ijms-logo

Journal Browser

Journal Browser

Immunotherapies for Cancer

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2022) | Viewed by 27847

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Martini-Klinik Prostate Cancer Center, Medical University Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany
2. University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, 900 Saint Denis St, Montreal, Quebec H2X 0A9, Canada
Interests: molecular oncology, prostate cancer, biomarker, therapy resistance, experimental therapy for advanced prostate cancer, translational research, novel research model, patient-derived xenograft (PDX), patient-derived organoids (PDO), microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Immunotherapy is the treatment of a disease by activating, enhancing, or suppressing an immune response. If the immune system recognizes the tumor cells as "bad", tumor cells can be fought using an immunological response, which has been an interesting research area for clinical treatment for years. What can we expect in the near future in immunological cancer therapy? Since the use of interferon (IFN alpha) for the treatment of patients with hairy cell leukemia or of interleukin-2 (IL-2) for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma, there have been further successful developments in this area. The vaccine Sipuleucel-T was developed for prostate carcinoma, the checkpoint inhibitor ipilimumab for the treatment of advanced melanoma and a checkpoint inhibitor that acts against the protein programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) or its ligand PD-1 ligand 1. (PD-L1). However, there are still some hurdles to be overcome to ensure that it can be used effectively and with as few side effects as possible. The efficiency of immunotherapies is difficult to assess because only a subgroup of patients reacts immunologically to immunotherapy. Difficulties also arise with solid tumors due to the accessibility (delivery barriers) compared to hematological tumors. In addition, some undesired immunological side effects (autoimmune side effects) are known that lead to an attack on healthy tissue. This is also due to the high dose required due to short half-lives and ineffective transport technologies to the target tissue. Some therapeutics are already being used in numerous clinical trials, but many have not yet been approved by the drug authorities. New approaches are, e.g., the development of patient-specific immunotherapies based on biomarker expression on cancer cells. However, this also includes the controlled, timed and targeted release of drugs in immunotherapy via nanoparticles. Novel transport technologies, such as nanoparticles, implants, scaffolds, biomaterial and cell-based platforms, are required. These transport technologies should protect the drug until it is transported to the target cells or activation of the drugs through responsive stimuli, such as pH, light or ultrasound, can be enabled. Are we on the way to successfully beating cancer through therapy with checkpoint inhibitors (PD-1/PD-L1, CTLA4), cytokines for lymphocyte promotion (interferons, interleukins, granulocyte-marcrophage colony-stimulationg factor), engineered T cell therapies ( chimeric antigen receptor T, T cell receptor T cells), antibodies against co-stimulatory receptors (CD28, tumor necrosis factor receptor family), cancer vaccines (tumor cell lysate, dendritic cells, nucleic acids, neo-antigens), oncolytic viruses or bispecific antibodies? Submit your current research results and share them with the research community. This is the only way to successfully offer individual and optimal cancer therapy for patients in the near future.

Dr. Pierre Tennstedt
Dr. Su Jung Oh-Hohenhorst
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.

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Editorial

Jump to: Review

4 pages, 183 KiB  
Editorial
Advances, Limitations and Future Challenges in the Management of Immunotherapy for Hematological Diseases and Solid Tumors
by Pierre Tennstedt and Su Jung Oh-Hohenhorst
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(10), 8812; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24108812 - 16 May 2023
Viewed by 1277
Abstract
Our immune system is able to attack cancer cells by recognizing cellular mistakes and destroying them [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immunotherapies for Cancer)

