bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract 5197: Identification of novel molecular biomarkers for predicting postoperative recurrence of ampulla of Vater carcinoma
Authors: Kim Hyemin , Choi Jin Ho , Jeong Hyoung-oh , Kim Aryoung , Lee Se-Hoon , Lee Kwang Hyuck , Lee Kyu Taek , Lee Jong Kyun , Lee Semin , Park Joo Kyung
Published: March 2024

Background: Ampulla of Vater (AoV) carcinoma is a rare tumor that accounts for 20 % of periampullary cancers. Surgical resection is the only treatment that can expect cure of disease, and there is still an unmet need to predict postoperative recurrence. In this study, we investigated the novel molecular biomarkers that can predict the risk of recurrence after surgery with AoV carcinoma.

Methods: In this retrospective study, we collected the surgically resected tissue and medical records of patients who were diagnosed with AoV carcinoma at Samsung Medical Center from January 2005 to December 2020. Patients were classified patients according to the initial stage and experience of tumor recurrence. Whole transcriptomic analysis using primary AOV tumor and recurred tumor tissue samples was conducted to identify the molecular biomarker for tumor recurrence.

Results: A total of 40 tumor tissue from primary site in non-recurrence group, 22 tumor tissue from primary site in recurrence group, and paired 22 tumor tissue from recurrence site were analyzed. A total of 1005 genes differentially expressed between primary tumor of non-recurrence group and recurrence group were found. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that pathways related to fatty acid metabolism, adipogenesis, oxidative phosphorylation, and hypoxia were upregulated, and pathways associated with interferon gamma response, and mTOR signaling were downregulated in recurrence group. These pathways were significantly affecting the recurrence free survival which was verified with TCGA data, and we further identified some candidate genes including PIM3, IGFBP4, SLC19A1, HIF1A and CXCL11 to predict tumor recurrence . Moreover, we found candidates for single gene level biomarkers to predict early tumor recurrence in N0 stage. Low expression of UQCC3 and high expression of CLCNKB was related to early tumor recurrence.

Conclusions: We found the candidates for novel molecular level biomarker to predict postoperative recurrence of AoV carcinoma. In the future, it is necessary to develop a predictive model for the risk of recurrence after surgical resection for AoV carcinoma.

Citation Format: Hyemin Kim, Jin Ho Choi, Hyoung-oh Jeong, Aryoung Kim, Se-Hoon Lee, Kwang Hyuck Lee, Kyu Taek Lee, Jong Kyun Lee, Semin Lee, Joo Kyung Park. Identification of novel molecular biomarkers for predicting postoperative recurrence of ampulla of Vater carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 5197.
Abstract 5199: Protease-activated CDCP1 as a marker for aggressive primary prostate cancer and castration resistance
Authors: Merivirta Ruusu-Maaria , Lehto Timo-Pekka , Rannikko Antti , Mirtti Tuomas , Koistinen Hannu
Published: March 2024

CUB domain-containing protein 1 (CDCP1) is a type 1 transmembrane protein overexpressed in many cancers, including prostate cancer. CDCP1 has been associated with tumor progression, metastasis, drug resistance and poor prognosis in prostate cancer, making it a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target. It has been shown to be overexpressed in a subset of castration resistant prostate cancers (CRPC) and cooperate with the loss of tumor suppressor PTEN to promote metastatic dissemination. Extracellular serine proteases activate CDCP1 by cleaving it into an N-terminal and C-terminal fragments. Proteolytic cleavage has been associated with the tumor-promoting functions of CDCP1. We studied the expression of full-length and cleaved form of CDCP1 in grade group 2-4 primary prostate cancer tissues and CRPCs using immunohistochemistry. Total CDCP1 staining was observed in 60% of primary prostate cancer samples, while the staining of cleaved CDCP1 was somewhat less frequently observed (45%). The results will be further analyzed regarding the PTEN status and for association with survival of the patients. In conclusion, so far, our results have indicated that cleaved CDCP1, which likely represents activated CDCP1, is detectable in GG 2-4 prostate cancers.

Citation Format: Ruusu-Maaria Merivirta, Timo-Pekka Lehto, Antti Rannikko, Tuomas Mirtti, Hannu Koistinen. Protease-activated CDCP1 as a marker for aggressive primary prostate cancer and castration resistance [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 5199.
Abstract 5200: Multiparametric MRI along with machine learning informs on molecular underpinnings, prognosis, and treatment response in pediatric low grade glioma
Authors: Nabavizadeh Ali , Kraya Adam , Rathi Komal , Kim Meen Chul , Khalili Nastaran , Familiar Ariana , Kesherwani Varun , Anderson Hannah , Gandhi Deep , Mahtabfar Aria , Bagheri Sina , Huang Xiaoyan , Zhu Yuankun , Sickler Alexander , Phul Saksham , Mueller Sabine , Koptyra Mateusz P , Storm Philip B , Ware Jeff , Song Yuanquan , Fisher Michael J , Vossough Arastoo , Davatzikos Christos , Resnick Adam C , Kazerooni Anahita Fathi
Published: March 2024

