Re: 병든 세포의 제거와 수리, 리소좀

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• Review Article
• Open access
• Published: 08 November 2021

Targeting lysosomes in human disease: from basic research to clinical applications

• Mengdie Cao, 
• Xiangyuan Luo, 
• Kongming Wu & 
• Xingxing He 

Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy volume 6, Article number: 379 (2021) Cite this article

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Abstract

In recent years, accumulating evidence has elucidated the role of lysosomes in dynamically regulating cellular and organismal homeostasis. Lysosomal changes and dysfunction have been correlated with the development of numerous diseases. In this review, we interpreted the key biological functions of lysosomes in four areas: cellular metabolism, cell proliferation and differentiation, immunity, and cell death. More importantly, we actively sought to determine the characteristic changes and dysfunction of lysosomes in cells affected by these diseases, the causes of these changes and dysfunction, and their significance to the development and treatment of human disease. Furthermore, we outlined currently available targeting strategies: (1) targeting lysosomal acidification; (2) targeting lysosomal cathepsins; (3) targeting lysosomal membrane permeability and integrity; (4) targeting lysosomal calcium signaling; (5) targeting mTOR signaling; and (6) emerging potential targeting strategies. Moreover, we systematically summarized the corresponding drugs and their application in clinical trials. By integrating basic research with clinical findings, we discussed the current opportunities and challenges of targeting lysosomes in human disease.

최근 몇 년 동안 축적된 증거를 통해 

세포와 유기체의 항상성을 동적으로 조절하는 

리소좀의 역할이 밝혀지고 있습니다. 

리소좀의 변화와 기능 장애는 

수많은 질병의 발병과 연관되어 있습니다. 

이 리뷰에서는 

세포 대사, 

세포 증식 및 분화, 

면역, 

세포 사멸의 네 가지 영역에서 

리소좀의 주요 생물학적 기능을 해석했습니다. 

더 중요한 것은 이러한 질병의 영향을 받는 세포에서 

리소좀의 특징적인 변화와 기능 장애, 

이러한 변화와 기능 장애의 원인, 그리고 

인간 질병의 발생과 치료에 대한 리소좀의 중요성을 적극적으로 규명하고자 했습니다. 

또한

(1) 리소좀 산성화 표적화, 

(2) 리소좀 켑신 표적화, 

(3) 리소좀 막 투과성 및 완전성 표적화, 

(4) 리소좀 칼슘 신호 표적화, 

(5) mTOR 신호 표적화, 

(6) 새로운 잠재적 표적화 전략 등 

현재 이용 가능한 표적화 전략을 개괄적으로 설명했습니다. 

(1) targeting lysosomal acidification;

(2) targeting lysosomal cathepsins;

(3) targeting lysosomal membrane permeability and integrity;

(4) targeting lysosomal calcium signaling;

(5) targeting mTOR signaling; and

(6) emerging potential targeting strategies.

또한 해당 약물과 임상시험에서의 적용 사례를 체계적으로 정리했습니다. 기초 연구와 임상 연구 결과를 통합하여 인간 질병에서 리소좀을 표적으로 삼는 현재의 기회와 도전 과제에 대해 논의했습니다.

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Introduction

Since Christian de Duve discovered and named lysosomes in 1955, great progress has been made in understanding the structure and function of lysosomes and how they can be harnessed to improve clinical outcomes (Fig. 1).1,2,3,4,5 The richness in hydrolytic enzymes is an obvious feature that distinguishes lysosomes from other organelles.2,6,7 More than 60 acid hydrolases, which break down cell components and complex macromolecules into their constituent building blocks, have been identified in lysosomes.2,6,7 Therefore, lysosomes have long been regarded as “suicide bags” and the “garbage-disposal system” for cells.2,6 Nevertheless, in recent years, researchers have gained a better understanding of lysosomes by combining genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, and other methods and found that their functions are far more than digestion.7 Lysosomes are now regarded as regulators of cell and organismal homeostasis that mediate signal transduction, metabolic adaptation, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, cell secretion, and the quality control of proteins and organelles.2,6,8

1955년 크리스찬 드 듀브가 

리소좀을 발견하고 이름을 붙인 이후, 

리소좀의 구조와 기능을 이해하고 임상 결과를 개선하기 위해 

리소좀을 활용할 수 있는 방법을 이해하는 데 큰 진전이 있었습니다(그림 1).1,2,3,4,5 

가수분해 효소가 풍부하다는 것은 

리소좀을 다른 세포 기관과 구별하는 분명한 특징입니다.2,6,7 

세포 구성 요소와 복잡한 거대 분자를 구성 요소로 분해하는 

60개 이상의 산 가수분해 효소가 

리소좀에서 확인되었습니다.2,6,7 

따라서 리소좀은 오랫동안 

세포의 '자살 주머니'이자 

'쓰레기 처리 시스템'으로 여겨져 왔습니다.2,6 

suicide bags” and the “garbage-disposal system

그럼에도 불구하고 최근 몇 년 동안 연구자들은 유전체학, 전사체학, 단백질체학, 생물정보학 및 기타 방법을 결합하여 리소좀을 더 잘 이해하게 되었고 그 기능이 소화 그 이상이라는 것을 발견했습니다.7 

리소좀은 이제 

신호 전달, 

대사 적응, 

세포 증식, 

세포 분화, 

세포 분비, 

단백질 및 세포 소기관의 품질 관리를 매개하는 세포 및 유기체 항상성 조절자로 간주됩니다.2,6,8

signal transduction,

metabolic adaptation,

cell proliferation,

cell differentiation,

cell secretion, and the

quality control of proteins and organelles.

Fig. 1

Important events in the development of research into lysosomes as therapeutic targets. Since Christian de Duve discovered and named lysosomes in 1955, scientists have made significant contributions to reveal the structural characteristics and drugs of lysosomes and to connect lysosomes with important pathways such as autophagy, endocytosis, mTOR, and cell death, laying a foundation for the later use of lysosomes as therapeutic targets. Christian de Duve and Yoshinori Ohsumi won the Nobel Prize in 1974 and 2016, respectively, for their contributions to the discovery of lysosomes and the elucidation of autophagy mechanisms. CQ, chloroquine; LSDs, lysosomal storage disorders; CLEAR, coordinated lysosomal expression‎ and regulation; NCCD, Nomenclature Committee on Cell Death

치료 표적으로서의 리소좀에 대한 연구 개발의 중요한 사건. 1955년 크리스티앙 드 듀브가 리소좀을 발견하고 이름을 붙인 이후 과학자들은 

리소좀의 구조적 특성과 약물을 밝히고 

리소좀을 

자가포식, 

세포 내 분해, 

mTOR, 

세포 사멸과 같은 중요한 경로와 연결하는 데 크게 기여하여 

이후 리소좀을 치료 표적으로 사용할 수 있는 토대를 마련했습니다. 크리스티앙 드 뒤브와 오스미 요시노리는 리소좀 발견과 자가포식 메커니즘 해명에 기여한 공로로 각각 1974년과 2016년에 노벨 생리의학상을 수상했습니다. 

CQ, 클로로퀸; LSD, 리소좀 저장 장애; CLEAR, 조정된 리소좀 발현 및 조절; NCCD, 세포 사멸에 관한 명명법 위원회

Lysosomal changes and dysfunction are have profound implications for the development of numerous human diseases.9,10 The preval‎ence of neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases in the elderly was thought to be closely related to the decline in lysosomal function with age.9,11 In contrast, cancer cells upregulate their metabolism by modulating lysosomal quantity, composition, and activity to meet their needs for cell growth and proliferation.2,8 Besides, the translocation and abnormal secretion of lysosomes are conducive to the invasion and metastasis of cancer cells, and upregulated autophagy is considered a vital means by which cancer cells develop resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.5,10,12,13 Growing attention has been paid to the role of lysosomes in immunity.14 The abnormal degradation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules and immune checkpoints by lysosomes in cancer cells, as well as the defects in selective autophagy of tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes, together contribute to tumor immune escape.15,16,17 In the cells of patients with autoimmune diseases, changes in lysosomal biogenesis, acidification and cathepsin activity have also been confirmed, and such changes are thought to be closely related to disease activity and progression.18,19,20,21,22,23

리소좀의 변화와 기능 장애는 

수많은 인간 질병의 발병에 깊은 영향을 미칩니다.9,10 

노인의 신경 퇴행성 및 심혈관 질환 유병률은 

노화에 따른 리소좀 기능 저하와 밀접한 관련이 있는 것으로 여겨집니다.9,11 

반면, 

암세포는 

세포 성장과 증식에 대한 요구를 충족시키기 위해 

리소좀의 양, 구성 및 활성을 조절하여 

대사를 상향 조절합니다.2,8 

또한 

리소좀의 전위와 비정상적인 분비는 

암세포의 침입과 전이에 도움이 되며, 

상향 조절된 자가포식은 

암세포가 화학 요법 및 방사선 요법에 대한 내성을 개발하는 

중요한 수단으로 간주됩니다.5,10,12,13 

면역에서 

리소좀의 역할에 대한 관심이 높아지고 있습니다.14 

암세포에서 

리소좀에 의한 주요 조직적합성 복합체(MHC) 분자와 

면역 체크포인트의 비정상적인 분해와 

종양 침윤 T 림프구의 선택적 자가포식 결함은 함께 

종양 면역 탈출에 기여합니다.15,16,17 

자가면역질환 환자의 세포에서 

리소좀 생성과 산성화 및 카텝신 활성의 변화도 확인되었으며, 

이러한 변화는 질병 활성 및 진행과 밀접한 관련이 있는 것으로 생각됩니다.18,19,20,21,22,23

These lysosomal changes and dysfunction play a crucial role in the development of diseases, but they may also provide a therapeutic window for treatment.9,10,14 For example, increases in lysosomal size and capacity facilitate cell metabolism but also reduce the stability of lysosomal membranes, making cells more vulnerable to death.2,24 In addition to correcting these changes and abnormalities, we may also be able to use them to combat pathological cells.5,25,26 In this review, we summarized and discussed recent studies that clarified and supported the idea of targeting lysosomes in human disease and further explored the feasibility, opportunities, and challenges of such efforts by combining basic research with clinical research progress.

이러한 

리소좀의 변화와 기능 장애는 

질병의 발병에 중요한 역할을 하지만, 

치료를 위한 치료적 창구를 제공하기도 합니다.9,10,14 

예를 들어, 

리소좀 크기와 용량의 증가는 

세포 대사를 촉진하지만 

리소좀 막의 안정성을 감소시켜 

세포를 사멸에 더 취약하게 만들기도 합니다.2,24 

이러한 변화와 이상을 교정하는 것 외에도 

병적인 세포를 퇴치하는 데 사용할 수도 있습니다.5,25,26 

이 리뷰에서는 

인간 질병에서 리소좀을 표적으로 삼는 아이디어를 명확히 하고 뒷받침하는 최근 연구를 요약하고 논의했으며, 

기초 연구와 임상 연구 진행 상황을 결합하여 

이러한 노력의 실현 가능성, 기회 및 과제를 추가로 탐색했습니다.

