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Both IDO1 and TDO contribute to the malignancy of gliomas via the Kyn-AhR-AQP4 signaling pathway.

ABSTRACT: Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 2 (IDO2), and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) initiate the first step of the kynurenine pathway (KP), leading to the transformation of L-tryptophan (Trp) into L-kynurenine (Kyn) and other downstream metabolites. Kyn is known as an endogenous ligand of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Activation of AhR through TDO-derived Kyn is a novel mechanism to support tumor growth in gliomas. However, the role of IDO1 and IDO2 in this mechanism is still unknown. Herein, by using clinical samples, we found that the expression and activity of IDO1 and/or TDO (IDO1/TDO) rather than IDO2 were positively correlated with the pathologic grades of gliomas. The expression of IDO1/TDO rather than IDO2 was positively correlated with the Ki67 index and overall survival. The expression of IDO1/TDO was positively correlated with the expression of aquaporin 4 (AQP4), implying the potential involvement of IDO1/TDO in glioma cell motility. Mechanistically, we found that IDO1/TDO accounted for the release of Kyn, which activated AhR to promote cell motility via the Kyn-AhR-AQP4 signaling pathway in U87MG glioma cells. RY103, an IDO1/TDO dual inhibitor, could block the IDO1/TDO-Kyn-AhR-AQP4 signaling pathway and exert anti-glioma effects in GL261 orthotopic glioma mice. Together, our results showed that the IDO1/TDO-Kyn-AhR-AQP4 signaling pathway is a new mechanism underlying the malignancy of gliomas, and suggest that both IDO1 and TDO might be valuable therapeutic targets for gliomas.

SUBMITTER: Du L

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7033114 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:BackgroundCancer immunotherapy has generated significant excitement, mainly as a result of the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors. The blockade of PD-1 or its ligand with antibodies has resulted in impressive clinical efficacy. However, a subset of patients does not respond to biologic therapeutics, and another subset suffers from severe immune-related adverse events in certain cases. The modulation of the immune system with small molecules might yield surprising benefits.MethodsCD8+ cells were obtained through a magnetic cell sorting system (MACS), and their capabilities for IFN-γ release and PD-1 expression were analyzed. The in vitro effects of drugs were studied in a coculture system of tumor cells and activated CD8+ cells. We further isolated the primary tumor cells in tumor-bearing mice treated with CAI, DMF, 1-MT or a combination (CAI and DMF/CAI and 1-MT) and analyzed the percentages of CD8+ T cells and PD-1+CD8+ T cells among TILs. The selective anti-tumor immune reactions of the two drug combinations were confirmed in a coculture system consisting of B16-OVA cells and OVA-specific CTLs derived from OT-1 transgenic mice. The anti-tumor effects of the single drugs or combined therapies were assessed according to their capability to slow tumor growth and extend the life span of tumor-bearing mice, and they were compared with the effects of PD-1 antibody.ResultsCAI increased IFN-γ release from activated T cells, which might strengthen the anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic effects on cancer cells. However, CAI also stimulated IDO1-Kyn metabolic circuitry in the tumor microenvironment and facilitated tumor cell immune evasion. Combining CAI with 1-MT or DMF disrupted PD-1 expression and promoted IFN-γ production in CD8+ T cells, and it also increased T lymphocyte infiltration in the tumor microenvironment, inhibited tumor growth and prolonged the life spans of tumor-bearing mice.ConclusionInhibitors of the IDO1-Kyn-AhR pathway could abolish the negative effects of CAI on CD8+ T cells and result in complementary and beneficial anti-tumor immune effects. The combination of CAI with 1-MT or DMF greatly augmented the ability of CD8+ T cells to kill malignant cells and showed a strong anti-cancer capability that was superior to that of either of the single agents was is comparable with that of anti-PD-1 antibody. The combinations of small molecules utilized in this study may serve as valuable new immunotherapy strategies for cancer treatment.

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Both IDO1 and TDO contribute to the malignancy of gliomas via the Kyn-AhR-AQP4 signaling pathway.

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