We report a comprehensive radiogenomic analysis, including multiparametric MRI and RNA sequencing of 502 tumors across 13 histological types of pediatric low-grade glioma (PLGG). Through an unsupervised analysis of treatment-naïve imaging, we were able to identify 3 distinct imaging clusters that were associated with different molecular pathways according to transcriptomic pathway analysis. Using xCell enrichment scores as input for clustering, we discovered three distinct immunological groups based on immune cell infiltration. The results suggested the presence of an ‘immune-hot” cluster within the tumors with a poorer prognosis, which may potentially benefit from emerging immunotherapies. We subsequently generated a radiomic signature that was able to predict immunological profiles. We also developed a clinicoradiomic predictive model that can assess patients’ risk of progression and predict treatment response. Finally, we evaluated the transcriptomic pathways that were most predictive of clinicoradiomic risk scores and identified the biological pathways most predictive of risk of progression in PLGG, when adjusting for molecular subtype, race, reported gender, age at diagnosis, and the anatomic location of the tumor. This is the first large-scale radiogenomic analysis in PLGG that can aid in prognostication, assessing patients’ risk of progression, predicting treatment response in conventional therapies, and early stratification of patients to identify potential candidates for targeted therapies.

Citation Format: Ali Nabavizadeh, Adam Kraya, Komal Rathi, Meen Chul Kim, Nastaran Khalili, Ariana Familiar, Varun Kesherwani, Hannah Anderson, Deep Gandhi, Aria Mahtabfar, Sina Bagheri, Xiaoyan Huang, Yuankun Zhu, Alexander Sickler, Saksham Phul, Sabine Mueller, Mateusz P Koptyra, Philip B Storm, Jeff Ware, Yuanquan Song, Michael J Fisher, Arastoo Vossough, Christos Davatzikos, Adam C Resnick, Anahita Fathi Kazerooni. Multiparametric MRI along with machine learning informs on molecular underpinnings, prognosis, and treatment response in pediatric low grade glioma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 5200.
Abstract 5226: A 3D ECM embedded tumoroid platform for testing antibody drugs and engineered TCRs for immune oncology
Authors: Danen Erik H. J.
Published: March 2024

We developed a screening platform for immune oncology using an assay based on automated image guided injection of tumoroids in wells of multi-well plates preloaded with a collagen-rich ECM. The identical x-y-z position and size of the ECM-embedded tumoroids in each well facilitates automated real time confocal microscopy and quantitative image analysis algorithms. The model is used to generate quantitative data for T cell recruitment to tumoroids and killing of tumoroids by T cells. We have applied this to screening a panel of CD3:Her2 bispecific antibodies (BsAb) binding with different affinities to CD3 or Her2 or displaying high affinity interactions with different epitopes on Her2. Exposure to fresh, non-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) derived T cells shows an initial phase of random T cell movement throughout the ECM followed by a BsAb-dependent phase of active T cell recruitment to tumoroids (day 2-4) and a subsequent phase of tumoroid killing (day 4-6). We show that the wave of T cell recruitment following initial T cell-tumoroid contact involves chemotactic signaling. Decreased affinity at the Her2 or CD3 arm can be compensated for by increasing BsAb concentrations. However, we detect major differences in efficacy for different high affinity epitopes. I.e., of two BsAbs interacting with high affinity with distinct Her2 epitopes and each causing effective tumor cell killing in 2D co-culture, only one was able to trigger a wave of T cell recruitment and subsequent tumoroid killing in 3D. We have applied the same setup to testing the efficacy of T cells expressing engineered TCRs aimed at application in adoptive T-cell therapy. Kinetics of experiments using these activated engineered T cells are considerably shorter (24 hours instead of ~6 days) but show a similar pattern of T cell recruitment and subsequent tumoroid killing. We demonstrate successful generation of quantitative data for T cell recruitment and tumoroid killing for engineered T cells targeting tumor antigens expressed on TNBC and uveal melanoma tumoroids.

Citation Format: Erik H. J. Danen. A 3D ECM embedded tumoroid platform for testing antibody drugs and engineered TCRs for immune oncology [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 5226.
Abstract 523: Aronia berry and oligomeric proanthocyanidins synergistically exhibit anticancer effects in colorectal cancer by inhibiting LMNB1
Authors: Li Yuan , Xu Caiming , Goel Ajay
Published: March 2024