Lysosomal structure, biogenesis, and function

The lysosome is a membrane-enclosed vesicular organelle that contains two classes of proteins essential for the maintenance of structure and function: soluble lysosomal hydrolases that performs digestive functions and lysosomal membrane proteins with more complex functions, such as acting as proton pump and promoting intercellular interaction (Fig. 2).2,6,8 More than 60 acid hydrolases, including proteases, lipases, nucleases, have been found within the lysosome, and they require an acidic (pH ~4.5) environment maintained by the cooperation of an ATP-driven proton pump called the vacuolar H + -adenosine triphosphatase (v-ATPase) with other ion channels.7,27 

리소좀은 막으로 둘러싸인 소포체 소기관으로, 

구조와 기능 유지에 필수적인 두 종류의 단백질, 

즉 소화 기능을 수행하는 수용성 리소좀 가수 분해 효소와 

양성자 펌프 역할 및 세포 간 상호 작용 촉진과 같은 

보다 복잡한 기능을 가진 리소좀 막 단백질이 포함되어 있습니다(그림 2). 2).2,6,8 

프로테아제, 

리파아제, 

뉴클레아제를 포함한 60개 이상의 산 가수분해효소가 

리소좀 내에서 발견되었으며, 

이들은 다른 이온 채널과 함께 진공 H + -아데노신 삼인산분해효소(v-ATPase)라는 

ATP 구동 프로톤 펌프의 협력에 의해 유지되는 

산성(pH ~4.5) 환경을 필요로 합니다.7,27 

A variety of lysosomal membrane proteins of mammalian cell have been identified, such as lysosome-associated membrane protein 1(LAMP1), LAMP2, lysosome integral membrane protein 2 (LIMP2; also known as SCARB2), v-ATPase, and acid sphingomyelinase (ASM).6,14,28 Of these proteins, LAMP1 and LAMP2 are the most abundant (accounting for 50% of all) lysosomal membrane proteins and are essential for metabolism, biogenesis, signal transduction, and cell homeostasis.2,6,29

포유류 세포의 다양한 리소좀 막 단백질은 

리소좀 관련 막 단백질 1(LAMP1), LAMP2, 

리소좀 일체형 막 단백질 2(LIMP2; SCARB2라고도 함), 

v-ATPase 및 산성 스핑고마이엘리나아제(ASM)와 같은 

다양한 리소좀 막 단백질이 확인되었습니다. 6,14,28 

이러한 단백질 중 

LAMP1과 LAMP2는 가장 풍부한(전체의 50%를 차지) 리소좀 막 단백질이며 

대사, 생체 발생, 신호 전달 및 세포 항상성에 필수적인 단백질입니다.2,6,29

Fig. 2

Lysosomal structure and function. The lysosome is an acidic membrane-enclosed vesicular organelle containing a variety of hydrolases, and its activity and function are maintained by the channels or pump structures on its surface, such as v-ATPase, iron channels, and nutrient transporters. The lysosome acts not only as the endpoint of multiple trafficking routes, including autophagy, endocytosis, and phagocytosis, but also, as the platform for the recruitment and activation of mTOR, which regulates cell metabolism, growth, and differentiation. Ca2+ released from lysosomal calcium channels such as TRPML also regulates endocytic membrane trafficking, the nuclear transduction of TFEB, and the fusion of lysosomes with other cellular structures, such as autophagosomes and endosomes. However, the leakage of lysosomal contents such as cathepsins, ROS, Fe2+/3+, and Ca2+ contributes to multiple forms of cell death. Exogenous antigens are processed into peptides by lysosomal proteases, and the lysosome also acts as a bilateral switch that mediate both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes.

The central location of the lysosome in the communication and convergence of multiple pathways determines its pivotal and irreplaceable role in cell metabolism, proliferation, differentiation, immunity, and death. Black arrows indicate positive regulation or metabolite flux, while red arrows indicate negative regulation. mTORC1, mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1; mTORC2, mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2; Arg, arginine; TSC2, tuberous sclerosis complex; AMPK, AMP-activated protein kinase; TFEB, transcription factor EB; RTK, receptor tyrosine kinases; PP2A, protein phosphatase 2 A; TRPML1, transient receptor potential mucolipin 1; v-ATPase, vacuolar H + -adenosine triphosphatase; HSC70, heat shock cognate protein 70; LAMP2A, lysosome-associated membrane protein 2; LMP, lysosomal membrane permeability; MOMP, mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization; CMA, chaperone-mediated autophagy; TGN, trans-Golgi network; CLEAR, coordinated lysosomal expression‎ and regulation; ROS, reactive oxygen species; RAG, RAS-related GTP-binding protein; Unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1); PUMA, p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis; BID, BH3 interacting domain death agonist; BAX, BCL2-associated X, apoptosis regulator; LDCD, lysosome-dependent cell death

리소좀의 구조와 기능.

리소좀은

다양한 가수분해효소를 포함하는 산성 막으로 둘러싸인 소포체 소기관으로,

그 활성과 기능은 표면의 채널 또는 펌프 구조(예: v-ATPase, 철 채널, 영양소 수송체)에 의해 유지됩니다.

리소좀은

자가포식,

엔도사이토시스,

식균작용 등 다양한 이동 경로의 종착점 역할을 할 뿐만 아니라

세포 대사,

성장, 분화를 조절하는 mTOR의 모집 및 활성화를 위한 플랫폼 역할을 합니다.

TRPML과 같은 리소좀 칼슘 채널에서 방출된 Ca2+는

세포 내막 이동,

TFEB의 핵 전달,

리소좀과 오토파지 및 엔도솜과 같은 다른 세포 구조와의 융합도 조절합니다.

그러나

켑신,

ROS,

Fe2+/3+, Ca2+와 같은 리소좀 내용물의 누출은

다양한 형태의 세포 사멸에 기여합니다.

외인성 항원은

리소좀 프로테아제에 의해 펩타이드로 처리되며,

리소좀은 염증 및 항염증 과정을 모두 매개하는 양방향 스위치 역할도 합니다.

여러 경로의 소통과 융합에서 리소좀의 중앙 위치는 

세포 대사, 

증식, 분화, 

면역 및 사멸에서 중추적이고 대체할 수 없는 역할을 결정합니다. 

검은색 화살표는 긍정적인 조절 또는 대사산물 흐름을 나타내고, 빨간색 화살표는 부정적인 조절을 나타냅니다. mTORC1, 라파마이신 복합체 1의 포유류 표적; mTORC2, 라파마이신 복합체 2의 포유류 표적; Arg, 아르기닌; TSC2, 결절성 경화증 복합체; AMPK, AMP 활성화 단백질 키나아제; TFEB, 전사인자 EB; RTK, 수용체 티로신 키나아제; PP2A, 단백질 포스파타제 2 A; TRPML1, 일시적 수용체 잠재성 뮤코리핀 1; v-ATPase, 액포 H + -아데노신 삼인산 분해 효소; HSC70, 열 충격 인지 단백질 70; LAMP2A, 리소좀 관련 막단백질 2; LMP, 리소좀 막 투과성; MOMP, 미토콘드리아 외막 투과성; CMA, 샤페론 매개 오토파지; TGN, 트랜스 골지 네트워크; CLEAR, 조정된 리소좀 발현 및 조절; ROS, 활성 산소종; RAG, RAS 관련 GTP 결합 단백질; Unc-51 유사 키나아제 1(ULK1); PUMA, 세포 사멸의 p53 상향 조절 조절자; BID, BH3 상호 작용 도메인 사멸 작용제; BAX, BCL2 관련 X, 세포 사멸 조절자; LDCD, 리소좀 의존성 세포 사멸

Lysosomal biogenesis is a combination of cellular biosynthesis and endocytosis pathways (Fig. 3).6,28 The expression‎ of lysosomal genes is triggered by the binding of transcription factors (TFs) of microphthalmia/transcription factor E (MiT/TFE) family to the coordinated lysosomal expression‎ and regulation (CLEAR) elements.2,30,31 Among these TFs, transcription factor EB (TFEB) is the first and most thoroughly studied TF known to directly bind to the CLEAR element.2,30,31 Transient receptor potential mucolipin channel (TRPML1), calcineurin, protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), and mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) jointly regulate the activation and nuclear translocation of TFEB by modulating its phosphorylation status.2,8,32,33,34 After being synthesized in endoplasmic reticulum (ER), lysosomal proteins are transported to trans-Golgi network (TGN) and then be secreted to plasma membrane for subsequent endocytosis, or transmitted directly to the endo-lysosomal system.28 Sorting events in endo-lysosomal system eventually cause these compartments to be rich in lysosomal membrane proteins and lysosomal hydrolases, which constitute the major components of lysosomes.8,28

리소좀 생물 발생은 

세포 생합성 및 세포 내 분해 경로의 조합입니다(그림 3).6,28 

리소좀 유전자의 발현은 마이크로프탈리아/전사인자 E(MiT/TFE) 계열의 전사인자(TF)가 조정된 리소좀 발현 및 조절(CLEAR) 요소에 결합하여 촉발됩니다.2,30,31 이러한 TF 중 전사 인자 EB(TFEB)는 CLEAR 요소에 직접 결합하는 것으로 알려진 최초이자 가장 철저하게 연구된 TF입니다.2,30,31 일시적 수용체 전위 뮤코리핀 채널(TRPML1), 칼시뉴린, 단백질 포스파타제 2A(PP2A), 라파마이신 복합체 1의 포유동물 표적(mTORC1)은 인산화 상태를 조절하여 TFEB의 활성화와 핵 전위를 공동으로 조절합니다.2,8,32,33,34 소포체(ER)에서 합성된 리소좀 단백질은 트랜스 골지 네트워크(TGN)로 운반된 후 후속 세포 내화를 위해 원형질막으로 분비되거나 리소좀 내 시스템으로 직접 전달됩니다.28 리소좀 내 시스템에서의 분류 사건은 결국 이러한 구획에 리소좀의 주요 성분을 구성하는 리소좀 막 단백질과 리소좀 가수분해효소가 풍부하도록 만듭니다.8,28

Fig. 3

The biogenesis of lysosomes. Lysosomal biogenesis is a combination of cellular biosynthesis and endocytosis pathways. TRPML1 channel, calcineurin, PP2A, and mTORC1 jointly regulate the biosynthesis of lysosomal proteins by modulating the activation and nuclear translocation of TFEB. PP2A, protein phosphatase 2A; mTORC1, mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1; TGN, trans-Golgi network; TFEB, transcription factor EB; CLEAR, coordinated lysosomal expression‎ and regulation

리소좀의 생체 발생. 

리소좀 생체 발생은 

세포 생합성과 세포 내 분해 경로의 조합입니다. 

TRPML1 채널, 

칼시뉴린, 

PP2A, 

mTORC1은 TFEB의 활성화와 핵 전위를 조절하여 

리소좀 단백질의 생합성을 공동으로 조절합니다. 

PP2A, 단백질 포스파타제 2A; mTORC1, 라파마이신 복합체 1의 포유동물 표적; TGN, 트랜스 골지 네트워크; TFEB, 전사인자 EB; CLEAR, 조정된 리소좀 발현 및 조절

Lysosomes in cellular metabolism

Lysosomes are responsible for breaking down and recycling intracellular materials (through autophagy) and extracellular materials (through endocytosis and phagocytosis), which are then used to generate new cellular components and nutrients to meet the needs of cell metabolism and growth (Fig. 2).2,5,35,36

리소좀은 

세포 내 물질(자가포식 작용을 통해)과

 세포 외 물질(엔도사이토시스 및 식세포 작용을 통해)을 분해하고 재활용하여 

세포 대사와 성장에 필요한 새로운 세포 성분과 

영양소를 생성하는 데 사용됩니다(그림 2).2,5,35,36).

