bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abstract 5201: TNFR2 humanized mice: an ideal model for studying anti-TNFR2 antibodies
Authors: Wang Huiyi , Li Ying , Zhang Mingkun , Su Xu , Chen Santi Suryani , Li Zhiying , Moore Mark Wade , Zhao Jing , Gao Xiang , Ju Cunxiang 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor 2 (TNFR2) is mainly expressed on the surface of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and CD8+ T cells, which can stimulate the proliferation of these cells through NF-kB activation. TNFR2 is also highly expressed on the surface of various human tumors, such as colorectal cancer and lung cancer. Therefore, a TNFR2 antagonist blocking the binding of TNFR2 to its ligand that targets TNFR2+ tumor-infiltrating Tregs can directly enhance the killing ability of effector T cells (Teff) against TNFR2-expressing tumors. Many pharmaceutical and biotech companies have lined up TNFR2-targeting drugs, and most TNFR2 antibodies related research is in the early preclinical/clinical stage.
We established a humanized TNFR2 (hTNFR2) genetically engineered mouse model on the BALB/c background, in which the extracellular domain of the mouse TNFR2 was replaced with its human counterpart, and the murine transmembrane and cytoplasmic domain kept intact. The hTNFR2 chimeric protein is mainly expressed on Teff and Treg cells in BALB/c-hTNFR2 and BALB/c-hPD1/hPDL1/hTNFR2 mice, which is similar to mouse TNFR2 protein expression profiles in wild-type mice. Our data showed that anti-TNFR2 antibodies could significantly inhibit tumor growth in BALB/c-hTNFR2 mice bearing CT26 tumor cells or BALB/c-hTNFR2 mice bearing CT26-hTNFR2 tumors. Furthermore, within the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, there was a reduction in Tregs cells and an increase in cytotoxic CD8 T cells, which accurately mimics the mechanism of action of anti-TNFR2 antibodies.
In conclusion, BALB/c-hTNFR2 and BALB/c-hPD1/hPDL1/hTNFR2 mice are ideal models for studying the efficacy and pharmacodynamics of anti-TNFR2 antibodies as a single agent or in combination with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies.
Citation Format: Huiyi Wang, Ying Li, Mingkun Zhang, Xu Su, Santi Suryani Chen, Zhiying Li, Mark Wade Moore, Jing Zhao, Xiang Gao, Cunxiang Ju. TNFR2 humanized mice: an ideal model for studying anti-TNFR2 antibodies. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 5201.
Abstract 521: Discovery of novel TNKS inhibitors through structure-based virtual screening
Authors: Ryu Hwani , Seo Hye-Ran , Kim Hyo Jeong , Ahn Jiyeon 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
More than 80% of colorectal cancers (CRCs) have somatic mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene, which affects abnormal WNT/β-catenin signaling. Since inhibition of tankyrases (TNKS1 and TNKS2) belonging to the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase family stabilizes AXINs and induces degradation of β-catenin, drug development as a therapeutic target for APC-mutated CRCs is required. To identify selective small molecule inhibitors of TNKS, we performed pharmacophore modeling and structural docking studies targeting nicotinamide, adenosine, and both binding subsites of TNKS. Among the 8 million compounds, 149 of the nicotinamide site binders, 23 of the adenosine site binders, and 15 of the dual-site binders of TNKS were selected through computer-based virtual screening. Using in vitro TNKS1 and TNKS2 enzyme assays, we identified that TI2-N17 and TI3-D11 significantly inhibited TNKS1 and TNKS2 enzyme activities at low nanomolar levels. TI2-N17 and TI3-D11 stabilized AXIN2, reduced active β-catenin, and downregulated β-catenin target genes in COLO320DM, APC-mutated CRC cells. Both compounds exhibited anticancer effects on COLO320DM and SW403 cells. In addition, the combination treatment of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), an anticancer agent for CRC patients, and these compounds synergistically inhibited the proliferation of CRC cells compared to single compound treatment. Our findings demonstrated that TI2-N17 and TI3-D11 are therapeutic candidates targeting TNKS for APC-mutated CRCs treatment and suggested that the combined treatment with the compounds and 5-FU chemotherapy may be an effective therapeutic strategy for APC-mutated CRCs. Based on these compounds, further study will develop potent and selective TNKS inhibitors by designing and synthesizing novel derivative compounds.
