Targeting cancer stem cells via integrin β4

Abstract

Integrins mediate cell-cell interactions and communication with the extracellular matrix (ECM). These transmembrane protein receptors allow binding between a cell and its surroundings, initiating a breadth of intracellular signaling resulting in proliferation, differentiation, survival, or migration. Such responses have made integrins an attractive target for cancer therapy. Self-renewing and highly tumorigenic cancer stem cells (CSCs) are most resistant to traditional radiation treatment and chemotherapy, and therefore may contribute directly to the metastasis and relapse of the disease. In both the 4T1 mouse metastatic mammary tumor model and SCC7 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma model, integrin β4 (ITGB4) was expressed on ALDH^high 4T1 and SCC7 CSCs. Using two immunological approaches, we targeted ITGB4 through 1) ITGB4 protein-pulsed dendritic cell (ITGB4-DC) vaccination or 2) via anti-CD3/anit-ITGB4 bispecific antibody (ITGB4 BiAb)-armed T cell adoptive transfer. These two therapies reduced ITGB4-expressing CSCs and inhibited local tumor growth and lung metastasis through ITGB4 specific cellular and humoral immune responses. Additionally, the combination of anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy with our two ITGB4-targeted approaches significantly improved treatment efficacy. We also found increased concentrations of serum IFN-γ and IL-6 in the 4T1 and SCC7 models which may help define future directions of this ITGB4-targeted study. Together, these results emphasize ITGB4 as a practical CSC immunological target with possible therapeutic benefits across tumor types with high ITGB4 expression.

INTRODUCTION

The main intermediaries between a cell and its extracellular environment are integrins. Integrins are αβ heterodimers found on the surface of all nucleated cells. Each integrin subunit contains a cytoplasmic tail and one short transmembrane cross, with the remainder of the protein located outside the cell [1]. Humans have 18 α and 8 β subunits which form pairs in the endoplasmic reticulum to produce 24 distinct receptors with nonredundant function [2]. At the cell surface, ligand binding occurs at the extracellular domain formed by the meeting of the α and β subunits. Inside the cell, an integrin’s cytoplasmic tail is naturally short, incorporating only 30–50 amino acids, except for the β4 subunit which contains a cytoplasmic tail about 20 times longer (1000 amino acids) than average [3]. Subclasses of integrins include collagen receptors, leukocyte-specific receptors, laminin receptors, and RGD peptide motifs [4].

As cell adhesion molecules, integrins function as transmembrane bridges capable of communicating bidirectional signals though initiation of signaling pathways. Typically integrins exist in three states: inactive, and low-affinity or high-affinity active; these conformations impact ligand binding and also subsequent intracellular signaling [5]. Once an integrin binds its ligand, changes to the receptor’s cytoplasmic tails occur, promoting recruitment of adaptor proteins, scaffolding, and tyrosine kinases; the culmination of this process is often called the adhesome [6–8]. This complex fosters activation of signaling cascades responsible for mediating an array of cellular processes involving differentiation, migration, and survival [7, 8]. More specifically, the laminin receptor, α6β4 consisting of integrin β4 (ITGB4) dimerized with integrin α6 in epithelial cells, helps maintain the structural integrity of epithelial monolayers at the basal surface adjacent to the basement membrane [9]. The consequences of irregular or aberrant α6β4 integrin signaling can be severe. ITGB4 gene mutations can cause lethal skin and mucosal tissue disorders resulting in blistering and ulceration, and ITGB4 knockout mice die shortly after birth showing acute epidermal blistering and separation of the epithelial-mesenchymal junction [8–11].

RESEARCH PERSPECTIVE

Integrin α6β4’s role in the maintenance of the epithelial-mesenchymal junction has implicated atypical expression patterns of this integrin complex in several malignancies including breast, bladder, cervical, head and neck, and lung cancer [9, 12]. Within the tumor microenvironment, exploitation of integrin-mediated signals encourages cancer invasion and survival [9, 13]. Several studies have linked integrin α6β4 to PI3K activation, a signaling pathway well known to encourage cancer progression [9, 14–17]. Crosstalk between the α6β4 integrin and cytokines, growth factors or spatial changes in the ECM also contributes to its role in both tumorigenesis and angiogenesis [9, 18–20]. For example, deletion of the ITGB4 signaling domain in a mouse model of ErbB2-induced mammary carcinoma resulted in suppression of tumor growth and metastasis, and improved efficacy of ErbB2-targeted therapy [21].

