + neutrophil infiltration of the intratumoral (r = 0.420, P < 0.001) and stromal (r = 0.367, P < 0.001) TME in gastric cancer. Additionally, Cox regression analysis revealed that EFHD1 was an independent prognostic predictor (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.262, P < 0.001) in patients with gastric cancer. Conclusions Our study revealed the pattern of EFHD1 overexpression in the TME of patients with gastric cancer and demonstrated its utility as a biomarker for unfavorable clinical outcomes, thereby providing a potential immunotherapy target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong Fifth People's Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226361, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University and Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Group Suqian Hospital, Suqian, 223800, China
| | - Li Xue
- Department of Pathology, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong Fifth People's Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226361, China
| | - Qingqing Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University & Medical School of Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Yushan Liu
- Department of Pathology, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong Fifth People's Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226361, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Department of Pathology, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong Fifth People's Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226361, China
| | - Qiu Xue
- Department of General Surgery, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong Fifth People's Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226361, China
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Dumitru A, Dobrica EC, Croitoru A, Cretoiu SM, Gaspar BS. Focus on PD-1/PD-L1 as a Therapeutic Target in Ovarian Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012067. [PMID: 36292922 PMCID: PMC9603705 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is considered one of the most aggressive and deadliest gynecological malignancies worldwide. Unfortunately, the therapeutic methods that are considered the gold standard at this moment are associated with frequent recurrences. Survival in ovarian cancer is associated with the presence of a high number of intra tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Therefore, immunomodulation is considered to have an important role in cancer treatment, and immune checkpoint inhibitors may be useful for restoring T cell-mediated antitumor immunity. However, the data presented in the literature until now are not sufficient to allow for the identification and selection of patients who really respond to immunotherapy among those with ovarian cancer. Although there are some studies with favorable results, more prospective trials are needed in this sense. This review focuses on the current and future perspectives of PD-1/L1 blockade in ovarian cancer and analyzes the most important immune checkpoint inhibitors used, with the aim of achieving optimal clinical outcomes. Future studies and trials are needed to maximize the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade therapy in ovarian cancer, as well as in all cancers, in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Dumitru
- Department of Pathology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pathology, University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elena-Codruta Dobrica
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Dermatology, Elias University Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adina Croitoru
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Oncology, Titu Maiorescu University, 031593 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sanda Maria Cretoiu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Bogdan Severus Gaspar
- Surgery Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Surgery Clinic, Bucharest Emergency Clinical Hospital, 014461 Bucharest, Romania
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Fares CM, Fenerty KE, Chander C, Theisen MK, Konecny GE. Homologous recombination deficiency and molecular subtype are associated with immunogenicity in ovarian cancer. Biomark Med 2022; 16:771-782. [PMID: 35642517 DOI: 10.2217/bmm-2022-0044] [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] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: There is an unmet need for predictive biomarkers for immune checkpoint blockade in ovarian cancer. Homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) and immunoreactive molecular subtype may be associated with determinants of immunogenicity. Materials & methods: Neoantigen load, tumor inflammation signature (TIS), immune cell infiltrates and individual immune checkpoints were assessed based on HRD status and molecular subtype. Results: Tumors with HRD demonstrated significantly higher expression of neoantigens and multiple immune check points, but not higher TIS scores or increased immune cell infiltrates. Immunoreactive tumors had significantly higher neoantigen expression, TIS scores, immune cell infiltrate and immune checkpoint expression compared with other subtypes. Conclusion: HRD and the immunoreactive molecular subtype signature were associated with multiple determinants of immunogenicity and deserve further exploration as predictive biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene M Fares
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kathleen E Fenerty
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Cinthiya Chander
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Matthew K Theisen
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Bioengineering, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gottfried E Konecny
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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7
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Gupta P, Kadamberi IP, Mittal S, Tsaih S, George J, Kumar S, Vijayan DK, Geethadevi A, Parashar D, Topchyan P, McAlarnen L, Volkman BF, Cui W, Zhang KYJ, Di Vizio D, Chaluvally‐Raghavan P, Pradeep S. Tumor Derived Extracellular Vesicles Drive T Cell Exhaustion in Tumor Microenvironment through Sphingosine Mediated Signaling and Impacting Immunotherapy Outcomes in Ovarian Cancer. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2022; 9:e2104452. [PMID: 35289120 PMCID: PMC9108620 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202104452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