Citation Format: Hwani Ryu, Hye-Ran Seo, Hyo Jeong Kim, Jiyeon Ahn. Discovery of novel TNKS inhibitors through structure-based virtual screening [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 521.
Abstract 5697: Predicting response to PD-L1 inhibition in NSCLC using a quantitative systems pharmacology model guided by immunogenomic data
Authors: Wang Hanwen , Arulraj Theinmozhi , Popel Aleksander S. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common subtype of lung cancer with an overall 5-year survival rate of 26%, which varies by the disease stage. Novel drug combinations involving immune checkpoint inhibitors are being investigated in clinical trials in NSCLC. In this study, we generated about 450 virtual patients that resembled actual patients with NSCLC and simulated tumor growth during PD-L1 inhibition using a quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) model.
Methods: We recalibrated a previously developed QSP model of the cancer-immunity cycle (1) to NSCLC with parameters estimated by published experimental data. Proportions of CD8, CD4, and regulatory T cells (Tregs), M1 and M2 macrophages in lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma were downloaded from iAtlas database and used to calculate the ratios of CD8/CD4, Tregs/CD8, and M1/M2. The three immune subset ratios (observed data) were used to guide the virtual patient generation. We first randomly generated deviations around the baseline model parameters to account for inter-patient variability and then selected virtual patients with model-predicted immune subset ratios statistically matching the observed data. Finally, we simulated tumor growth during PD-L1 inhibition and predicted clinical response in the virtual patient cohort.
Results: Our model predicted an overall response rate of 16.3% with a 95% bootstrap confidence interval of (11.8, 22.4)% for the overall virtual patient cohort. It also showed that CD8 T cells, PD-L1 expression, CD8/CD4, CD8/Tregs, M1/M2 ratios, and the number of NSCLC-specific T cell clones were significantly higher in responders to PD-L1 inhibition. Furthermore, Tregs/CD8 and CD8/CD4 ratios were predicted to be the best predictive biomarkers according to ROC analysis with areas under ROC curve of 0.71 and 0.66.
Conclusion: Immunogenomic analysis of RNA-seq data on iAtlas allowed generation of realistic virtual patients using QSP models in immuno-oncology. With a virtual patient cohort guided by immunogenomic data, our model provided reliable efficacy prediction for immunotherapy and a tool to identify predictive biomarkers in NSCLC. 1. Wang H, Zhao C, Santa-Maria CA, Emens LA, Popel AS. Dynamics of tumor-associated macrophages in a quantitative systems pharmacology model of immunotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer. iScience. 2022;25:104702.
Citation Format: Hanwen Wang, Theinmozhi Arulraj, Aleksander S. Popel. Predicting response to PD-L1 inhibition in NSCLC using a quantitative systems pharmacology model guided by immunogenomic data. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 5697.
Abstract 5982: A potent and selective CDK8 inhibitor ABM-3249 with excellent efficacies in multiple in vivo cancer models
Authors: Chen Chen , Huang Charles , Xu Min , Chen Xiuquan , Lv Xiaobing , Yang Chen , Zhao Lanjiao , Chen YouQin , Li Jizhi , Zhao Li 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
CDK8 is a member of the CDK family in which belongs to the serine/threonine protein kinase. It binds with cyclin C to regulate the transcription. By modulation of various gene expression programs, CDK8 associated with the mediator complex to sustain proliferation and viability of cancer cells. CDK8 has been identified as an important factor in cancer occurrence and development. It also involves in the regulation of cancer cell stress response to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, assists tumor cell invasion, metastasis and drug resistance. Therefore inhibition of CDK8 is regarded as a promising target for cancer therapy. ABM-3249 was discovered as a potent and selective CDK8 inhibitor with a novel chemical structure. It inhibited CDK8 kinase activity in biochemical assay and cellular binding assay, with IC50 values of 1.4 nM and 19nM respectively. ABM-3249 displayed good kinase selectivity: &lt;50% inhibition on all other CDK family members at 1uM. Consistently, ABM-3249 reduced STAT1-S727 phosphorylation with an IC50 of less than 100nM. ABM-3249 showed good ADME properties with high oral bioavailability (~90%) in rodents. In efficacy studies, ABM-3249 exhibited excellent anti-tumor activities in multiple in vivo models. In an AML MV4-11 xenograft model at 25mpk oral dosing ABM-3249 achieved complete remission in all mice within 17 days and no tumor recurrence within one month after drug withdrawal. ABM-3249 showed good efficacies as a single agent, as well as a synergetic effect with anti-PD1 combination in a murine colon cancer MC38 model. It also showed an efficacy in a murine colon cancer B16F10 metastasis model. In addition, ABM-3249 displayed a good safety margin in a preliminary tox screen in rodents.
