Microbiome-derived inosine modulates response to checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy

Science ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 369 (6510) ◽  
pp. 1481-1489 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukas F. Mager ◽  
Regula Burkhard ◽  
Nicola Pett ◽  
Noah C. A. Cooke ◽  
Kirsty Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antitumor Immunity ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitor ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Intestinal Bacteria ◽  
Gut Barrier Function ◽  
Mouse Models Of Cancer ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Immune Pathway ◽  
Cell Expression

Several species of intestinal bacteria have been associated with enhanced efficacy of checkpoint blockade immunotherapy, but the underlying mechanisms by which the microbiome enhances antitumor immunity are unclear. In this study, we isolated three bacterial species—Bifidobacterium pseudolongum, Lactobacillus johnsonii, and Olsenella species—that significantly enhanced efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in four mouse models of cancer. We found that intestinal B. pseudolongum modulated enhanced immunotherapy response through production of the metabolite inosine. Decreased gut barrier function induced by immunotherapy increased systemic translocation of inosine and activated antitumor T cells. The effect of inosine was dependent on T cell expression of the adenosine A2A receptor and required costimulation. Collectively, our study identifies a previously unknown microbial metabolite immune pathway activated by immunotherapy that may be exploited to develop microbial-based adjuvant therapies.

scholarly journals Immune checkpoint inhibitor associated reactivation of primary membranous nephropathy responsive to rituximab

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e001287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie S Lin ◽  
Daniel Y Wang ◽  
Omar Mamlouk ◽  
William F Glass ◽  
Maen Abdelrahim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
B Lymphocytes ◽  
Membranous Nephropathy ◽  
Antitumor Immunity ◽  
Antitumor Effect ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitor ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Pleural Mesothelioma ◽  
Normal Tissues ◽  
First Case

The same mechanisms that mediate antitumor immunity from checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) can also lead to unintended targeting of normal tissues, characterized as immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Those with pre-existing autoimmune disease are believed to be particularly vulnerable for exacerbating underlying autoimmunity or inducing severe irAEs. We report the first case of CPI-associated reactivation of primary membranous nephropathy (MN) in a patient with pleural mesothelioma responding to immunotherapy. Due to its specificity in targeting B-lymphocytes, rituximab was used to treat primary MN with the expectation that this would not interfere with the benefits gained from T cell-mediated antitumor immunity. Rituximab was effective in treating CPI-associated reactivation of MN, and the patient was successfully rechallenged with nivolumab and maintained stable kidney function and sustained clinical antitumor effect. While exacerbation of pre-existing autoimmune diseases from CPIs is common, therapy for autoimmune reactivation can be rationally directed by an understanding of the immunosuppressive mechanism with goals of cancer treatment.

scholarly journals Modulation of Gut Microbiota to Enhance Effect of Checkpoint Inhibitor Immunotherapy

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianmin Wu ◽  
Shan Wang ◽  
Bo Zheng ◽  
Xinyao Qiu ◽  
Hongyang Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitor ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Treatment Needs ◽  
Treatment Complication ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy ◽  
The Relationship

Accumulating evidence demonstrated the crucial role of gut microbiota in many human diseases, including cancer. Checkpoint inhibitor therapy has emerged as a novel treatment and has been clinically accepted as a major therapeutic strategy for cancer. Gut microbiota is related to cancer and the effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and supplement with specific bacterial species can restore or enhance the responses to the ICIs. Namely, specified bacteria can serve as the biomarkers for distinguishing the patient who will respond to ICIs and determine the effectiveness of ICIs, as well as predicting the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy. Regardless of the significant findings, the relationship between gut microbiota and the effect of ICIs treatment needs a more thorough understanding to provide more effective therapeutic plans and reduce treatment complication. In this review, we summarized the role of gut microbiota played in immune system and cancer. We mainly focus on the relationship between gut microbiota and the checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy.

scholarly journals Checkpoint inhibitor induced hepatitis and the relation with liver metastasis and outcome in advanced melanoma patients

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maaike Biewenga ◽  
Monique K. van der Kooij ◽  
Michel W. J. M. Wouters ◽  
Maureen J. B. Aarts ◽  
Franchette W. P. J. van den Berkmortel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
Liver Metastasis ◽  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Real World ◽  
Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitor ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Melanoma Patients

