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Wajapeyee N, Beamon TC, Gupta R. Roles and therapeutic targeting of ceramide metabolism in cancer. Mol Metab 2024; 83:101936. [PMID: 38599378 PMCID: PMC11031839 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.101936] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ceramides are sphingolipids that act as signaling molecules involved in regulating cellular processes including apoptosis, proliferation, and metabolism. Deregulation of ceramide metabolism contributes to cancer development and progression. Therefore, regulation of ceramide levels in cancer cells is being explored as a new approach for cancer therapy. SCOPE OF THE REVIEW This review discusses the multiple roles of ceramides in cancer cells and strategies to modulate ceramide levels for cancer therapy. Ceramides attenuate cell survival signaling and metabolic pathways, while activating apoptotic mechanisms, making them tumor-suppressive. Approaches to increase ceramide levels in cancer cells include using synthetic analogs, inhibiting ceramide degradation, and activating ceramide synthesis. We also highlight combination therapies such as use of ceramide modulators with chemotherapies, immunotherapies, apoptosis inducers, and anti-angiogenics, which offer synergistic antitumor effects. Additionally, we also describe ongoing clinical trials evaluating ceramide nanoliposomes and analogs. Finally, we discuss the challenges of these therapeutic approaches including the complexity of ceramide metabolism, targeted delivery, cancer heterogeneity, resistance mechanisms, and long-term safety. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Ceramide-based therapy is a potentially promising approach for cancer therapy. However, overcoming hurdles in pharmacokinetics, specificity, and resistance is needed to optimize its efficacy and safety. This requires comprehensive preclinical/clinical studies into ceramide signaling, formulations, and combination therapies. Ceramide modulation offers opportunities for developing novel cancer treatments, but a deeper understanding of ceramide biology is vital to advance its clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendra Wajapeyee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA; O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
| | - Teresa Chiyanne Beamon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Romi Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA; O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
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Liu J, Zhao F, Zhang Y, Lin Z, Chen JL, Diao H. C6 Ceramide Inhibits Canine Mammary Cancer Growth and Metastasis by Targeting EGR3 through JAK1/STAT3 Signaling. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:422. [PMID: 38338065 PMCID: PMC10854580 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030422] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of death in both humans and companion animals. Canine mammary tumor is an important disease with a high incidence and metastasis rate, and its poor prognosis remains a serious clinical challenge. C6 ceramide is a short-chain sphingolipid metabolite with powerful potential as a tumor suppressor. However, the specific impact of C6 ceramide on canine mammary cancer remains unclear. However, the effects of C6 ceramide in canine mammary cancer are still unclear. Therefore, we investigated the role of C6 ceramide in the progress of canine mammary cancer and explored its potential mechanism. C6 ceramide inhibited cell growth by regulating the cell cycle without involving apoptosis. Additionally, C6 ceramide inhibited the migration and invasion of CHMp cells. In vivo, C6 ceramide decreased tumor growth and metastasis in the lungs without side effects. Further investigation found that the knockdown of EGR3 expression led to a noticeable increase in proliferation and migration by upregulating the expressions of pJAK1 and pSTAT3, thus activating the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway. In conclusion, C6 ceramide inhibits canine mammary cancer growth and metastasis by targeting EGR3 through the regulation of the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway. This study implicates the mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor activity of C6 ceramide and demonstrates the potential of EGR3 as a novel target for treating canine mammary cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayue Liu
- Joint Laboratory of Animal Pathogen Prevention and Control of Fujian-Nepal, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (J.L.); (Y.Z.); (J.-L.C.)
| | - Fangying Zhao
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China;
| | - Yan Zhang
- Joint Laboratory of Animal Pathogen Prevention and Control of Fujian-Nepal, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (J.L.); (Y.Z.); (J.-L.C.)
| | - Zhaoyan Lin
- Key Lab for Integrated Chinese Traditional Veterinary Medicine and Animal Healthcare in Fujian Province, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China;
| | - Ji-Long Chen
- Joint Laboratory of Animal Pathogen Prevention and Control of Fujian-Nepal, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (J.L.); (Y.Z.); (J.-L.C.)
| | - Hongxiu Diao
- Joint Laboratory of Animal Pathogen Prevention and Control of Fujian-Nepal, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (J.L.); (Y.Z.); (J.-L.C.)
