scholarly journals Natural Killer and T Cell Infiltration in Canine Osteosarcoma: Clinical Implications and Translational Relevance

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aryana M. Razmara ◽  
Sean J. Judge ◽  
Alicia A. Gingrich ◽  
Sylvia M. Cruz ◽  
William T. N. Culp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Prognostic Significance ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Suitable Model ◽  
Cytotoxic Lymphocytes ◽  
Canine Osteosarcoma ◽  
Human Osteosarcoma ◽  
Tumor Studies

Metastatic osteosarcoma has a bleak prognosis in both humans and dogs, and there have been minimal therapeutic advances in recent decades to improve outcomes. Naturally occurring osteosarcoma in dogs is shown to be a highly suitable model for human osteosarcoma, and limited data suggest the similarities between species extend into immune responses to cancer. Studies show that immune infiltrates in canine osteosarcoma resemble those of human osteosarcoma, and the analysis of tumor immune constituents as predictors of therapeutic response is a promising direction for future research. Additionally, clinical studies in dogs have piloted the use of NK transfer to treat osteosarcoma and can serve as valuable precursors to clinical trials in humans. Cytotoxic lymphocytes in dogs and humans with osteosarcoma have increased activation and exhaustion markers within tumors compared with blood. Accordingly, NK and T cells have complex interactions among cancer cells and other immune cells, which can lead to changes in pathways that work both for and against the tumor. Studies focused on NK and T cell interactions within the tumor microenvironment can open the door to targeted therapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors. Specifically, PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint expression is conserved across tumors in both species, but further characterization of PD-L1 in canine osteosarcoma is needed to assess its prognostic significance compared with humans. Ultimately, a comparative understanding of T and NK cells in the osteosarcoma tumor microenvironment in both dogs and humans can be a platform for translational studies that improve outcomes in both dogs and humans with this frequently aggressive disease.

scholarly journals 9-Gene Signature Correlated With CD8+ T Cell Infiltration Activated by IFN-γ: A Biomarker of Immune Checkpoint Therapy Response in Melanoma

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kexin Yan ◽  
Yuxiu Lu ◽  
Zhangyong Yan ◽  
Yutao Wang
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Cellular Response ◽  
Antigen Processing ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Prognostic Significance ◽  
Gene Signature ◽  
Melanoma Tumor ◽  
Related Factors

PurposeTo identify CD8+ T cell-related factors and the co-expression network in melanoma and illustrate the interactions among CD8+ T cell-related genes in the melanoma tumor microenvironment.MethodWe obtained melanoma and paracancerous tissue mRNA matrices from TCGA-SKCM and GSE65904. The CIBERSORT algorithm was used to assess CD8+ T cell proportions, and the “estimate” package was used to assess melanoma tumor microenvironment purity. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was used to identify the most related co-expression modules in TCGA-SKCM and GSE65904. Subsequently, a co-expression network was built based on the joint results in the two cohorts. Subsequently, we identified the core genes of the two most relevant modules of CD8+T lymphocytes according to the module correlation, and constructed the signature using ssGSEA. Later, we compared the signature with the existing classical pathways and gene sets, and confirmed the important prognostic significance of the signature in this paper.ResultsNine co-expressed genes were identified as CD8+ T cell-related genes enriched in the cellular response to interferon−gamma process and antigen processing and presentation of peptide antigen. In the low expression level group, inflammation and immune responses were weaker. Single-cell sequencing and immunohistochemistry indicated that these nine genes were highly expressed in CD8+ T cells group.ConclusionWe identified nine-gene signature, and the signature is considered as the biomarker for T lymphocyte response and clinical response to immune checkpoint inhibitors for melanoma

scholarly journals The Many Facets of CD38 in Lymphoma: From Tumor–Microenvironment Cell Interactions to Acquired Resistance to Immunotherapy