Lysosomes serve as the platforms for proper recruitment, assembly, and activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 (mTORC1), the mediator that coordinates the balance between anabolism and catabolism (Fig. 2).37,38 When nutrients are abundant, the stimulation of amino acids such as arginine and glutamine induce the activation of RAS-related GTP-binding proteins (RAGs), which interact with Ragulator and then trigger the recruitment of mTORC1 to lysosomal surface.4,37,39 Through the PI3K-AKT pathway, growth factors such as insulin activate Rheb, which binds to mTORC1 on the lysosomal surface and results in its activation.37,40,41 In return, mTORC1 inhibits lysosomal biogenesis though phosphorylating TFEB at Ser211 and inhibiting its nuclear transudtion42,43,44 and inhibits autophagy initiation by phosphorylating Unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) at Ser757.45,46 The activated mTORC1 signaling also inhibits the lysosomal catabolism of extracellular proteins taken up through the macropinocytosis pathway, a nxxxxonselective form of endocytosis.46,47

리소좀은 

동화 작용과 이화 작용 사이의 균형을 조정하는 매개체인 

포유류 라파마이신 타겟(mTOR) 복합체 1(mTORC1)의 

적절한 모집, 

조립 및 활성화를 위한 플랫폼 역할을 합니다(그림 2). 37,38 

영양분이 풍부할 때 

아르기닌과 글루타민과 같은 아미노산의 자극은 

RAS 관련 GTP 결합 단백질(RAG)의 활성화를 유도하고, 

이는 라귤레이터와 상호 작용하여 

mTORC1을 리소좀 표면으로 끌어들이게 됩니다.4,37,39 

PI3K-AKT 경로를 통해 인슐린과 같은 성장 인자는 

리소좀 표면의 mTORC1과 결합하여 활성화되는 

Rheb를 활성화합니다.37,40,41. 

그 대가로 

mTORC1은 Ser211에서 TFEB를 인산화하고 

핵 전이를 억제함으로써 

리소좀 생성을 억제하고42,43,44, Ser757에서 

Unc-51 유사 키나아제 1(ULK1)을 인산화하여 자가포식 개시를 억제합니다. 45,46 

활성화된 mTORC1 신호는 또한 

비선택적 형태의 세포 내 세포증인 대식세포증 경로를 통해 흡수된 

세포 외 단백질의 리소좀 이화 작용을 억제합니다.46,47

When cells are deficient in nutrients, the inactivation of mTOR signaling and the formulation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) complex contribute the upregulation of catabolism pathways.45 The deficiency of glucose sensed by aldolase promotes the interaction of axis inhibition protein 1 (AXIN)-live kinase B1 (LKB1) complex with v-ATPase and Ragulator, which then activates AMPK signaling (Fig. 2).48,49,50 Concurrently, AXIN cause the dissociation and inactivation of mTORC1 by interfering with the interaction between RAGs and the Ragulator, and the inactivation of mTORC1 restores lysosome biogenesis and autophagy.50 The activated AMPK not only promotes autophagy by phosphorylating the Ser317 and Ser777 of ULK1 but also inhibits mTOR pathway through phosphorylating the Raptor of mTORC1 and activating tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC2), which inhibits Rheb.45,51,52 As a scavenging pathway of extracellular proteins, the macropinocytosis pathway was also identified to be upregulated when inhibiting mTORC1.47,53 

세포에 영양분이 부족하면 

mTOR 신호의 비활성화와 

AMP 활성화 단백질 키나아제(AMPK) 복합체의 형성이 

이화 작용 경로의 상향 조절에 기여합니다.45 

알돌라제에 의해 감지된 포도당의 결핍은 

축 억제 단백질 1(AXIN)-라이브 키나아제 B1(LKB1) 복합체와 

v-ATPase 및 라귤레이터의 상호작용을 촉진하여 

AMPK 신호를 활성화합니다(그림 2). 48,49,50 

동시에 AXIN은 

RAG와 래귤레이터 간의 상호작용을 방해하여 

mTORC1의 해리 및 비활성화를 유발하고, 

mTORC1의 비활성화는 리소좀 생성과 자가포식을 회복시킵니다.50 

활성화된 AMPK는 

ULK1의 Ser317과 Ser777을 인산화하여 

자가포식을 촉진할 뿐만 아니라, 

mTORC1의 랩터를 인산화하고 

결절경화복합체(TSC2)를 활성화하여 

Rheb를 억제함으로써 mTOR 경로를 억제합니다.45,51,52 

세포외 단백질의 청소 경로인 

대식세포증 경로도 

mTORC1 억제 시 상향조절되는 것으로 확인되었습니다.47,53 

The amino acids obtained through catabolism pathways are then transported out of lysosomes by the lysosomal transmembrane protein called SLC38A9 in an arginine-regulated manner.54,55 By interacting with RAGs and Ragulator, SLC38A9 acts as an amino sensor essential for the activation the mTORC1 pathway.54,56 The increase of nutrients can lead to the reactivation of mTORC1, thereby inhibiting the catabolic pathway and promoting substance synthesis and cell growth and proliferation.47,54,56 When nutrients are scarce, the mTOR signaling is suppressed again.4,37,39 Therefore, mTOR signaling coordinates the activity of cell anabolism and catabolism and keeps them in a dynamic balance to meet the needs of cell growth and proliferation.46

Taken together, these findings indicate that lysosomes not only play a great role in cellular catabolism, which supplies nutrients for cell growth but also function as a platform for nutrient sensing and metabolic signal transduction (Fig. 2).

이화 작용 경로를 통해 얻어진 아미노산은 

아르기닌 조절 방식으로 SLC38A9라는 리소좀 막 통과 단백질에 의해 

리소좀 밖으로 운반됩니다.54,55 

SLC38A9는 

RAG 및 라귤레이터와 상호 작용하여 

mTORC1 경로 활성화에 필수적인 아미노 센서 역할을 합니다.54,56 

영양분이 증가하면 

mTORC1이 재 활성화되어 

이화 작용 경로를 억제하고 

물질 합성과 세포 성장 및 증식을 촉진할 수 있습니다.47,54,56 

영양분이 부족하면 

mTOR 신호는 다시 억제됩니다.4,37,39 

따라서 

mTOR 신호는 

세포 동화 작용과 이화 작용의 활동을 조정하고 

세포 성장과 증식의 요구를 충족하기 위해

 동적 균형을 유지합니다.46

이러한 연구 결과를 종합하면

리소좀은

세포 성장에 필요한 영양분을 공급하는 세포 이화 작용에 큰 역할을 할 뿐만 아니라

영양소 감지 및 대사 신호 전달을 위한 플랫폼으로도 기능한다는 것을 알 수 있습니다(그림 2).

Lysosomes in cell proliferation and differentiation

In addition to mediating the adaptation of cell metabolism to meet the needs for cell growth and proliferation, lysosomes also mediate the turnover of cell surface receptors and other elements crucial to proliferation and differentiation signaling.2,27,57 Take epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), one of the most well-studied receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), as an example.27 After binding with ligands and activating downstream pathways, the clathrin adaptor protein complex AP2, growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (Grb2), epsin, and eps15 together contribute to the endocytosis of EGFR, which then is and sorted for recycling or degradation.58 Suppressor of T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling (Sts)-1 and Sts-2 have been found to inhibit the endocytosis of activated EGFR through interacting with ubiquitin ligase Cbl.59 Besides, autophagy was reported to facilitate the recycling of EGFR by regulating early endosome homeostasis.60 Cells lacking ATG7 or ATG16L1, pivotal autophagy genes, were found to have an accumulation of early endosomal antigen-1 (EEA1)-positive endosomes resulting in the stalled trafficking of EGFR.60 Recently, Weber et al.61 used unbiased genetic screens and found that lysosomal acidity influenced cell proliferation by maintaining iron homeostasis. While mTORC1 facilitates cell growth and proliferation through promoting cell anabolism, mTORC2 mediates proliferation more directly by phosphorylating and activating the members the AGC (PKA/PKG/PKC) protein kinases, such as AKT, PKCα, PKCδ, PKCγ, and PKCε.38,62 It is worth noting that both mTORC2 and AKT signaling were found to be influenced by lysosome positioning.63

리소좀은 

세포 성장과 증식에 필요한 세포 대사의 적응을 중재하는 것 외에도 

세포 표면 수용체와 증식 및 분화 신호에 중요한 

기타 요소의 전환을 중재합니다.2,27,57 

가장 잘 연구된 

수용체 티로신 키나제(RTK) 중 

하나인 표피 성장 인자 수용체(EGFR)를 예로 들어 보겠습니다.27 

리간드와 결합하여 하류 경로를 활성화한 후 

클라트린 어댑터 단백질 복합체 AP2, 

성장 인자 수용체 결합 단백질 2(Grb2), 

엡신, 

엡스15가 함께

 EGFR의 세포 내 분해에 기여한 다음 

재활용 또는 분해를 위해 분류됩니다.58 

T세포 수용체(TCR) 신호 전달 억제제(Sts)-1 및 Sts-2는 

유비퀴틴 리가제 Cbl과 상호 작용하여 

활성화된 EGFR의 세포 내 재순환을 억제하는 것으로 밝혀졌습니다.59 

또한 자가포식은 

초기 엔도솜 항상성을 조절하여 

EGFR의 재순환을 촉진하는 것으로 보고되었습니다.60 

중추적인 자가포식 유전자인 ATG7 또는 

ATG16L1이 결여된 세포는 

초기 엔도솜 항원-1(EEA1) 양성 엔도솜이 축적되어 

EGFR의 트래피킹이 지연되는 것으로 밝혀졌습니다.60 

최근 Weber 등은 편향되지 않은 유전자 스크린을 사용하여 리소좀 산도가 철 항상성을 유지함으로써 세포 증식에 영향을 미치는 것을 발견했습니다. mTORC1이 세포 동화 작용을 촉진하여 세포 성장과 증식을 촉진하는 반면, mTORC2는 AKT, PKCα, PKCδ, PKCγ, PKCε와 같은 AGC(PKA/PKG/PKC) 단백질 키나아제를 인산화하고 활성화하여 보다 직접적으로 증식을 매개합니다.38,62 mTORC2와 AKT 신호가 모두 리소좀 위치의 영향을 받는 것으로 밝혀졌다는 점에 주목할 필요가 있습니다.63

It has been proved that mTOR signaling (both mTORC1 and mTORC2) plays a pivotal role in the regulation of differentiation and function of numerous immune cells, such as T lymphocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), and adipocytes.64,65,66,67,68,69,70 Mtor−/−T cells have been shown to be unable to differentiate into Th1, Th2 and Th17 cells, despite having normal activation markers and levels of IL-2 production under T-cell receptor (TCR) stimulation.71 Although mTOR signaling facilitates cell growth and proliferation, sustained activation of mTOR signaling has been found to result to the terminal differentiation and reduced proliferative capacity of T cells.72,73,74,75 Besides, auophagy plays different roles in cell differentiation, which may be correlated with the difference of stimulation and the stage of cell differentiation.69,76,77 While the differentiation of peripheral blood monocytes into macrophages induced by colony stimulating factor 1(CSF-1) was identified highly dependent on autophagy, Zhang et al.69 found that the inhibition of autophagy promoted the macrophagic differentiation of myeloid hematopoietic progenitor cells.76,77