Abstract Background Checkpoint inhibitor-induced hepatitis is an immune-related adverse event of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibition, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated 4 (CTLA-4) inhibition or the combination of both. Aim of this study was to assess whether checkpoint inhibitor-induced hepatitis is related to liver metastasis and outcome in a real-world nationwide cohort. Methods Data from the prospective nationwide Dutch Melanoma Treatment Registry (DMTR) was used to analyze incidence, risk factors of checkpoint inhibitor-induced grade 3–4 hepatitis and outcome. Results 2561 advanced cutaneous melanoma patients received 3111 treatments with checkpoint inhibitors between May 2012 and January 2019. Severe hepatitis occurred in 30/1620 (1.8%) patients treated with PD-1 inhibitors, in 29/1105 (2.6%) patients treated with ipilimumab and in 80/386 (20.7%) patients treated with combination therapy. Patients with hepatitis had a similar prevalence of liver metastasis compared to patients without hepatitis (32% vs. 27%; p = 0.58 for PD-1 inhibitors; 42% vs. 29%; p = 0.16 for ipilimumab; 38% vs. 43%; p = 0.50 for combination therapy). There was no difference in median progression free and overall survival between patients with and without hepatitis (6.0 months vs. 5.4 months progression-free survival; p = 0.61; 17.0 vs. 16.2 months overall survival; p = 0.44). Conclusion Incidence of hepatitis in a real-world cohort is 1.8% for PD-1 inhibitor, 2.6% for ipilimumab and 20.7% for combination therapy. Checkpoint inhibitor-induced hepatitis had no relation with liver metastasis and had no negative effect on the outcome.

scholarly journals How to Best Exploit Immunotherapeutics in Advanced Gastric Cancer: Between Biomarkers and Novel Cell-Based Approaches

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1412
Author(s):  
Michele Ghidini ◽  
Angelica Petrillo ◽  
Andrea Botticelli ◽  
Dario Trapani ◽  
Alessandro Parisi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gastric Cancer ◽  
Advanced Gastric Cancer ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitor ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Predictive Biomarkers ◽  
Clinical Implementation ◽  
T Cell Therapy ◽  
Dismal Prognosis

Despite extensive research efforts, advanced gastric cancer still has a dismal prognosis with conventional treatment options. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment landscape for many solid tumors. Amongst gastric cancer subtypes, tumors with microsatellite instability and Epstein Barr Virus positive tumors provide the strongest rationale for responding to immunotherapy. Various predictive biomarkers such as mismatch repair status, programmed death ligand 1 expression, tumor mutational burden, assessment of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and circulating biomarkers have been evaluated. However, results have been inconsistent due to different methodologies and thresholds used. Clinical implementation therefore remains a challenge. The role of immune checkpoint inhibitors in gastric cancer is emerging with data from monotherapy in the heavily pre-treated population already available and studies in earlier disease settings with different combinatorial approaches in progress. Immune checkpoint inhibitor combinations with chemotherapy (CT), anti-angiogenics, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, anti-Her2 directed therapy, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors or dual checkpoint inhibitor strategies are being explored. Moreover, novel strategies including vaccines and CAR T cell therapy are also being trialed. Here we provide an update on predictive biomarkers for response to immunotherapy with an overview of their strengths and limitations. We discuss clinical trials that have been reported and trials in progress whilst providing an account of future steps needed to improve outcome in this lethal disease.

scholarly journals Differences in TCR repertoire and T cell activation underlie the divergent outcomes of antitumor immune responses in tumor-eradicating versus tumor-progressing hosts

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. e001615
Author(s):  
Rachel A Woolaver ◽  
Xiaoguang Wang ◽  
Alexandra L Krinsky ◽  
Brittany C Waschke ◽  
Samantha M Y Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Single Cell ◽  
T Cell Activation ◽  
Antitumor Immunity ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Tcr Repertoire ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Personalized Cancer