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and recurrent diseases globally, ranking as the second leading cause of mortality. The high mortality rates associated with this disease are largely due to the ineffectiveness of current treatments and the development of chemotherapeutic resistance to conventional therapies. In recent years, several natural agents, such as Aronia berry extract (ABE) and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), have shown promise in providing a safe, cost-effective, and synergistically multi-targeted treatment approach across various cancers. Herein, we hypothesized that the combined treatment with ABE and OPCs may synergistically regulate multiple oncogenic pathways, thereby presenting a more potent anti-cancer activity, particularly targeting CRC. Methods: We performed a series of cell culture experiments to evaluate the synergistic anticancer effect of the combination of ABE and OPCs in CRC cell lines. By performing genome-wide transcriptomic profiling, we identified specific growth-signaling pathways targeted by the combined treatment and subsequently validated these findings in cell lines and patient-derived 3D organoids. Results: The combined treatment with ABE and OPCs exhibited superior synergistic anti-tumor potential, affecting cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion in CRC cells. The transcriptomic analysis identified that LMNB1, associated with the cell apoptosis pathway Fold enrichment [FC]: 4.29, P =0.005), plays a crucial role in the anti-tumorigenic effects of these two natural products. Moreover, the combination of ABE and OPCs significantly altered the expression of key proteins involved in cell apoptosis and suppressed the expression level of LMNB1 in HCT116 (Combination vs. ABE, FC= 0.28; Combination vs. OPCs, FC= 0.24) and SW480 (Combination vs. ABE, FC= 0.65; Combination vs. OPCs, FC= 0.47), thereby inhibiting downstream Akt phosphorylation. Finally, we successfully demonstrated that the combined treatment displayed a superior anti-cancer activity in 3D organoids, significantly reducing both their number and size (P < 0.05). Conclusion: We present novel evidence for the synergistic anticancer effects of ABE and OPCs in CRC cells, which are in part achieved by regulating cellular apoptosis and the oncogene LMNB1 within the Akt signaling pathway.

Citation Format: Yuan Li, Caiming Xu, Ajay Goel. Aronia berry and oligomeric proanthocyanidins synergistically exhibit anticancer effects in colorectal cancer by inhibiting LMNB1 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 523.
Abstract 5245: Anti-CSPG4 CAR-Macrophages synergize with anti-CD47 in melanoma cytotoxicity
Authors: Greiner Daniel , Xue Qian , Waddell Trinity , Roh-Johnson Minna
Published: March 2024

While CAR T-cells have been a success in treating liquid tumors, these successes have not been replicated in solid tumors. There are several reasons for these challenges, including physical matrix barriers and increased tumor antigen heterogeneity in solid tumors. Macrophages are frequently found in melanoma tumors, even in those that have low T-cell infiltrate, suggesting macrophages are well equipped to penetrate the physical barriers surrounding solid tumors. Macrophages are also antigen-presenting cells, thus, if macrophages phagocytose the tumor, they will likely present additional antigens to T-cells, potentially enhancing the adaptive immune response in cancer treatment. Thus, we hypothesized that macrophages expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CAR-Macrophages or CAR-Ms) are able to access solid tumors, phagocytose cancer cells, and subsequently re-educate the tumor immune environment by directly polarizing tumor-associated macrophages and by presenting novel antigens to recruit and educate adaptive immune cells. To test these hypotheses, we generated CAR-Ms with primary human macrophages using an scFV specific to chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4), a highly expressed antigen enriched and specific to melanoma tumors, and an intracellular activation domain to promote phagocytosis. We found that anti-CSPG4 CAR-Ms phagocytosed human melanoma cells at high efficiency, however, this phagocytosis did not result in high levels of melanoma cell cytotoxicity. To improve CAR-M-mediated melanoma cell death engulfment, we blocked the anti-CD47/SIRPα (“don’t eat me”) signaling axis with an anti-CD47 blocking antibody, which resulted in additive effects for phagocytosis, and a robust effect on the melanoma cell killing. Preliminary in vivo xenograft experiments suggest that anti-CSPG4 CAR-Ms alone delay melanoma growth. We are now testing whether combining anti-CD47 and CSPG4 CAR-Ms therapies in vivo can 1) further reduce primary tumor growth and 2) prevent recurrence following surgical resection by treating remnants of the tumor. Our work shows that CSPG4 CAR-M-mediated killing of CSPG4-positive cancer cells is significantly enhanced when in combination with anti-CD47 antibody treatment.

Citation Format: Daniel Greiner, Qian Xue, Trinity Waddell, Minna Roh-Johnson. Anti-CSPG4 CAR-Macrophages synergize with anti-CD47 in melanoma cytotoxicity [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 5245.
Abstract 526: Identification of CDK6 binding proteins by proximity labeling reveals novel mechanisms for CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance in breast cancer
Authors: Ting Chung Wei , Zhuang Yong-Ji , Lin Chih-Yi , Yu Chung-Jen , Chao Ta-Chung , Tseng Ling-Ming , Liu Chun-Yu , Tsai Yi-Fang , Huang Chi-Cheng , Lai Jiun-I
Published: March 2024