Citation Format: Chen Chen, Charles Huang, Min Xu, Xiuquan Chen, Xiaobing Lv, Chen Yang, Lanjiao Zhao, YouQin Chen, Jizhi Li, Li Zhao. A potent and selective CDK8 inhibitor ABM-3249 with excellent efficacies in multiple in vivo cancer models. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 5982.
Abstract 600: Tumour and local lymphoid tissue interaction determines prognosis in high grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Lu Haonan , Wengert Georg , Lou Hantao , Paudel Reema , Patel Naina , Desai Saral , Crum Bill , Linton-Reid Kristofer , Chen Mitchell , Li Dongyang , Ip Jacey , Mauri Francesco , Pinato David J. , Rockall Andrea , Copley Susan J. , Ghaem-Maghami Sadaf , Aboagye Eric O. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) is an ectopic lymphoid organ found in some tumors. The presence of TLS is recently proposed as a predictive biomarker for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in mutation-driven tumors. It is also associated with prognosis in copy number-driven tumors, including high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), although the function of TLS and its interaction with copy-number alterations in HGSOC is not fully understood. In the current study, we comprehensively analyze immune profile, copy number profile and quantitative imaging profile from 242 HGSOC patients (HH cohort), and combine these with two public single cell RNA-sequencing datasets (Lambrechts cohorts; n=9, 29,999 cells). TLS-high HGSOC patients show significantly better progression free survival in both HH and TCGA cohorts. We show that presence of TLS in HGSOC tumors is associated with B-cell maturation, resulting in higher and more specific immunoglobulin production; TLS also leads to more cytotoxic tumor-specific T-cells activation and proliferation. Through integrated analysis of single cell RNA-sequencing and whole exome sequencing data, we reveal that the copy number loss of IL15 and CXCL10 may limit TLS formation in HGSOC; we also propose a list of genes that may dysregulate TLS function. A candidate gene, DCAF15, is found to confer resistance to NK-mediated cytotoxicity in HGSOC cell lines. Lastly, we develop a radiomics-based signature to predict presence of TLS, which independently predicts PFS in both HGSOC patients and ICI-treated NSCLC patients. Overall, we reveal that TLS coordinates intratumoral B-cell and T-cell response against HGSOC tumor, while cancer genome evolves to counteract TLS formation and function.
Citation Format: Haonan Lu, Georg Wengert, Hantao Lou, Reema Paudel, Naina Patel, Saral Desai, Bill Crum, Kristofer Linton-Reid, Mitchell Chen, Dongyang Li, Jacey Ip, Francesco Mauri, David J. Pinato, Andrea Rockall, Susan J. Copley, Sadaf Ghaem-Maghami, Eric O. Aboagye. Tumour and local lymphoid tissue interaction determines prognosis in high grade serous ovarian cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 600.