Taken together, these findings suggest that the lysosome is a crucial regulatory hub for multiple pathways involved in cell proliferation and differentiation (Fig. 2).

mTOR 신호(mTORC1 및 mTORC2 모두)는

T 림프구,

대식세포,

수지상세포(DC),

지방세포 등 수많은 면역세포의 분화 및 기능 조절에 중추적인 역할을 한다는 것이 입증되었습니다.64,65,66,67,68,69,70

Mtor-/-T 세포는

T세포 수용체(TCR) 자극 하에서

정상적인 활성화 마커와 IL-2 생산 수준을 가지고 있음에도 불구하고

Th1, Th2 및 Th17 세포로 분화할 수 없는 것으로 나타났습니다.71

mTOR 신호는

세포 성장과 증식을 촉진하지만,

mTOR 신호의 지속적인 활성화는

T 세포의 말단 분화 및 증식 능력 감소를 초래하는 것으로 밝혀졌습니다.72,73,74,75

또한,

세포 분화에서 오토파지는

서로 다른 역할을 하는데,

이는 자극의 차이 및 세포 분화 단계와 상관관계가 있을 수 있다.69,76,77

콜로니 자극인자 1(CSF-1)에 의해 유도된 말초혈액 단핵구의 대식세포로의 분화는

오토파지에 크게 의존하는 것으로 확인되었으며,

Zhang 등69 은 오토파지를 억제하면

골수 조혈전구세포의 대식 분화가 촉진된다는 것을 발견하였다.76,77

이러한 연구 결과를 종합하면 

리소좀이 

세포 증식과 분화에 관여하는 

여러 경로의 중요한 조절 허브임을 알 수 있습니다(그림 2).

Lysosomes in immunity

It is well-established that exogenous antigens are primarily processed into peptides by lysosomal proteases and loaded onto MHC-II molecules for recognition.14,78 In recent years, the high expression‎ of MHC-II molecules has also been found to be correlated with a favorable prognosis of cancer patients.79 While autophagy facilitates the loading of MHC class II molecules by delivering cytoplasmic components to lysosomes, it also interferes with antigen presentation by MHC-I molecules through competing ubiquitinated proteins with proteasomes and degrading proteasomes.80,81,82,83 

외인성 항원은 

주로 리소좀 프로테아제에 의해 펩타이드로 처리되어 

MHC-II 분자에 적재되어 인식된다는 것은 잘 알려져 있습니다.14,78 

최근에는 

MHC-II 분자의 높은 발현이 

암 환자의 양호한 예후와도 관련이 있는 것으로 밝혀졌습니다.79 

자가포식은 

세포질 성분을 리소좀으로 전달하여 MHC 클래스 II 분자의 로딩을 촉진하는 한편, 

프로테아좀과 유비퀴틴화된 단백질을 경쟁시키고 

프로테아좀을 분해함으로써 

MHC-I 분자의 항원 제시를 방해하기도 합니다.80,81,82,83 

Expansion of the volume and protein levels of lysosomes and endosomes in phagocytes was found to promote antigen presentation in the immune response, and lysosomal recruitment and secretion was identified to facilitate the antigen extraction and the full activation of B lymphocytes.84,85,86 In addition to their role in antigen processing and presentation, lysosomes are responsible for the degradation and membrane presentation of immune checkpoints such as programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1),16,87 cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4),87 and CD70.10,88 Abnormalities in the degradation and presentation of immune checkpoints are closely associated with the progression and treatment failure of many diseases, especially cancer.16,87,89 After antigen stimulation, mTOR signaling is activated and then programs the differentiation of immune cells into functionally distinct lineages, such as Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg, cytotoxic CD8 + T cells, and memory CD8 + T cells.64,70,90

식세포에서 리소좀과 엔도좀의 부피와 단백질 수준의 확장은 면역 반응에서 항원 제시를 촉진하는 것으로 밝혀졌으며, 리소좀의 모집 및 분비는 항원 추출과 B 림프구의 완전한 활성화를 촉진하는 것으로 확인되었습니다.84,85,86 리소좀은 항원 처리 및 제시에서의 역할 외에도 프로그램된 세포 사멸 리간드 1(PD-L1),16,87 세포 독성 T-림프구 관련 단백질 4(CTLA-4),87 및 CD70과 같은 면역 체크포인트의 분해 및 막 제시를 담당합니다.10,88 면역 체크포인트의 분해 및 제시의 이상은 많은 질병, 특히 암의 진행 및 치료 실패와 밀접한 관련이 있습니다.16,87,89 항원 자극 후 mTOR 신호가 활성화되고 면역 세포가 Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg, 세포 독성 CD8 + T 세포 및 기억 CD8 + T 세포와 같은 기능적으로 구별되는 계통으로 분화하도록 프로그래밍합니다.64,70,90

Lysosomes act as bilateral switches that regulate inflammatory process, an important part of the immune response that has both protective and disease-driving roles.14,30,91,92,93 On the one hand, lysosomes mediate the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from immune cells, and the release of lysosomal hydrolase are of great benefit to the initiation and development of inflammation.30,92 Lysosomes have also been found to promote inflammation by degrading glucocorticoid receptors, which bind with glucocorticoid to modulate the expression‎ of and inflammatory and pro-inflammatory factors.94,95 On the other hand, lysosomes mediate the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines and are responsible for breaking down inflammatory cytokines and elements such as PYCARD/ASC, a critical component of inflammasome.2,30,96

Taken together, these findings show that lysosomes are closely involved in the immune response and its strength modulation, and serve as the two-way switches that regulate inflammation (Fig. 2).

리소좀은 

면역 반응의 중요한 부분인 염증 과정을 조절하는 양방향 스위치 역할을 하며, 

보호 역할과 질병 유발 역할을 모두 수행합니다.14,30,91,92,93 

한편으로 리소좀은 

면역 세포에서 전 염증성 사이토카인의 방출을 매개하며, 

리소좀 가수 분해 효소의 방출은 

염증의 시작과 발달에 큰 도움이 됩니다.30,92 

또한 리소좀은 글루코코르티코이드와 결합하여 

염증 및 전 염증 인자의 발현을 조절하는 글루코코르티코이드 수용체를 분해하여 

염증을 촉진하는 것으로 밝혀졌습니다.94,95 

한편, 리소좀은 

항염증 사이토카인의 방출을 매개하고 염

증성 사이토카인과 인플라마좀의 핵심 구성 요소인 PYCARD/ASC와 같은 요소를 

분해하는 역할을 합니다.2,30,96

이러한 연구 결과를 종합하면 리소좀이 면역 반응과 그 강도 조절에 밀접하게 관여하며 염증을 조절하는 양방향 스위치 역할을 한다는 것을 알 수 있습니다(그림 2).

Lysosomes in cell death

Lysosomes mediate cell death at several levels. Under some unfavorable conditions, autophagy is activated to avoid cell death by degrading death-promoting factors such as (p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis) PUMA and receptor-interacting protein kinases-1 (RIPK1) and promoting autophagy-dependent mitochondrial homeostasis.5,97,98 When exposed to extreme stress, lysosomal membrane permeability (LMP) occurs, and the leakage of cathepsins, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and Fe2+/3+ triggers multiple forms of cell death, such as apoptosis, necrosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and lysosome-dependent cell death (LDCD) (Fig. 2).2,24,26,99 For instance, while cathepsins leaked from lysosomes can promote apoptosis through activating BID proteins or BAX channels, robust lysosomal cathepsin activities lead to cell necrosis by rapidly degrading essential cell components.100,101 Different from chaotic and drastic degradation of cell components that occurs in necrosis, LDCD was defined by the Nomenclature Committee on Cell Death (NCCD) as the regulated cell death demarcated by primary LMP and precipitated by cathepsins with or without the involvement of caspases and mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP).102

리소좀은 

여러 수준에서 세포 사멸을 매개합니다. 

일부 불리한 조건에서는 

세포 사멸을 피하기 위해 자가포식이 활성화되어 

(p53 상향 조절 세포 사멸 조절자) PUMA 및 

수용체 상호 작용 단백질 키나아제-1(RIPK1)과 같은 사멸 촉진 인자를 분해하고 

자가포식 의존적 미토콘드리아 항상성을 촉진합니다.5,97,98 

극심한 스트레스에 노출되면 

리소좀 막 투과성(LMP)이 발생하고 

켑신, 

활성 산소종(ROS) 및 Fe2+/3+의 누출로 인해 

세포 사멸, 

괴사, 

발열성 세포 사멸, 

페로토시스 및 

리소좀 의존성 세포 사멸(LDCD)과 같은 여러 형태의 세포 사멸이 유발됩니다(그림. 2).2,24,26,99 

예를 들어, 

리소좀에서 유출된 켑신은 

BID 단백질 또는 BAX 채널을 활성화하여 

세포 사멸을 촉진할 수 있지만, 

강력한 리소좀 켑신 활동은 필수 세포 성분을 빠르게 분해하여 

세포 괴사를 유발합니다.100,101). 

괴사에서 발생하는 세포 성분의 혼란스럽고 급격한 분해와는 달리, 

LDCD는 세포 사멸에 관한 명명위원회(NCCD)에서 일차적 LMP에 의해 구분되고

 카스파제 및 미토콘드리아 외막 투과화(MOMP)의 개입 여부에 관계없이 

켑신에 의해 침전되는 조절된 세포 사멸로 정의했습니다.102

Although autophagy acts as a cytoprotective process most of the time, the pathway and its key components also participate lethal signaling.26,98,101,103 For example, it has been acknowledged that selective autophagy can promote ferroptosis through degrading ferritin and intracellular lipid droplets, causing iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation.103,104,105 Although much remains unclear, it has been confirmed that lysosomes play a crucial role in resisting and triggering cell death and the terminal clearance stage of cell death (Fig. 2).

자가포식은 

대부분의 경우 세포 보호 과정으로 작용하지만, 

이 경로와 주요 구성 요소는 치명적인 신호 전달에도 관여합니다.26,98,101,103 

예를 들어, 

선택적 자가포식은 

페리틴과 세포 내 지질 방울을 분해하여 

철 축적과 지질 과산화를 유발함으로써 페로셉토시스를 촉진할 수 있음이 인정되고 있습니다.103,104,105 

아직 많은 부분이 불분명하지만, 

리소좀이 세포 사멸과 

세포 사멸의 말기 제거 단계에 저항하고 

촉발하는 데 중요한 역할을 하는 것으로 확인되었습니다(그림 2).

Characteristic changes and dysfunction of lysosomes in human disease

Given the important roles of lysosomes in cell metabolism, cell proliferation and differentiation, immunity, and cell death, any lysosomal change or dysfunction may disrupt original cell and organismal homeostasis, causing or deteriorating human disease. As early as the 1960s, H.G. Hers discovered the relationship between the deficiency in lysosomal α‑glucosidase and Pompe disease and first proposed the concept of inborn lysosomal disease, the prototype of lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) (Fig. 1).106,107 LSD are a group of rare metabolic disorders caused by inherited defects in genes that encode proteins involved in lysosomal homeostasis, such as lysosomal hydrolases or membrane proteins.108,109 In addition to LSDs, the initiation and development of numerous diseases, such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular diseases, have also been identified to have a close correlation with lysosomal changes and dysfunction.110,111,112,113,114,115,116,117,118,119,120,121,122,123,124,125,126,127,128,129 In this section, we started with several diseases and studied their lysosomal changes and dysfunction to lay the foundation for the selection of targeted strategies.