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 802 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleonora Calabretta ◽  
Carmelo Carlo-Stella
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Acquired Resistance ◽  
Prognostic Significance ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Lymphoid Malignancies ◽  
Non Hodgkin Lymphoma ◽  
Cd38 Expression ◽  
The Many

The CD38 antigen is expressed in several hematological malignancies, and the anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies Daratumumab and Isatuximab have an established role in the therapy of multiple myeloma. However, data on the therapeutic utility of CD38 targeting in other lymphoid malignancies are limited. In chronic lymphocytic leukemia, the prognostic significance of CD38 expression is well accepted, and preclinical studies on the use of Daratumumab in monotherapy or combination therapy have demonstrated considerable efficacy. In other lymphoproliferative disorders, preclinical and clinical data have not been as compelling; however, CD38 overexpression likely contributes to resistance to checkpoint inhibitors, prompting numerous clinical trials in Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma to investigate whether blocking CD38 enhances the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors. Furthermore, due to its widespread expression in hematological tumors, CD38 represents an attractive target for cellular therapies such as CAR-T cells. The present review discusses current knowledge of CD38 expression and its implications in various lymphoid malignancies. Furthermore, it addresses current and future therapeutic perspectives, with a particular emphasis on the significance of CD38 interaction with immune cells of the tumor microenvironment. Lastly, results of ongoing studies using anti-CD38 antibodies will be reviewed.

scholarly journals Gene expression signatures delineate biological and prognostic subgroups in peripheral T-cell lymphoma

Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 123 (19) ◽  
pp. 2915-2923 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javeed Iqbal ◽  
George Wright ◽  
Chao Wang ◽  
Andreas Rosenwald ◽  
Randy D. Gascoyne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Prognostic Significance ◽  
Molecular Entity ◽  
Peripheral T Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Oncogenic Pathway ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Prognostic Importance

Key Points Diagnostic signatures for PTCL subtypes and 2 novel subgroups with distinct oncogenic pathway and prognostic importance in PTCL-NOS were identified. Demonstrated that ALK(–) ALCL is a distinct molecular entity and the tumor microenvironment has prognostic significance in AITL patients.

scholarly journals Single cell transcriptomics reveals the effect of PD-L1/TGF-β blockade on the tumor microenvironment

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoong Wearn Lim ◽  
Garry L. Coles ◽  
Savreet K. Sandhu ◽  
David S. Johnson ◽  
Adam S. Adler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Single Cell ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Single Cells ◽  
Cell Infiltration ◽  
Cytotoxic Lymphocytes ◽  
T Cell Infiltration ◽  
Anti Tumor Activity

AbstractBackgroundThe anti-tumor activity of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies correlates with T cell infiltration in tumors. Thus, a major goal in oncology is to find strategies that enhance T cell infiltration and efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy. TGF-β has been shown to contribute to T cell exclusion and anti-TGF-β improves anti-PD-L1 efficacy in vivo. However, TGF-β inhibition has frequently been shown to induce toxicity in the clinic, and the clinical efficacy of combination PD-L1 and TGF-β blockade has not yet been proven. To identify strategies to overcome resistance to PD-L1 blockade, the transcriptional programs associated with PD-L1 and/or TGF-β blockade in the tumor microenvironment should be further elucidated.ResultsFor the first time, we used single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize the transcriptomic effects of PD-L1 and/or TGF-β blockade on nearly 30,000 single cells in the tumor and surrounding microenvironment. Combination treatment led to upregulation of immune response genes, including multiple chemokine genes such as CCL5, in CD45+ cells, and down-regulation of extracellular matrix genes in CD45-cells. Analysis of publicly available tumor transcriptome profiles showed that the chemokine CCL5 was strongly associated with immune cell infiltration in various human cancers. Further investigation with in vivo models showed that intratumorally administered CCL5 enhanced cytotoxic lymphocytes and the anti-tumor activity of anti-PD-L1.ConclusionsTaken together, our data could be leveraged translationally to improve anti-PD-L1 plus anti-TGF-β combination therapy, for example through companion biomarkers, and/or to identify novel targets that could be modulated to overcome resistance.