Abstract 6031: KYNU upregulation is a prominent feature of NRF2-activated cancers and is associated with tumor immunosuppression and poor prognosis
Authors: Letelier Ricardo A. Leon , Sater Ali H. Abdel , Chen Yihui , Wu Ranran , Dennison Jennifer B. , Park Soyoung , Irajizad Ehsan , Katayama Hiroyuki , Vykoukal Jody , Hanash Samir , Ostrin Edwin J. , Fahrmann Johannes F. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathway, either through gain-of-function mutations in the NRF2 encoding gene NFE2L2 or through loss-of-function of its suppressor, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), is a frequent manifestation in various malignancies. NRF2 activation exerts pro-tumoral effects in part by altering cancer cell metabolism. We previously reported a novel mechanism of NRF2 tumoral immune suppression through selective upregulation of the tryptophan metabolizing enzyme kynureninase (KYNU) in lung adenocarcinoma. In the current study, we explored the Pan-Cancer relevance of NRF2-mediated KYNU upregulation. We analyzed the gene expression dataset for 9,801 tumors representing 32 cancer types in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Elevated KYNU expression levels paralleled increased gene-based signatures of NRF2-activation and was strongly associated with an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, marked by high expression of gene-based signatures of Tregs as well as immune checkpoint blockade-related genes CD274 (PDL-1), PDCD1 (PD-1), and CTLA4, regardless of cancer type. Cox proportional hazard models further revealed that increased tumoral KYNU gene expression was prognostic for poor overall survival in several cancer types, including thymoma, acute myeloid leukemia, low grade glioma, kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma, gastric adenocarcinoma, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Using PDAC as a model system, we confirmed that siRNA-mediated knockdown of NRF2 reduces KYNU mRNA expression, whereas activation of NFE2L2 (the encoding gene for NRF2) through either small molecule agonists or siRNA-mediated knockdown of KEAP1 upregulated KYNU. Metabolomic analyses of conditioned media from PDAC cell lines revealed elevated levels of KYNU-derived anthranilate, confirming KYNU as enzymatically functional. Collectively, our findings highlight the multi-cancer relevance of the NRF2-KYNU axis and of tumoral KYNU as a prognostic marker of poor overall survival associated with immunosuppression.
Citation Format: Ricardo A. Leon Letelier, Ali H. Abdel Sater, Yihui Chen, Ranran Wu, Jennifer B. Dennison, Soyoung Park, Ehsan Irajizad, Hiroyuki Katayama, Jody Vykoukal, Samir Hanash, Edwin J. Ostrin, Johannes F. Fahrmann. KYNU upregulation is a prominent feature of NRF2-activated cancers and is associated with tumor immunosuppression and poor prognosis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 6031.
Abstract 6045: Role of PP2A methylation on methionine dependence of cancer
Authors: Andronicos Anna , Lin Da-Wei , Su Yi-Chen , Gabra Mari Ishak , Kong Mei , Kaiser Peter 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Dependence on exogenous methionine is a well-known, but poorly understood cancer-specific metabolic requirement. Although most cancer cells can convert homocysteine to methionine, they are unable to grow when methionine depleted media is supplemented with homocysteine. In contrast, non-tumorigenic cells proliferate well in homocysteine media. Previous work from our laboratory has shown that cancer cells cultured in homocysteine medium increase metabolic flux towards the transsulfuration pathway, away from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) synthesis resulting in overall reduced methylation potential. We have shown that methionine sensing occurs independently of the mTOR pathway, which is known to link amino acid abundance and cell growth. Instead, our results suggest that Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) methylation is sensitive to changes in the SAM/SAH ratio. Reduced PP2A methylation correlates with reduced cell proliferation in homocysteine medium. Furthermore, overexpression of the PP2A demethylase Pme1 forcibly reduces PP2A methylation and induces methionine dependence in cells that normally proliferate in homocysteine medium. These findings suggest a model that links methionine metabolism to cell cycle progression via regulation of PP2A methylation. Here we use quantitative proteomics to define changes in B-subunit binding to PP2A during methionine starvation to investigate the molecular mechanism of this methionine dependence seen in cancer.
Citation Format: Anna Andronicos, Da-Wei Lin, Yi-Chen Su, Mari Ishak Gabra, Mei Kong, Peter Kaiser. Role of PP2A methylation on methionine dependence of cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 6045.