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancer type in human, and the majority (~70%) is the hormone positive (HR+) subtype. The current frontline treatment of choice in metastatic HR(+) breast cancer is CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) combined with endocrine therapy. Current guidelines recommend CDK4/6i treatment as 1st or 2nd line, as CDK4/6i provides survival benefit and good quality of life. However, resistance eventually emerges, leading to discontinuation of CDK4/6i and switching to subsequent treatment. Investigation of mechanisms to CDK4/6i resistance is an active area of intense research. CDK6 overexpression has been reported as an important mechanism for CDK4/6i resistance by several independent groups. We incidentally discovered a point mutation in the CDK6 protein that abolishes the CDK4/6i resistance conferred by CDK6 overexpression. When treated with CDK4/6i, overexpression of wild type CDK6 did not suppress G1/S, while both non-transfected and overexpression of mutant CDK6 both had similar suppression of G1/S. We hypothesized that a binding partner to CDK6 demonstrated differential binding activity to the mutant which abolished the resistance by CDK6 overexpression. To assess this hypothesis, we performed proximity labeling (PL) by APEX2. Both wild type and mutant CDK6 were cloned into APEX-Flag/V5 vectors with either cytoplasm (NES) or nuclear (NLS) signals. Mass spectrometry following treatment by H2O2 induced biotinylation produced candidate peptides that bound with overexpressed CDK6. We identified leading candidates of differentially binding partners that bound to mutant CDK6. Further experimental validation was performed to confirm physical proximity between CDK6 and the candidate protein. Our research uncovered novel insights to how CDK6 conferred resistance towards CDK4/6i and expands knowledge into further therapeutic development.

Citation Format: Chung Wei Ting, Yong-Ji Zhuang, Chih-Yi Lin, Chung-Jen Yu, Ta-Chung Chao, Ling-Ming Tseng, Chun-Yu Liu, Yi-Fang Tsai, Chi-Cheng Huang, Jiun-I Lai. Identification of CDK6 binding proteins by proximity labeling reveals novel mechanisms for CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance in breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 526.
Abstract 5275: Celecoxib and chloroquine enhance the antitumor effect of immune checkpoint blockade therapy, in a syngeneic mouse model for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Moore Jaeger , Chand Dhan , Levey Daniel , Von Hoff Daniel , Han Haiyong
Published: March 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown impressive clinical activities in some cancer types, but they have yet to demonstrate any meaningful clinical benefit in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) except those with microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) tumors. Several recent studies showed that concomitant use of NSAIDs such as celecoxib by patients with certain cancers could improve the survival benefit of ICI treatment (e.g., Sebastian et al, Clin Lung Cancer, 2023;). Furthermore, autophagy inhibitors such as chloroquine were also reported to sensitize pancreatic tumors to the treatment of ICIs in mouse models for PDAC (Yamamoto, et al, Nature, 2020). We recently reported that the combination of chemotherapy (triple combination of nab-paclitaxel + gemcitabine + cisplatin) and a mouse surrogate of the IFc-enhanced anti-CTLA-4 antibody botensilimab, showed significantly improved antitumor activity in immune competent KPC syngeneic mouse model for PDAC [Tanne, et al, Cancer Res (13_Supplement), 2020]. In this study, we sought to determine whether or not the addition of celecoxib and/or chloroquine further improve the antitumor activity of triple chemotherapy and ICI in the syngeneic KPC model. We first found that celecoxib (30mg/kg P.O. QDx21) significantly enhanced the tumor growth inhibition when added to triple chemotherapy (Gemcitabine 70mg/kg I.P., Cisplatin 4mg/kg I.P., Nab-paclitaxel 25mg/kg I.V. days 1,4 and 7) plus the murine equivalents of botensilimab (100ug I.P. BIW for three weeks) and balstilimab (200ug I.P. BIW for three weeks) (p=0.004, N=10). We then performed a pilot study to assess if adding chloroquine could further improve the activity. While adding chloroquine (60mg/kg I.P. QDx21) alone did not significantly affect tumor growth the addition of both chloroquine and celecoxib greatly improve the tumor growth inhibition compared to just the triple chemotherapy and ICIs (p=0.009, N=5). Overall, our data showed that celecoxib or the combination of celecoxib and chloroquine could substantially sensitize the mouse pancreatic tumors to the treatment of chemotherapy and ICIs. (This work was supported in part by the Seena Magowitz Foundation and the Purple Pansies)

Citation Format: Jaeger Moore, Dhan Chand, Daniel Levey, Daniel Von Hoff, Haiyong Han. Celecoxib and chloroquine enhance the antitumor effect of immune checkpoint blockade therapy, in a syngeneic mouse model for pancreatic cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 5275.
Abstract 528: CDK9 inhibition activates innate immune response in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Yalala Shivani , Gondane Aishwarya , Poulose Ninu , Liang Jing , Mills Ian G. , Itkonen Harri M.
Published: March 2024

Hyper-activation of transcription is frequent in cancer, which often leads to increased sensitivity to compounds targeting the transcriptional kinases, in particular cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9). However, mechanistic details as to why CDK9 inhibition selectively kills cancer cells remain largely unknown. Here, we report that CDK9 inhibition activates innate immune response through viral mimicry. In MYC over-expressing prostate cancer cells, CDK9 inhibition leads to excessive accumulation of mis-spliced RNA. Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-activated kinase can recognize these mis-spliced RNAs, and we show that this kinase is required for the CDK9 inhibitor-induced anti-proliferative effects. Using time-resolved transcriptional profiling (SLAM-seq), targeted proteomics and ChIP-seq, we show that, similar to viral infection, CDK9 inhibition significantly suppresses transcription of most genes but allows selective transcription and translation of certain genes. In particular, CDK9 inhibition activates NFκB-driven cytokine-signaling at the transcriptional- and secretome-levels. Transcriptional signature induced by CDK9 inhibition identifies prostate cancers with high level of genome instability, and we propose that it is possible to induce similar effects using CDK9 inhibitors. In summary, here we show that inhibition of CDK9 activates innate immune response through viral mimicry. In the future, it is important to establish if CDK9 inhibitors can potentiate the effects of immunotherapy against the late-stage prostate cancer, a currently lethal disease.

