Mouse Lewis Lung Cancer Research Articles

Feiji Recipe inhibits the growth of lung cancer by modulating T-cell immunity through indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase pathway in an orthotopic implantation model

ObjectiveEscape from the body’s immune response is a basic characteristic of lung cancer, and indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) plays a key role in mediating immune escape of non-small-cell lung cancer, which leads to recurrence and metastasis. Feiji Recipe, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, has the effect of stabilizing lesions and prolonging survival in patients with lung cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying the anticancer properties of Feiji Recipe. MethodsAn orthotopic transplant model of mouse Lewis lung cancer, with stable expression of IDO gene, was established in C57BL/6 mice. Optical imaging was used to observe the effects of Feiji Recipe in the treatment of lung cancer in vivo. The effects of Feiji Recipe on the proliferation of mouse Lewis lung cancer cell line 2LL, 2LL-enhanced green fluorescent protein (2LL-EGFP) and 2LL-EGFP-IDO were investigated, and the apoptosis of T-cells was examined by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide using flow cytometry. Chemical composition of Feiji Recipe was validated by high-performance liquid chromatography. ResultsCompared to the control group, the survival of animals treated with Feiji Recipe was significantly prolonged (P = 0.0074), and the IDO protein level decreased (P = 0.0072); moreover, the percentages of CD4+CD25+ T-cells and Foxp3+ T-cells were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The molecular mechanism of Feiji Recipe against lung cancer may relate to the regulation of immune cells, such as T-cells and regulatory T-cells. ConclusionThe molecular mechanism of Feiji Recipe in treatment of lung cancer is to restore the function of T-cells in the cancer microenvironment through interfering with the IDO pathway.

Effects of Astragalus Polysaccharides on Growth, Metastasis and Cell Cycle of Lewis Lung Cancer in Tumor-bearing Mice with Qi and Yin Deficiency

Effects of Astragalus Polysaccharides on Growth, Metastasis and Cell Cycle of Lewis Lung Cancer in Tumor-bearing Mice with Qi and Yin Deficiency

Study on Tumor inhibition of Dichloromethane Extract from Blumea balsamifera D. C. in Lewis Lung Cancer Mice

Study on Tumor inhibition of Dichloromethane Extract from Blumea balsamifera D. C. in Lewis Lung Cancer Mice

Yangyin Fuzheng Decoction enhances anti-tumor efficacy of cisplatin on lung cancer.

Traditional Chinese medicine has been widely used in cancer treatment in China. Yangyin Fuzheng Decoction is a traditional Chinese compound medicine, composed of 12 traditional Chinese herbs. This study aimed to investigate anti-tumor activity and the underlying mechanisms of Yangyin Fuzheng Decoction combined with cisplatin in the treatment of lung cancer. We established lung cancer model in C57BL/6 mice injected with mouse Lewis lung cancer cells. Our results demonstrated that Yangyin Fuzheng Decoction treatment increased necrotic area in tumor tissue, and significantly enhanced the recruitment of inflammatory cells into the tumor. In addition, Yangyin Fuzheng Decoction treatment enhanced the anti-tumor efficacy of cisplatin and partially recovered mouse body weight loss caused by cisplatin treatment. Mechanistically, we found that Yangyin Fuzheng Decoction upregulated the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins p53 and Bax and suppressed the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. Combined treatment of Yangyin Fuzheng Decoction and cisplatin further increased p53 and Bax levels and suppressed Bcl-2 level. Taken together, these data suggest that Yangyin Fuzheng Decoction could synergistically enhance the apoptotic signaling in cancer cells during chemotherapy. In addition, it has health improving and immune response enhancing effects. Yangyin Fuzheng Decoction could be a promising adjunct agent for lung cancer chemotherapy.