Abstract 6046: Enhanced Acod1 expression in cancer cells promotes immune evasion
Authors: Schofield James H. , Longo Joseph , Murphy Sean , Sheldon Ryan , Hawk Mark A. , Albano Emma , Jones Russell G. , Lu Xin , Schafer Zachary T. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The monoclonal antibody αPD-1 used in immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy has made a substantial impact in clinical outcomes for melanoma, lung, and breast cancer patients. Despite the success of ICB in these contexts, such strategies are not universally effective due to unresponsiveness or development of resistance by the malignant cells. Poor understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to ICB resistance is a crucial barrier to more effective ICB. Recent studies have demonstrated that the metabolic milieu of the tumor microenvironment (TME) can modulate the anti-tumor immune response. However, the specific mechanisms by which the secretion of cancer cell metabolites into the TME impacts the efficacy of ICB in unresponsive tumors remains poorly understood. To better characterize the factors that influence ICB, we utilized a murine model (Smad4−/−/Pten−/−/Trp53−/−) of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) that is responsive to αPD-1. Serial culture and passage of residual tumor cells following exposure to αPD-1 treatment into new recipient mice allowed us to develop an ICB-insensitive CRPC cell line. Unbiased metabolic analysis revealed that the αPD-1 resistant cells produced elevated levels of itaconate, a metabolite whose biological functions in epithelial cells remain poorly characterized. Consistent with this finding, the resistant cells display increased expression of aconitate decarboxylase 1 (Acod1), the enzyme responsible for itaconate production. Additionally, we have identified established human epithelial cancer cell lines which express high levels of ACOD1. Interestingly, conditioned media (CM) from the Acod1-high cell lines, but not the Acod1-low lines, restricts the proliferation and activation of naïve CD8+ T cells in vitro. CRISPR-mediated Acod1 reduction in the αPD-1 insensitive cells (Acod1KO) produces CM which promotes increased naïve CD8+ T proliferation and activation, suggesting a link between Acod1 abundance in cancer cells and the activity of cytotoxic T cells. Furthermore, Acod1KO tumors have increased CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and increased sensitivity towards αPD-1 ICB in vivo. Taken together, these data suggest that cancer cell intrinsic ACOD1 abundance may be predictive of ICB efficacy.
Citation Format: James H. Schofield, Joseph Longo, Sean Murphy, Ryan Sheldon, Mark A. Hawk, Emma Albano, Russell G. Jones, Xin Lu, Zachary T. Schafer. Enhanced Acod1 expression in cancer cells promotes immune evasion [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 6046.
Abstract 614: CD137 (4-1BB) requires physically associated cIAPs for signal transduction and antitumor effects
Authors: Glez-Vaz Javier , Azpilikueta Arantza , Ochoa Maria Carmen , Olivera Irene , Gomis Gabriel , Cirella Asunta , Luri-Rey Carlos , Álvarez Maite , Ciordia Sergio , Berraondo Pedro , Teijeira Álvaro , Corrales Fernando , Zapata Juan M , Melero Ignacio 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
CD137 (4-1BB) is a member of the TNFR family, whose expression is induced on antigen-primed T cells and that mediates potent costimulatory signals upon ligation by CD137L or agonist monoclonal antibodies. CD137 agonists attain immunotherapeutic antitumor effects in cancer mouse models and multiple agents of this kind are undergoing clinical trials. We show that cIAP1 and cIAP2 are physically associated with the CD137 signaling polyprotein complex. Moreover, cIAPs are required for CD137 signaling towards the NF-κB and MAPK pathways and for costimulation of human and mouse T lymphocytes. Functional evidence was substantiated with SMAC-mimetics that trigger proteasomal degradation of cIAPs and transfecting dominant-negative variants of cIAPs. Importantly, antitumor effects of agonist anti-CD137 mAbs are critically dependent on the integrity of cIAPs in cancer mouse models.
Citation Format: Javier Glez-Vaz, Arantza Azpilikueta, Maria Carmen Ochoa, Irene Olivera, Gabriel Gomis, Asunta Cirella, Carlos Luri-Rey, Maite Álvarez, Sergio Ciordia, Pedro Berraondo, Álvaro Teijeira, Fernando Corrales, Juan M Zapata, Ignacio Melero. CD137 (4-1BB) requires physically associated cIAPs for signal transduction and antitumor effects [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 614.