scholarly journals 131. Antiviral NL-CVX1 Efficiently Blocks Infection of SARS-CoV-2 Viral Variants of Concern (VOC)

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S80-S81
Author(s):  
Wen Su ◽  
Matthew Walker ◽  
Maria Rebelo ◽  
Cong Tang ◽  
Ana R Coelho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Model ◽  
Viral Infection ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Panel Member ◽  
Original Strain ◽  
Review Panel ◽  
Material Support ◽  
Clinically Significant

Abstract Background Using a computational approach, NL-CVX1 was developed by Neoleukin Therapeutics, Inc. to create a de novo protein that both blocks SARS-CoV-2 infection and is highly resilient to viral escape. In this study we evaluated the efficacy of NL-CVX1 against variants of the original SARS-CoV-2 strain, including important viral variants of concern (VOC) such as B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and P.1. Methods The relative binding affinity of NL-CVX1 to the SARS-CoV-2 viral spike protein of VOC was measured using biolayer interferometry (Octet). A competitive ELISA measured the ability of NL-CVX1 to compete with hACE2 for binding to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 S protein from the original strain and VOC. The activity of NL-CVX1 in preventing viral infection was assessed by evaluating the cytopathic effects (CPE) of SARS-CoV-2 in a transmembrane protease, serine 2-expressing Vero E6 cell line (Vero E6/TMPRSS2) and determining the viral load using quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in infected cells. A K18hACE2 mouse model of SARS CoV-2 infection was used to study the dose-response of NL-CVX1 anti-viral activity in vivo. Results NL-CVX1 binds the RBD of different VOC of SARS-CoV-2 at low nanomolar concentrations (Fig 1; Kd < 1-~5 nM). When competing with hACE2, NL-CVX1 achieved 100% inhibition against hACE2 binding to the RBD of different VOC with IC50s values ranging from 0.7-53 nM (Fig 2). NL-CVX1 neutralized the B.1.1.7 variant as efficiently as the original strain in Vero E6/TMPRSS2 cells, with EC50 values of 16 nM and 101.2 nM, respectively (Fig 3). In mice, we found that a single intranasal dose of 100 µg NL-CVX1 prevented clinically significant SARS-CoV-2 infection and protected mice from succumbing to infection. Results from additional in vitro and in vivo experiments to be conducted this summer will be presented. Figure 1. NL-CVX1 binds the RBD from multiple strains of SARS-CoV-2 at low nanomolar concentrations. Figure 2. NL-CVX1 achieves 100% inhibition against all strains tested, including SARS-CoV-2 VOC. Figure 3. NL-CVX1 neutralizes the B.1.1.7 variant as efficiently as the original SARS-CoV-2 strain. Conclusion In vitro and in vivo data (Fig 4) demonstrate that NL-CVX1 is a promising drug candidate for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. As a hACE2 mimetic, it is resilient to antibody escape mutations found in SARS-CoV-2 VOC. NL-CVX1 further demonstrates the power and utility of de novo protein design for developing proteins as human therapeutics. Figure 4. NL-CVX1 is effective in preventing clinically significant SARS-CoV-2 viral infection in a K18hACE2 mouse model. Disclosures Matthew Walker, PhD, Neoleukin Therapeutics, Inc. (Employee, Other Financial or Material Support, Ownership options and stock.) Laurie Tatalick, DVM, PhD, DACVP, Neoleukin Therapeutics, Inc. (Consultant, Other Financial or Material Support, Ownership options and stock.) Marianne Riley, BS, Neoleukin Therapeutics, Inc. (Employee, Other Financial or Material Support, Ownership options and stock.) Kevin Yu, BS, MS, Neoleukin Therapeutics, Inc. (Employee, Other Financial or Material Support, Ownership options and stock.) Luis M. Blancas-Mejia, PhD, Neoleukin Therapeutics, Inc. (Employee, Other Financial or Material Support, Ownership options and stock.) Daniel-Adriano Silva, PhD, Neoleukin Therapeutics, Inc. (Advisor or Review Panel member, Other Financial or Material Support, Ownership of Neoleukin options and stock) David Shoultz, PhD, MBA, Neoleukin Therapeutics, Inc. (Employee, Other Financial or Material Support, Ownership options and stock.) Goncalo Bernardes, PhD, Neoleukin Therapeutics, Inc. (Consultant, Advisor or Review Panel member, Shareholder) Hui-Ling Yen, PhD, Neoleukin Therapeutics, Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Saiba AG (Other Financial or Material Support, Received donation from Saiba AG)

scholarly journals Enterococcus faecalis exploits the human fibrinolytic system to drive excess collagenolysis: implications in gut healing and identification of druggable targets