Effect of NKTR-214 on the number and activity of CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (6_suppl) ◽  
pp. 454-454 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael E. Hurwitz ◽  
Adi Diab ◽  
Chantale Bernatchez ◽  
Cara L. Haymaker ◽  
Harriet M. Kluger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Cd8 T Cells ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes ◽  
Poor Response ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Open Label

454 Background: Patients with low baseline CD8+ T-cells within the tumor microenvironment (TILs) have a poor response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Agents designed to specifically activate and expand CD8+ T cells may improve clinical outcomes in patients with low TILs. NKTR-214 is a CD-122-biased agonist designed to provide sustained signaling through the heterodimeric IL-2 receptor pathway (IL-2Rβɣ) and preferentially activate and expand NK and effector CD8+ T cells over CD4+ T regulatory cells. Methods: A dose escalation, open-label, trial was initiated to assess the safety of NKTR-214 and explore immune changes in the blood and tumor microenvironment in patients with advanced solid tumors. NKTR-214 was administered IV in an outpatient setting with initial dosing at 0.003 mg/kg. Pre and post treatment blood and tumor samples were analyzed for immune phenotyping, gene expression, T cell receptor diversity, and changes in the tumor microenvironment by immunohistochemistry. Results: Among 25 patients dosed, 15 had RCC ([email protected]/kg, [email protected]/kg, and [email protected]/kg). Treatment with NKTR-214 was well tolerated and the MTD was not reached. One patient experienced DLTs (Gr3 syncope and hypotension) at 0.012 mg/kg. There were no immune-related AEs. Of 12 patients evaluable for response, 75% had SD at their first on treatment scan. Of 5 patients, who were immune checkpoint naïve with ≥ 1 prior TKI treatments, 3 experienced tumor shrinkage, 1 with PR per RECIST 1.1 (unconfirmed). Interrogation of the tumor microenvironment revealed many significant immunological changes post treatment, including increase in total and proliferating NK, CD8+, and CD4+ T cells. There was good correlation between increase in activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood with an increase in T cell infiltrates within the tumor tissue. Conclusions: NKTR-214 increased immune infiltration in the tumor and anti-tumor activity in patients who previously progressed on TKIs, with a favorable safety profile. The ability to alter the immune environment and increase PD-1 expression on effectors T cells may improve the effectiveness of anti-PD-1 blockade. A trial combining NKTR-214 and nivolumab is enrolling. Clinical trial information: 02869295.

Effect of STING agonist on tumor immune microenvironment of non-inflamed lung cancer and efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade.

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (5_suppl) ◽  
pp. 178-178
Author(s):  
Hongjae Chon
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Lung Carcinoma ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Immune Checkpoints ◽  
Anti Cancer

178 Background: Cancer immunotherapy targeting immune checkpoints are now emerging as a promising therapeutic strategy in various tumors. However, the treatment of T cell non-inflamed tumor which lacks intratumoral T cell infiltrates are still major clinical hurdle. Therefore, drugs that target signaling pathways to increase T cell infiltration in non-inflamed tumor microenvironment (TME) should be investigated. In this study, we aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of STING agonist in murine model of non-small cell lung cancer to overcome immunotherapy resistance. Methods: C57BL/6 mice, which are 6 to 8 weeks of age, were used for the experiment. Mice were injected with Lewis lung carcinoma cells on the right flank. STING agonist (cGAMP) was injected intratumorally. CD8+ and CD31+ cells were detected using immunofluorescence (IF) staining. Gene expressions of tumor microenvironment were analyzed by NanoString RNA sequencing. Flow cytometry (FACS) was performed to detect CD8+, CD4+, Treg and myeloid cell population. Tumor growths were evaluated in combination with anti-PD1 and STING agonist treatment. Results: Local injection of STING agonist effectively delayed tumor growth of LLC. STING agonist increased intratumoral CD8+ T cells and vascular disruption. Expressions of inhibitory checkpoint molecules (PD-1, PD-L1), cytokines (IFN), CD8+ and CD4+ T cells were increased, which showed that anti-cancer immune responses were augmented. Combination treatment of anti-PD-1 antibody and STING agonist synergistically decreased tumor growth. Conclusions: In this study, STING agonist was shown to delay tumor growth and remodel tumor microenvironment in non-inflamed lung carcinoma model. Combination therapy of STING agonist and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) targeting PD-1 synergistically suppressed the growth of lung cancer which is resistant to ICI monotherapy. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that localized STING therapy effectively sensitizes non-inflamed lung cancer to systemic ICI treatment and induces a maximal anti-cancer immune response.