Some integrins have been found to regulate cell stemness [13, 19]. This finding is particularly interesting in the context of cancer stem cells (CSCs), a highly tumorigenic, self-renewing tumor cell sub-population resistant to traditional radiation and chemotherapy [22]. Yoshioka et al. traced deletion of ITGB4 back to defective signaling of ErB2 and c-Met in prostate tumor progenitor cells; inhibition of ErbB2 and c-Met subsequently reduced the ability of tumor progenitor cells to self-renew in vitro, suggesting ITGB4 signaling may play a critical role in maintaining CSC within the tumor [23, 24]. More recently, Bierie and colleagues used ITGB4 as a functional biomarker to classify more aggressive CSCs from other mesenchymal carcinoma cell subsets in triple-negative breast cancer [25]. The implications of ITGB4’s oncogenic potential and contribution to CSCs make this integrin subclass an appealing immunological target for cancer treatment.

These findings, linking ITGB4 expression and CSCs, led our group to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of targeting CSCs via ITGB4. We applied two distinct targeting approaches: 1) vaccination with ITGB4 protein-pulsed dendritic cells (ITGB4-DCs) and 2) adoptive transfer of anti-CD3/anti-ITGB4 bispecific antibody (ITGB4 BiAb)-armed T cells [26]. We and others have demonstrated the effectiveness of DC-based cancer vaccines in melanoma, head and neck, and other murine tumor cell models [27–29] as well as in clinical trials [30, 31]. In our previous reports, we used aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), a widely accepted CSC marker, to isolate ALDH^high CSCs and generate CSC lysates. Subsequently we pulsed this lysate with DCs to produce CSC lysate-DC vaccines, which effectively targeted ALDH^high CSCs [27, 28, 32–34]. However, this method is clinically limited by the availability of patient tumor sample, a requirement for the isolation of ALDH^high CSCs. With ITGB4 expression found on several tumor types [23, 25, 35, 36], immunological targeting of CSCs through ITGB4 protein-pulsed DC vaccination provides a more accessible route to clinical relevance (Figure 1) [26]. In our second approach, we generated an anti-CD3/anti-ITGB4 bispecific antibody and bound it to activated and expanded tumor draining lymph node (TDLN) T cells (Figure 2). Bispecific antibodies can elicit a diverse effector T cell population through CD3 binding, and guide these cytotoxic effectors towards a specific tumor antigen, e.g. ITGB4. Currently, there are two FDA approved bispecific antibodies for clinical use: blinatumomab, used to treat acute hematological malignancies via CD3 and CD19, and emicizumab, which binds the coagulation factor IX and factor X for treatment of hemophilia A [37]. Several other bispecific antibodies are undergoing pre-clinical and clinical trials to treat lung, colorectal, prostate, breast, and ovarian cancers [38].

Figure 1. ITGB4-DC vaccine primes ITGB4-specific T cells in vivo, leading to killing of ITGB4 expressing cancer stem cells and differentiated tumor cells which is augmented by anti-PD-L1 administration.

Murine bone marrow derived DCs were isolated and expanded with GM-CSF and 2-mercaptoethanol. Approximately 1 × 10⁶ activated DCs were cultured with 20 μg of ITGB4 protein overnight to generate ITGB4-DC vaccines. Each vaccine dose contained 2 × 10⁶ ITGB4 pulsed DCs and was delivered subcutaneously.

Figure 2. Adoptive transfer of ITGB4-BiAb armed T cells, combined with αPD-L1 administration, results in killing of ITGB4 expressing cancer stem cells and differentiated tumor cells.

Tumor draining lymph nodes (TDLN) T cells were harvested and activated/expanded in vitro with αCD3, αCD28, and IL-2. Activated and expanded TDLN T cells were then incubated with anti-CD3/anti-ITGB4 BiAb to generate ITGB4-BiAb armed T cells. These T cells were adoptively transferred into tumor-bearing mice for immunotherapy.

Both DC vaccination and bispecific antibody-directed T cell transfer rely on engagement of the host immune system. DC vaccination requires effective antigen presentation by MHC followed by activation and migration of T lymphocytes to drive cytotoxic anti-tumor immunity, while bispecific antibodies rely on bound T cells to reach and interact with the intended tumor antigen [29, 38]. Pitfalls in these approaches often lie in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, where the potentially productive anti-tumor immunity induced by such therapies can be inhibited [39]. Tumors employ several methods which contribute to host immune suppression, e.g. via oncogenic cytokine production driving immunosuppressive cell subsets to PD-L1 self-expression dampening the effector function of PD-1⁺ cytotoxic lymphocytes [39]. To reduce immunosuppression and encourage effective immune responses, checkpoint blockade using anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies has become standard therapy for several cancers [39, 40]. Therefore, in addition to assessing mono-therapeutic benefit of our two ITGB4-targeted approaches, we also combined our ITGB4-DC vaccination and ITGB4-BiAb armed T cell transfer with anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy (Figures 1 and 2) [26].

The 4T1 and SCC7 murine tumor cells expressed ITGB4 and PD-L1 on bulk tumor cells and ALDH^high CSCs, making both proteins viable immunological targets [26]. Assessing the efficacy of our ITGB4-DC vaccine in these two tumor models, we found that vaccination combined with anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy significantly reduced tumor growth and inhibited spontaneous pulmonary metastasis better than each monotherapy. Similarly, we observed diminished tumor growth and metastasis in established tumors after adoptive transfer of ITGB4-BiAb armed TDLN cells plus anti-PD-L1 administration [26].

To validate ITGB4 targeting, we generated 4T1-ITGB4^KO tumor cells and evaluated the specificity of our two ITGB4-directed treatment protocols. Remarkably, treatment with ITGB4-DC vaccine or ITGB4-BiAb TDLN T cells did not improve 4T1-ITGB4^KO tumor growth, strongly suggesting that both of our ITGB4-targeted immunological strategies were ITGB4 specific. These findings were further validated in an ITGB4^low cell line, CT26. Additionally, 4T1-ITGB4^KO tumors showed improved growth responses compared to both untreated and treated WT-4T1 tumors, implying that ITGB4 signaling participates in tumor development within the 4T1 model [26].

Functionally, we established via cytotoxicity, serum binding, and complement assays that ITGB4-DC vaccination, combined with anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy, induced cytotoxic splenic T cells and serum antibodies capable of mediating the binding and killing of both bulk tumor cells and ALDH^high CSCs. In vitro functional responses against CSCs were confirmed by a reduction in number and tumorigenicity of ITGB4⁺ ALDH^high CSCs in residual tumors after treatment, most significantly after combination therapy [26]. Together, these findings support the use of ITGB4-targeted treatment, combined with anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy, as a method to specifically target ITGB4-expressing tumor cells and CSCs.

Modulation of IFN-γ and IL-6 after ITGB4-targeted therapy

Of note, after an observable reduction in tumor growth and metastasis following ITGB4-DC vaccination plus anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy, we found increased serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-6 compared to controls in both the 4T1 and SCC7 models (Figure 3). IFN-γ and IL-6 play dynamic and complex roles in malignant diseases. CD8 and CD4 T cell produce IFN-γ during the adaptive immune response which favors Th1 cell expansion, and expression of IFN-γ has been shown to upregulate MHC class I on tumor cells and increase cytotoxicity of natural killer cells and cytotoxic T cells [41, 42]. IFN-γ can also induce apoptosis of tumor cells and thus augment anti-tumor effects of immunotherapy [43–45]. However, a recent study by Song et al. suggests that low levels of IFN-γ contribute to tumor cell stemness and metastasis, while high dose IFN-γ resulted in tumor regression in non-small cell lung cancer [43].

Figure 3. Serum concentrations of IFN-γ and IL-6 are significantly increased following vaccination with ITGB4-DCs combined with anti-PD-L1 administration.

Serum samples were collected from tumor bearing mice subjected to treatment as indicated. An unpaired two-tailed t-test was used to calculate p-values between combination therapy and monotherapies.

Like IFN-γ, IL-6 also influences several important biological functions, including regulation of lymphocyte differentiation and chronic inflammation [44]. IL-6 impacts the balance between Th1 and Th2 effector responses and has been shown to inhibit TGF-β-induced Foxp3⁺ T_reg cell formation [45, 46]. Additionally, IL-6 aids in the early differentiation of T follicular helper cells, a subset of lymphocytes which facilitate the formation of germinal centers, memory B cells, long-lived plasma cells, and affinity maturation [47]. Two signaling pathways exist for IL-6: classical and trans [48]. Classical signaling occurs largely in leukocytes and liver cells and induces anti-inflammatory and regenerative responses, while trans signaling triggers pro-inflammatory pathways resulting in inflammation [48].