2020 ◽  
Vol 318 (1) ◽  
pp. G1-G9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard A. Jacobson ◽  
Kiedo Wienholts ◽  
Ashley J. Williamson ◽  
Sara Gaines ◽  
Sanjiv Hyoju ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Enterococcus Faecalis ◽  
Healing Process ◽  
Abdominal Sepsis ◽  
Infectious Complications ◽  
Fibrinolytic System ◽  
Clinical Safety ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Clinically Significant

Perforations, anastomotic leak, and subsequent intra-abdominal sepsis are among the most common and feared complications of invasive interventions in the colon and remaining intestinal tract. During physiological healing, tissue protease activity is finely orchestrated to maintain the strength and integrity of the submucosa collagen layer in the wound. We (Shogan, BD et al. Sci Trans Med 7: 286ra68, 2015.) have previously demonstrated in both mice and humans that the commensal microbe Enterococcus faecalis selectively colonizes wounded colonic tissues and disrupts the healing process by amplifying collagenolytic matrix-metalloprotease activity toward excessive degradation. Here, we demonstrate for the first time, to our knowledge, a novel collagenolytic virulence mechanism by which E. faecalis is able to bind and locally activate the human fibrinolytic protease plasminogen (PLG), a protein present in high concentrations in healing colonic tissue. E. faecalis-mediated PLG activation leads to supraphysiological collagen degradation; in this study, we demonstrate this concept both in vitro and in vivo. This pathoadaptive response can be mitigated with the PLG inhibitor tranexamic acid (TXA) in a fashion that prevents clinically significant complications in validated murine models of both E. faecalis- and Pseudomonas aeruginosa-mediated colonic perforation. TXA has a proven clinical safety record and is Food and Drug Administration approved for topical application in invasive procedures, albeit for the prevention of bleeding rather than infection. As such, the novel pharmacological effect described in this study may be translatable to clinical trials for the prevention of infectious complications in colonic healing. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This paper presents a novel mechanism for virulence in a commensal gut microbe that exploits the human fibrinolytic system and its principle protease, plasminogen. This mechanism is targetable by safe and effective nonantibiotic small molecules for the prevention of infectious complications in the healing gut.

scholarly journals A novel phosphoramide compound, DCZ0805, shows potent anti-myeloma activity via the NF-κB pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuejie Gao ◽  
Bo Li ◽  
Anqi Ye ◽  
Houcai Wang ◽  
Yongsheng Xie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Model ◽  
Tumor Burden ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Cell Counting ◽  
Tumor Xenograft ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Xenograft Mouse Model

Abstract Background Multiple myeloma (MM) is a highly aggressive and incurable clonal plasma cell disease with a high rate of recurrence. Thus, the development of new therapies is urgently needed. DCZ0805, a novel compound synthesized from osalmide and pterostilbene, has few observed side effects. In the current study, we intend to investigate the therapeutic effects of DCZ0805 in MM cells and elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying its anti-myeloma activity. Methods We used the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, immunofluorescence staining, cell cycle assessment, apoptosis assay, western blot analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assay and a tumor xenograft mouse model to investigate the effect of DCZ0805 treatment both in vivo and in vitro. Results The results showed that DCZ0805 treatment arrested the cell at the G0/G1 phase and suppressed MM cells survival by inducing apoptosis via extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. DCZ0805 suppressed the NF-κB signaling pathway activation, which may have contributed to the inhibition of cell proliferation. DCZ0805 treatment remarkably reduced the tumor burden in the immunocompromised xenograft mouse model, with no obvious toxicity observed. Conclusion The findings of this study indicate that DCZ0805 can serve as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of MM.

