scholarly journals Duvelisib Eliminates CLL B Cells, Impairs CLL-Supporting Cells, and Overcomes Ibrutinib Resistance in Preclinical Models

Author(s):  
Shih-Shih Chen ◽  
Jacqueline Barrientos ◽  
Gerardo Ferrer ◽  
Priyadarshini Ravichandran ◽  
Michael Ibrahim ◽  
...  

Abstract Inhibitors of Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase (BTKi) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3Ki) have significantly improved therapy of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, the emergence of resistance to BTKi has introduced an unmet therapeutic need. Here we demonstrate in vitro and in vivo the essential roles of PI3K-δ for CLL B-cell survival and migration and of PI3K-γ in T-cell migration and macrophage polarization; and more efficacious inhibition in CLL-cell burden by dual inhibition of PI3K-δ,γ. We also report an ibrutinib-resistant CLL case, whose clone exhibited BTK and PLCγ2 mutations, responded immediately to single agent duvelisib with a redistribution lymphocytosis followed by a partial clinical remission associated with subsequent modulation of T and myeloid cells. CLL samples from patients progressed on ibrutinib were also responsive to duvelisib in patient-derived xenografts irrespective of BTK mutations. Our data support dual inhibition of PI3K-δ,γ as a valuable approach for therapeutic interventions, including patients refractory to BTKi.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianye Xu ◽  
Jian Zhang ◽  
Zongpu Zhang ◽  
Zijie Gao ◽  
Yanhua Qi ◽  
...  

AbstractExosomes participate in intercellular communication and glioma microenvironment modulation, but the exact mechanisms by which glioma-derived exosomes (GDEs) promote the generation of the immunosuppressive microenvironment are still unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of GDEs on autophagy, the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and glioma progression. Compared with normoxic glioma-derived exosomes (N-GDEs), hypoxic glioma-derived exosomes (H-GDEs) markedly facilitated autophagy and M2-like macrophage polarization, which subsequently promoted glioma proliferation and migration in vitro and in vivo. Western blot and qRT-PCR analyses indicated that interleukin 6 (IL-6) and miR-155-3p were highly expressed in H-GDEs. Further experiments showed that IL-6 and miR-155-3p induced M2-like macrophage polarization via the IL-6-pSTAT3-miR-155-3p-autophagy-pSTAT3 positive feedback loop, which promotes glioma progression. Our study clarifies a mechanism by which hypoxia and glioma influence autophagy and M2-like macrophage polarization via exosomes, which could advance the formation of the immunosuppressive microenvironment. Our findings suggest that IL-6 and miR-155-3p may be novel biomarkers for diagnosing glioma and that treatments targeting autophagy and the STAT3 pathway may contribute to antitumor immunotherapy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yerin Kim ◽  
Na Youn Lee ◽  
Yoo Sun Kim ◽  
Yuri Kim

Abstract Objectives Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs) are consisted of tumor microenvironment (TME), which are involved in cancer progression and metastasis. Interactions within TME induce M2 macrophage phenotype, TAMs, and activate TAFs. β-carotene (BC) is a well-known antioxidant and showed protective effects on several diseases, including cancers. The object of this study is to investigate the anti-colorectal cancer (CRC) effects of BC by controlling macrophage polarization and fibroblast activation. Methods TAMs were induced by treating with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in U937 cells and TAFs were induced by treating with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in CCD-18Co cells. To understand the effect of TME on cancer cells, HCT116 colon cancer cells were co-cultured with TAM or TAF conditioned media. The effects of BC on the expressions of cancer stem cells (CSCs) markers, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers along with invasion and migration were investigated. To confirm these results, the azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis-associated CRC mice model was used. Results BC decreased M2 macrophage polarization with activating IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathways and suppressed the expressions of fibroblast activation markers and EMT markers. In addition, BC inhibited the expressions of TME-induced CSCs markers and EMT and suppressed cell invasion and migration. Furthermore, BC supplementation suppressed tumorigenesis and the expressions of M2 macrophage-associated markers, including CD206, Arg1, and Ym-1 as well as CSCs markers in vivo. Conclusions BC suppressed CRC by regulating TAMs and TAFs in vitro and in vivo, which indicated the potential therapeutic effects of BC on inflammatory diseases. Funding Sources This research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education and Brain Korea 21 Plus.


Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 3133-3133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Montillo ◽  
Sara Miqueleiz ◽  
Alessandra Tedeschi ◽  
Francesca Ricci ◽  
Eleonora Vismara ◽  
...  