Review

Jump to: Editorial

18 pages, 1923 KiB  
Review
Sources of Cancer Neoantigens beyond Single-Nucleotide Variants
by Aude-Hélène Capietto, Reyhane Hoshyar and Lélia Delamarre
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(17), 10131; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231710131 - 4 Sep 2022
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4799
Abstract
The success of checkpoint blockade therapy against cancer has unequivocally shown that cancer cells can be effectively recognized by the immune system and eliminated. However, the identity of the cancer antigens that elicit protective immunity remains to be fully explored. Over the last [...] Read more.
The success of checkpoint blockade therapy against cancer has unequivocally shown that cancer cells can be effectively recognized by the immune system and eliminated. However, the identity of the cancer antigens that elicit protective immunity remains to be fully explored. Over the last decade, most of the focus has been on somatic mutations derived from non-synonymous single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) and small insertion/deletion mutations (indels) that accumulate during cancer progression. Mutated peptides can be presented on MHC molecules and give rise to novel antigens or neoantigens, which have been shown to induce potent anti-tumor immune responses. A limitation with SNV-neoantigens is that they are patient-specific and their accurate prediction is critical for the development of effective immunotherapies. In addition, cancer types with low mutation burden may not display sufficient high-quality [SNV/small indels] neoantigens to alone stimulate effective T cell responses. Accumulating evidence suggests the existence of alternative sources of cancer neoantigens, such as gene fusions, alternative splicing variants, post-translational modifications, and transposable elements, which may be attractive novel targets for immunotherapy. In this review, we describe the recent technological advances in the identification of these novel sources of neoantigens, the experimental evidence for their presentation on MHC molecules and their immunogenicity, as well as the current clinical development stage of immunotherapy targeting these neoantigens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immunotherapies for Cancer)
Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 1269 KiB  
Review
Microsatellite Instability: From the Implementation of the Detection to a Prognostic and Predictive Role in Cancers
by Martina Amato, Renato Franco, Gaetano Facchini, Raffaele Addeo, Fortunato Ciardiello, Massimiliano Berretta, Giulia Vita, Alessandro Sgambato, Sandro Pignata, Michele Caraglia, Marina Accardo and Federica Zito Marino
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(15), 8726; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23158726 - 5 Aug 2022
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 6182
Abstract
Microsatellite instability (MSI) has been identified in several tumors arising from either germline or somatic aberration. The presence of MSI in cancer predicts the sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), particularly PD1/PD-L1 inhibitors. To date, the predictive role of MSI is currently used [...] Read more.
Microsatellite instability (MSI) has been identified in several tumors arising from either germline or somatic aberration. The presence of MSI in cancer predicts the sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), particularly PD1/PD-L1 inhibitors. To date, the predictive role of MSI is currently used in the selection of colorectal cancer patients for immunotherapy; moreover, the expansion of clinical trials into other cancer types may elucidate the predictive value of MSI for non-colorectal tumors. In clinical practice, several assays are used for MSI testing, including immunohistochemistry (IHC), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS). In this review, we provide an overview of MSI in various cancer types, highlighting its potential predictive/prognostic role and the clinical trials performed. Finally, we focus on the comparison data between the different assays used to detect MSI in clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immunotherapies for Cancer)
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 354 KiB  
Review
A Bright Horizon: Immunotherapy for Pediatric T-Cell Malignancies
by Haley Newman and David T. Teachey
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(15), 8600; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23158600 - 2 Aug 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3138
Abstract
Immunotherapy has transformed the treatment of hematologic malignancies in the past two decades. The treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), in particular, has been highly impacted by multiple novel immunotherapies. For pediatric patients with T-cell malignancies, translating immunotherapies has proved more challenging due [...] Read more.
Immunotherapy has transformed the treatment of hematologic malignancies in the past two decades. The treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), in particular, has been highly impacted by multiple novel immunotherapies. For pediatric patients with T-cell malignancies, translating immunotherapies has proved more challenging due to the complexities of fratricide, risk of product contamination with malignant cells, and concerns over T-cell aplasia. Despite these hurdles, many creative and promising strategies are on the horizon. We review challenges in the development of immunotherapy for T-cell malignancies, strategies to overcome these challenges, as well as therapies currently being investigated and starting to reach the clinic. Immunotherapy will hopefully successfully treat patients with relapsed and refractory T-cell malignancies and may someday be incorporated in up-front protocols in order to prevent relapses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immunotherapies for Cancer)
30 pages, 1308 KiB  
Review
Immunotherapy in Advanced Prostate Cancer—Light at the End of the Tunnel?
by Gunhild von Amsberg, Winfried Alsdorf, Panagiotis Karagiannis, Anja Coym, Moritz Kaune, Stefan Werner, Markus Graefen, Carsten Bokemeyer, Lina Merkens and Sergey A. Dyshlovoy
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(5), 2569; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23052569 - 25 Feb 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4668
Abstract
Immunotherapeutic treatment approaches are now an integral part of the treatment of many solid tumors. However, attempts to integrate immunotherapy into the treatment of prostate cancer have been disappointing so far. This is due to a highly immunosuppressive, “cold” tumor microenvironment, which is [...] Read more.
Immunotherapeutic treatment approaches are now an integral part of the treatment of many solid tumors. However, attempts to integrate immunotherapy into the treatment of prostate cancer have been disappointing so far. This is due to a highly immunosuppressive, “cold” tumor microenvironment, which is characterized, for example, by the absence of cytotoxic T cells, an increased number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells or regulatory T cells, a decreased number of tumor antigens, or a defect in antigen presentation. The consequence is a reduced efficacy of many established immunotherapeutic treatments such as checkpoint inhibitors. However, a growing understanding of the underlying mechanisms of tumor–immune system interactions raises hopes that immunotherapeutic strategies can be optimized in the future. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current status and future directions of immunotherapy development in prostate cancer. Background information on immune response and tumor microenvironment will help to better understand current therapeutic strategies under preclinical and clinical development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immunotherapies for Cancer)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

21 pages, 1388 KiB  
Review
Rho-Kinase as a Target for Cancer Therapy and Its Immunotherapeutic Potential
by Seohyun Kim, Seong A. Kim, Jihoon Han and In-San Kim
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(23), 12916; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222312916 - 29 Nov 2021
Cited by 36 | Viewed by 6624
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is fast rising as a prominent new pillar of cancer treatment, harnessing the immune system to fight against numerous types of cancer. Rho-kinase (ROCK) pathway is involved in diverse cellular activities, and is therefore the target of interest in various diseases [...] Read more.
Cancer immunotherapy is fast rising as a prominent new pillar of cancer treatment, harnessing the immune system to fight against numerous types of cancer. Rho-kinase (ROCK) pathway is involved in diverse cellular activities, and is therefore the target of interest in various diseases at the cellular level including cancer. Indeed, ROCK is well-known for its involvement in the tumor cell and tumor microenvironment, especially in its ability to enhance tumor cell progression, migration, metastasis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Importantly, ROCK is also considered to be a novel and effective modulator of immune cells, although further studies are needed. In this review article, we describe the various activities of ROCK and its potential to be utilized in cancer treatment, particularly in cancer immunotherapy, by shining a light on its activities in the immune system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immunotherapies for Cancer)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop