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Immunotherapy for Cancer
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Immunotherapy for Cancer

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Immunology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 February 2025 | Viewed by 13842

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Deepak Chauhan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
Interests: immunotherapy; photothermal therapy; immunomodulators; drug delivery
Prof. Dr. Donald J. Buchsbaum

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
Interests: cancer immunology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Immunotherapy is emerging as a powerful strategy for the treatment of cancer. The clinical relevance of immunotherapeutics for controlling cancer has been confirmed. It is leading to the approval of several immunotherapeutics for different types of cancer. However, a subset of cancer patients show adverse side effects or do not generate robust anti-tumour immune responses to these immunotherapeutics. The key challenge in the success of immunotherapy is the ability to control the optimum modulation of immune response for regulating autoimmunity and non-specific inflammation. Therefore, there is an unmet need to further understand the molecular aspects of immunotherapy, such as patient-specific neoantigens and their presentation, T cell priming, activation, and other immune-killing activities. These understandings will help in increasing the response rate of different classes of immunotherapeutics, as well as their orthogonal combinations. The aim of this Special Issue is to expand our knowledge of immunotherapy for treating various types of cancer.

Therefore, authors are invited to submit original research and review articles that shed light on the molecular aspects of immunotherapy.

Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Cancer immunotherapy;
  • Checkpoint inhibitors;
  • Chimeric antigen receptor T cells;
  • Neoantigens;
  • Tumor microenvironment;
  • Tumor-infiltrating immune cells;
  • Cancer vaccines;
  • Immuno-oncology;
  • Combination therapy;
  • Immunomodulatory nanomedicines.

Dr. Deepak Chauhan
Prof. Dr. Donald J. Buchsbaum
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

 

Keywords

  • cancer immunotherapy
  • immunotherapy
  • photothermal therapy
  • immunomodulators
  • drug delivery

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 23258 KiB  
Article
The Prognosis-Predictive and Immunoregulatory Role of SUMOylation Related Genes: Potential Novel Targets in Prostate Cancer Treatment
by Jian-Xuan Sun, Ye An, Jia-Cheng Xiang, Jin-Zhou Xu, Jia Hu, Shao-Gang Wang and Qi-Dong Xia
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(17), 13603; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241713603 - 2 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2004
Abstract
SUMOylation is an important part of post-translational protein modifications and regulates thousands of proteins in a dynamic manner. The dysregulation of SUMOylation is detected in many cancers. However, the comprehensive role of SUMOylation in prostate cancer (PCa) remains unclear. Using 174 SUMOylation-related genes [...] Read more.
SUMOylation is an important part of post-translational protein modifications and regulates thousands of proteins in a dynamic manner. The dysregulation of SUMOylation is detected in many cancers. However, the comprehensive role of SUMOylation in prostate cancer (PCa) remains unclear. Using 174 SUMOylation-related genes (SRGs) from the MigDSB database and the transcript data of PCa from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), we constructed a SUMOylation-related risk score and correlated it with prognosis, tumor mutation burden (TMB), tumor microenvironment (TME) infiltration, and