The Immunogenicity and Immunoprotection of VBP3 Multi-epitope Vaccine Targeting Angiogenesis and Tumor Inhibition in Lung Cancer-Bearing Mice

The proangiogenic factors including basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which work synergistically are essential for tumor angiogenesis and tumor growth. The bFGF/VEGF multi-epitope complex peptide (VBP3) was constructed with six different epitope peptides from human bFGF and VEGF. The VBP3 multi-epitope complex peptide was demonstrated good immunogenicity to elicit high titer anti-bFGF antibody and anti-VEGF antibody in C57BL/6 mice. In Lewis lung cancer (LLC) mouse model, the tumor growth was significantly inhibited which resulted in a longer survival time. The immunohistochemistry results showed that the tumor angiogenesis was inhibited with VBP3 vaccine vaccination. The results of flow cytometry (FCM) assay showed that the activation of dentritic cells (DC), CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were stimulated while the infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and macrophages were suppressed in tumor microenvironment. The polyclonal antibodies were separated from the VBP3-vaccinated mice. The CCK-8 assay results showed that the proliferation of LL-2 cancer cells was inhibited and the Western-blot assay results showed that the phosphorylation levels of Akt and Erk1/2 were decreased by the antibodies. The results indicated that the VBP3 could stimulate specific immune responses to inhibit tumor angiogenesis and tumor growth. The VBP3 with good immunogenicity and immunoprotection could be used as a potential therapeutic peptide vaccine for tumor therapy.

Gefitinib inhibits M2-like polarization of tumor-associated macrophages in Lewis lung cancer by targeting the STAT6 signaling pathway.

M2-like polarized tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a pivotal role in promoting cancer cell growth, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. The identification of M2-like TAMs during tumor progression is an attractive approach for cancer therapy. In this study, we investigated the relevance of macrophage polarization and the antitumor effect of gefitinib in Lewis Lung cancer (LLC) in vitro and in vivo. Gefitinib at a concentration below 2.5 μmol/L did not cause significant growth inhibition on LLC and RAW 264.7 cell lines and bone marrow-derived macrophage (BMDMs). However, a small concentration of gefitinib (0.62 μmol/L) significantly inhibited IL-13-induced M2-like polarization of macrophages, evidenced by the decreased expression of the M2 surface markers CD206 and CD163, down-regulation of specific M2-marker genes (Mrc1, Ym1, Fizz1, Arg1, IL-10 and CCL2) as well as inhibition of M2-like macrophage-mediated invasion and migration of LLC cells. In RAW 264.7 cells, gefitinib inhibits IL-13-induced phosphorylation of STAT6, which was a crucial signaling pathway in macrophage M2-like polarization. In LLC mice metastasis model, oral administration of gefitinib (75 mg·kg-1·d-1, for 21 d) significantly reduced the number of lung metastasis nodules, down-regulated the expression of M2 marker genes and the percentages CD206+ and CD68+ macrophages in tumor tissues. These results demonstrated that gefitinib effectively inhibits M2-like polarization both in vitro and in vivo, revealing a novel potential mechanism for the chemopreventative effect of gefitinib.

Low Frequency Magnetic Fields Induce Autophagy-associated Cell Death in Lung Cancer through miR-486-mediated Inhibition of Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway

Low frequency magnetic fields (LF-MFs) can affect cell proliferation in a cell-type and intensity-dependent way. Previous study has reported the anti-tumor effect of LF-MFs in lung cancers. Our previous study also optimized the intensity and duration of LF-MFs to effectively inhibit the proliferation of lung cancer cells. However, the anti-tumor mechanism of LF-MFs remains unclear, which limit the clinical application of LF-MFs in anti-tumor therapy. Here, in a well-established Lewis Lung Cancer (LLC) mouse model, we found that LF-MFs inhibit tumor growth and induce an autophagic cell death in lung cancer. We also found that LF-MFs could up-regulate the expression level of miR-486, which was involved in LF-MFs activated cell autophagy. Furthermore, we found B-cell adaptor for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (BCAP) is a direct target of miR-486. miR-486 inhibit AKT/mTOR signaling through inhibiting expression of BCAP. Moreover, a decreased expression of miR-486 and an increased expression of BCAP were found in tumor tissues of lung cancer patients. Taken together, this study proved that LF-MFs can inhibit lung cancers through miR-486 induced autophagic cell death, which suggest a clinical application of LF-MFs in cancer treatment.

A combination of nanosystems for the delivery of cancer chemoimmunotherapeutic combinations: 1-Methyltryptophan nanocrystals and paclitaxel nanoparticles

IDO is an enzyme that tumors use to create a state of immunosupression. 1-d-methyltryptophan (1-MT) is an IDO pathway inhibitor. After being successfully evaluated in preclinical studies, current clinical trials are actually analyzing its efficacy as monotherapy or in combination with multiple chemotherapeutic agents such as paclitaxel. 1-MT very poor solubility in water and many other solvents precludes its ease parenteral administration. It is currently administered by oral route because high daily doses were well-tolerated and effectively inhibited the IDO activity although only 25% of dose was recovered in plasma.The present work describes the preparation and characterization of 1-MT nanocrystals in order to enhance its solubility, dissolution rate, biodisponibility as well as facilitate its administration by parenteral route. A bottom-down approach of nanoprecipitation with an antisolvent was used for the fabrication of the nanocrystals and the choice of stabilizers was critical for reducing the size. Thermal analysis and x-ray diffraction indicated modifications in the drug crystalline state by the process. Through the reduction size and crystalline state modifications the dissolution characteristics of raw material were significantly increased. In a Lewis Lung cancer mice model, the nanocrystals strategy facilitated the sc administration and its antitumoral activity was similar to that of i.v. paclitaxel. The best efficacy was achieved when sc 1-MT nanocrystals were administered in combination with oral paclitaxel loaded in poly(anhydride) nanoparticles. Take together, 1-MT nanocrystals delivery performs a nanotechnological strategy suitable to modify the current route and schedule for its administration.

Effect of tetramethylpyrazine combined with cisplatin on VEGF, KLF4 and ADAMTS1 in Lewis lung cancer mice.

To further explore the function of combine use of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) and cisplatin (DDP) in lung carcinoma. We used the combination drug to treat Lewis lung cancer mice, investigated the expression level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) and A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 1 (ADAMTS1) and to further explore the inhibitory effects and potential mechanism of TMP combined with DDP on tumor angiogenesis. The tumor growth was suppressed in TMP group, DDP group and TMP combined with DDP group. Furthermore, the weights and volume of tumor, the expression level of VEGF, KLF4 and ADAMTS1 were found significantly changed between experiment group and control group. These findings suggest that TMP with DDP had additional or synergistic effects to inhibit the tumor growth effectively, might be achieved through reducing the expression of angiogenesis promoting factor VEGF and increasing expression of angiogenesis inhibitors KLF4 and ADAMTS1. KLF4 and ADAMTS1 may be synergically involved in the angiogenesis in mouse Lewis lung cancer through the different signal ways.

Decreased sensory nerve excitation and bone pain associated with mouse Lewis lung cancer in TRPV1-deficient mice.

Bone pain is one of the most common and life-limiting complications of cancer metastasis to bone. Although the mechanism of bone pain still remains poorly understood, bone pain is evoked as a consequence of sensitization and excitation of sensory nerves (SNs) innervating bone by noxious stimuli produced in the microenvironment of bone metastases. We showed that bone is innervated by calcitonin gene-related protein (CGRP)+ SNs extending from dorsal root ganglia (DRG), the cell body of SNs, in mice. Mice intratibially injected with Lewis lung cancer (LLC) cells showed progressive bone pain evaluated by mechanical allodynia and flinching with increased CGRP+ SNs in bone and augmented SN excitation in DRG as indicated by elevated numbers of pERK- and pCREB-immunoreactive neurons. Immunohistochemical examination of LLC-injected bone revealed that the tumor microenvironment is acidic. Bafilomycin A1, a selective inhibitor of H+ secretion from vacuolar proton pump, significantly alleviated bone pain, indicating that the acidic microenvironment contributes to bone pain. We then determined whether the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), a major acid-sensing nociceptor predominantly expressed on SNs, plays a role in bone pain by intratibially injecting LLC cells in TRPV1-deficient mice. Bone pain and SN excitation in the DRG and spinal dorsal horn were significantly decreased in TRPV1 -/- mice compared with wild-type mice. Our results suggest that TRPV1 activation on SNs innervating bone by the acidic cancer microenvironment in bone contributes to SN activation and bone pain. Targeting acid-activated TRPV1 is a potential therapeutic approach to cancer-induced bone pain.

Effects of simvastatin on the proliferation, invasion and radiosensitivity in Lewis lung cancer cell line

Objective: To investigate the effects of simvastatin on proliferation, invasion and radiosensitivity of mouse Lewis lung cancer cell line in vitro. Methods: The inhibitory effects of simvastatin on proliferation of Lewis lung cancer cells were detected by MTT assay. Matrigel invasion and migration assay was used to determine the invasion and motility ability of the Lewis cells. P38 activity was measured by p38 activity detection kit, and the expressions of p-p38, MKP-1, RhoA and MMP-2 were analyzed by Western blot. Lung cancer xenograft model was established in C57BL/6 mice. The mice were randomly divided into control group, simvastatin group, radiotherapy alone group and combined treatment group. The mice were killed 27 days after inoculation. The tumor mass, volume and lung metastatic nodules in the mice were compared. Results: The cell proliferation rates of 0 μmol/L, 10 μmol/L, 20 μmol/L and 30 μmol/L simvastatin groups were 100%, (87.0±9.0)%, (76.5±8.1)% and (67.0±7.3)%, respectively (P<0.05). Invasive cell numbers of the above groups were 298±30, 251±26, 207±20 and 132±19 per field, respectively (P<0.05). The intracellular p38 activities were 100%, (83.1±8.8)%, (70.2±8.2)% and (59.0±6.4)%, respectively. The relative expressions of p-p38 were 100%, (76.2±6.7)%, (56.4±5.4)% and (36.5±3.2)%, respectively. The expressions of RhoA were 100%, (80.1±5.3)%, (55.3±6.2)% and (38.6±4.8)%, respectively. The expressions of MMP-2 were 100%, (89.6±8.6)%, (51.9±4.7)% and (42.7±3.1)%, respectively, while the expressions of MKP-1 were 100%, (136.5±12.2)%, (168.8±15.3)% and (187.7±13.4)%, respectively (all P<0.05). Lung metastatic nodules and mass in the control, simvastatin, radiotherapy group and combined treatment groups were 6.24±1.09, 3.07±0.71 g, 5.09±1.16, 2.43±0.53 g, 3.12±0.68, 1.96±0.62 g and 2.65±0.38, 1.12±0.43 g, respectively (all P<0.05). The tumor inhibition rates were 39.0%, 48.1% and 26.5%, respectively, in the radiotherapy alone, combined treatment and simvastatin groups (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Simvastatin inhibits the proliferation of Lewis cell line by inhibiting the activity of p38 and expression of p-p38. Meanwhile, simvastatin reduces the invasion and motility of Lewis cell line through down-regulating the expression of RhoA and MMP-2. When combined with radiotherapy, simvastatin can inhibit tumor growth and metastasis, and improve the treatment efficacy of radiotherapy synergistically.

Analysis of the Total Biflavonoids Extract from Selaginella doederleinii by HPLC-QTOF-MS and Its In Vitro and In Vivo Anticancer Effects.

Selaginella doederleinii Hieron has been traditionally used as a folk antitumor herbal medicine in China. In this paper, the phytochemical components of the total biflavonoids extract from S. doederleinii were studied by using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-QTOF MS/MS) in negative ion mode, and their in vitro and in vivo anticancer effects were evaluated. Four types of biflavonoids from S. doederleinii, including IC3′–IIC8′′, IC3′–IIC6′′, IC3′–IIC3′′′, and C–O linked biflavonoids were examined originally using QTOF MS/MS. The fragmentation behavior of IC3′–IIC3′′′ linked biflavonoids was reported for the first time. A total of twenty biflavonoids were identified or tentatively characterized and eight biflavonoids were found from S. doederleinii for the first time. Furthermore, the 3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thizolyl)-2,5-diphenyltertazolium bromide (MTT) assay and xenograft model of mouse lewis lung cancer(LLC) in male C57BL/6 mice revealed favorable anticancer properties of the total biflavonoids extracts from S. doederleinii. The results of this work could provide useful knowledge for the identification of biflavonoids in herbal samples and further insights into the chemopreventive function of this plant.

A monoclonal antibody targeting the dimer interface of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an attractive target for the treatment of epithelial cancers. However, EGFR antagonists have low clinical response rates and frequently induce resistance mainly caused by the hypermutation of the extracellular and intracellular domains and the heterodimerization of EGFR. Dimerization plays a key role in the activation of the EGFR family of receptors. Thus, targeting the highly conserved dimer interface of EGFR maybe an attractive strategy for improving the clinical response of anti-EGFR therapies. In this work, we report a monoclonal antibody (mAb) called Antidimer 5G9 that targets the β-hairpin within the dimer interface of EGFR, which is 100% homologous with mouse EGFR. Antidimer 5G9 belongs to the isotype IgG1 and bound with an affinity constant of 1.837×109L/mol. Just as designed and expected, Antidimer 5G9 could recognize and bind to human EGFRs or mouse EGFRs on the surface of human breast cancer cells of the MDA-MB-231 cell line or mouse Lewis lung cancer cells (LLC), effectively inhibiting growth and inducing apoptosis in the targeted cells. This work lays the foundation for further studies investigating the feasibility of this strategy for targeting the dimer interface of EGFR and developing novel anti-EGFR drugs.

Anti-tumor activity of tanshinone IIA in combined with cyclophosphamide against Lewis mice with lung cancer.

To explore the anti-tumor activity of tanshinone IIA in combined with cyclophosphamide against Lewis mice with lung cancer and the effect on cellular immune function. Lewis tumor cells were inoculated subcutaneously into the right armpit of mice in each group (n=20) to establish Lewis lung cancer mice model. After model establishment, mice in the model group were given normal saline by lavage, qd. Mice in treatment I group were given intraperitoneal injection of Tan IIA, 15mg/kg, qd. Mice in treatment II group were given intraperitoneal injection of CTX, 25mg/kg, qd. Mice in treatment III group were given intraperitoneal injections of Tan IIA and CTX, in which the administration method of Tan IIA was the same as in treatment I group, continuously for 2 weeks, and the dosage of CTX was the same as in treatment II group, 24h after model establishment, every other day. Mice were sacrificed 2 weeks after establishment. The tumor tissues were collected to calculate the anti-tumor rate. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, VEGF, Angiostatin, and Endostatin. FCM was used to detect T lymphocyte subsets in spleen and liver of mice. The tumor weight in treatment I, II, and III groups was significantly lower than that in the model group (P<0.05). The tumor weight in treatment III group was significantly lower than that in treatment I and II groups (P<0.05). The anti-tumor rate in treatment II and III groups was significantly higher than that in treatment I group (P<0.05). Bcl-2 expression in the tumor tissues of treatment I, II, and III groups was significantly lower than that in the model group (P<0.05), while Bax expression was significantly higher than that in the model group (P<0.05). Bcl-2 expression in the tumor tissues of treatment I and II groups was significantly higher than that in treatment III group (P<0.05), while Bax expression was significantly lower than that in treatment III group (P<0.05). CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ in treatment I, II, and III groups were significantly higher than those in the model group (P<0.05). CD4+ in treatment III group was significantly higher than that in treatment I and II groups (P<0.05), while CD4+/CD8+ was significantly higher than that in treatment II group (P<0.05). The comparison of CD8+ among each group was not statistically significant (P>0.05). NK cell activity in treatment I, II, and III groups was significantly higher than that in the model group (P<0.05). NK cell activity in treatment III group was significantly higher than that in treatment I and II groups (P<0.05). Tan IIA in combined with CTX can down regulate Bcl-2 expression in lung cancer tissues, up regulate Bax expression, inhibit the neovascularization of tumor tissues, and enhance the immunological function, with a significant anti-tumor activity.

Microbial HSP70 peptide epitope 407-426 as adjuvant in tumor-derived autophagosome vaccine therapy of mouse lung cancer.

Tumor-derived autophagome (DRibble) is an effective therapeutic cancer vaccine inducing T cell recognition and death of tumor cells in mice. However, the potential for improved anti-tumor response still remains. Our previous study demonstrated that two repeats of a mycobacterial HSP70407-426 (M2) peptide acted as adjuvant in improving anti-tumor efficacy of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) vaccine. Here, a DRibble vaccine conjugated with M2 (DRibble-M2) was designed as a novel vaccine to enhance anti-tumor activity. Compared with DRibble alone, DRibble-M2 vaccination more significantly inhibited the growth of mouse Lewis lung cancer both in a subcutaneous tumor model and in a lung metastasis model. Higher expression of antigen-specific CTL was induced by DRibble-M2. DRibble-M2 induced higher CD83 and CD86 expression in DC2.4 and also improved the internalization of DRibble antigen into DC2.4. Our data indicated that DRibble-M2 is a potential vaccine for clinical cancer therapy.