세포 대사, 

세포 증식 및 분화, 

면역, 

세포 사멸에서 리소좀의 중요한 역할을 고려할 때, 

리소좀의 변화나 기능 장애는 

세포와 유기체의 항상성을 방해하여 

인간 질병을 유발하거나 악화시킬 수 있습니다. 

1960년대 초, H.G. 허스는 

리소좀 α-글루코시다제 결핍과 폼페병 사이의 관계를 발견하고 

리소좀 저장 장애(LSD)의 원형인 선천성 리소좀 질환의 개념을 처음으로 제안했습니다(그림. 1).106,107 

LSD는 

리소좀 가수분해효소 또는 

막 단백질과 같이 리소좀 항상성에 관여하는 

단백질을 암호화하는 유전자의 유전적 결함으로 인해 발생하는 

희귀 대사 장애 그룹입니다.108,109 

LSD 외에도 

암, 자가면역질환, 신경퇴행성 질환, 심혈관 질환 등 

수많은 질병의 시작과 발병이 리소좀 변화 및 기능 장애와 밀접한 상관관계가 있는 것으로 밝혀졌습니다.110,111,112,113,114,115,116,117,118,119,120,121,122,123,124,125,126,127,128,129 

이 섹션에서는 

몇 가지 질병에서 시작하여 

리소좀 변화와 기능 장애를 연구하여

 표적 전략 선택의 기초를 마련했습니다.

Cancer

Cancer cells always upregulate their metabolism by changing the quantity, localization, and activity of lysosomes to meet their needs for cell growth and proliferation.2,8 These changes have been correlated with the overexpression‎ of some lysosomal proteins and lysosome-related proteins, such as lysosome catalase, lysosomal glycosidase, and kinesins.10,130,131,132 The abnormal activation of classical oncogenes, such as Kras and MYC, was found to increase the expression‎ of lysosome catalase and glycosidase.10 Furthermore, several types of cancer, such as pancreatic adenocarcinoma,110,111 renal-cell carcinoma,110 melanoma,110,112 and breast cancer,113 have been found to have an overexpression‎ of MIT/TFE genes, the TFs that facilitate the expression‎ of lysosomal proteins.2

These lysosomal changes have profound effects on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells, as well as their resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy.2,8,27 Upregulated nutrients-scavenging pathways such as autophagy and endocytosis allow cancer cells to compete for available nutrients and survive in unfavorable conditions, such as tumors with poor vascularization or undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy.8 Nutrients brought by upregulated nutrient-scavenging pathways activate mTOR signaling and promote cell synthesis of amino acids, glucose, nucleotides, fatty acids, and lipids, which are essential for cell proliferation.8,37,133 Aberrant hyperactivation of both catabolic and anabolic pathways facilitates the metabolism and proliferation of cancer cells.2 MTORC1 signaling and TFEB modulation constitute a feedback loop that coordinates the balance between lysosomal catabolism and anabolism to adapt to different metabolic conditions.2 In addition, lysosomes have also been found to contribute to the chemoresistance of cancer cells by sequestering drugs to prevent their action outside lysosomes.12 Besides, the upregulated autophagy pathway favors the invasion and metastasis of cancer cells through degrading epithelial-derived molecules such as E-cadherin.5,10 Furthermore, the redistribution of lysosomes to the periphery of cancer cells and their exocytosis of cathepsins, heparinase, and Neu1 also benefit cancer invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis by affecting cell morphology and degrading their extracellular matrix and basement membrane.2,27

Although autophagy acts as a cytoprotective process most of the time, the pathway and its key components also participate lethal signaling.26,98,101,103 For example, it has been acknowledged that selective autophagy can promote ferroptosis through degrading ferritin and intracellular lipid droplets, causing iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation.103,104,105 Although much remains unclear, it has been confirmed that lysosomes play a crucial role in resisting and triggering cell death and the terminal clearance stage of cell death (Fig. 2).

암세포는 

항상 세포 성장과 증식에 대한 요구를 충족시키기 위해 

리소좀의 양, 국소화 및 활성을 변경하여 

대사를 상향 조절합니다.2,8 

이러한 변화는 

리소좀 카탈라아제, 

리소좀 글리코시다제 및 키네신과 같은 

일부 리소좀 단백질 및 리소좀 관련 단백질의 과발현과 연관되어 있습니다.10,130,131,132 

Kras 및 MYC와 같은 

고전적인 발암 유전자의 비정상적인 활성화는 

리소좀 카탈라아제와 글리코시다아제의 발현을 증가시키는 것으로 밝혀졌습니다.10 

또한 췌장 선암,110,111 신세포암,110 흑색종,110,112 유방암,113 등 여러 유형의 암에서 리소좀 단백질의 발현을 촉진하는 TF인 MIT/TFE 유전자가 과발현하는 것으로 밝혀졌습니다.2



이러한 리소좀 변화는 

암세포의 증식, 이동, 침입뿐만 아니라 

방사선 요법 및 화학 요법에 대한 저항성에도 큰 영향을 미칩니다.2,8,27 

자가포식 및 

세포내소화작용과 같은 상향 조절된 영양소 제거 경로는 

암세포가 혈관이 좋지 않거나

 방사선 요법 또는 화학 요법을 받는 종양과 같은 불리한 조건에서 

가용 영양소를 놓고 경쟁하고 생존할 수 있게 해줍니다.8 

상향 조절된 영양소 제거 경로를 통해 유입된 영양소는 

mTOR 신호를 활성화하고 

세포 증식에 필수적인 아미노산, 포도당, 뉴클레오티드, 지방산 및 지질의 

세포 합성을 촉진합니다.8,37,133 

이화 작용 및 

동화 작용 경로의 비정상적인 과활성화는 

암세포의 대사와 증식을 촉진합니다.2 

MTORC1 신호와

 TFEB 조절은 리소좀 이화 작용과 동화 작용 사이의 균형을 조정하여 

다양한 대사 조건에 적응하도록 하는 

피드백 루프를 구성합니다.2 

또한 리소좀은 

약물이 리소좀 외부에서 작용하지 못하도록 격리함으로써 

암세포의 화학 저항에 기여하는 것으로 밝혀졌습니다.12 

또한, 상향 조절된 자가포식 경로는 

E-카데린과 같은 상피 유래 분자를 분해하여 

암세포의 침입과 전이를 촉진합니다.5,10 

또한, 리소좀의 암세포 주변으로의 재분배와 카텝신, 

헤파리나제 및 Neu1의 세포 외 분비도 

세포 형태에 영향을 미치고 

세포 외 기질과 기저막을 분해하여 암의 침입, 전이 및 혈관 신생을 돕습니다.2,27



자가포식은 

대부분의 경우 세포 보호 과정으로 작용하지만, 

이 경로와 주요 구성 요소는 치명적인 신호 전달에도 관여합니다.26,98,101,103 

예를 들어, 

선택적 자가포식은 

페리틴과 세포 내 지질 방울을 분해하여 

철 축적과 지질 과산화를 유발함으로써 

페로셉토시스를 촉진할 수 있음이 인정되고 있습니다.103,104,105 

아직 많은 부분이 불분명하지만, 

리소좀이 세포 사멸과 세포 사멸의 말기 제거 단계에 저항하고 

촉발하는 데 중요한 역할을 하는 것으로 확인되었습니다(그림 2).

Lysosomal changes and dysfunction also play an important role in the escape of cancer cells from the host immune system. Lysosomal degradation is not only responsible for antigen processing but also controls the presentation of MHC-I at cell membrane.134,135,136 It has been reported that lysosomal degradation of MHC-I through autophagy-dependent pathways accounts for the decreased expression‎ of MHC-I on the cell surface of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).135 The co-location of MHC-I with autophagosomes and lysosomes was observed in PDAC cells, and autophagy inhibition was identified to restore MHC-I levels and promote T-cell responses in mouse models.135 Besides, the deficiency or blockade of costimulatory molecules of tumor cells is one of the important mechanisms of tumor immune escape, and lysosomes are responsible for not only the degradation but also the membrane transportation and presentation of immune checkpoints such as CTLA-4, PD-L1, and CD47.10,27,89 The colocalization of CKLF-like MARVEL transmembrane domain-containing 6 (CMTM6) with PD-L1 in cell membrane and recycling endosomes was found to inhibit the lysosomal degradation of PD-L1, which interacts with PD-1 on T cells to evade T-cell-mediated immunosurveillance.16 Recently, the decreased activity of mitophagy, a type of selective autophagy, has been reported to lead to the accumulation of depolarized mitochondria in tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes (TILs).17 The persistent metabolic insufficiency caused by defective mitophagy was thought to cause TLR exhaustion.17 These factors together contribute to the low immune response in tumors.

However, the changes mentioned above not only benefit cancer development but also lead to the reduced stability of lysosomal membranes and make lysosomes in cancer cells more susceptible to LMP, which may provide the therapeutic windows we seek.2,24,26,137 Considering the great role of these changes and dysfunctions in lysosomes in cancer cells, it is feasible to develop strategies targeting lysosomes to treat cancer (Fig. 4).

Fig. 4

Available strategies for targeting lysosomes in human disease and their corresponding drugs. Different colors indicate different targeting strategies: red, targeting lysosomal acidification; yellow, targeting lysosomal cathepsins; blue, targeting lysosomal membrane permeability and integrity; green, targeting lysosomal calcium signaling; purple, targeting mTOR signaling; gray, emerging targeting strategies with great potential. The action mechanisms of these drugs are highlighted in bold. mTORC1, mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1; mTORC2, mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2; TRPML1, transient receptor potential mucolipin 1; LMP, lysosomal membrane permeability; ROS, reactive oxygen species; CMA, chaperone-mediated autophagy; CLEAR, coordinated lysosomal expression‎ and regulation; TFEB, transcription factor EB; CQ, chloroquine; HCQ, hydroxychloroquine; QN, quinacrine; PLGA-aNP, poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) acidic nanoparticles; AAV, adeno-associated virus; rhCTSD, recombinant human pro-cathepsin D; rhPPCA, recombinant human protective protein/cathepsin A; ASM, acid sphingomyelinase; ZA, zoledronic acid; rhCTSD, recombinant human pro-Cathepsin D; DpdtC, Di-2-pyridylketone dithiocarbamate; Hsp70, heat shock protein 70; HspBP1, Hsp70 binding protein 1; 3,4-DC, 3,4-dimethoxychalcone; PI(3,5)P2, phosphatidyl-(3,5)-bisphosphate; MITF, melanogenesis-associated transcription factor; HPβCD, 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin; PA, psoromic acid; 3-PEHPC, 3-(3-pyridyl)-2-hydroxy-2-phosphonopropanoic acid; RabGGTase, Rab geranylgeranyl transferase

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Autoimmune disorders

Given that lysosomes play a crucial role in multiple stages of immunity, we took a close look at what happened to the lysosomes in the cells of patients with autoimmune disorders. Here, we take three kinds of rheumatic autoimmune disorders as examples to explain lysosomal changes and dysfunction in autoimmune disorders and the significance of these changes and dysfunction for the deterioration of these disorders.