scholarly journals 1104. Risk Factors and Outcomes of Refractory and/or Resistant Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S582-S583
Author(s):  
Eleni Karantoni ◽  
Yiqi Su ◽  
Anat Stern ◽  
Phaedon D Zavras ◽  
Sergio Giralt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Overall Survival ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Panel Member ◽  
Multivariable Model ◽  
Research Support ◽  
Review Panel ◽  
Material Support ◽  
Advisory Boards ◽  
Research Grant

Abstract Background The epidemiology of CMV end-organ disease (EOD) after Hematopoietic Cell Transplant (HCT) in the era of preemptive therapy (PET) is defined. In contrast, less data exists on refractory and/or resistant (R/R) CMV. We report on 1) the incidence; 2) risk factors and outcomes of R/R CMV by 1-year post HCT. Methods Retrospective review of 167 CMV seropositive (R+) recipients of first marrow or peripheral blood HCT from 1/2014 - 12/2017 managed by PET. Refractory CMV was defined as failure to achieve >1 log10 decrease in CMV viral load (VL) and having VL >1,000 IU/mL after ≥14 day of PET. Resistant CMV required genotypic confirmation of resistance mutation(s) in UL54 and/or UL97 genes. End organ disease (EOD) was defined by standard criteria. Patients (pts) were followed through 1-year post HCT and were categorized in two mutually exclusive groups as R/R and no R/R. Demographics, clinical characteristics and outcomes were extracted from medical records and hospital databases. Univariable and multivariable logistic models were used to identify risk factors for R/R CMV. Results Of 167 PET recipients, 91 (54.5%) received ex vivo T cell depleted (TCD) HCT; 40 (24.0%) had mismatched donor; and 26 (15.6%) had multiple myeloma. 66/167 (39.5%) pts developed refractory CMV (6 pts also had resistant CMV). Time from HCT to CMV viremia was shorter in R/R group: median (IQR) 21.5 (17.2-27.8) days compared to no R/R group: 26 (19-32) days (p=0.031). Maximum VL was higher for R/R compared to no R/R: median (IQR) 9,118 (2,849-18,456) and 868 (474-1,908), respectively (p< 0.001). In multivariable model, risk factors for R/R included TCD HCT (p< 0.0001) and higher VL at PET initiation (p=0.0002). In contrast, CMV seropositive donor (p=0.035) was protective (Figure 1). CMV EOD developed in 28.2% of R/R and 16.2% of no R/R groups (p=0.085) (Figure 2). Overall survival at 1 year was 59.1% for R/R compared to 83.1% for no R/R group (p=0.00027) (Figure 3). Figure 1. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) from multivariable model evaluating risk factors of refractory/resistant (R/R) CMV. Figure 2. Cumulative incidence curves of CMV end-organ disease (EOD) at 1-year post HCT Figure 3. Kaplan-Meier survival curves of overall survival (OS) at 1-year post HCT Conclusion 1) Refractory and/or resistant CMV occurred in 39,5% of PET recipients. 2) T-cell depletion and higher CMV VL at PET initiation were risk factors for R/R CMV in multivariable models. 3) R/R CMV was associated with more EOD and worse overall survival. Disclosures Sergio Giralt, MD, Amgen (Advisor or Review Panel member, Research Grant or Support, Served an advisory board for Amgen, Actinuum, Celgene, Johnson & Johnson, JAZZ pharmaceutical, Takeda, Novartis, KITE, and Spectrum pharma and has received research support from Amgen, Actinuum, Celgene, Johnson & Johnson, and Miltenyi, Takeda.) Miguel-Angel Perales, MD, Abbvie (Other Financial or Material Support, Honoraria from Abbvie, Bellicum, Celgene, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Incyte, Merck, Novartis, Nektar Therapeutics, Omeros, and Takeda.)ASTCT (Other Financial or Material Support, Volunteer member of the Board of Directors of American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT), Be The Match (National Marrow Donor Program, NMDP), and the CIBMTR Cellular Immunotherapy Data Resource (CIDR) Committee)Cidara Therapeutics (Advisor or Review Panel member, Other Financial or Material Support, Serve on DSMBs for Cidara Therapeutics, Servier and Medigene, and the scientific advisory boards of MolMed and NexImmune.)Kite/Gilead (Research Grant or Support, Other Financial or Material Support, Received research support for clinical trials from Incyte, Kite/Gilead and Miltenyi Biotec.) Genovefa Papanicolaou, MD, Chimerix (Research Grant or Support)Merck&Co (Research Grant or Support, Investigator and received funding and consulting fees from Merck, Chimerix, Shire and Astellas)