Identification of the subpopulations of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and the function study in elderly tumor-bearing mice

Objective To investigate the level of subpopulations of myeloid-derived suppressor cells(MDSCs) in elderly tumor-bearing mice versus elderly tumor-free mice, and to study the difference in immune suppressive functions between different subpopulations and their mechanisms. Methods A total of 20 healthy C57BL/6 elderly mice(aged 18-20 months) were randomly chosen to establish Lewis lung cancer models.The amount of monocytic-MDSCs(MO-MDSCs) and polymorphonuclear granulocytic-MDSCs(PMN-MDSCs) in tumor-free and tumor-bearing elderly mice was evaluated by using flow cytometry.MO-MDSCs and PMN-MDSCs were separated with Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting(MACS) MicroBeads and their morphological characteristics were observed after May-Grunwald-Giemsa staining.The effects of MO-MDSCs and PMN-MDSCs on the proliferation of T cells were determined by Brdu-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). And the immune suppressive mediators secreted by the subpopulations were detected by Real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR). Results Compared to the tumor-free group, the proportion of MO-MDSCs in the spleen of tumor-bearing group were increased [(12.44±1.20) % vs.(38.42±3.66) %, t=5.67, P<0.001], while PMN-MDSCs were not [(10.34±0.68) % vs.(12.18±1.27) %, t=2.21, P=0.09]. The result of Brdu-ELISA showed that MO-MDSCs could suppress the proliferation of T cells [(0.30±0.18) vs.(3.38±0.96), t=8.33, P<0.001], while PMN-MDSCs could not [(2.69±0.45)vs.(3.38±0.96), t=1.72, P=0.11]. The result of PCR showed that as compared with PMN-MDSCs, Mo-MDSCs had the increased expression levels of arginase-1(ARG-1), inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS), interleukin-10(IL-10), interferon-γ(IFN-γ)(t=4.31, 8.89, 1.70, 3.13, respectively, P<0.01 or 0.05), while the expression levels of interleukin-13(IL-13), transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) had no differences(t=4.94 and 2.75, P=0.39 and0.47). Conclusions MO-MDSCs are significantly increased in elderly Lewis lung cancer mice models.MO-MDSCs could mediate lung tumor evasion by suppressing the proliferation of T cells through highly expressing ARG-1, iNOS, IL-10 and IFN-γ. Key words: Lung neoplasms; Immunity; Tumor escape

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel EGFR/HER2 dual inhibitors bearing a oxazolo[4,5-g]quinazolin-2(1H)-one scaffold

For the purpose of developing novel EGFR/HER2 tyrosine kinases inhibitors with high inhibition activity and low toxicity, two novel series of oxazolo[4,5-g]quinazolin-2(1H)-one derivatives as EGFR/HER2 dual inhibitors introducing two electrophiles 2-(2-bromoacetyl)ethyl and 2-(2-chloroacetoxy)ethyl group as side-chain at 1-position respectively and evaluated their EGFR and HER2 inhibition activity and toxicity comparing with Lapatinib. All these compounds were evaluated by EGFR and HER2 kinase inhibition and two anti-proliferation assays in vitro. Most of the designed compounds exhibited moderate to high inhibition activity against EGFR and HER2. Especially, compounds 11o, 11p, 12e and 12f presented high inhibition against EGFR and HER2. Furthermore, compounds 11p and 12f also had well exhibition to excellent anti-proliferation activity against human lung adenocarcinoma cell line (A549) and human breast cancer cell line (SK-Br3), and 12f also exhibited the lowest toxicity against human embryonic lung fibroblast cell line (HELF) cell. Finally, compound 12f presented remarkably higher inhibition efficacy towards tumour growth than Lapatinib in a mouse lewis lung cancer (LLC) xenograft model.