scholarly journals Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment for Improving Therapeutic Effectiveness in Cancer Immunotherapy: Focusing on Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Combination Therapies

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1188
Author(s):  
I-Tsu Chyuan ◽  
Ching-Liang Chu ◽  
Ping-Ning Hsu
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Cancer Therapy ◽  
Cancer Immunotherapy ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Cell Activity ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Blockade ◽  
Immune Checkpoints

Immune checkpoints play critical roles in the regulation of T-cell effector function, and the effectiveness of their inhibitors in cancer therapy has been established. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) constitute a paradigm shift in cancer therapy in general and cancer immunotherapy in particular. Immunotherapy has been indicated to reinvigorate antitumor T-cell activity and dynamically modulate anticancer immune responses. However, despite the promising results in the use of immunotherapy in some cancers, numerous patients do not respond to ICIs without the existence of a clear predictive biomarker. Overall, immunotherapy involves a certain degree of uncertainty and complexity. Research on the exploration of cellular and molecular factors within the tumor microenvironment (TME) aims to identify possible mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance, as well as to develop novel combination strategies involving the specific targeting of the TME for cancer immunotherapy. The combination of this approach with other types of treatment, including immune checkpoint blockade therapy involving multiple agents, most of the responses and effects in cancer therapy could be significantly enhanced, but the appropriate combinations have yet to be established. Moreover, the in-depth exploration of complexity within the TME allows for the exploration of pathways of immune dysfunction. It may also aid in the identification of new therapeutic targets. This paper reviews recent advances in the improvement of therapeutic efficacy on the immune context of the TME and highlights its contribution to cancer immunotherapy.

scholarly journals Expression and Prognostic Significance of CD47–SIRPA Macrophage Checkpoint Molecules in Colorectal Cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 2690
Author(s):  
Akane Sugimura-Nagata ◽  
Akira Koshino ◽  
Satoshi Inoue ◽  
Aya Matsuo-Nagano ◽  
Masayuki Komura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Tumor Cells ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Regulatory Protein ◽  
Prognostic Significance ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Cd163 Expression ◽  
Anti Cancer

Despite the confirmed anti-cancer effects of T-cell immune checkpoint inhibitors, in colorectal cancer (CRC) they are only effective in a small subset of patients with microsatellite-unstable tumors. Thus, therapeutics targeting other types of CRCs or tumors refractory to T-cell checkpoint inhibitors are desired. The binding of aberrantly expressed CD47 on tumor cells to signal regulatory protein-alpha (SIRPA) on macrophages allows tumor cells to evade immune destruction. Based on these observations, drugs targeting the macrophage checkpoint have been developed with the expectation of anti-cancer effects against T-cell immune checkpoint inhibitor-refractory tumors. In the present study, 269 primary CRCs were evaluated immunohistochemically for CD47, SIRPA, CD68, and CD163 expression to assess their predictive utility and the applicability of CD47–SIRPA axis-modulating drugs. Thirty-five percent of the lesions (95/269) displayed CD47 expression on the cytomembrane of CRC cells. CRCs contained various numbers of tumor-associated immune cells (TAIs) with SIRPA, CD68, or CD163 expression. The log-rank test revealed that patients with CD47-positive CRCs had significantly worse survival than CD47-negative patients. Multivariate Cox hazards regression analysis identified tubular-forming histology (hazard ratio (R) = 0.23), age < 70 years (HR = 0.48), and high SIRPA-positive TAI counts (HR = 0.55) as potential favorable factors. High tumor CD47 expression (HR = 1.75), lymph node metastasis (HR = 2.26), and peritoneal metastasis (HR = 5.80) were cited as potential independent risk factors. Based on our observations, CD47–SIRPA pathway-modulating therapies may be effective in patients with CRC.