SPHK1 (sphingosine kinase-1) catalyzes the phosphorylation of sphingosine to sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), is found to be highly expressed in solid tumors. Here, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are identified as the key transporters of SPHK1 to the tumor microenvironment. Consequently, SPHK1-packaged EVs elevate S1P levels in the tumor microenvironment, where S1P appears as an immunosuppressive agent. However, the exact mechanism of how S1P mediates its immunosuppressive effects in cancer is not understood. It is investigated that S1P can induce T cell exhaustion. S1P can also upregulate programmed death ligand-1 (PDL-1) expression through E2F1-mediated transcription. Notably, an SPHK1 inhibitor PF543 improves T cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Furthermore, combining PF543 with an anti-PD-1 antibody reduces tumor burden and metastasis more effectively than PF543 alone in vivo. These data demonstrate a previously unrecognized mechanism of how SPHK1-packaged EVs contribute to the progression of ovarian cancer and thus present the potential clinical application of inhibiting SPHK1/S1P signaling to improve immune checkpoint blockage (anti-PD-1 antibody) therapy in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prachi Gupta
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsin53226USA
| | | | - Sonam Mittal
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsin53226USA
| | - Shirng‐Wern Tsaih
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsin53226USA
| | - Jasmine George
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsin53226USA
| | - Sudhir Kumar
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsin53226USA
| | - Dileep K. Vijayan
- Laboratory for computational and structural biologyJubilee Center for Medical ResearchThrissurKerala680006India
- Laboratory for Structural BioinformaticsCenter for Biosystems Dynamics ResearchRiken230‐0045Japan
| | - Anjali Geethadevi
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsin53226USA
| | - Deepak Parashar
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsin53226USA
| | - Paytsar Topchyan
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyMCW and Versiti Blood Research InstituteMilwaukeeWisconsin53226USA
| | - Lindsey McAlarnen
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsin53226USA
| | - Brian F Volkman
- Department of BiochemistryMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukee53226USA
| | - Weiguo Cui
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyMCW and Versiti Blood Research InstituteMilwaukeeWisconsin53226USA
| | - Kam Y. J. Zhang
- Laboratory for Structural BioinformaticsCenter for Biosystems Dynamics ResearchRiken230‐0045Japan
| | - Dolores Di Vizio
- Department of SurgeryPathology and Laboratory MedicineSamuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer InstituteCedars‐Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCA90048USA
| | - Pradeep Chaluvally‐Raghavan
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsin53226USA
- Department of PhysiologyMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsin53226USA
- Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer CenterMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsin53226USA
| | - Sunila Pradeep
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsin53226USA
- Department of PhysiologyMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsin53226USA
- Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer CenterMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsin53226USA
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Pirš B, Škof E, Smrkolj V, Smrkolj Š. Overview of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Gynecological Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030631. [PMID: 35158899 PMCID: PMC8833536 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [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: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Recently, cancer treatment has been revolutionized by introduction of immunotherapy—drugs that target body’s immune system to attack cancer. Most clinically used drugs stop the mechanisms that dampen immune response. These drugs are called immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). ICIs in gynecological cancers are most effective for treating uterine endometrial cancer, but less so far ovarian, uterine cervical or vulvar cancer. However, combining ICIs with other drugs has yielded good results in some studies in these cancers. Stopping mechanisms that dampen immune response can produce severe side effects, as has been seen with the use of ICIs. Therefore, selection of patients that would benefit the most from ICI therapy is of paramount importance. This can be done by analysing tumour characteristics either by looking at protein expression, genetic changes and even constitution of faecal microbiota, these properties are called biomarkers. It is not entirely known which biomarkers predict response most accurately, and this varies by cancer type. In this article, we review mechanisms of action of ICIs, selected biomarkers and latest clinical trials of ICIs in gynecological cancers. Abstract In the last ten years, clinical oncology has been revolutionized by the introduction of oncological immunotherapy, mainly in the form of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) that transformed the standard of care of several advanced solid malignancies. Using ICIs for advanced gynecological cancers has yielded good results, especially for endometrial cancer. In ovarian or cervical cancer, combining ICIs with other established agents has shown some promise. Concurrently with the clinical development of ICIs, biomarkers that predict responses to such therapy have been discovered and used in clinical trials. The translation of these biomarkers to clinical practice was somewhat hampered by lacking assay standardization and non-comprehensive reporting of biomarker status in trials often performed on a small number of gynecological cancer patients. We can expect increased use of ICIs combined with other agents in gynecological cancer in the near future. This will create a need for reliable response prediction tools, which we believe will be based on biomarker, clinical, and tumor characteristics. In this article, we review the basic biology of ICIs and response prediction biomarkers, as well as the latest clinical trials that focus on subgroup effectiveness based on biomarker status in gynecological cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boštjan Pirš
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.P.); (E.Š.); (V.S.)
- Division of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Erik Škof
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.P.); (E.Š.); (V.S.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vladimir Smrkolj
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.P.); (E.Š.); (V.S.)
| | - Špela Smrkolj
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.P.); (E.Š.); (V.S.)
- Division of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence:
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9
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Miyamoto T, Murakami R, Hamanishi J, Tanigaki K, Hosoe Y, Mise N, Takamatsu S, Mise Y, Ukita M, Taki M, Yamanoi K, Horikawa N, Abiko K, Yamaguchi K, Baba T, Matsumura N, Mandai M. B7-H3 Suppresses Antitumor Immunity via the CCL2-CCR2-M2 Macrophage Axis and Contributes to Ovarian Cancer Progression. Cancer Immunol Res 2022; 10:56-69. [PMID: 34799346 PMCID: PMC9414298 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-21-0407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [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] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
New approaches beyond PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition are required to target the immunologically diverse tumor microenvironment (TME) in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). In this study, we explored the immunosuppressive effect of B7-H3 (CD276) via the CCL2-CCR2-M2 macrophage axis and its potential as a therapeutic target. Transcriptome analysis revealed that B7-H3 is highly expressed in PD-L1-low, nonimmunoreactive HGSOC tumors, and its expression negatively correlated with an IFNγ signature, which reflects the tumor immune reactivity. In syngeneic mouse models, B7-H3 (Cd276) knockout (KO) in tumor cells, but not in stromal cells, suppressed tumor progression, with a reduced number of M2 macrophages and an increased number of IFNγ+CD8+ T cells. CCL2 expression was downregulated in the B7-H3 KO tumor cell lines. Inhibition of the CCL2-CCR2 axis partly negated the effects of B7-H3 suppression on M2 macrophage migration and differentiation, and tumor progression. In patients with HGSOC, B7-H3 expression positively correlated with CCL2 expression and M2 macrophage abundance, and patients with B7-H3-high tumors had fewer tumoral IFNγ+CD8+ T cells and poorer prognosis than patients with B7-H3-low tumors. Thus, B7-H3 expression in tumor cells contributes to CCL2-CCR2-M2 macrophage axis-mediated immunosuppression and tumor progression. These findings provide new insights into the immunologic TME and could aid the development of new therapeutic approaches against the unfavorable HGSOC phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taito Miyamoto
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ryusuke Murakami
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Gynecology, Shiga General Hospital, Moriyama, Japan.,Corresponding Author: Ryusuke Murakami, Department of Gynecology, Shiga General Hospital, 5-4-30, Moriyama, Moriyama City, Shiga 524-8524, Japan. Phone: 817-7582-5031; Fax: 817-7582-5931; E-mail:
| | - Junzo Hamanishi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Yuko Hosoe
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Nathan Mise
- Department of Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Shiro Takamatsu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuka Mise
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masayo Ukita
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mana Taki
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koji Yamanoi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Naoki Horikawa
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shizuoka General Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kaoru Abiko
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ken Yamaguchi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Baba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Iwate, Japan
| | - Noriomi Matsumura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kindai University School of Medicine, Higashiosaka, Japan
| | - Masaki Mandai
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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10
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Yang F, Wang JF, Wang Y, Liu B, Molina JR. Comparative Analysis of Predictive Biomarkers for PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors in Cancers: Developments and Challenges. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010109. [PMID: 35008273 PMCID: PMC8750062 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has greatly changed the treatment landscape of multiple malignancies. However, the wide administration of ICIs is mainly obstructed by the low response rate and several life-threatening adverse events. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify sets of biomarkers to predict which patients will respond to ICIs. In this review, we discuss the recently investigated molecular and clinical determinants of ICI response, from the aspects of tumor features, clinical features, as well as tumor microenvironment. Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) have dramatically changed the landscape of cancer therapy. Both remarkable and durable responses have been observed in patients with melanoma, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and other malignancies. However, the PD-1/PD-L1 blockade has demonstrated meaningful clinical responses and benefits in only a subset of patients. In addition, several severe and life-threatening adverse events were observed in these patients. Therefore, the identification of predictive biomarkers is urgently needed to select patients who are more likely to benefit from ICI therapy. PD-L1 expression level is the most commonly used biomarker in clinical practice for PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. However, negative PD-L1 expression cannot reliably exclude a response to a PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. Other factors, such as tumor microenvironment and other tumor genomic signatures, appear to impact the response to ICIs. In this review, we examine emerging data for novel biomarkers that may have a predictive value for optimizing the benefit from anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Yang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School and Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China;
| | | | - Yucai Wang
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
| | - Baorui Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School and Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China;
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (J.R.M.)
| | - Julian R. Molina
- Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (J.R.M.)
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11
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Bronger H. Immunology and Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in Ovarian Cancer - Current Aspects. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2021; 81:1128-1144. [PMID: 34629492 PMCID: PMC8494520 DOI: 10.1055/a-1475-4335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) against the PD-1/PD-L1 system have revolutionised the treatment of numerous entities. To date, ovarian cancer has benefited very little from this success story. Possible causes include a rather low mutational burden compared to other tumour types, inadequate presentation of (neo-)antigens, and increased infiltration with immunosuppressive immune cells such as regulatory T cells and tumour-associated macrophages. In the clinical trials completed to date, the response rates to PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors have therefore been disappointingly low as well, although isolated long-term remissions have also been observed in ovarian cancer. The task now is to find suitable predictive biomarkers as well as to identify combination partners for ICB therapy that can increase the immunogenicity of ovarian cancer or overcome immunosuppressive resistance mechanisms. This paper provides an overview of the immune milieu in ovarian cancer, its impact on the effect of ICB, and summarises the clinical trial data available to date on ICB in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger Bronger
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Frauenheilkunde, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany.,Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK), Partnerstandort München und Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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12
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Fu Z, Mowday AM, Smaill JB, Hermans IF, Patterson AV. Tumour Hypoxia-Mediated Immunosuppression: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Approaches to Improve Cancer Immunotherapy. Cells 2021; 10:1006. [PMID: 33923305 PMCID: PMC8146304 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The magnitude of the host immune response can be regulated by either stimulatory or inhibitory immune checkpoint molecules. Receptor-ligand binding between inhibitory molecules is often exploited by tumours to suppress anti-tumour immune responses. Immune checkpoint inhibitors that block these inhibitory interactions can relieve T-cells from negative regulation, and have yielded remarkable activity in the clinic. Despite this success, clinical data reveal that durable responses are limited to a minority of patients and malignancies, indicating the presence of underlying resistance mechanisms. Accumulating evidence suggests that tumour hypoxia, a pervasive feature of many solid cancers, is a critical phenomenon involved in suppressing the anti-tumour immune response generated by checkpoint inhibitors. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms associated with hypoxia-mediate immunosuppression and focus on modulating tumour hypoxia as an approach to improve immunotherapy responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Fu
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington 6042, New Zealand; (Z.F.); (I.F.H.)
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (A.M.M.); (J.B.S.)
| | - Alexandra M. Mowday
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (A.M.M.); (J.B.S.)
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Jeff B. Smaill
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (A.M.M.); (J.B.S.)
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Ian F. Hermans
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington 6042, New Zealand; (Z.F.); (I.F.H.)
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (A.M.M.); (J.B.S.)
| | - Adam V. Patterson
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (A.M.M.); (J.B.S.)
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
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