One of the most obvious changes in the cells of autoimmune disorders is the upregulated expression‎ and activity of cathepsins and their abnormal secretion (The details are provided in Table 1).14,114,115,116,117,118,119,138 The overexpression‎ of cathepsin S, an enzyme responsible for degrading antigens, has been reported in all three diseases, and its inhibitors have been shown to be effective in mouse models.14,114,115,116,117,118,138 In addition, cathepsin S and L were found to have significant correlations with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated autoantibodies, which may account for the chronic inflammatory response and destruction of human tissues.139 More directly, cathepsin B present in synovial fluid of the joint of patients with RA has been found to destroy joints by degrading bone collagen.140

Table 1 Characteristic changes and dysfunction of lysosomes in autoimmune disorders

Full size table

Another change that greatly arouses our attention is the dysregulation of autophagy. Enhanced activation of autophagy within autoreactive cells and inflammatory cells is common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), RA, and Sjögren’s syndrome (SS).19,141,142,143,144,145,146,147 It has been found that autophagy is not only the survival mechanism of autoreactive B cells in SLE patients, but also the key to plasmablast differentiation and the long-term autoantibody secretion of plasma cells.141,148 In patients with RA, upregulated autophagy was found to regulate the bone resorption of osteoclasts and promote the survival of fibroblast-like synovial cells, the main actor in RA pathogenesis.143,144,149,150 Upregulated autophagy was also observed in T and B cells that infiltrated minor salivary glands in SS, and was associated with histological severity.19,146,147 However, there are different views regarding the activation status of the autophagy pathway in the T cells of RA patients.151,152 While Yang et al. identified the autophagy defect associated with PFKFB3 deficiency in CD4 + T cells of RA patients, van Loosdregt et al.151 reported that autophagy in CD4 + T cells of RA patients was upregulated and promoted hyperactivation and apoptosis resistance of T cells.152 It is important to point out that the former study used naive CD4 + T cells while the latter used total CD4 + T cells. Therefore, the differences in the cell type might contribute to the difference in the results. In addition, Gros et al.153 supported the view that autophagy was upregulated in T cells, and believed that the reason for the difference in results might be the imperfect experimental design of the former study.

In theory, upregulated lysosomal biogenesis and reduced lysosomal pH are required for the maintenance of cathepsin activity and autophagy activation. Consistent with our expectation, the monocytes, B cells, and DCs from female SLE patients showed lower lysosomal pH than those of normal people.21,154 Nevertheless, while upregulated autophagy in macrophages has been reported to contribute to murine lupus, another study reported that macrophages from lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice exhibited impaired lysosomal maturation and acidification.142,155 Currently, there are few reports on the changes on lysosomal biogenesis and pH, and more research results are needed to clarify these issues.

Although much is still unknown about the lysosomal changes that occur in the cells of patients with autoimmune disorders, several lysosomal targeting agents have been shown to be effective in preclinical and clinical trials, such as P140, hydroxychloroquine, and RO5461111 (Fig. 4 and Supplementary Table S1).139,140,153,156 Therefore, targeting lysosomes in autoimmune disorders is still of great feasibility and potential.

Neurodegenerative diseases

The accumulation of modified or misfolded proteins is common in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Huntington’s disease (HD).14,157 These proteins not only deposit in neurons, causing synapse destruction and neuronal death, but also impair lysosomal function, which aggravates their accumulation.157,158,159,160,161 For instance, α-synuclein, the main component of Lewy bodies in PD, has been reported to reduce lysosomal degradation capacity by disrupting hydrolase trafficking.14,162 In addition, increased oxidative and nitrative modifications of v-ATPase with age, as well as mutations in PS1,120 ATP6AP2,121 and ATP13A2/PARK9122 have been identified to promote neurodegenerative diseases by impairing lysosomal acidification and autophagy (reviewed elsewhere.160,163) Genetic or pharmacological activation of TFEB was shown to partially restore the degradation of misfolded proteins and ameliorate disease progression of AD,164,165,166 PD,167,168 and HD.169,170 In addition, chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) has been found to act as a compensatory pathway of macroautophagy that is activated in response to macroautophagy failure.171,172,173,174

The expression‎ of cathepsins, the important executors of lysosomal degradation, was deregulated in cells of neurodegenerative diseases, and they showed reduced efficiency in degrading misfolded proteins and deregulated expression‎.14,175 For example, cathepsin D, the hydrolase responsible for degrading HTT, was identified to be less effective in degrading mHTT, the aggregation- prone HTT mutant in HD.14,176 It is worth noting that cathepsins do not always play a protective role. The accumulation of Aβ peptides and hyperphosphorylated Tau are hallmarks of AD, and cathepsin D is responsible for the generation of Aβ peptides and be correlated with the hyperphosphorylation of Tau.157,177,178 In addition, elevated cathepsin B in the serum has been shown to be identified significant correlated with cognitive dysfunction in patents with AD.175,179

Taken together, increasing evidence indicates the great role of lysosomal changes and dysfunction in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, they may serve as targets for the treatment neurodegenerative diseases.

Cardiovascular diseases

Accumulating studies have provided insights into lysosomal changes and dysfunction in cardiovascular diseases.123,124,125,126,127,128,129 During acute myocardial ischemia, upregulated autophagy protects cardiomyocytes from death in response to extreme hypoxia and nutritional stress.123 However, an increased abundance of autophagosome has been reported to contribute to cardiomyocyte death during ischemia reperfusion.124 Reactive oxygen species (ROS) released during the restoration of blood flow are thought to induce LAMP2 decline and BECLIN-1 upregulation, resulting in the impaired autophagosome clearance.124 Impaired autophagic flux and inadequate autophagosome clearance have also been confirmed to promote atherosclerosis,125,126 maladaptive post-infarction remodeling,127,128 and heart failure129 (reviewed elsewhere.160,180) In addition, the restoration of autophagosome clearance through forcing TFEB expression‎ have been found to attenuate BNIP3-induced cardiomyocyte death.181 Upregulation of cathepsin D induced by myocardial infarction was reported to protect against cardiac remodeling and heart failure through promoting autophagic flux.182

Lysosome changes and dysfunction have also been characterized in hereditary cardiomyopathy and drug-induced cardiomyopathy. In the hearts of patients with Danon disease, an X-linked lysosomal storage disease characterized by life-threatening hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, cardiomyocytes showed a dramatically increase in autophagic vacuoles.183 It is generally believed that this increase in vacuoles is due to the loss-of-function mutations in the LAMP2 gene, which encodes the protein required for the maturation of autophagosomes.183 Drug-induced cardiotoxicity remains a major cause of concern in the application of numerous medicines.184 In recent years, a large number of studies have confirmed that the cardiotoxicity caused by doxorubicin, a classical chemotherapeutic drug, is related to its inhibition of cardiac autophagy via the impairment of lysosomal acidification and the suppression of TFEB expression‎.185,186,187 Li et al.185 posited that ROS accumulation resulting from compromised autophagy accounts for doxorubicin-induced cardiomyocyte injury.

In summary, many cardiovascular diseases have been recognized to be closely related to lysosomal alterations and dysfunction, which are mainly manifested as maladaptive autophagy. Exogenous supplementation with lysosomal enzymes or efforts to increase the expression‎ of TFEB may be means to treat these diseases.

Overall, lysosomes in cancer cells, autoimmune disease cells, heart disease cells and neurodegenerative disease cells undergo some changes and disfunction, which are extremely important for the development of these disease. Lysosomal acidification, lysosomal cathepsins, lysosomal biogenesis and autophagy may serve as good targets for the treatment of these diseases.

Available strategies for targeting lysosomes in human disease

Target lysosomal acidification

The acidic environment in lysosomes is not only their structural characteristics but also the basis of their activities and functions.2,7,188 While low lysosomal pH is required for cancer cells to maintain their high metabolic state and is associated with the overactivation of autoimmune cells in autoimmune disorders, cells in neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disease always exhibit impaired lysosomal acidification and autophagy.163,185,189 Therefore, suitable targeting measures can be selected according to different lysosomal acidification states.

At present, agents inhibiting lysosomal acidification can be roughly divided into two categories: v-ATPase inhibitors and antimalarials and their derivatives (Fig. 4). The v-ATPase contains two essential domains, V0 and V1 domian, which function together to pump protons into the late endosome/lysosome.188,190 v-ATPase inhibitors including bafilomycin A1, concanamycin, archazolid A, and INDOL0 all exhibit great performance, but they compete with one another because they all work through interacting with V0 subunit c of v-ATPase.189,191,192 In addition, bafilomycin A1 was found to block autophagosome-lysosome fusion by targeting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium pump Ca-P60A independent of v-ATPase-mediated lysosomal acidification.193,194 Salicylihalamide A acts through inhibiting the V0 domain and causing a dramatic redistribution of the V1 domain, allowing it to combine with the former class inhibitors to achieve better inhibition.189,195 The next generation of inhibitors including VoPQ, NiK12192, and FR177995 also exhibit effective v-ATPase inhibition, but their inhibition efficiency has only been confirmed in yeast cells.189,196

Another class of inhibitors is antimalarials and their derivatives, the only class of autophagy inhibitors that is currently available for clinical application.5,197 As representative cationic amphiphilic drugs (CADs), CQ and its derivatives share a common structure of a side-chain with a cationic amine group, which allows them to accumulate within lysosomes after protonation, resulting in lysosomal deacidification.5,26,198 In addition, CQ and HCQ have shown a strong ability of blocking the fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes, which may be their main mechanism of autophagy inhibition.5,199 Nevertheless, their widespread application is restricted by their excessive dose-dependent effects, limited single-agent activity, and ocular toxicity at high doses or with long-term use.5,26,200,201 Quinacrine, another drug originally used for antimalarial therapy, show a 60-fold higher potency of lysosomal deacidification than CQ and may be a better candidate for autophagy inhibition.8 Their analogs and derivatives exhibit more potent abilities of lysosomal localization and autophagy inhibition than their prototype, and some derivatives, such as DQ661 and DC661, show additional mTORC1 inhibition.5,133,200,202,203,204 More importantly, Ravi K. Amaravadi et al. identified a target shared by monomeric and dimeric CQ derivatives called palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1) and demonstrated that targeting PPT1 produced dramatic lysosomal deacidification and mTOR inhibition by modulating the lysosomal localization of v-ATPase subunits and disrupting the interaction between subunit V1A of v-ATPase and the Ragulator component called p18.203,204 Intriguingly, there are many similarities between retinopathy caused by long-term use of CQ and HCQ and retinopathy caused by PPT1 deficiency, such as maculopathy with pigmentary alterations and the presence of auto-fluorescent material throughout the retina.201,205 Therefore, there is a question of whether the use of these derivatives will cause more serious ocular side effects due to their stronger inhibition of PPT1.

The restoration of lysosomal acidification in cells with impaired autophagy can be achieved by targeting molecules that impede lysosomal acidification or exogenously supplementing acid.120,206 As we described above, mutated PS1 impaired lysosomal acidification through impeding V0a1 subunit of v-ATPase complex, which is one of the main causes of early-onset familial AD.120 Therefore, targeting mutated PS1 may partially restore lysosomal acidity and autophagy. Besides, Bourdenx et al.206 demonstrated that poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) acidic nanoparticles (PLGA-aNPs) were internalized into lysosomes within 24 h after the treatment and restored defective lysosomal acidification and autophagy-lysosomal pathways in three different pathological PD models, including fibroblasts from PD patients with ATP13A2 mutations, fibroblasts from PD patients with glucocerebrosidase (GBA) mutations, and BE-M17 cells with ATP13A2 knockdown.