Abstract Fludarabine (F) in combination with cyclophosphamide (C) showed a relevant advantage over single-agent F in pts with relapsed CLL. Although minimal residual disease (MRD) remains detectable in many pts achieving CR, the combination of F and C seems to reduce MRD more efficiently. Still, pts in CR eventually relapse and require treatment, demonstrating the need for improved treatments able to further reduce or eliminate MRD and induce “better quality” and thus more durable responses. Alemtuzumab (CAM), anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody, acts synergistically with F in vitro and appears to have synergistic activity in vivo. Additionally, CAM is highly effective at clearing disease from bone marrow, the usual site of residual disease following purine analogue-based treatment. Therefore, we designed a phase II study to determine feasibility and efficacy, overall response rate (ORR)-duration of response-ability at clearing MRD, of a 4-weekly combination regimen consisting of F, C, and CAM (FCC). The study population is represented by pts with B-CLL with relapsed or refractory disease after at least one line of treatment. Subcutaneous route of administration of CAM has been adopted in this trial. MRD was measured by 4-color flow cytometry in the bone marrow. The FCC regimen consisted of F 40 mg/m2/d os (d 1–3), C 250 mg/m2/d os (d 1–3) and CAM 10 mg sc (d 1–3). This combination was repeated on d 29 for up to 6 cycles. The dose of CAM was increased after the first cohort of 10 treated pts from 10 mg to 20 mg sc. Currently, 25 pts have been enrolled in this trial. Median age was 57 years (range 42–79), 15/25 (60%) were male, 23/25 (92%) were in Binet stage B or C, median number of prior treatment regimens was 2 (range 1–4). In six (24%) pts 17p deletion was detected. IgVH unmutated was observed in 17 (68%) pts. At the moment of writing 19 pts are eligible for evaluation of toxicity and response. The ORR was 79%, with 7 (37%) pts achieving CR, 7 (37%) pts a PR, 1 (5%) pt a PRn. Three pts had SD, while 1 showed progression of the disease. MRD negativity was achieved in the bone marrow of 4/15 (27%) pts. Grade III-IV neutropenia episodes were observed in 43% of the administered courses while grade III-IV thrombocytopenia episodes were detected only in 8% of cycles. Four major infections were recorded: two sustained by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (1 cutis, 1 lung), one by Nocardia (lung) and one by E. coli (sepsis). The patient with pneumonia due to M. tuberculosis died because of respiratory failure. CMV reactivation occurred in 6 pts: no CMV disease was recorded. After a median follow up of 10 m (range 1–22) 73% of responding pts did not progressed. In conclusion, results from the interim analysis of this new, 4-weekly dosing FCC regimen suggest that combination therapy with F, C and CAM is feasible, safe, and effective in treating pts with relapsed and refractory CLL, even in those patients with inherent poor prognostic factors and who had received.


2020 ◽  
Vol 295 (20) ◽  
pp. 7018-7032 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guibin Fang ◽  
Yuan Fu ◽  
Shixun Li ◽  
Junxiong Qiu ◽  
Manyuan Kuang ◽  
...  

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a widely-used surgical intervention for treating patients with end-stage degenerative and inflammatory osteoarthropathy. However, wear particles from the artificial titanium joint can induce osteolysis, limiting the long-term survivorship of THA. Monocyte/macrophage lineage cells are the key players in the response to wear particles, and the proinflammatory NF-κB and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)–AKT Ser/Thr kinase (AKT)-signaling pathways have been shown to be the most important contributors to wear particle–induced osteolysis. In contrast, ubiquitin-specific protease 14 (USP14) specifically removes the polyubiquitin chains from the nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor family Caspase recruitment domain (CARD)–containing 5 (NLRC5) and thereby enhances the NLRC5-mediated inhibition of NF-κB signaling. In this study, we aimed to clarify the role of the USP14–NLRC5 pathway in wear particle–induced osteolysis in vitro and in vivo. We found that NLRC5 or USP14 overexpression inhibits titanium particle–induced proinflammatory tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) production and NF-κB pathway activation, and it also decreases M1 macrophage polarization and PI3K/AKT pathway activation. Of note, NLRC5 and USP14 overexpression attenuated titanium particle–induced cranial osteolysis in mice. In conclusion, the findings of our study indicate that the USP14–NLRC5 pathway inhibits titanium particle–induced osteolysis by suppressing the NF-κB and PI3K/AKT pathways both in vitro and in vivo.


2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengxue Zhang ◽  
Bowen Wang ◽  
Go Urabe ◽  
Xudong Shi ◽  
Lian-Wang Guo

Rationale: The enhancer of zeste homologs 1 and 2 (EZH1 and EZH2) are histone-lysine N-methyltransferases that modify histones by methylation which leads to transcriptional repression. It has recently been shown that EZH1 and EZH2 play an important role in various cancers. Whether they play a role in recurrent vascular diseases is not known. Objective: We assessed whether EZH1 and EZH2 are important contributors to the development of intimal hyperplasia (IH) and restenosis. Methods and Results: Following rat carotid balloon angioplasty, EZH2 showed highest expression at day 3 post procedure and then decreased at day 7 in injured arteries, as determined by Western blotting. Change of EZH1 is less prominent. Dual inhibition of EZH1 and EZH2 through peri-adventitial administration of a selective inhibitor, UNC-1999, effectively inhibited intimal hyperplasia, with ~40% reduction in the ratio of intima to media (I/M). Moreover, in cultured primary rat smooth muscle cells (SMCs) as well as MOVAS cells, pretreatment with 5μM UNC-1999 resulted in a 60% decrease in cell proliferation and ~80% reduction of migration that were stimulated by PDGF-BB. Simultaneous knockdown of EZH1 and EZH2, as well as knockdown of their shared scaffold protein(EED), led to effective inhibition of proliferation and migration of SMCs. However, knockdown of EZH2 alone did not recapitulate the effects of dual inhibition of EZH1 and EZH2. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that dual inhibition of EZH1 and EZH2, both histone modifiers, mitigates intimal hyperplasia in vivo and attenuates PDGF-BB stimulated SMC proliferation and migration in vitro.


Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 3683-3683
Author(s):  
Jerome Paggetti ◽  
Guy J. Berchem ◽  
Etienne Moussay

Abstract Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by the accumulation in the blood and the primary lymphoid organs of long-lasting, mature, but non-functional B lymphocytes. Although CLL B cells can survive for long time periods in vivo, cells are undergoing apoptosis relatively quickly in vitro. This spontaneous apoptosis and their sensitivity to drugs is strongly reduced in presence of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and endothelial cells (EC), which provide anti-apoptotic stimuli to CLL cells via direct contact or secretion of soluble factors. We recently reported the first profiling of circulating miRNA obtained from plasma of CLL patients (Moussay et al., PNAS, 2011). Specific miRNAs were found at higher level in the plasma of CLL patients compared to healthy donors. Exosomes, which are small extracellular vesicles of 50-150 nm originating from endosomes, are now known to efficiently transport nucleic acids and transfer mRNA, microRNA and proteins to target cells. Therefore, exosomes constitute a new component of intercellular communication and their role in CLL remains totally unknown. The specific miRNA signature from plasma of CLL patients combined with our observations that primary CLL B cells can transfer vesicles to MSC through 0.4 µm culture inserts in vitro prompted us to investigate whether CLL B cells secrete exosomes that could modify cells of the bone marrow microenvironment to produce tumor growth promoting factors locally in order to favor their own survival. We isolated, purified and characterized exosomes derived from CLL cell lines, primary cells culture supernatants and plasma from CLL patients. Proteins, mRNA and microRNAs contents were evaluated by high-throughput methods (LC-MS, microarrays) revealing in particular the presence of oncogenic molecules. In vitro, purified CLL-exosomes were found to rapidly enter target cells (already after 1h in MSC and endothelial cells) and to transfer proteins and miRNA. Flow cytometry showed that transferred proteins were expressed at cell surface. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miRNAs were efficient in targeting cellular mRNA. Exosomes could also be taken up ex vivo and in vivo by mouse bone marrow cells. Functionally, CLL-exosomes activated key signaling pathways (PI3K, AKT, and MAPK) Immunoblotting indicated the rapid phosphorylation of kinases after 5 min of incubation with CLL-exosomes and the subsequent activation of the canonical NF-kB pathway. We also observed that CLL-exosomes modulated gene expression in target cells among which cytokines (BAFF, IL-6, and IL-8), chemokines (CCL2/MCP-1, CCL5/RANTES, and CXCL1), and other factors involved in cell adhesion and migration (ICAM-1 and MMP-1). These factors were also secreted in the supernatants of MSC and EC as detected by antibody arrays. Exosomes were also shown to increase MSC and EC proliferation, to stimulate actin remodeling, cell migration and to enhance EC angiogenic capabilities (tube formation and aortic ring assays). In conclusion, CLL-exosomes contain pro-oncogenic molecules and strongly affect key functions of MSC and EC which are critical component of the bone marrow microenvironment. Activation of these cells by CLL-exosomes led to release of cytokines/chemokines and oncogenic factors that could promote angiogenesis and also favor leukemic cells survival and migration. Our findings may lead to applications in both diagnosis and therapy development. Molecules identified at the surface or inside CLL-exosomes may be further used as cancer biomarkers. Finally, the description of cell-to-cell communication mechanisms will generate opportunities of innovative therapeutic strategies and confirms the crucial role of exosomes in the development of CLL. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 4677-4677
Author(s):  
Benedetta Apollonio ◽  
Tania Veliz Rodriguez ◽  
Cristina Scielzo ◽  
Maria Teresa Sabrina Bertilaccio ◽  
Lydia Scarfò ◽  
...  

Abstract B-Cell Receptor (BCR) triggering and responsiveness play a crucial role in the survival and expansion of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) clones. In the recent past, several groups including ours have investigated the activation status of the signaling pathways originating from the leukemic BCR. Specifically we found that around 50% of CLL patients display a biochemical signature characterized by constitutive phosphorylation of ERK1/2 (pERK(+)) and constitutive nuclear translocation of NF-ATc1. These cases are unable to respond in vitro to BcR stimulation and are resistant to spontaneous apoptosis, thus resembling B lymphocytes previously anergized in vivo. Similar biochemical and functional features have been recently demonstrated in B leukemic cells persisting in the blood in patients treated with the BTK inhibitor, Ibrutinib, thereby making anergy an attractive target on the way to obtain eradication of the disease. CLL-associated B cell anergy can be specifically targeted by using different MAPK-inhibitors that have been shown to induce apoptosis selectively in the group of pERK(+) CLL. These data suggested that MAPK signalling can be efficiently inhibited in CLL for therapeutic purpose and that the phosphorylation status of ERK1/2 may represent a reliable biomarker to predict and monitor treatment response. However, even if the tested compounds were shown to be extremely efficient in inhibiting ERK1/2 phosphorylation in vitro, a lack of clinical activity was reported for many of them when tested in patients, mostly with solid tumors. In the present work, we used Trametinib, a specific MEK1/2 inhibitor, recently approved as a single-agent for the treatment of V600E mutated metastatic melanoma, and we investigated, at preclinical level, its activity in both primary CLL samples and a xenograft leukemic mouse model. Trametinib treatment completely inhibited constitutive ERK1/2 phosphorylation in 10 pERK1/2(+) samples at 3uM after 30 minutes treatment. Additionally, in 23 patients Trametinib treatment for 48 hours reduced cell viability in the cells from all 12 pERK1/2(+) patients (28,2% ± 3,5 mean survival) tested as compared to those from the pERK(-) group (11 cases, 58,1% ± 3,8 mean survival, p< 0,0001). To strengthen our in vitro data, we evaluated the effect of Trametinib administration in the xenograft Rag2-/-gc-/- mouse model subcutaneously transplanted with the CLL cell line MEC1, characterized by specific features of anergy. Mice were subcutaneously injected with 10x106 cells and then challenged with Trametinib (oral gavage with 1mg/kg or with vehicle alone) starting from day 21 after tumour injection for 14 days. The effect of the inhibitor was monitored by tumour volume growth. Trametinb administration delayed tumour growth (p<0.05 starting at days 27) and inhibited leukemic cell dissemination in the peripheral blood, peritoneal cavity and bone marrow. In summary, our data further support the idea that blocking anergic pathways may be highly effective not only in vitro but also in vivo with potential clinical implications at least in the subset of patients whose cells are characterized by anergic features, including those with persistent lymphocytosis when treated with Ibrutinib. The preclinical efficacy shown by Trametinib, a drug already approved for clinical use, warrants the implementation of controlled studies in CLL patients. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Blood ◽  
1981 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 406-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
MR Grever ◽  
MF Siaw ◽  
WF Jacob ◽  
JA Neidhart ◽  
JS Miser ◽  
...  