Citation Format: Shivani Yalala, Aishwarya Gondane, Ninu Poulose, Jing Liang, Ian G. Mills, Harri M. Itkonen. CDK9 inhibition activates innate immune response in prostate cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 528.
Abstract 5297: CLN-619, a clinical stage MICA/B-specific hIgG1 monoclonal antibody, engages multiple immune effector cells to promote anti-tumor activity
Authors: Whalen Kerry A. , Henry Catherine C. , Rakhra Kavya , Meetze Kristan , Michaelson Jennifer S. , Baeuerle Patrick A.
Published: March 2024

CLN-619 is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody that targets MICA and MICB (MICA/B) and is currently in phase 1 clinical development in cancer patients (NCT05117476). MICA/B serve as activating signals on target cells for recognition by the NKG2D receptor, which is expressed on NK cells and a subset of T cell populations. MICA/B expression is induced in response to stressed conditions, thereby enabling NKG2D-mediated elimination of target cells. On NK cells, NKG2D is one of many receptors in the complex network of activating and inhibitory receptors, whereby NKG2D pathway activation results in cytokine production, enhancement of ADCC and target cell death. On CD8 T cells, the NKG2D axis plays a costimulatory role in lowering the threshold for lysis upon TCR engagement, and may also drive direct CD8-mediated killing following prior TCR activation. MICA/B is expressed broadly on a range of solid and hematological malignancies. However, tumor cells evade NKG2D-mediated elimination by shedding MICA/B ligand from the cell surface via proteases present in the tumor microenvironment (TME). CLN-619 functions by binding to MICA/B and preventing shedding, thereby increasing MICA/B cell surface expression to restore the NKG2D-MICA/B axis to promote tumor cell killing by NK cells and T cells. Additionally, CLN-619 can mediate ADCC and ADCP by NK cells and macrophages. In preclinical xenograft models, doses as low as 0.03 mg/kg inhibited tumor outgrowth. We investigated the effects of CLN-619 on a variety of primary immune cells including NK cells, T cells and macrophages. In the evaluation of NK cells, we measured CLN-619 modulation of cytokine production and cytotoxicity in the presence of MICA/B expressing target cells. In addition, we demonstrated the contribution of Fc-mediated functions of CLN-619. In the context of T cells, we explored the requirement of TCR co-stimulation or prior antigen exposure in the activation of the NKG2D pathway by CLN-619. In the context of macrophages, we measured the ability of CLN-619 to mediate ADCP against MICA/B-expressing target cells. These data highlight the potential of CLN-619 to engage multiple immune cell types within the TME, which may lead to greater and broader efficacy compared to IO therapies targeting a single immune cell type.

Citation Format: Kerry A. Whalen, Catherine C. Henry, Kavya Rakhra, Kristan Meetze, Jennifer S. Michaelson, Patrick A. Baeuerle. CLN-619, a clinical stage MICA/B-specific hIgG1 monoclonal antibody, engages multiple immune effector cells to promote anti-tumor activity [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 5297.
Abstract 530: The effect of cardamonin on PD-L1 expression in triple-negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Mendonca Patricia , Kirpal Bhonessa , Kaur Sukhmandeep , Soliman Karam F. A.
Published: March 2024

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for about 10% of all breast cancers and does not express estrogen, progesterone, or HER2 receptors. It has an aggressive nature, it is highly metastatic, and because of the lack of therapies, it continues to be a challenge. These cancer cells employ mechanisms to escape the immune system that induce the upregulation of PD-L1 expression, a ligand encoded by the CD274 gene. Because cancer cells tend to produce higher levels of PD-L1 compared to normal cells, therapies that inhibit PD-L1 may be helpful. Evidence also shows that high levels of oxidative stress and inflammation may participate in both the initiation and progression of cancer. Cardamonin, an aromatic enone flavonoid, has displayed an array of pharmacological activities, including modulation of different signaling molecules involved in the development and progression of cancer. This work investigated the cardamonin’s ability to modulate PD-L1 expression and NF-KB in genetically distinct MDA-MB-231 (Caucasian) and MDA-MB-468 (African American) TNBC cell lines. The methodology included cytotoxic assays, ELISA, Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) assays, and Wes analysis. The results showed that cardamonin treatment caused a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability in both cell lines, ranging from 3.12 µM to 200 µM. The RT-PCR and ELISA data showed that even though IFN-γ stimulated MDA-MB-231 cells showed a higher expression of PD-L1, cardamonin reduced mRNA and protein expression of PD-L1 in both cell lines. As a possible molecular mechanism for PD-L1 inhibition, cardamonin modulated MUC-1, STAT3, and JAK, which are genes that activate the PD1/PD-L1 mechanism. Moreover, data also show that cardamonin modulated NF-KB1 and NF-KB2 genes involved in activating NF-KB signaling. NF-KB is a transcription factor of inflammation and immunity, emerging as a key positive regulator of PD-L1 expression in cancer. Therefore, cardamonin may have the potential utilization as a checkpoint inhibitor that acts by blocking PD-L1 protein, allowing the immune system to recognize and attack the TNBC cancer cells, providing a novel cancer therapy. (Supported by a grant from NIH-NIMHD U54 MD 007582)

Citation Format: Patricia Mendonca, Bhonessa Kirpal, Sukhmandeep Kaur, Karam F. A. Soliman. The effect of cardamonin on PD-L1 expression in triple-negative breast cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 530.
Abstract 5313: CB307: A dual targeting costimulatory Humabody® VH therapeutic for treating PSMA-positive tumors
Authors: Archer Sophie , Brailey Phillip M. , Song Minjung , Bartlett Phillip D. , Figueiredo Ines , Gurel Bora , Guo Christina , Brucklacher-Waldert Verena , Thompson H. Lorraine , Akinwale Jude , Boyle Samantha E. , Rossant Christine , Birkett Neil R. , Pizzey Julia , Maginn Mark , Legg James , Williams Richard , Johnston Colette M. , Bland-Ward Philip , de Bono Johann S. , Pierce Andrew J.
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION: CD137 is a T and NK cell costimulatory receptor involved in consolidating immunological responses. The potent CD137 agonist urelumab has shown clinical promise as a cancer immunotherapeutic but development has been hampered by on-target off-tumour toxicities. A CD137 agonist targeted to the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), frequently and highly expressed on castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer (mCRPC) tumour cells, could bring effective immunotherapy to this immunologically challenging to address disease.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES: We designed and manufactured CB307, a novel half-life extended bispecific costimulatory Humabody® VH therapeutic to elicit CD137 agonism exclusively in a PSMA-high tumour microenvironment (TME). The functional activity of CB307 was assessed in cell-based assays and in syngeneic mouse anti-tumour pharmacology studies. Non-clinical toxicology and toxicokinetic properties of CB307 were assessed in a good laboratory practice (GLP) compliant study in cynomolgus macaques.

RESULTS: CB307 provides effective CD137 agonism in a PSMA-dependent manner, with anti-tumour activity both in vitro and in vivo, and additional activity when combined with checkpoint inhibitors. A validated novel PSMA/CD137 immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay demonstrated a higher prevalence of CD137-postive cells in the PSMA-expressing human mCRPC TME with respect to primary lesions. CB307 did not show substantial toxicity in non-human primates and exhibited a plasma half-life supporting weekly clinical administration.

CONCLUSIONS: CB307 is a first-in-class immunotherapeutic that triggers potent PSMA-dependent T cell activation thereby alleviating toxicological concerns against unrestricted CD137 agonism.

Citation Format: Sophie Archer, Phillip M. Brailey, Minjung Song, Phillip D. Bartlett, Ines Figueiredo, Bora Gurel, Christina Guo, Verena Brucklacher-Waldert, H. Lorraine Thompson, Jude Akinwale, Samantha E. Boyle, Christine Rossant, Neil R. Birkett, Julia Pizzey, Mark Maginn, James Legg, Richard Williams, Colette M. Johnston, Philip Bland-Ward, Johann S. de Bono, Andrew J. Pierce. CB307: A dual targeting costimulatory Humabody® VH therapeutic for treating PSMA-positive tumors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 5313.
Abstract 5316: SM2256: A bispecific conditional CD40 and 4-1BB dual agonist for enhanced solid tumor immune response
Authors: Song Wenjing , Yang Simin , Wei Yi , Lu Shihao , Geng Huiqin , Liu Xiaodan , Zhou Hong , Xie Siyao , Zhang Xing , Zhou Sheila , Liang Yanbin
Published: March 2024

Background: Monoclonal antibodies targeting the co-stimulatory receptors CD137 (4-1BB) and CD40 have displayed encouraging activity against a wide range of solid tumors in preclinical animal models. However, their clinical development as monotherapy has been hindered by dose-related liver toxicity, leading to limited efficacy at safe doses. To address this challenge and bolster tumor-specific immunity by orchestrating the interaction between dendritic cells (DCs) and cytotoxic T cells, we introduce SM2256 - a bispecific conditional CD40 and 4-1BB dual agonist. SM2256 physically bridges DCs and T cells, enhancing T cell priming and reactivation. In preclinical animal studies, SM2256 exhibited both excellent tolerability and potent anti-tumor activity.

Methods: SM2256 was engineered by fusing high-affinity, non-ligand-blocking VHH domains targeting 4-1BB and CD40 to a silenced IgG1 Fc backbone. This fusion resulted in a tetravalent bispecific antibody capable of conditionally activating CD40 and 4-1BB upon mutual receptor binding. We assessed the binding specificity and affinity of SM2256 to human CD40 and 4-1BB using ELISA and flow cytometry. The target-dependent activation of CD40 and 4-1BB was confirmed via reporter assays and co-culture systems using primary DCs and T cells. In vivo safety and anti-tumor efficacy were evaluated in a syngeneic transplantation model using the MC38 cancer cell line in B-h41BB/B-hCD40 double humanized mice.

Results: SM2256 exhibited sub-nanomolar binding affinity to recombinant human and cynomolgus monkey CD40 and 4-1BB, activating 4-1BB-NFκB-luc and CD40-NFκB-luc reporter cell lines at picomolar concentrations in a strictly target-dependent manner. Furthermore, SM2256 physically facilitated the interaction between DCs and T cells, leading to increased expression of DC co-stimulatory ligands and elevated secretion of cytokines by T cells in mixed lymphocyte cultures. In a syngeneic tumor transplantation model, SM2256 significantly restrained the growth of MC38 tumors in B-h41BB/B-hCD40 double humanized mice.

Conclusions: SM2256 is a novel conditional CD40 and 4-1BB dual agonist that demonstrates promising preclinical efficacy against solid tumors while boasting an improved safety profile when compared to existing monoclonal antibodies.

Citation Format: Wenjing Song, Simin Yang, Yi Wei, Shihao Lu, Huiqin Geng, Xiaodan Liu, Hong Zhou, Siyao Xie, Xing Zhang, Sheila Zhou, Yanbin Liang. SM2256: A bispecific conditional CD40 and 4-1BB dual agonist for enhanced solid tumor immune response [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 5316.
Abstract 5424: Respiratory function linked to in vivo metastatic lung cancer progression
Authors: Bisoyi Padmini , Sei Yoshi , Bennett Neal , Nakamura Ken , Nakamura Jean L.
Published: March 2024

Metastases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. How metastatic tumors employ metabolic programs to successfully colonize diverse microenvironment is poorly understood. Using an orthotopic xenograft mouse model of lung cancer that develops metastases and recapitulates metastatic lung cancer spread, we injected GFP-LUC-expressing human H1975 lung tumor cells into the left lungs of mice. In vivo bioluminescence imaging was used to visualize tumor growth and metastatic spread for 30 days. Animals were then euthanized and primary and metastatic tumors were collected from different anatomical sites of the body (left lung, right lung, mediastinum, abdominal metastases). Tumor samples were analysed by RNA sequencing analysis. The transcriptomes of lung metastases demonstrated a significant reduction in the expression of genes encoding respiratory pathway protein as compared to the primary lung tumors, suggesting metabolic reprogramming of their respiratory metabolism. CRISPRi-mediated silencing of genes encoding components of respiratory function in human lung cancer cells was associated with significantly increased metastatic spread in vivo. These studies suggest the functional importance of respiratory metabolism on modulating in vivo disease spread.

Citation Format: Padmini Bisoyi, Yoshi Sei, Neal Bennett, Ken Nakamura, Jean L. Nakamura. Respiratory function linked to in vivo metastatic lung cancer progression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 5424.
Abstract 5430: Discovery of CYP26A1 as a link between WNT and retinoic acid signaling pathways that modulates retinoid-induced differentiation of APC-mutant colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Facey Caroline O. , Hunsu Victoria O. , Zhang Chi , Osmond Brian T. , Opdenaker Lynn M. , Boman Bruce M.
Published: March 2024

APC mutation is the main driver mechanism of CRC development and leads to constitutively activated WNT signaling, overpopulation of ALDH+ stem cells (SCs), and incomplete differentiation. We previously reported that retinoic acid (RA) receptors are selectively expressed in ALDH+ SCs, which provides a way to target cancer SCs with retinoids to induce differentiation. We hypothesize that a functional link exists between WNT and RA pathways, and APC mutation generates a WNT:RA imbalance that decreases retinoid-induced differentiation and increases ALDH+ SCs. Accordingly, to restore parity in WNT:RA signaling, we induced wt-APC expression in APC-mutant CRC cells and assessed the ability of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) to induce differentiation. Notably, ATRA substantially increased expression of the WNT-target gene, CYP26A1, and inducing wt-APC reduced this expression by 50%. Thus, RA and WNT pathways crosstalk to modulate CYP26A1 metabolism of retinoids and retinoid agents. We found that inducing wt-APC augments ATRA-induced cell differentiation by: i) decreasing cell proliferation; ii) suppressing ALDH1A1 expression; iii) decreasing ALDH+ SCs; and iv) increasing neuroendocrine cell differentiation. NanoString profiling and bioinformatics also identified a novel CYP26A1-based network that links WNT and RA signaling. Moreover, in an effort to translate manipulation of the WNT/RA imbalance as a therapeutic approach in vitro, we treated HT29, SW480, and HCT116 CRC cells with inhibitors against CYP26A1 enzyme activity and WNT signaling. We found that CYP26A1 inhibitors sensitized CRC cells to the anti-proliferative effect of drugs that downregulate WNT signaling. Furthermore, decreased CYP26A1 expression in tumor vs normal tissue was determined to be a predictor of patient survival in patients who have wt-APC. Thus, by inducing wt-APC expression and exogenously activating RA signaling, we found a way to increase differentiation of SCs along the NEC (and other) lineage(s). Translating this strategy in vivo might lead to new, more effective treatments involving retinoids for CRC patients.