In brief, lysosomal acidification plays different roles in different diseases, and suitable targeting measures can be chosen according to the lysosomal acidification state.

Target lysosomal cathepsins

Lysosomal cathepsins are among the most important components and functional executors of lysosomes.2,132 Accumulating findings have acknowledged that lysosomal cathepsins facilitate the proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and chemotherapy-resistance of cancer cells, and their expression‎ and activities are frequently upregulated in leukemia and various solid tumors, such as melanoma, breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancer.160,207,208 In addition, as mentioned above, deregulated cathepsins also play a great role in the development and progression of autoimmune disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, cathepsins have been proposed as good targets for the treatment of cancers, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.22,207,209,210

Three families and 15 classes of cathepsins have been found in humans, and cathepsin B, cathepsin D, cathepsin K, cathepsin L, and cathepsin S are well-studied in the treatment disease.14,27,132,207,211,212 A variety of endogenous and reversible inhibitors show therapeutic potential in regulating cathepsins, such as stefin A and cystatin C.207,209 Besides, while the inhibitory effect of most synthesized cathepsin inhibitors is broad-spectrum and irreversible (shown in Fig. 4 and Supplementary Table S1), inhibitors such as CA074, odanacatib (MK-0822), KGP94, CLIK-148, and CLIK-195, are designed to have better specificity and efficiency.207,213 Cathepsin K is highly effective at degrading collagens of bone matrix, and its inhibitor odanacatib was once regarded as the most promising candidate for the treatment of bone destruction caused by inflammatory diseases and cancers.214,215 However, the development of odanacatib for the treatment of osteoporosis was finally terminated by the study’s sponsor because of its serious cardio-cerebrovascular adverse reactions observed in the phase III clinical trial of postmenopausal osteoporosis.215,216 The use of cathepsin antibodies or targeting cathepsin secretion also holds great promise as therapeutic agents to target abnormal activities of lysosomal cathepsins.2,27,207,217,218 For example, the nonreceptor tyrosine kinases Abl and Arg (Abl/Arg) were reported to promote the secretion of cathepsin B and cathepsin L, which facilitate melanoma invasion and metastasis by cleaving or degrading extracellular matrix proteins.218

As we described above, cathepsin D plays a protective role in HT and cardiac remodeling, so forced expression‎ or exogenously supplementation of cathepsin D may be helpful for the alleviation of these diseases.176,182 Two studies in neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, a group of rare recessive lysosomal storage disorders with impaired lysosome-autophagy pathways, have provided some direction.219,220 The injection of adeno-associated virus encoding mouse cathepsin D into both cerebral ventricles and peritoneum have been proved to increase the lifespan of cathepsin D-knockout mice (Ctsd−/− mice).219 In addition, André R. A. Marques administered 25 mg/kg recombinant human pro-cathepsin D to Ctsd−/− mice through the tail vein and found a correction of lysosomal storage accumulation and impaired autophagic flux in their viscera and central nervous system.220 The lifespans of these mice were also longer than those of the control group.220 These data support the feasibility and efficiency of restoring lysosomal cathepsins in diseases characterized by reduced cathepsin efficiency.

In recent years, a variety of drugs have been synthesized, but few of them have been used in clinical studies (summarized in the clinical trial section). The complexity of the cathepsin web and our inadequate understanding of the integration and functionality of cathepsins within the web make it difficult to target cathepsins for clinical application.132,207,213 In addition, enzyme replacement therapy is not yet mature, and it is difficult to achieve accurate and efficient delivery of cathepsins to specific organs.108

Target lysosomal membrane permeability and integrity

Under stress conditions, lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) or full rupture of lysosomes occurs, and the leakage of lysosomal contents into the cytoplasm triggers inflammatory responses and cell death.26,221,222 Therefore, defective membrane permeability and integrity may act not only causes of inflammatory diseases but also tools that we can use to treat cancer.26,223 Unlike other organelles, lysosomes lack antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, which makes their membrane more vulnerable to the damage of ROS and the hydroxyl radicals they produce.24,224 Although ROS act as the byproduct of traditional chemotherapies in most cases, they can also be induced intentionally in lysosomes by photodynamic therapy or iron regulation.225,226 For example, sequestering iron in lysosomes with ironomycin (AM5) or enhancing the lysosomal degradation of ferritin and the release of iron by artemisinin compounds can evoke the ROS generation and LMP in cancer cells.227,228,229 Direct disrupting LAMP2, the constitutive protein of lysosomal membrane, with mycotoxin enniatin B1 may also be a good strategy to induce LMP.230

Furthermore, targeting acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) and its supporter, heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), can induce LMP by causing sphingomyelin accumulation.26,231,232 Direct inhibitors of ASM such as zoledronic acid and Riccardin D-N, as well as functional inhibitors such as cationic amphiphilic drugs (CADs), all show highly efficient ASM inhibition and LMP induction.26,233,234 CADs are a wide group of chemicals that can permeate lysosomal membranes and accumulate within lysosomes after protonation, and antimalarials, antidepressants, antihistamines all fall into the CAD category.24,26,235,236 In addition to siramesine, CADs like terfenadine and amitriptyline have also been acknowledged to have a great inhibition of ASM and induce LMP in targeted cells (shown in Fig. 4 and Supplementary Table S1).235,237,238 The most significant advantages of this category of drugs are the safety and accessibility established by their long-term clinical use.239 HSP70 inhibitors such as 2-Phenylethynesulfonamide (PES),240,241 quercetin,242 triptolide,242 and etoposide243 show great performance in HSP70 inhibition and LMP induction, but none of them can specifically target lysosomal HSP70.26,231,240 Therefore, although these HSP70 inhibitors are of great significance for inducing LMP and subsequent cell death, they may also cause serious adverse reactions because of the simultaneous inhibition of cytoplasmic and membrane HSP70.231

Cells have developed numerous defensive mechanisms against lysosomal rupture and subsequent inflammatory responses and cell death.221,244,245 It is now generally believed that limited permeabilization of the lysosomal membrane can be repaired through the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) machinery, while badly damaged lysosomes can be engulfed and cleared through the lysophagy machinery, a selective autophagy process triggered by the ubiquitination of lysosomal proteins.221,246,247 Three subcomplexes with different functions (ESCRT-I, -II, and -III) have been identified to be involved in the ESCRT mechanism, and the recruitment and translocation of their components have been found heavily dependent on calcium (Ca2+) outflowing from lysosomes.244,245,248,249 The ubiquitination required for lysophagy is induced the exposure of lysosomal glycans, which are sensed by cytosolic lectins or ubiquitination enzymes.245 While cytosolic lectins bind the autophagy receptor NDP52 (nuclear dot protein 52 kDa) and recruit autophagic membranes, ubiquitination enzymes such as ubiquitin conjugating enzyme E2 Q family like 1 (UBE2QL1) and F-box protein 27 (FBXO27) directly mediate the ubiquitination of damaged lysosomal proteins.245,250,251,252,253 Recently, Gupta et al.254 used proteomic-based organelle profiling and identified the selective and high enrichment of myoferlin (MYOF) on the lysosomal membranes of pancreatic cancer cells.254 They suggested that MYOF provided early-acting protection against membrane damage by stabilizing the lipid bilayer or promoting the fusion of lysosomes with other vesicles acting as membrane donors rather than through the ESCRT machinery. Lysosomal dysfunction induced by knocking out MYOF was demonstrated to impair tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo in this study.254 It is possible to modulate the stability and integrity of lysosomal membranes by using these key molecules to intervene in the protective mechanism of lysosomal membranes.

In addition, targeting the microtubule cytoskeleton and inducing mitochondrial membrane permeabilization (MMP) were also found to induce LMP and cell death.26 However, the effectiveness of these two approaches seems to be ambiguous because the main cause-and-effect relationship is unclear.26,255,256 For example, although there are reports that microtubule regulators, including paclitaxel, vincristine, Deox b7, 4, and BpV (phen), can induce LMP and apoptosis, it is difficult to determine whether cell death is caused by LMP or the disruption of the mitotic spindle, a critical transition in the cell cycle.26,137,257 In addition, possible crosstalk between autophagy and LMP offers more options for targeting LMP. Trehalose, an effective autophagy inducer, was found to act by inducing lysosomal enlargement and LMP, while knocking down autophagy protein 5 (Atg5) ameliorated IMB-6G-induced LMP and apoptosis.258,259

Target lysosomal calcium signaling

While lysosomes are the main organelles that store intracellular calcium (Ca2+), Ca2+ mediates the mechanism of lysosomal biogenesis, acidification maintenance, reorganization, and almost all vesicle movements involving lysosomes such as autophagy and endocytosis.2,260,261,262 Growing attention has been paid to the role of lysosomes in the development of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.262,263,264 Among the Ca2+ channels that have been verified in the lysosomal membranes of mammalian cells, there are two groups that are good targets because of their specific localization on the membranes of endo-lysosomal system: transient receptor potential mucolipin channels (TRPMLs) and two-pore channels (TPCs).2,265,266

TRPMLs (TRPML1-3) are six-transmembrane domain channels encoded respectively by Mucolipin (MCOLN) 1-3.261,265 TRPML1 is the best-studied channel and is correlated with lysosome biogenesis and various membrane fusion processes, such as lysosome-autophagosome fusion and plasma membrane repair.32,33,267,268,269,270 However, its role in cancer progression is much more ambiguous due to its heterogeneous expression‎.265,268 Cancers such as bladder urothelial carcinoma, melanoma, and triple-negative breast cancer, have an upregulated expression‎ of TRPML1.268,271 However, there are several examples of cancers with low expression‎ of TRPML1 whose viability can be inhibited by TRPML1 agonists, such as non-small-cell lung carcinoma and glioblastoma.268,271 The role of TRPML2 in chemokine trafficking and secretion in murine macrophages was identified, and a bioinformatics analysis correlated the gene encoding TRPML3 with the progression, aggressiveness, and prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.272,273 Some inhibitors and activators with less selectivity for these channels have also been acknowledged or synthesized, such as phosphatidyl-(3,5)-bisphosphate (PI(3,5)P2), ML-SA1, MK6-83, and ML2-SA1 (Fig. 4 and Supplementary Table S1).265,268 Besides, agents that target PIKfyve, a phosphoinositide kinase phosphorylates PI(3)P to form PI(3,5)P2, showed good performance in inhibiting the malignant phenotype of autophagy-dependent cancer cells, such as apilimod, YM201636, WX8-family.274,275,276

TPCs are voltage-gated ion channels in the endo-lysosomal system that mediate Ca2+ signals through the Ca2+-mobilizing messenger nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP).266 Ned-19 and tetrandrine work by targeting NAADP and have shown a great performance in reducing the migration and adhesion of cancer cells such as T24, HUH7, and 4T1-Luc.265,266 Besides, Ned-19 and its analog Ned-K were also reported to correct morphological defects in lysosomes in PD caused by LRRK2 mutations.277

Although the important role of Ca2+ in neurodegenerative diseases has been established, the corresponding abnormalities in calcium channels have not been established in most neurodegenerative diseases.261,263,264 Therefore, it is difficult to select an appropriate calcium channel modulator. The unclear causes and effects of the heterogeneous expression‎ in cancer cells and the lack of drugs with specific targeting also make it difficult to target calcium signaling for cancer therapy.