scholarly journals Role of Bladder Cancer Metabolic Reprogramming in the Effectiveness of Immunotherapy

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 288
Author(s):  
Mathijs P. Scholtes ◽  
Florus C. de Jong ◽  
Tahlita C. M. Zuiverloon ◽  
Dan Theodorescu
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
T Cell Activation ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Metabolic Reprogramming ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
T Cell Therapy ◽  
Literature Searches ◽  
The Impact

Metabolic reprogramming (MR) is an upregulation of biosynthetic and bioenergetic pathways to satisfy increased energy and metabolic building block demands of tumors. This includes glycolytic activity, which deprives the tumor microenvironment (TME) of nutrients while increasing extracellular lactic acid. This inhibits cytotoxic immune activity either via direct metabolic competition between cancer cells and cytotoxic host cells or by the production of immune-suppressive metabolites such as lactate or kynurenine. Since immunotherapy is a major treatment option in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC), MR may have profound implications for the success of such therapy. Here, we review how MR impacts host immune response to UC and the impact on immunotherapy response (including checkpoint inhibitors, adaptive T cell therapy, T cell activation, antigen presentation, and changes in the tumor microenvironment). Articles were identified by literature searches on the keywords or references to “UC” and “MR”. We found several promising therapeutic approaches emerging from preclinical models that can circumvent suppressive MR effects on the immune system. A select summary of active clinical trials is provided with examples of possible options to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy. In conclusion, the literature suggests manipulating the MR is feasible and may improve immunotherapy effectiveness in UC.

Analysis of tumor microenvironment characteristics in bladder cancer: implications for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xingyu Chen ◽  
Haotian Chen ◽  
Dong He ◽  
YaXing Cheng ◽  
Yuxing Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bladder Cancer ◽  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitor ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Prognostic Significance ◽  
Inhibitor Therapy ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy

Abstract Background The tumor microenvironment (TME) has a significant influence on prognosis and immunotherapy. There are no studies on the systematic analysis of bladder cancer TME and its effect on immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Methods We comprehensively evaluated the TME infiltration pattern of bladder cancer in 1,889 patients and conducted extensive immunogenomic analysis to explore the heterogeneity and prognostic significance of the TME of bladder cancer. The principal component analysis algorithm was used to calculate the immune cell (IC)score to quantify the level of IC infiltration. We used the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE), and Subnetwork Mappings in Alignment of Pathways (SubMAP) algorithms to evaluate whether the ICscore can predict the benefits of immune checkpoint inhibitors in bladder cancer patients. Results We identified three different TME phenotypes using unsupervised clustering methods. To explore the potential biological pathways that drive the formation of these microenvironmental phenotypes, we demonstrated the clinical and pathological characteristics, biological signaling pathways, cancer immune circulation, copy number, and somatic mutation differences among the different subtypes. In addition, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that the ICscore is a reliable and independent prognostic marker. The ICscore can also predict immune checkpoint inhibitor responsiveness as patients with higher ICscores showed a significant therapeutic advantage in immunotherapy. Conclusions This study increases our understanding of the characteristics of TME infiltration in bladder cancer and provides guidance on more effective personalized immunotherapeutic strategies.

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