Citation Format: Caroline O. Facey, Victoria O. Hunsu, Chi Zhang, Brian T. Osmond, Lynn M. Opdenaker, Bruce M. Boman. Discovery of CYP26A1 as a link between WNT and retinoic acid signaling pathways that modulates retinoid-induced differentiation of APC-mutant colorectal cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 5430.
Abstract 5447: Microtubule-associated protein MAP2 promotes drug resistance and cancer stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma through integrin dysregulation
Authors: Lou Ut Kei , Lam Ka-Hei , Yu Huajian , Loh Jia Jian , Man Ki-Fong , Zhou Lei , Gao Yuan , Wong Tin-Lok , Yu Cheng-Han , Ma Stephanie
Published: March 2024

Integrins are adhesion molecules that mediate mechanical and chemical signal transduction pathways to support cell survival and proliferation. Dysregulated integrin signaling empowers tumor cells to drive oncogenic stemness functions, including tumor initiation, epithelial plasticity, metastatic reactivation, and resistance to therapies. However, the interplay between cancer stemness and integrin signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains poorly understood. HCC cells marked by CD133 represent an important functional subset of HCC tumors, displaying a dedifferentiated status with stem cell traits. In this study, transcriptome profiling reveals specific downregulation of integrin α family genes and integrin signaling in ‘HCC’ CD133+ cells isolated from NRAS+AKT-driven HCC, but not epithelial-specific ‘normal’ CD133+ cells isolated from regenerating liver. Of note, one of the most differentially upregulated genes identified in CD133+ HCC cell profiling, microtubule-associated protein MAP2, demonstrates the ability to suppress integrin expression. MAP2 overexpression is frequently observed in HCC and correlates with aggressive clinical and stemness features, including survival, tumor stage, and stemness signatures. Epigenetic modifications by H3K27Ac contribute to MAP2 upregulation. Functionally, MAP2 promotes cancer stemness and cell invasion, and confers resistance to the targeted therapy sorafenib. Mechanistically, the inhibition of collagen-binding integrin α subunits by MAP2 subsequently ablates integrin β1-mediated cell adhesion and FAK signaling. Estramustine Phosphate (EMP), previously reported to inhibit the interaction of MAP2 with actin filaments, attains a synergistic effect in suppressing tumor initiation and growth of HCC cell lines, HCC patient-derived organoids and NRAS+AKT HCC mouse model when used in combination with sorafenib. In summary, MAP2 inhibition may represent a potential novel therapy for HCC by targeting its cancer stemness roots and altering integrin signaling. Ongoing work is focused on the study of MAP2 regulation of integrin signaling and cell behaviours in the maintenance of a more stemness state in HCC.

Citation Format: Ut Kei Lou, Ka-Hei Lam, Huajian Yu, Jia Jian Loh, Ki-Fong Man, Lei Zhou, Yuan Gao, Tin-Lok Wong, Cheng-Han Yu, Stephanie Ma. Microtubule-associated protein MAP2 promotes drug resistance and cancer stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma through integrin dysregulation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 5447.
Abstract 5499: Spatially-resolved transcriptomics analyses of liver cancer
Authors: Wu Liang
Published: March 2024

Dissecting and understanding the cancer ecosystem, especially that around the tumor margins, which have strong implications for tumor cell infiltration and invasion, are essential for exploring the mechanisms of tumor metastasis and developing effective new treatments. Using a novel tumor border scanning and digitization model enabled by nanoscale resolution-SpaTial Enhanced REsolution Omics-sequencing (Stereo-seq), we identified a 500 μm-wide zone centered around the tumor border in patients with liver cancer, referred to as “the invasive zone”. We detected strong immunosuppression, metabolic reprogramming, and severely damaged hepatocytes in this zone. We also identified a subpopulation of damaged hepatocytes with increased expression of serum amyloid A1 and A2 (referred to collectively as SAAs) located close to the border on the paratumor side. Overexpression of CXCL6 in adjacent malignant cells could induce activation of the JAK-STAT3 pathway in nearby hepatocytes, which subsequently caused SAAs’ overexpression in these hepatocytes. Furthermore, overexpression and secretion of SAAs by hepatocytes in the invasive zone could lead to the recruitment of macrophages and M2 polarization, further promoting local immunosuppression, potentially resulting in tumor progression. Clinical association analysis in additional five independent cohorts of patients with primary and secondary liver cancer (n = 423) showed that patients with overexpression of SAAs in the invasive zone had a worse prognosis. Further in vivo experiments using mouse liver tumor models in situ confirmed that the knockdown of genes encoding SAAs in hepatocytes decreased macrophage accumulation around the tumor border and delayed tumor growth. The identification and characterization of a novel invasive zone in human cancer patients not only add an important layer of understanding regarding the mechanisms of tumor invasion and metastasis, but may also pave the way for developing novel therapeutic strategies for advanced liver cancer and other solid tumors.

Citation Format: Liang Wu. Spatially-resolved transcriptomics analyses of liver cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 5499.