response to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Moreover, we validated two vital SRGs by RT-qPCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Two vital SRGs (DNMT3B and NUP210) were finally selected. The risk score based on these genes exhibited excellent predictive efficacy in predicting the biochemical recurrence (BCR) of PCa. A nomogram involving the risk score and T stage was established to further explore the clinical value of the risk score. We found the high-score group was correlated with worse prognosis, higher TMB, a more suppressive immune microenvironment, and a better response to Docetaxel but worse to PD-1/CTLA-4 blockade. Meanwhile, we validated the significantly higher expression level of NUP210 in PCa at mRNA and protein levels. This study elucidated the comprehensive role of SUMOylation-related genes in PCa. Importantly, we highlighted the role of an important SRG, NUP210, in PCa, which might be a promising target in PCa treatment. A better understanding of SUMOylation and utilizing the SUMOylation risk score could aid in precision medicine and improve the prognosis of PCa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immunotherapy for Cancer)
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15 pages, 2627 KiB  
Article
TCGA RNA-Seq and Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte Imaging Data Reveal Cold Tumor Signatures of Invasive Ductal Carcinomas and Estrogen Receptor-Positive Human Breast Tumors
by Mayassa J. Bou-Dargham, Linlin Sha, Drishty B. Sarker, Martina Z. Krakora-Compagno, Zhui Chen, Jinfeng Zhang and Qing-Xiang Amy Sang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(11), 9355; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24119355 - 27 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3635
Abstract
Comparative studies of immune-active hot and immune-deserted cold tumors are critical for identifying therapeutic targets and strategies to improve immunotherapy outcomes in cancer patients. Tumors with high tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are likely to respond to immunotherapy. We used the human breast cancer RNA-seq [...] Read more.
Comparative studies of immune-active hot and immune-deserted cold tumors are critical for identifying therapeutic targets and strategies to improve immunotherapy outcomes in cancer patients. Tumors with high tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are likely to respond to immunotherapy. We used the human breast cancer RNA-seq data from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) and classified them into hot and cold tumors based on their lymphocyte infiltration scores. We compared the immune profiles of hot and cold tumors, their corresponding normal tissue adjacent to the tumor (NAT), and normal breast tissues from healthy individuals from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) database. Cold tumors showed a significantly lower effector T cells, lower levels of antigen presentation, higher pro-tumorigenic M2 macrophages, and higher expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness-associated genes. Hot/cold dichotomy was further tested using TIL maps and H&E whole-slide pathology images from the cancer imaging archive (TCIA). Analysis of both datasets revealed that infiltrating ductal carcinoma and estrogen receptor ER-positive tumors were significantly associated with cold features. However, only TIL map analysis indicated lobular carcinomas as cold tumors and triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) as hot tumors. Thus, RNA-seq data may be clinically relevant to tumor immune signatures when the results are supported by pathological evidence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immunotherapy for Cancer)
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Review