Polarization of M1 tumor associated macrophage promoted by the activation of TLR3 signal pathway.

To investigate the correlation between activation of toll-like receptors 3 (TLR3) signaling pathway and tumor-associated macrophage and its effect on the tumor growth. The mice Lewis lung cancer cell lines 3LL and melanoma B16H10 were used to construct the subcutaneous transplantation tumor models and then they were treated with Poly-ICLC. The curative effect was observed and then the T cell and macrophage phenotypes infiltrated in local tumor were detected by flow cytometry. After the invitro culture of mouse bone marrow-derived macrophage, the real-time PCR and western blot were applied to detect the expression of macrophage activation markers and the activation of intracellular signaling pathways. The survival time of mice with brown tumor treated with Poly-ICLC significantly increased and the tumor growth was inhibited. The ratio of local tumor-infiltrated Treg decreased, while the ratio of CD8(+) T cell increased significantly. The macrophages surface CD206 expression was down-regulated while the expression of iNOS increased. The Poly-ICLC could promote the expression of M1 markers (IL-1β, TNF-α and iNOS) in bone marrow-derived macrophage and inhibited the expression of M2 molecules (Arg-1, YM-1 and CD206). The phosphorylation level of downstream p65, TBK1 and IRF3 increased significantly. The Poly-ICLC can activate the TLR3 downstream signaling pathway to induce a M1 polarization of tumor associated macrophage, thereby inhibiting the tumor growth.

Design, synthesis and biological activities of novel oxazolo[4,5-g]quinazolin-2(1H)-one derivatives as EGFR inhibitors

A series of oxazolo[4,5-g]quinazolin-2(1H)-one derivatives employing Erlotinib as lead compound were synthesized and evaluated for their EGFR inhibition activity. These compounds having variation at the 1 and 8-position, included ether and esters hydrophilic side-chain and aromatic head fragment, respectively. All these compounds were evaluated by EGFR inhibition and two anti-proliferation assays in vitro. Four compounds were found more potent than Erlotinib in EGFR-TK assay. Furthermore, compounds 18, 42 and 50 also had good to excellent anti-proliferation activity against human epidermoid cancer cell line (KB) and renal cell carcinoma cell line (A498). Finally, compound 50 presented remarkably higher inhibition efficacy towards tumor growth than Erlotinib in a mouse lewis lung cancer (LLC) xenograft model. Furthermore, compound 50 displayed the most distinguished effect on extending the survival period of the tumor-bearing mice.

Fusion with human lung cancer cells elongates the life span of human umbilical endothelial cells and enhances the anti-tumor immunity.

Human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs) have been proved as an effective whole-cell vaccine inhibiting tumor angiogenesis. However, HUVECs divide a very limited number of passages before entering replicative senescence, which limits its application for clinical situation. Here, we fused HUVECs with human pulmonary adenocarcinoma cell line A549s and investigated the anti-tumor immunity of the hybrids against mice Lewis lung cancer. HUVECs were fused with A549s using polyethylene glycol and were sorted by flow cytometry. The fusion cells (HUVEC-A549s) were confirmed by testing the expression of telomerase and VE-cadherin, the senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, and tube formation ability. HUVEC-A549s were then irradiated and injected into the C57BL/6 mice of protective, therapeutic, and metastatic models. The mechanism of the anti-tumor immunity was explored by analyzing mice sera, spleen T lymphocytes, tumor microenvironment, and histological changes. HUVEC-A549s coexpressed tumor and endothelial markers and maintained the vascular function of tube forming at passage 30 without showing signs of senescence. HUVEC-A549s could induce protective and therapeutic anti-tumor activity for LL(2) model and presented stronger activity against metastasis than HUVECs. Both humoral and cellular immunity were participated in the anti-angiogenic activity, as HUVECs-neutralizing IgG and HUVECs-toxic lymphocytes were increased. Angiogenic mediators (VEGF and TGF-β) and tumor microenvironment cells MDSCs and Tregs were also diminished. Our findings might provide a novel strategy for HUVECs-related immunotherapy, and this vaccine requires lower culture condition than primary HUVECs while enhancing the anti-tumor immunity.