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Ciner A, Gourdin T, Davidson J, Parette M, Walker SJ, Fox TE, Jiang Y. A phase I study of the ceramide nanoliposome in patients with advanced solid tumors. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2024; 93:23-29. [PMID: 37736793 PMCID: PMC10796569 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-023-04588-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Ceramide is a sphingolipid metabolite that deactivates multiple oncogenic signaling pathways and promotes cell death. In-vivo data demonstrate single-agent anti-cancer activity and enhanced efficacy with combination strategies. This phase I dose-escalation trial evaluated Ceramide nanoLiposomes (CNL) in patients with advanced solid tumors and no standard treatment option. METHODS The primary objective was to establish the maximum tolerated dose. Secondary objectives included determining the recommended phase II dose, the safety and tolerability, the pharmacokinetic profile and preliminary anti-tumor efficacy. RESULTS 15 patients with heavily pretreated metastatic disease enrolled. Safety data were analyzed for all patients, while pharmacokinetic data were available for 14 patients. There were no grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events. The maximum tolerated dose was not reached and there were no dose-limiting toxicities. The most common grade 1 or 2 treatment-related adverse events included headache, fatigue, constipation, nausea and transaminitis. The maximum concentration and area under the curve increased with dose. Clearance was consistent between doses and was observed mainly through the liver without significant hepatotoxicity. The half-life ranged from 20 to 30 h and the volume of distribution was consistent with a lipophilic drug. CONCLUSIONS CNL exhibited an encouraging safety profile and pharmacokinetic parameters, with some signals of efficacy including prolonged stable disease in 1 patient with refractory pancreatic cancer. Pre-clinical data indicate potential synergy between CNL and multiple systemic therapies including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Future studies are planned investigating CNL in combination strategies. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study is registered under ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02834611.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Ciner
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Theodore Gourdin
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | | | - Susan J Walker
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Todd E Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Yixing Jiang
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Escutia-Gutiérrez R, Sandoval-Rodríguez A, Zamudio-Ojeda A, Guevara-Martínez SJ, Armendáriz-Borunda J. Advances of Nanotechnology in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6867. [PMID: 37959332 PMCID: PMC10647688 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216867] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising technology in the field of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), specifically in the implementation of diagnosis and treatment strategies. Nanotechnology-based approaches, such as nanoparticle-based contrast agents and nanoscale imaging techniques, have shown great potential for enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of HCC detection. These approaches provide high-resolution imaging and allow for the detection of molecular markers and alterations in cellular morphology associated with HCC. In terms of treatment, nanotechnology has revolutionized HCC therapy by enabling targeted drug delivery, enhancing therapeutic efficacy, and minimizing off-target effects. Nanoparticle-based drug carriers can be functionalized with ligands specific to HCC cells, allowing for selective accumulation of therapeutic agents at the tumor site. Furthermore, nanotechnology can facilitate combination therapy by co-encapsulating multiple drugs within a single nanoparticle, allowing for synergistic effects and overcoming drug resistance. This review aims to provide an overview of recent advances in nanotechnology-based approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. Further research is needed to optimize the design and functionality of nanoparticles, improve their biocompatibility and stability, and evaluate their long-term safety and efficacy. Nonetheless, the integration of nanotechnology in HCC management holds great promise and may lead to improved patient outcomes in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Escutia-Gutiérrez
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Institute for Molecular Biology in Medicine and Gene Therapy, Health Sciences University Center, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (R.E.-G.); (A.S.-R.)
| | - Ana Sandoval-Rodríguez
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Institute for Molecular Biology in Medicine and Gene Therapy, Health Sciences University Center, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (R.E.-G.); (A.S.-R.)
| | - Adalberto Zamudio-Ojeda
- Department of Physics, Exact Sciences and Engineering University Center, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico;
| | - Santiago José Guevara-Martínez
- Department of Physics, Exact Sciences and Engineering University Center, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico;
| | - Juan Armendáriz-Borunda
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Institute for Molecular Biology in Medicine and Gene Therapy, Health Sciences University Center, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (R.E.-G.); (A.S.-R.)
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Zapopan 45201, Mexico
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Fernandez-Checa JC, Torres S, Garcia-Ruiz C. Hilpda, A New Player In Nash-Driven Hcc, Links Hypoxia Signaling With Ceramide Synthesis. J Hepatol 2023:S0168-8278(23)00337-9. [PMID: 37207912 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jose C Fernandez-Checa
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB), CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic I Provincial de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona; CIBEREHD, Madrid, Spain; Department of Medicine, Keck School of Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease,Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
| | - Sandra Torres
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB), CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona; CIBEREHD, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Garcia-Ruiz
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB), CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic I Provincial de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona; CIBEREHD, Madrid, Spain; Department of Medicine, Keck School of Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease,Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
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Zhou Z, Yu X, Chen Y, Tan X, Liu W, Hua W, Chen L, Zhang W. Inhibition of the B7-H3 immune checkpoint limits hepatocellular carcinoma progression by enhancing T lymphocyte-mediated immune cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. Clin Transl Oncol 2023; 25:1067-1079. [PMID: 36512305 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-03013-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The interaction between tumor cells and immune system in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Great clinical achievements have progressed in HCC patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for programmed death-1 and its ligands. However, response efficacy for these therapies is limited, thereby requiring alternative ICI candidates for HCC treatment. B7 homolog 3 protein (B7-H3), an immunoregulatory protein, plays a significant role in tumor immunity and disease progression. In this study, we evaluated the correlation between B7-H3 expression and prognosis of HCC patients, and investigated the therapeutic potential of B7-H3 targeting in HCC. METHODS B7-H3 expression was analyzed immunohistochemically in HCC patients, and its relationship with tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte infiltration was assessed. The anti-tumor efficacy of anti-B7-H3 antibody therapy was determined using an in vitro co-culture system and a subcutaneous HCC-bearing murine model. RESULTS We found that B7-H3 overexpressed in tumor cells and positively correlated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. B7-H3 inhibited the infiltration of CD8+ T cells in tumors. Furthermore, co-culture experiment indicated that inhibiting B7-H3 in tumor cells significantly increased T cells-mediated immune activities and tumor cell killing. Consistently, anti-B7-H3 antibody-treated HCC murine model showed decreased tumor size and enhanced anti-tumor immunity mediated by CD8+ T cells. CONCLUSION Altogether, our findings suggest that B7-H3 inhibition in tumor cells restores the immune cytotoxicity of T cells, which in turn promotes apoptosis of target cells. Therefore, B7-H3 serves as a key negative regulator in tumor immunity and the promising clinical utility of B7-H3-based immunotherapies for HCC treatment could be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixiong Zhou
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, 1 Xue Yuan Road, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Xijie Yu
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, 1 Xue Yuan Road, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
- Department of Pathology, Longyan First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Longyan, 364000, Fujian, China
| | - Yuqing Chen
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, 1 Xue Yuan Road, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
- Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, 1 Xue Yuan Road, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaodan Tan
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, 1 Xue Yuan Road, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Wenwen Liu
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, 1 Xue Yuan Road, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
- Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, 1 Xue Yuan Road, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Wenxi Hua
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, 1 Xue Yuan Road, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
- Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, 1 Xue Yuan Road, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Lihong Chen
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, 1 Xue Yuan Road, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China.
- Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, 1 Xue Yuan Road, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China.
| | - Wenmin Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Oncology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, 1 Xue Yuan Road, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China.
- Diagnostic Pathology Center, Fujian Medical University, 1 Xue Yuan Road, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China.
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Zhu C, Huai Q, Zhang X, Dai H, Li X, Wang H. Insights into the roles and pathomechanisms of ceramide and sphigosine-1-phosphate in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:311-330. [PMID: 36594091 PMCID: PMC9760443 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.78525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [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: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), as one of the main causes of chronic liver disease worldwide, encompasses a spectrum of liver conditions that are not caused by other etiology, such as overt alcohol consumption, from simple steatosis to more aggressive non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) that involves liver inflammation and fibrosis, and to the lethal cirrhosis that may result in liver cancer and liver failure. The molecular mechanisms governing the transition from steatosis to NASH remain not fully understood, but the hepatic lipidome is extensively altered in the setting of steatosis and steatohepatitis, which also correlate with disease progression. With the tremendous advancement in the field of lipidomics in last two decades, a better understanding of the specific role of sphingolipids in fatty liver disease has taken shape. Among the numerous lipid subtypes that accumulate, ceramides are particularly impactful. On the one hand, excessive ceramides deposition in the liver cause hepatic steatosis. On the other hand, ceramides as lipotoxic lipid have significant effects on hepatic inflammation, apoptosis and insulin resistance that contribute to NAFLD. In this review, we summarize and evaluate current understanding of the multiple roles of ceramides in the onset of fatty liver disease and the pathogenic mechanisms underlying their effects, and we also discuss recent advances and challenges in pharmacological interventions targeting ceramide metabolism for the treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhu
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qian Huai
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hanren Dai
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaolei Li
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,✉ Corresponding author: Hua Wang, Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China and Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China. E-mail: ; Xiaolei Li, Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China. E-mail:
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,✉ Corresponding author: Hua Wang, Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China and Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China. E-mail: ; Xiaolei Li, Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China. E-mail:
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Qi X, Liu Y, Hussein S, Choi G, Kimchi ET, Staveley-O'Carroll KF, Li G. The Species of Gut Bacteria Associated with Antitumor Immunity in Cancer Therapy. Cells 2022; 11. [PMID: 36429112 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Both preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated that the modulation of gut microbiota could be a promising strategy for enhancing antitumor immune responses and reducing resistance to immunotherapy in cancer. Various mechanisms, including activation of pattern recognition receptors, gut commensals-produced metabolites and antigen mimicry, have been revealed. Different gut microbiota modulation strategies have been raised, such as fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics, and dietary selection. However, the identification of gut bacteria species that are either favorable or unfavorable for cancer therapy remains a major challenge. Herein, we summarized the findings related to gut microbiota species observed in the modulation of antitumor immunity. We also discussed the different mechanisms underlying different gut bacteria's functions and the potential applications of these bacteria to cancer immunotherapy in the future.