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16 pages, 1548 KiB  
Review
NF-κB in Thyroid Cancer: An Update
by Elvira Crescenzi, Antonio Leonardi and Francesco Pacifico
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(21), 11464; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252111464 - 25 Oct 2024
Viewed by 550
Abstract
The dysregulated NF-κB basal activity is a common feature of human thyroid carcinomas, especially in poorly differentiated or undifferentiated forms that, even if rare, are often resistant to standard therapies, and, therefore, are uncurable. Despite the molecular mechanisms leading to NF-κB activation in [...] Read more.
The dysregulated NF-κB basal activity is a common feature of human thyroid carcinomas, especially in poorly differentiated or undifferentiated forms that, even if rare, are often resistant to standard therapies, and, therefore, are uncurable. Despite the molecular mechanisms leading to NF-κB activation in thyroid cancer being only partially understood, during the last few years, it has become clear that NF-κB contributes in different ways to the oncogenic potential of thyroid neoplastic cells. Indeed, it enhances their proliferation and viability, promotes their migration to and colonization of distant organs, and fuels their microenvironment. In addition, NF-κB signaling plays an important role in cancer stem cells from more aggressive thyroid carcinomas. Interfering with the different upstream and/or downstream pathways that drive NF-κB activity in thyroid neoplastic cells is an attractive strategy for the development of novel therapeutic drugs capable of overcoming the therapy resistance of advanced thyroid carcinomas. This review focuses on the recent findings about the key functions of NF-κB in thyroid cancer and discusses the potential implications of targeting NF-κB in advanced thyroid carcinomas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immunotherapy for Cancer)
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13 pages, 1291 KiB  
Review
A Review of CAR-T Combination Therapies for Treatment of Gynecological Cancers
by Valentina Olifirenko and Nikolai A. Barlev
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(12), 6595; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25126595 - 15 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1178
Abstract
CAR-T cell therapy offers a promising way for prolonged cancer remission, specifically in the case of blood cancers. However, its application in the treatment of solid tumors still faces many limitations. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and strategies [...] Read more.
CAR-T cell therapy offers a promising way for prolonged cancer remission, specifically in the case of blood cancers. However, its application in the treatment of solid tumors still faces many limitations. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and strategies associated with CAR-T cell therapy for solid tumors, with a focus on gynecological cancer. This study discusses the limitations of CAR-T therapy for solid tumor treatment, such as T cell exhaustion, stromal barrier, and antigen shedding. Additionally, it addresses possible approaches to increase CAR-T efficacy in solid tumors, including combination therapies with checkpoint inhibitors and chemotherapy, as well as the novel approach of combining CAR-T with oncolytic virotherapy. Given the lack of comprehensive research on CAR-T combination therapies for treating gynecological cancers, this review aims to provide insights into the current landscape of combination therapies for solid tumors and highlight the potential of such an approach in gynecology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immunotherapy for Cancer)
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21 pages, 2007 KiB  
Review
The Immune Regulatory Role of Adenosine in the Tumor Microenvironment
by Jianlei Xing, Jinhua Zhang and Jinyan Wang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(19), 14928; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241914928 - 5 Oct 2023
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 2841
Abstract
Adenosine, an immunosuppressive metabolite, is produced by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) released from dying or stressed cells and is found at high levels in the tumor microenvironment of most solid tumors. It mediates pro-tumor activities by inducing tumor cell proliferation, migration or invasion, tumor [...] Read more.
Adenosine, an immunosuppressive metabolite, is produced by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) released from dying or stressed cells and is found at high levels in the tumor microenvironment of most solid tumors. It mediates pro-tumor activities by inducing tumor cell proliferation, migration or invasion, tumor tissue angiogenesis, and chemoresistance. In addition, adenosine plays an important role in regulating anti-tumor immune responses and facilitating tumor immune escape. Adenosine receptors are broadly expressed by tumor-infiltrated immune cells, including suppressive tumor-associated macrophages and CD4+ regulatory T cells, as well as effector CD4+ T cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Therefore, adenosine is indispensable in down-regulating anti-tumor immune responses in the tumor microenvironment and contributes to tumor progression. This review describes the current progress on the role of adenosine/adenosine receptor pathway in regulating the tumor-infiltrating immune cells that contribute to tumor immune evasion and aims to provide insights into adenosine-targeted tumor immunotherapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immunotherapy for Cancer)
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21 pages, 1765 KiB  
Review
Biomarkers for Immunotherapy in Driver-Gene-Negative Advanced NSCLC
by Yiyi Huang, Yi-Fung Chau, Hua Bai, Xinyu Wu and Jianchun Duan
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(19), 14521; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241914521 - 25 Sep 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2041
Abstract
Outcome improvement in patients with driver-gene-negative advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been significantly enhanced through targeting the immune system, specifically the PD-L1/PD-1 axis. Nevertheless, only a subset of patients with advanced NSCLC may derive benefits from immuno-monotherapy or immunotherapy combined with [...] Read more.
Outcome improvement in patients with driver-gene-negative advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been significantly enhanced through targeting the immune system, specifically the PD-L1/PD-1 axis. Nevertheless, only a subset of patients with advanced NSCLC may derive benefits from immuno-monotherapy or immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy. Hence, in order to identify patients who will gain the maximum advantage from immunotherapy, it is crucial to investigate predictive biomarkers. This review provides a summary of the currently identified biomarkers associated with the extent of benefit from immuno-monotherapy or immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC. These biomarkers can be categorized into three groups: tumor-related, tumor-microenvironment-related, and host-factor-related.Tumor-related factors include PD-L1 expression, tumor mutational burden and specific genetic mutations, while tumor-microenvironment-related factors include extracellular vesicles and T-cell receptors, and host-related factors include systemic inflammation, circulating fatty acid profile, and the microbiome. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immunotherapy for Cancer)
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