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Immunotherapy: A New Perspective in Cancer Treatment
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Immunotherapy: A New Perspective in Cancer Treatment

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 October 2024 | Viewed by 2521

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Ivana Marinović-Terzić

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Immunology and Medical Genetics, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
Interests: DNA repair; DNA replication; immunotherapy; cancer treatment; oncology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The special issue of The International Journal of Molecular Sciences, entitled “Immunotherapy: A New Perspective in Cancer Treatment” encompasses an exploration of the evolving landscape of cancer treatment through the lens of immunotherapy. This comprehensive examination will delve into the latest breakthroughs, emerging technologies, and innovative approaches that are revolutionizing the field of oncology.

Within this scope, we will investigate the principles of immunotherapy, including its mechanisms of action and the different modalities such as checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapy, and therapeutic vaccines. The discussion will encompass not only the scientific and medical aspects but also the practical considerations, such as the availability, accessibility, and affordability of these treatments.

Additionally, this exploration will highlight the remarkable success stories and clinical trials that have demonstrated the potential of immunotherapy in treating a wide range of cancer types. It will also address the challenges, limitations, and ongoing research aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy.

Furthermore, the scope extends to the ethical, economic, and societal implications of immunotherapy, including its impact on healthcare systems, patient quality of life, and the role of patient advocacy in driving research and accessibility.

Ultimately, this comprehensive examination will provide a holistic view of the cutting-edge advancements in immunotherapy and how they are reshaping the future of cancer treatment.

Prof. Dr. Ivana Marinović-Terzić
Guest Editor

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

  • immunotherapy
  • cancer treatment
  • breakthroughs
  • oncology
  • checkpoint inhibitors
  • CAR-T cell therapy
  • therapeutic vaccines
  • clinical trials
  • accessible healthcare

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 5273 KiB  
Article
Optimization of In Vitro Th17 Polarization for Adoptive Cell Therapy in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
by Wael Gamal, Melanie Mediavilla-Varela, Angimar Uriepero-Palma, Javier Pinilla-Ibarz and Eva Sahakian
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(12), 6324; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25126324 - 7 Jun 2024
Viewed by 603
Abstract
Although preclinical investigations have shown notable efficacy in solid tumor models utilizing in vitro-differentiated Th17 cells for adoptive cell therapy (ACT), the potential benefits of this strategy in enhancing ACT efficacy in hematological malignancies, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), remain unexplored. CLL [...] Read more.
Although preclinical investigations have shown notable efficacy in solid tumor models utilizing in vitro-differentiated Th17 cells for adoptive cell therapy (ACT), the potential benefits of this strategy in enhancing ACT efficacy in hematological malignancies, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), remain unexplored. CLL is a B-cell malignancy with a clinical challenge of increased resistance to targeted therapies. T-cell therapies, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, have demonstrated limited success in CLL, which is attributed to CLL-mediated T-cell dysfunction and skewing toward immunosuppressive phenotypes. Herein, we illustrate the feasibility of polarizing CD4+ T cells from the Eμ-TCL1 murine model, the most representative model for human CLL, into Th17 phenotype, employing a protocol of T-cell activation through the inducible co-stimulator (ICOS) alongside a polarizing cytokine mixture. We demonstrate augmented memory properties of in vitro-polarized IL-17-producing T cells, and preliminary in vivo persistence in leukemia-bearing mice. Our findings gain translational relevance through successful viral transduction of Eμ-TCL1 CD4+ T cells with a CD19-targeted CAR construct during in vitro Th17 polarization. Th17 CAR T cells exhibited remarkable persistence upon encountering antigen-expressing target cells. This study represents the first demonstration of the potential of in vitro-differentiated Th17 cells to enhance ACT efficacy in CLL. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immunotherapy: A New Perspective in Cancer Treatment)
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16 pages, 4296 KiB  
Article
Near-Infrared Photoimmunotherapy Using a Protein Mimetic for EGFR-Positive Salivary Gland Cancer
by Haruka Yamaguchi, Takamasa Suzuki, Yasuo Okada, Junya Ono, Hiroto Sano, Akiko Banba, Hideyuki Sakata, Akihiro Ishikawa and Takao Morita
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(6), 3233; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25063233 - 12 Mar 2024
Viewed by 935
Abstract
Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a novel cancer therapy based on a monoclonal antibody (mAb) conjugated to a photosensitizer (IR700Dye). The conjugate can be activated by near-infrared light irradiation, causing necrotic cell death with high selectivity. In this study, we investigated NIR-PIT using a [...] Read more.
Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a novel cancer therapy based on a monoclonal antibody (mAb) conjugated to a photosensitizer (IR700Dye). The conjugate can be activated by near-infrared light irradiation, causing necrotic cell death with high selectivity. In this study, we investigated NIR-PIT using a small protein mimetic (6–7 kDa, Affibody) which has more rapid clearance and better tissue penetration than mAbs for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-positive salivary gland cancer (SGC). The level of EGFR expression was examined in vitro using immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. Cell viability was analyzed using the alamarBlue assay. In vivo, the volume of EGFR-positive tumors treated with NIR-PIT using the EGFR Affibody–IR700Dye conjugate was followed for 43 days. It was found that NIR-PIT using the EGFR Affibody–IR700Dye conjugate induced the selective destruction of EGFR-positive SGC cells and restricted the progression of EGFR-positive tumors. We expect that NIR-PIT using the EGFR Affibody–IR700Dye conjugate can efficiently treat EGFR-positive SGC and preserve normal salivary function. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immunotherapy: A New Perspective in Cancer Treatment)
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Review

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17 pages, 875 KiB  
Review
Chemokines and Cytokines in Immunotherapy of Melanoma and Other Tumors: From Biomarkers to Therapeutic Targets
by Robin Reschke, Alexander H. Enk and Jessica C. Hassel
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(12), 6532; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25126532 - 13 Jun 2024
Viewed by 422
Abstract
Chemokines and cytokines represent an emerging field of immunotherapy research. They are responsible for the crosstalk and chemoattraction of immune cells and tumor cells. For instance, CXCL9/10/11 chemoattract effector CD8+ T cells to the tumor microenvironment, making an argument for their promising [...] Read more.
Chemokines and cytokines represent an emerging field of immunotherapy research. They are responsible for the crosstalk and chemoattraction of immune cells and tumor cells. For instance, CXCL9/10/11 chemoattract effector CD8+ T cells to the tumor microenvironment, making an argument for their promising role as biomarkers for a favorable outcome. The cytokine Interleukin-15 (IL-15) can promote the chemokine expression of CXCR3 ligands but also XCL1, contributing to an important DC-T cell interaction. Recruited cytotoxic T cells can be clonally expanded by IL-2. Delivering or inducing these chemokines and cytokines can result in tumor shrinkage and might synergize with immune checkpoint inhibition. In addition, blocking specific chemokine and cytokine receptors such as CCR2, CCR4 or Il-6R can reduce the recruitment of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) or regulatory T cells (Tregs). Efforts to target these chemokines and cytokines have the potential to personalize cancer immunotherapy further and address patients that are not yet responsive because of immune cell exclusion. Targeting cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-15 is currently being evaluated in clinical trials in combination with immune checkpoint-blocking antibodies for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. The improved overall survival of melanoma patients might outweigh potential risks such as autoimmunity. However, off-target toxicity needs to be elucidated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immunotherapy: A New Perspective in Cancer Treatment)
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