scholarly journals MODL-12. DEVELOPMENT OF A NOVEL IMMUNOCOMPETENT MOUSE MODEL FOR DIFFUSE INTRINSIC PONTINE GLIOMA

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii413-iii413
Author(s):  
Maggie Seblani ◽  
Markella Zannikou ◽  
Katarzyna Pituch ◽  
Liliana Ilut ◽  
Oren Becher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Growth Factor Receptor ◽  
Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma ◽  
Pontine Glioma ◽  
Time Of Application ◽  
Tumor Associated Antigen ◽  
Sarcoma Virus

Abstract Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a devastating brain tumor affecting young children. Immunotherapies hold promise however the lack of immunocompetent models recreating a faithful tumor microenvironment (TME) remains a challenge for development of targeted immunotherapeutics. We propose to generate an immunocompetent DIPG mouse model through induced overexpression of interleukin 13 receptor alpha 2 (IL13Rα2), a tumor-associated antigen overexpressed by glioma cells. A model with an intact TME permits comprehensive preclinical assessment of IL13Rα2-targeted immunotherapeutics. Our novel model uses the retroviral avian leucosis and sarcoma virus (RCAS) for in vivo gene delivery leading to IL13Rα2 expression in proliferating progenitor cells. Transfected cells expressing IL13Rα2 and PDGFB, a ligand for platelet derived growth factor receptor, alongside induced p53 loss via the Cre-Lox system are injected in the fourth ventricle in postnatal pups. We validated the expression of PDGFB and IL13Rα2 transgenes in vitro and in vivo and will characterize the TME through evaluation of the peripheral and tumor immunologic compartments using immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. We confirmed expression of transgenes via flow cytometry and western blotting. Comparison of survival dynamics in mice inoculated with PDGFB alone with PDGFB+IL13Rα2 demonstrated that co-expression of IL13Rα2 did not significantly affect mice survival compared to the PDGFB model. At time of application, we initiated experiments to characterize the TME. Preliminary data demonstrate establishment of tumors within and adjacent to the brainstem and expression of target transgenes. Preclinical findings in a model recapitulating the TME may provide better insight into outcomes upon translation to clinical application.

scholarly journals TMOD-24. GENERATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A NOVEL TRANSGENIC IDO REPORTER MOUSE FOR IDO POSTTRANSLATIONAL MODIFICATION ANALYSIS IN SITU

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii233-ii233
Author(s):  
April Bell ◽  
Lijie Zhai ◽  
Erik Ladomersky ◽  
Kristen Lauing ◽  
Lakshmi Bollu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Model ◽  
Tumor Cell ◽  
Central Nervous System Tumor ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Reporter Mouse ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
Human Gbm

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary central nervous system tumor in adults with a median survival of 14.6 months. GBM is a potently immunosuppressive cancer due in-part to the prolific expression of immunosuppressive indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase 1 (IDO). Tumor cell IDO facilitates the intratumoral accumulation of regulatory T cells (Tregs; CD4+CD25+FoxP3+). Although immunosuppressive IDO activity is canonically characterized by the conversion of tryptophan into kynurenine, we have utilized transgenic and syngeneic mouse models and mutant glioma lines to demonstrate that tumor cell IDO increases Treg accumulation independent of tryptophan metabolism. Here, we address the gap in our understanding of IDO signaling activity in vivo. Subcutaneously-engrafted human GBM expressing human IDO-GFP cDNA was isolated from immunodeficient humanized NSG-SGM3 mice. The tumor was immunoprecipitated for the GFP tag using GFP-TRAP followed by mass spectrometry which revealed a novel methylation site on a lysine residue at amino acid 373 in the IDO C-terminus region. Western blot analysis of IDO protein also revealed the presence of tyrosine phosphorylation. Additionally, we recently created a new transgenic IDO reporter mouse model whereby endogenous IDO is fused to GFP via a T2A linker (IDO→GFP). This model allows for the isolation of IDO+ cells in real-time and without causing cell death, thereby creating the opportunity for downstream molecular analysis of in situ-isolated GFP+ cells. Collectively, our work suggests that IDO non-enzyme activity may involve the post-translational modifications we recently identified. As IDO activity may differ between in vitro and in vivo modeling systems, we will use the new IDO→GFP reporter mouse model for an improved mechanistic understanding of how immunosuppressive IDO facilitates Treg accumulation in vivo.

Computational study for suppression of CD25/IL-2 interaction

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Moein Dehbashi ◽  
Zohreh Hojati ◽  
Majid Motovali-bashi ◽  
Mazdak Ganjalikhani-Hakemi ◽  
Akihiro Shimosaka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Molecules ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Immune Escape ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Computational Study ◽  
Treg Cells ◽  
Homology Search ◽  
Small Interfering Rnas

AbstractCancer recurrence presents a huge challenge in cancer patient management. Immune escape is a key mechanism of cancer progression and metastatic dissemination. CD25 is expressed in regulatory T (Treg) cells including tumor-infiltrating Treg cells (TI-Tregs). These cells specially activate and reinforce immune escape mechanism of cancers. The suppression of CD25/IL-2 interaction would be useful against Treg cells activation and ultimately immune escape of cancer. Here, software, web servers and databases were used, at which in silico designed small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), de novo designed peptides and virtual screened small molecules against CD25 were introduced for the prospect of eliminating cancer immune escape and obtaining successful treatment. We obtained siRNAs with low off-target effects. Further, small molecules based on the binding homology search in ligand and receptor similarity were introduced. Finally, the critical amino acids on CD25 were targeted by a de novo designed peptide with disulfide bond. Hence we introduced computational-based antagonists to lay a foundation for further in vitro and in vivo studies.

scholarly journals EXTH-51. ANTI-INVASIVE EFFICACY AND SURVIVAL BENEFIT OF THE YAP-TEAD INHIBITOR VERTEPORFIN IN PRECLINICAL GLIOBLASTOMA MODELS

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii98-ii98
Author(s):  
Anne Marie Barrette ◽  
Alexandros Bouras ◽  
German Nudelman ◽  
Zarmeen Mussa ◽  
Elena Zaslavsky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Survival Benefit ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Intraperitoneal Administration ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Tumor Burden ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Protein Levels

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) remains an incurable disease, in large part due to its malignant infiltrative spread, and current clinical therapy fails to target the invasive nature of tumor cells in disease progression and recurrence. Here, we use the YAP-TEAD inhibitor Verteporfin to target a convergence point for regulating tumor invasion/metastasis and establish the robust anti-invasive therapeutic efficacy of this FDA-approved drug and its survival benefit across several preclinical glioma models. Using patient-derived GBM cells and orthotopic xenograft models (PDX), we show that Verteporfin treatment disrupts YAP/TAZ-TEAD activity and processes related to cell adhesion, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In-vitro, Verteporfin impairs tumor migration, invasion and motility dynamics. In-vivo, intraperitoneal administration of Verteporfin in mice with orthotopic PDX tumors shows consistent drug accumulation within the brain and decreased infiltrative tumor burden, across three independent experiments. Interestingly, PDX tumors with impaired invasion after Verteporfin treatment downregulate CDH2 and ITGB1 adhesion protein levels within the tumor microenvironment. Finally, Verteporfin treatment confers survival benefit in two independent PDX models: as monotherapy in de-novo GBM and in combination with standard-of-care chemoradiation in recurrent GBM. These findings indicate potential therapeutic value of this FDA-approved drug if repurposed for GBM patients.

scholarly journals Exosome-transported circRNA_0001236 enhances chondrogenesis and suppress cartilage degradation via the miR-3677-3p/Sox9 axis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guping Mao ◽  
Yiyang Xu ◽  
Dianbo Long ◽  
Hong Sun ◽  
Hongyi Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Chondrogenic Differentiation ◽  
Cartilage Degradation ◽  
Human Bone ◽  
Human Bone Marrow ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Gene And Protein Expression

Abstract Objectives Aberrations in exosomal circular RNA (circRNA) expression have been identified in various human diseases. In this study, we investigated whether exosomal circRNAs could act as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to regulate the pathological process of osteoarthritis (OA). This study aimed to elucidate the specific MSC-derived exosomal circRNAs responsible for MSC-mediated chondrogenic differentiation using human bone marrow-derived MSCs (hMSCs) and a destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) mouse model of OA. Methods Exosomal circRNA deep sequencing was performed to evaluate the expression of circRNAs in human bone marrow-derived MSCs (hMSCs) induced to undergo chondrogenesis from day 0 to day 21. The regulatory and functional roles of exosomal circRNA_0001236 were examined on day 21 after inducing chondrogenesis in hMSCs and were validated in vitro and in vivo. The downstream target of circRNA_0001236 was also explored in vitro and in vivo using bioinformatics analyses. A luciferase reporter assay was used to evaluate the interaction between circRNA_0001236 and miR-3677-3p as well as the target gene sex-determining region Y-box 9 (Sox9). The function and mechanism of exosomal circRNA_0001236 in OA were explored in the DMM mouse model. Results Upregulation of exosomal circRNA_0001236 enhanced the expression of Col2a1 and Sox9 but inhibited that of MMP13 in hMSCs induced to undergo chondrogenesis. Moreover, circRNA_0001236 acted as an miR-3677-3p sponge and functioned in human chondrocytes via targeting miR-3677-3p and Sox9. Intra-articular injection of exosomal circRNA_0001236 attenuated OA in the DMM mouse model. Conclusions Our results reveal an important role for a novel exosomal circRNA_0001236 in chondrogenic differentiation. Overexpression of exosomal circRNA_0001236 promoted cartilage-specific gene and protein expression through the miR-3677-3p/Sox9 axis. Thus, circRNA_0001236-overexpressing exosomes may alleviate cartilage degradation, suppressing OA progression and enhancing cartilage repair. Our findings provide a potentially effective therapeutic strategy for treating OA.

scholarly journals Indirect cholinergic activation slows down pancreatic cancer growth and tumor-associated inflammation

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo L. Pfitzinger ◽  
Laura Fangmann ◽  
Kun Wang ◽  
Elke Demir ◽  
Engin Gürlevik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Tumor Stage ◽  
Ache Inhibitors ◽  
Impact On Survival ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Ache Expression ◽  
Cholinergic Activation

Abstract Background Nerve-cancer interactions are increasingly recognized to be of paramount importance for the emergence and progression of pancreatic cancer (PCa). Here, we investigated the role of indirect cholinergic activation on PCa progression through inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) via clinically available AChE-inhibitors, i.e. physostigmine and pyridostigmine. Methods We applied immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, MTT-viability, invasion, flow-cytometric-cell-cycle-assays, phospho-kinase arrays, multiplex ELISA and xenografted mice to assess the impact of AChE inhibition on PCa cell growth and invasiveness, and tumor-associated inflammation. Survival analyses were performed in a novel genetically-induced, surgically-resectable mouse model of PCa under adjuvant treatment with gemcitabine+/−physostigmine/pyridostigmine (n = 30 mice). Human PCa specimens (n = 39) were analyzed for the impact of cancer AChE expression on tumor stage and survival. Results We discovered a strong expression of AChE in cancer cells of human PCa specimens. Inhibition of this cancer-cell-intrinsic AChE via pyridostigmine and physostigmine, or administration of acetylcholine (ACh), diminished PCa cell viability and invasion in vitro and in vivo via suppression of pERK signaling, and reduced tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) infiltration and serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. In the novel genetically-induced, surgically-resectable PCa mouse model, adjuvant co-therapy with AChE blockers had no impact on survival. Accordingly, survival of resected PCa patients did not differ based on tumor AChE expression levels. Patients with higher-stage PCa also exhibited loss of the ACh-synthesizing enzyme, choline-acetyltransferase (ChAT), in their nerves. Conclusion For future clinical trials of PCa, direct cholinergic stimulation of the muscarinic signaling, rather than indirect activation via AChE blockade, may be a more effective strategy.

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