BackgroundAntitumor immunity is highly heterogeneous between individuals; however, underlying mechanisms remain elusive, despite their potential to improve personalized cancer immunotherapy. Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) vary significantly in immune infiltration and therapeutic responses between patients, demanding a mouse model with appropriate heterogeneity to investigate mechanistic differences.MethodsWe developed a unique HNSCC mouse model to investigate underlying mechanisms of heterogeneous antitumor immunity. This model system may provide a better control for tumor-intrinsic and host-genetic variables, thereby uncovering the contribution of the adaptive immunity to tumor eradication. We employed single-cell T-cell receptor (TCR) sequencing coupled with single-cell RNA sequencing to identify the difference in TCR repertoire of CD8 tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and the unique activation states linked with different TCR clonotypes.ResultsWe discovered that genetically identical wild-type recipient mice responded heterogeneously to the same squamous cell carcinoma tumors orthotopically transplanted into the buccal mucosa. While tumors initially grew in 100% of recipients and most developed aggressive tumors, ~25% of recipients reproducibly eradicated tumors without intervention. Heterogeneous antitumor responses were dependent on CD8 T cells. Consistently, CD8 TILs in regressing tumors were significantly increased and more activated. Single-cell TCR-sequencing revealed that CD8 TILs from both growing and regressing tumors displayed evidence of clonal expansion compared with splenic controls. However, top TCR clonotypes and TCR specificity groups appear to be mutually exclusive between regressing and growing TILs. Furthermore, many TCRα/TCRβ sequences only occur in one recipient. By coupling single-cell transcriptomic analysis with unique TCR clonotypes, we found that top TCR clonotypes clustered in distinct activation states in regressing versus growing TILs. Intriguingly, the few TCR clonotypes shared between regressors and progressors differed greatly in their activation states, suggesting a more dominant influence from tumor microenvironment than TCR itself on T cell activation status.ConclusionsWe reveal that intrinsic differences in the TCR repertoire of TILs and their different transcriptional trajectories may underlie the heterogeneous antitumor immune responses in different hosts. We suggest that antitumor immune responses are highly individualized and different hosts employ different TCR specificities against the same tumors, which may have important implications for developing personalized cancer immunotherapy.

scholarly journals Melanoma Brain Metastases in the Era of Targeted Therapy and Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1489
Author(s):  
John M. Rieth ◽  
Umang Swami ◽  
Sarah L. Mott ◽  
Mario Zanaty ◽  
Michael D. Henry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
Brain Metastases ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitor ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Performance Status ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Poor Performance Status ◽  
Poor Overall Survival ◽  
Melanoma Brain Metastases

Brain metastases commonly develop in melanoma and are associated with poor overall survival of about five to nine months. Fortunately, new therapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and BRAF/MEK inhibitors, have been developed. The aim of this study was to identify outcomes of different treatment strategies in patients with melanoma brain metastases in the era of checkpoint inhibitors. Patients with brain metastases secondary to melanoma were identified at a single institution. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify baseline and treatment factors, which correlated with progression-free and overall survival. A total of 209 patients with melanoma brain metastases were identified. The median overall survival of the cohort was 5.3 months. On multivariable analysis, the presence of non-cranial metastatic disease, poor performance status (ECOG 2–4), whole-brain radiation therapy, and older age at diagnosis of brain metastasis were associated with poorer overall survival. Craniotomy (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.45–0.97) and treatment with a CTLA-4 checkpoint inhibitor (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.32–0.94) were the only interventions associated with improved overall survival. Further studies with novel agents are needed to extend lifespan in patients with brain metastases in melanoma.

scholarly journals Rethinking immune checkpoint blockade: ‘Beyond the T cell’

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. e001460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiuting Liu ◽  
Graham D Hogg ◽  
David G DeNardo
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Antitumor Immunity ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Clinical Success ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Blockade ◽  
Checkpoint Blockade

The clinical success of immune checkpoint inhibitors has highlighted the central role of the immune system in cancer control. Immune checkpoint inhibitors can reinvigorate anti-cancer immunity and are now the standard of care in a number of malignancies. However, research on immune checkpoint blockade has largely been framed with the central dogma that checkpoint therapies intrinsically target the T cell, triggering the tumoricidal potential of the adaptive immune system. Although T cells undoubtedly remain a critical piece of the story, mounting evidence, reviewed herein, indicates that much of the efficacy of checkpoint therapies may be attributable to the innate immune system. Emerging research suggests that T cell-directed checkpoint antibodies such as anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) or programmed death-ligand-1 (PD-L1) can impact innate immunity by both direct and indirect pathways, which may ultimately shape clinical efficacy. However, the mechanisms and impacts of these activities have yet to be fully elucidated, and checkpoint therapies have potentially beneficial and detrimental effects on innate antitumor immunity. Further research into the role of innate subsets during checkpoint blockade may be critical for developing combination therapies to help overcome checkpoint resistance. The potential of checkpoint therapies to amplify innate antitumor immunity represents a promising new field that can be translated into innovative immunotherapies for patients fighting refractory malignancies.

scholarly journals Rheumatic Manifestations in Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 3389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Konstantinos Melissaropoulos ◽  
Kalliopi Klavdianou ◽  
Alexandra Filippopoulou ◽  
Fotini Kalofonou ◽  
Haralabos Kalofonos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Inflammatory Arthritis ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Antitumor Immunity ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Musculoskeletal Complaints ◽  
Moderate Severity ◽  
Rheumatic Manifestations ◽  
New Onset