Abstract A deficiency of adenosine deaminase, an enzyme important in purine nucleoside catabolism, is associated with a severe combined immunodeficiency disease in children. Inhibition of this enzyme in vitro and in vivo results in an impairment in lymphoblast proliferation. We have investigated the pharmacologic inhibition of this enzyme by 2′-deoxycoformycin in 15 patients with hematologic malignancies. Biochemical consequences of the administration of this agent were closely monitored in erythrocytes, nucleated peripheral blood and bone marrow cells, serum, and urine. A marked rise in erythrocyte dATP was accompanied by a depletion of ATP in those patients exhibiting toxicity. Most patients excreted large amounts of deoxyadenosine but not adenosine in the urine. Serum deoxyadenosine rose in patients demonstrating a marked decrease in cell mass. The biochemical disturbances and clinical toxicity, including hepatic, renal, and conjunctival abnormalities, were usually reversible. Central nervous system toxicity, which potentially was the most serious consequence, was associated with high erythrocyte dATP/ATP ratios and high levels of cerebrospinal fluid deoxyadenosine. In patients with lymphoma and leukemia, objective responses were observed but were short- lived. Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia receiving weekly low doses of the drug demonstrated minimal toxicity and some efficacy. The chemotherapeutic potential o 2′-deoxycoformycin, as either a single agent or in combination with Ara-A, merits further exploration.


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1220
Author(s):  
Tobey J. MacDonald ◽  
Jingbo Liu ◽  
Bing Yu ◽  
Anshu Malhotra ◽  
Jenny Munson ◽  
...  

Sonic hedgehog subtype of medulloblastoma (SHH MB) with metastasis or specific clinical or molecular alteration shas a poor prognosis and current therapy results in long-term cognitive impairment in the majority of survivors. Thus, a great need exists for new targeted therapeutic approaches to more effectively treat SHH MB in children. Imipramine blue (IB), a novel molecule with anti-tumor properties, inhibits the NADPH oxidase (NOX) family of enzymes, which are critical for SHH MB survival and treatment resistance. In this study, IB was encapsulated within a liposome to form a liposomal nanoparticle, Liposome-IB (Lipo-IB). This complex has the ability to cross the blood–brain barrier and be preferentially taken up by tumor cells within the brain. We demonstrated in vitro that Lipo-IB treatment caused a dose-dependent decrease in SHH MB cell viability and migration. Short-term administration of single agent Lipo-IB treatment of SHH MB in vivo significantly inhibited tumor growth, reduced the tumor volume, including a complete tumor response, and improved survival compared to control treated mice, without any observable toxicity. We conclude that Lipo-IB is a potential novel nanoparticle-based therapeutic for the treatment of SHH MB that warrants further preclinical safety and efficacy testing for development towards clinical investigation.


Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 5304-5304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ammar Adam ◽  
Kate Byth ◽  
Paul Secrist ◽  
Alwin Schuller ◽  
Corinne Reimer ◽  
...  

Abstract Over-expression of the antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL provides a common mechanism through which cancer cells gain a survival advantage and become resistant to conventional standard of care therapies. Because Bcl-2 family members play key, but partially overlapping, roles as regulators of apoptosis, simultaneous inhibition of both Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL could serve as a promising anticancer strategy. Clinical validation of this concept has been demonstrated with multiple agents targeting different Bcl2 family members. For example, recent Phase I/II trials of the dual Bcl-2 / Bcl-xL inhibitor Navitoclax demonstrated a 20% response rate in relapsed, refractory CLL patients. However, in this study dosing was often limited by chronic thrombocytopenia, a well established side effect of inhibiting Bcl-xL. Here we disclose for the first time a novel and potent BH3 mimetic (Bcl2-32), with nanomolar binding affinity for Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, (Ki = 3.3 and 8.5nM respectively). In contrast to Navitoclax which requires daily oral administration for activity, Bcl2-32 has shown promising efficacy on an intermittent dosing schedule that allows full platelet recovery between doses. In this poster, we describe the in vitro and in vivo activity profile of Bcl2-32 in a variety of cell types that highlights its potential as a dual inhibitor of Bcl2 and BclXL. In addition to exhibiting potent single agent anti-cancer activity in a sensitive Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (RS4; 11) model with (TGI >100%, P < 0.001), Bcl2-32 also potentiates the effectiveness of standard chemotherapeutic agents in less sensitive DLBCL xenograft models. Taken together, these data suggest that Bcl2-32 represents an exciting development opportunity as single agent or in combination in a broad range of hematopoietic malignancies. Disclosures Adam: Astrazenenca: Employment. Secrist:AstraZeneca: Employment.


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