Bortezomib induces cell apoptosis and increases the efficacy of αPD-1 in BCR::ABL T315I mutation CML by targeting UBE2Q1

Int Immunopharmacol. 2024 Dec 25;143(Pt 2):113311. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.113311. Epub 2024 Oct 24.

Abstract

The BCR:ABL T315I mutation presents a significant challenge in the current management of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), highlighting the need to identify novel targets and drugs. In our study, we observed the elevated expression of UBE2Q1 in KBM5-T315I cells compared to KBM5 cells, where it interacted with DDX3, regulating its ubiquitination. Furthermore, we found that Bortezomib (BTZ) targeted UBE2Q1, reducing its protein level expression. Consequently, BTZ dose-dependently inhibited the growth vitality of KBM5-T315I cells, inducing increased ROS production, mitochondrial membrane potential collapse, cytochrome C release, and expression of apoptosis-related proteins. These events collectively induced apoptosis in KBM5-T315I cells. Moreover, BTZ enhanced the therapeutic effects of anti-PD-1 treatment. In NOD/SCID mice bearing KBM5-T315I cell line xenografts, BTZ administration (2 mg/kg, ip, every other day for 4 weeks) significantly inhibited the growth of KBM5-T315Iderived xenografts and extended survival. In conclusion, our study sheds new light on the BTZ-induced apoptosis mechanism, suggesting the potential of BTZ as a promising chemo-immunotherapy agent against BCR:ABL T315I mutation CML.

Keywords: DDX3; PD-L1; T315I; UBE2Q1.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Apoptosis* / drug effects
  • Bortezomib* / pharmacology
  • Bortezomib* / therapeutic use
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Drug Synergism
  • Female
  • Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl* / genetics
  • Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive* / drug therapy
  • Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive* / genetics
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred NOD*
  • Mice, SCID*
  • Mutation*
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / genetics
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / metabolism
  • Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzymes* / genetics
  • Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzymes* / metabolism
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Bortezomib
  • Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl
  • Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzymes
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • PDCD1 protein, human