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Yang M, Olaoba OT, Zhang C, Kimchi ET, Staveley-o’carroll KF, Li G. Cancer Immunotherapy and Delivery System: An Update. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:1630. [PMID: 36015256 PMCID: PMC9413869 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081630] [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: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With an understanding of immunity in the tumor microenvironment, immunotherapy turns out to be a powerful tool in the clinic to treat many cancers. The strategies applied in cancer immunotherapy mainly include blockade of immune checkpoints, adoptive transfer of engineered cells, such as T cells, natural killer cells, and macrophages, cytokine therapy, cancer vaccines, and oncolytic virotherapy. Many factors, such as product price, off-target side effects, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and cancer cell heterogeneity, affect the treatment efficacy of immunotherapies against cancers. In addition, some treatments, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, are more effective in treating patients with lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma rather than solid tumors. To improve the efficacy of targeted immunotherapy and reduce off-target effects, delivery systems for immunotherapies have been developed in past decades using tools such as nanoparticles, hydrogel matrix, and implantable scaffolds. This review first summarizes the currently common immunotherapies and their limitations. It then synopsizes the relative delivery systems that can be applied to improve treatment efficacy and minimize side effects. The challenges, frontiers, and prospects for applying these delivery systems in cancer immunotherapy are also discussed. Finally, the application of these approaches in clinical trials is reviewed.
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Li RZ, Wang XR, Wang J, Xie C, Wang XX, Pan HD, Meng WY, Liang TL, Li JX, Yan PY, Wu QB, Liu L, Yao XJ, Leung ELH. The key role of sphingolipid metabolism in cancer: New therapeutic targets, diagnostic and prognostic values, and anti-tumor immunotherapy resistance. Front Oncol 2022; 12:941643. [PMID: 35965565 PMCID: PMC9364366 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.941643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Biologically active sphingolipids are closely related to the growth, differentiation, aging, and apoptosis of cancer cells. Some sphingolipids, such as ceramides, are favorable metabolites in the sphingolipid metabolic pathway, usually mediating antiproliferative responses, through inhibiting cancer cell growth and migration, as well as inducing autophagy and apoptosis. However, other sphingolipids, such as S1P, play the opposite role, which induces cancer cell transformation, migration and growth and promotes drug resistance. There are also other sphingolipids, as well as enzymes, played potentially critical roles in cancer physiology and therapeutics. This review aimed to explore the important roles of sphingolipid metabolism in cancer. In this article, we summarized the role and value of sphingolipid metabolism in cancer, including the distribution of sphingolipids, the functions, and their relevance to cancer diagnosis and prognosis. We also summarized the known and potential antitumor targets present in sphingolipid metabolism, analyzed the correlation between sphingolipid metabolism and tumor immunity, and summarize the antitumor effects of natural compounds based on sphingolipids. Through the analysis and summary of sphingolipid antitumor therapeutic targets and immune correlation, we aim to provide ideas for the development of new antitumor drugs, exploration of new therapeutic means for tumors, and study of immunotherapy resistance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Run-Ze Li
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Xuan-Run Wang
- Dr. Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery/State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Oncology, Luzhou People’s Hospital, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Chun Xie
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Science, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China
- MOE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Xing-Xia Wang
- Dr. Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery/State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Hu-Dan Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Wei-Yu Meng
- Dr. Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery/State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Tu-Liang Liang
- Dr. Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery/State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jia-Xin Li
- Dr. Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery/State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Pei-Yu Yan
- Dr. Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery/State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Qi-Biao Wu
- Dr. Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery/State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Liang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Macao, Macao SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao-Jun Yao, ; Liang Liu, ; Elaine Lai-Han Leung,
| | - Xiao-Jun Yao
- Dr. Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery/State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao-Jun Yao, ; Liang Liu, ; Elaine Lai-Han Leung,
| | - Elaine Lai-Han Leung
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Science, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China
- MOE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China
- Breast Surgery, Zhuhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhuhai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao-Jun Yao, ; Liang Liu, ; Elaine Lai-Han Leung,
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