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are monoclonal antibodies that activate the immune system, aiming at enhancing antitumor immunity. Their clinical efficacy is well-documented, but the side effects associated with their use are still under investigation. These drugs cause several immune-related adverse events (ir-AEs), some of which stand within the field of rheumatology. Herein, we present a literature review performed in an effort to evaluate all publicly available clinical data regarding rheumatic manifestations associated with ICIs. The most common musculoskeletal ir-AEs are inflammatory arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica and myositis. Non-musculoskeletal rheumatic manifestations are less frequent, with the most prominent being sicca, vasculitides and sarcoidosis. Cases of systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma are extremely rare. The majority of musculoskeletal ir-AEs are of mild/moderate severity and can be managed with steroids with no need for ICI discontinuation. In severe cases, more intense immunosuppressive therapy and permanent ICI discontinuation may be employed. Oncologists should periodically screen patients receiving ICIs for new-onset inflammatory musculoskeletal complaints and seek a rheumatology consultation in cases of persisting symptoms.

scholarly journals Systemic inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokine profile predict response to checkpoint inhibitor treatment in NSCLC: a prospective study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego Kauffmann-Guerrero ◽  
Kathrin Kahnert ◽  
Rosemarie Kiefl ◽  
Laura Sellmer ◽  
Julia Walter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prospective Study ◽  
Systemic Inflammation ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitor ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Single Agent ◽  
Cytokine Profile ◽  
Second Line ◽  
Cytokine Profiles ◽  
Ifn Γ ◽  
Nsclc Patients

AbstractTreatment with single agent immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has tremendously changed second line therapy in NSCLC. However, there are still no reliable biomarkers predicting response and survival in this group of patients. PD-L1 revealed to be a correlating, but no perfect marker. Therefore, we sought to investigate in this prospective study, whether inflammation status and cytokine profile could serve as additional biomarkers guiding treatment decision for single agent ICIs in NSCLC. 29 stage IV NSCLC patients receiving single agent PD-1 checkpoint-inhibitor in second line were prospectively enrolled. Inflammatory scores and cytokine profiles (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IFN-γ and TNFα) have been obtained before treatment and at the time of the first staging. Cytokine profiles were correlated with response and survival. Patients with signs of pre-therapeutic inflammation (elevated, NLR, SII, IL-6, IL-8) showed significantly lower response to ICI treatment and reduced PFS. Contrary, elevated levels of IFN-γ revealed to characterize a subgroup of patients, who significantly benefits from ICI treatment. Furthermore, low systemic inflammation and high levels of IFN-γ characterized patients with long term-response to ICI treatment. Pre-therapeutic assessment of inflammation and cytokine profiles has the ability to predict response and survival in NSCLC patients treated with single agent ICIs.

scholarly journals Acute Tubulointerstitial Nephritis in a Patient on Anti-Programmed Death-Ligand 1 Triggered by COVID-19: A Case Report

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 205435812110147
Author(s):  
Dimitry Buyansky ◽  
Catherine Fallaha ◽  
François Gougeon ◽  
Marie-Noëlle Pépin ◽  
Jean-François Cailhier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Tubulointerstitial Nephritis ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitor ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Programmed Death Ligand 1 ◽  
Acute Tubulointerstitial Nephritis ◽  
Programmed Death ◽  
Kidney Involvement

Rationale: Immune checkpoint inhibitors are monoclonal antibodies used in the treatment of various types of cancers. The downside of using such molecules is the potential risk of developing immune-related adverse events. Factors that trigger these autoimmune side effects are yet to be elucidated. Although any organ can potentially be affected, kidney involvement is usually rare. In this case report, we describe the first known instance of a patient being treated with an inhibitor of programmed death-ligand 1 (anti-PD-L1, a checkpoint inhibitor) who develops acute tubulointerstitial nephritis after contracting the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Presenting concerns of the patient: A 62-year-old patient, on immunotherapy treatment for stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma, presents to the emergency department with symptoms of lower respiratory tract infection. Severe acute kidney injury is discovered with electrolyte imbalances requiring urgent dialysis initiation. Further testing reveals that the patient has contracted the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Diagnosis: A kidney biopsy was performed and was compatible with acute tubulointerstitial nephritis. Interventions: The patient was treated with high dose corticosteroid therapy followed by progressive tapering. Outcomes: Rapid and sustained normalization of kidney function was achieved after completion of the steroid course. Novel findings: We hypothesize that the viral infection along with checkpoint inhibitor use has created a proinflammatory environment which led to a loss of self-tolerance to renal parenchyma. Viruses may play a more important role in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity in this patient population than was previously thought.

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