Reported pleiotropic activity of IFN-γ and IL-6 has also unveiled dysregulation of these cytokines in the pathogenesis of cancer [47, 49]. For example, investigators have observed PD-L1 expression on tumor cells driven by chronic low-dose exposure to IFN-γ, allowing immune escape [49–53]. Additionally, IFN-γ can contribute to metastasis through induction of CXCR4 on tumor cells and promotion of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition [49, 54]. In regards to IL-6, with unchecked inflammation being a hallmark of the tumor microenvironment, elevated levels of this cytokine can be found in tumor tissues of numerous cancers which have linked IL-6 to aggressive tumor growth and metastasis [48]. For example, high patient serum levels of IL-6 have been correlated with poor prognosis and shorter survival [55–57]. Within the tumor microenvironment, studies have associated IL-6 production with CSCs. Krishnamurthy et al. determined IL-6 secreted by endothelial cells, in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), increased the tumorigenicity and survival of CSCs in athymic IL-6 knockout mice [58]. Subsequent blocking of IL-6 with the humanized anti-IL-6 antibody MEDI5117 after transplantation of HNSCC patient-derived xenografts into SCID mice successfully reduced CSCs within tumors [59].

In the context of these findings, our results in Figure 3 present a noteworthy observation of a potential synergistic relationship between IFN-γ and IL-6 during cancer therapy. IL-6 deficient mice have been reported to exhibit reduced tumor growth and metastasis, and increased IFN-γ producing CD8 T cells; despite improving tumorigenesis, IL-6^-/- mice showed enhanced PD-L1 expression on murine CT26 colon cancer cells which could be mitigated by anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy [60, 61]. Although the absence of IL-6 improved anti-tumor immune function, this response is potentially hampered by enhanced PD-L1 expression on tumor cells. Furthermore, Hsiao and colleagues determined that exogenous combination IFN-γ and IL-6 therapy could increase the expression of MHC class I and II molecules on tumor cells, potentially enhancing the ability of T cells to recognize and target cancer cells [62]. Therefore, a balanced IFN-γ and IL-6 response mediated by favorable cell subsets within the tumor microenvironment could be beneficial during cancer treatment, though this outcome is most likely dependent on multiple factors including cancer type, immune status, tumor stage, etc. With a significant increase in serum concentration of these two cytokines after ITGB4-DC vaccination and anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy (Figure 3), investigating their roles and function to improve ITGB4-targeted therapies warrants further investigation. Future experiments involving the administration of blocking antibodies to assess individual contribution to tumor growth, and evaluation of cytokine concentrations and lymphocyte differentiation within the tumor, might provide a better understanding of IFN-γ and IL-6 cooperation after ITGB4-targeted immunotherapy and checkpoint blockade.

Toxicity

Toxicity following immunotherapy is a major hurdle in cancer treatment. Engaging a widely expressed integrin, such as ITGB4, in combination with anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy, risks inducing off-target effects. To evaluate the possible toxicity of ITGB4-targeting combined with anti-PD-L1, we assessed histopathology of several internal organs after treatment including lung, spleen, skin, salivary gland, esophagus, heart, kidney, and liver, and found similar inflammatory profiles among all treatment and control groups. Furthermore, we observed no difference in plasma levels of IGF-1 or hematopoiesis after either ITGB4-DC vaccination or ITGB4-BiAb T cell adoptive transfer. Together, these results suggest a lack of toxicity following ITGB4-targeted therapies and potentially demonstrate translatable safety.

Concluding remarks

As an invasive and malignant disease, cancer manipulates normal biology for growth and survival. In healthy tissue, integrins allow bidirectional communication between a cell and its extracellular environment. Given their critical role as environmental sensors, atypical integrin expression by tumor cells can promote tumorigenesis, local invasion, and metastasis through crosstalk between cytokines and growth factors and undesirable cell adhesion to the ECM. Integrin signaling can also mediate cell stemness and potentially contribute to the renewal of highly tumorigenic CSCs. We have shown in the 4T1 and SCC7 mouse models that both unsorted tumor cells and ALDH^high CSCs express ITGB4, and immunological targeting of ITGB4 combined with anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy elicits significant anti-tumor immunity. With ITGB4 overexpression found across several cancer types, and its association as an adverse prognostic marker, ITGB4-focused therapies represent a potential therapeutic approach to direct host immune responses against both CSCs and bulk tumor cells. Further investigation into the synergistic relationship between IFN-γ and IL-6 may provide insight into how these ITGB4-targeted immunotherapies function in vivo, and potentially provide additional effort to improve cancer therapeutic efficacy.