Target mTOR signaling

Lysosomes serve as platforms for the proper recruitment, assembly, and activation of mTOR signaling elements, and mTOR acts as a nutrient sensor that regulates the degradation activities of lysosomes.37,63 Functionally, lysosomes and mTOR form a tightly connected metabolic complex.37,63 While factors such as RAGs, Ragulator, and Rheb contribute to the recruitment of mTOR to lysosomes and its activation, the release of galectin-8 as a result of lysosomal injury leads to the dissociation and activity inhibition of mTOR.4,37,39,40,278 MTOR signaling, which modulates cell metabolism and proliferation, is frequently activated in cancer, so mTOR inhibitors can be applied to treat cancer.37,279 Since the inhibition of mTOR can induce lysosomal biogenesis and autophagy pathways, mTOR inhibitors can also be used in some diseases with impaired autophagy, such as neurodegenerative diseases (shown in Fig. 4 and Supplementary Table S1).42,43,44,45,46,280

While rapamycin (sirolimus) and its analogs (temsirolimus, everolimus, and ridaforolimus) mainly inhibit mTORC1, catalytic mTOR inhibitors (AZD2014, CC-223, TAK-228) inhibit both mTORC1 and mTORC2 through suppressing the catalytic activity of mTOR (shown in Fig. 4 and Supplementary Table S1).38,281 Since the PI3K-AKT pathway is involved in the activation and function of both mTOR1 and mTORC2, targeting PI3K or AKT can also achieve simultaneous inhibition of mTORC1 and mTORC2.38,282 Considerable progress has been made in the development of drugs targeting PI3K and AKT, and many of them show strong anti-tumor activity both in vivo and vitro, such as buparlisib (BKM120), pictilisib (GDC-0941), MK-2206, Ipatasertib (GDC-0068), and Capivasertib.281,282,283,284 However, it is worth noting that PI3K and AKT regulates multiple metabolic pathways, so the effect of targeting PI3K or AKT may not depend mainly on mTOR.

Selective inhibition of mTORC1 can be achieved by targeting the unique effector nodes responsible for its recruitment and activation, such as Ragulator, Rheb, and Raptor.38,285,286,287 As a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for RAG GTPases, Ragulator signals amino acid levels and recruits mTORC1, and knocking out its essential component, p18, or disrupting its interaction with RAGs by overexpressing c17orf59 has been proven to attenuate aberrant mTORC1 activation.285,286 Furthermore, a small molecule called NR1 was reported to bind the switch II domain of Rheb and block mTORC1 signaling potently and selectively.288 In addition, a member of the MAP kinase (MAPK) subfamily called Nemo-like kinase (NLK) can phosphorylate Raptor, a distinctive component of mTORC1, resulting in the inhibition of the lysosomal localization of mTORC1 and its subsequent activation.289

Attention to the role of mTORC2 in cancer progression is emerging, but it has also been proposed that adverse reactions to the long-term application of mTOR inhibitors are the result of simultaneous mTORC2 inhibition.63,282,290 Autophagy induction was once thought to be responsible for weakening the tumor-inhibiting effect of mTORC1 inhibitors, but it now allows the use of rapamycin to treat diseases with impaired autophagy.38,291

Emerging potential targeting strategies

New insights into the mechanisms of the initiation and progression of human diseases associated with autophagic or lysosomal dysfunction have spawned several new targeting strategies. Here, we list several targeting strategies that we believe have great potential, but the lack of drugs with high specificity and efficiency curtails the application of most of these strategies.

Since lysosomal dysfunction is closely correlated with weakened immune signals in the cancer immune response, growing attention has been paid to improving the cancer immune response by targeting disturbed lysosomal degradation.15,16,292 

While CMTM6 was reported to prevent the lysosomal degradation of PD-L1, which contributes to immune escape, Huntingtin-interacting protein 1 related protein (HIP1R) was found to interact with the conserved domain (771-867) of PD-L1 and transmit it to lysosomal degradation.16,87 Huanbin et al. designed and constructed a peptide called PD-LYSO that consists of the PD-L1-binding sequence and the lysosome sorting sequence of HIP1R and demonstrated that this peptide accelerated the lysosomal degradation of PD-L1.87 Besides, the proteolysis that targets chimeras called P22 has been identified to restored the immune response in an immunosuppressed coculture model of Hep3B/OS-8/hPD-L1 and CD3 T cells by inhibiting PD-L1 and promoting the lysosomal degradation of PD-L1.293 Furthermore, an aloperine derivative called SA-49 was found to decrease the expression‎ of PD-L1 in non-small cell lung cancer cells though promoting the biogenesis of lysosomes and melanogenesis-associated transcription factor (MITF)-dependent lysosomal degradation of PD-L1.294 The application of SA-49 was proven to enhance the immune response of cocultured T and NK cells to cancer cells and to suppress the growth of Lewis tumor xenografts in C57BL/6 mice.294 Since autophagy was observed to promote the immune evasion of PDAC by degrading MHC-I, scientists tried to combine immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy with autophagy inhibition.135 The addition of CQ to anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies was proven to enhance achieved enhanced anti-tumor immune response in mice with orthotopic tumors.135

Targeting TFEB, the transcription factor that regulates the lysosomal–autophagic pathway, has been proved effective for slowing the progression of lysosome-related diseases such as cancer,295,296,297 neurodegenerative diseases,164,165,166,167,168,169,170 and cardiovascular diseases.181,298 Trehalose was found to induce autophagy through promoting the nuclear translocation of TFEB, and this induced autophagy showed protective effects against neurodegenerative diseases,299 atherosclerosis,300 and cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury.301 In addition, a recent review summarized a series of compounds that have been found to regulate the expression‎ or nuclear translocation of TFEB in recent years, such as 3,4-dimethoxychalcone (3,4-DC),302 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD),303 and Digoxin.298,304 However, most of these compounds are the modulators of Ca2+ signaling or pathways such as mTOR, AKT, and PKC, so it is difficult to determine whether the ultimate effect of these drugs occurs primarily through their effects on TFEB.298

Accumulating evidence has acknowledged the contributions of chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) to the development of cancers and autoimmune disorders, as well as the protective role of CMA in neurodegenerative diseases.171,172,173,174,305,306 While knocking down LAMP2A was demonstrated to reduce cell proliferation of numerous cancer cells, reduced transcription of heat shock cognate protein 70 (HSC70) and LAMP2A was reported to aggravate the accumulation of pathological proteins of neurodegenerative diseases, such as α-synuclein, mHTT, and Tau.172,305,307,308,309 In addition, a peptide called P140 was found to inhibit CMA in lupus-prone mice by reducing the expression‎ of both LAMP2A and HSC70 and impairing the refolding properties of HSC70.310,311,312 It has been acknowledged that this inhibition of CMA affected the processing and presentation of autoantigens in B cells and accounts for a decrease in autoreactive T cells.310,312

Targeting Rab GTPases (Rabs) is attractive, because they are extensively involved in the biogenesis and function of endo-lysosomal systems.313,314 For example, the application of CID1067700, a receptor antagonist of Rab7 GTPase, was identified to inhibit reactive astrogliosis and attenuate brain atrophy of astrocytic injury models though inhibiting excessive transportation of cathepsin B from late endosomes to lysosomes.315 However, most Rabs lack specific inhibitors due to their low affinity for nucleotide-based competitive inhibitors and high similarity with each other in structure.314 Agents that target their post-translational modification or GTPase–GEF interactions may achieve indirect but efficient inhibition of rabs, such as psoromic acid (PA),316 3-(3-pyridyl)-2-hydroxy-2-phosphonopropanoic acid (3-PEHPC), StRIP3.314,317

Although research into the measures and their mechanisms for targeting lysosomes in cancer is still in the primary stage, continuous progress and increasing interest in lysosome research may result in profound developments in this field.

Representative clinical trials of the targeting strategies

The encouraging results of lysosome-related preclinical studies have aroused growing interest in the clinical transformation and application of targeting lysosomes in cancer. In fact, most of the targeting strategies and corresponding drugs that we summarized above have been tested or are being tested in clinical trials.

In malignancies

The clinical response to these targeting strategies varies greatly depending on the cancer type, cancer stage, drug type, combination efficacy, the expression‎ of some cancer markers, and the lysosome profile that may have been previously overlooked (Table 2).

Table 2 Representative clinical trials of strategies that target lysosomes in malignancies

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With incomparable easy-accessibility and safety as a result of long-term clinical use in antimalarial therapy, CQ and HCQ have been rapidly and widely repurposed as agents targeting lysosome acidification in anticancer clinical trials.5,200 However, their effectiveness as single drugs against cancer is very limited in practice, so researchers are now using them as sensitizers in combination with radiotherapy and chemotherapy drugs such as taxane, carboplatin, gemcitabine, temozolomide, and metformin.318,319,320,321,322 In a search of the ClinicalTrials.gov website, we found that numerous clinical trials (almost half) used glioblastomas or tumors with brain metastases as cancer targets for CQ, and most of the trials showed improved results, which might indicate the superiority and specificity of CQ in the treatment of cerebral tumors (Table 2).319,323 For example, adding CQ to whole-brain irradiation was confirmed to play a great role in the treatment of patients with brain metastases, with a 1-year progression-free survival rate of 83.9% compared with 55.1% in the control group.319

However, a trial that combined HCQ with temozolomide and radiotherapy to treat newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme ended up with no significant improvement.324 Some scholars believed that the inconsistent levels of autophagy inhibition were the main reasons for the unsatisfactory results.5 Besides, researchers are trying to use this effective sensitizer in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, a highly lethal cancer that requires high autophagy level to maintain metabolism and resist therapy.203,320,321,322 While adding HCQ to gemcitabine or gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel was determined to improve prognosis-related serum biomarker (CA19-9), opinions were divided regarding its ability to promote overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) (Table 2).320,321,322 There are two clinical trials that respectively used SQSTM1/p62 and LC3-II as the marker of effective inhibition of autophagy, and one of the trials measured both markers, which showed inconsistent levels of autophagy inhibition.321,322 Consequently, the latter trial may not have achieved effective autophagy inhibition, which indicates the lack of a unified standard for autophagy inhibition. In addition, the imbalance in KRAS mutations between the experimental group and the control group may also affect the experimental results.320 Although the clinical response to HCQ is not always satisfactory, it remains the most widely used antimalarial drug in clinical anti-tumor research.5

Temsirolimus and everolimus are mTOR inhibitors that have been approved by the US FDA for cancer treatment.325,326,327 In the treatment of advanced renal-cell carcinoma, using temsirolimus as a single agent has been identified to achieve longer OS and PFS than interferon monotherapy, and showed no significant difference in OS compared with the combination-therapy of temsirolimus and interferon (Table 2).328 This clinical trial data was thought to contribute to the US FDA’s approval of temsirolimus for the treatment of advanced renal-cell carcinoma.325 Temsirolimus also showed great efficiency in metastatic endometrial cancer (Table 2).329 Although everolimus was approved by the US FDA for the treatment of numerous cancers, it was found to have very limited efficacy when used as a single agent (Table 2).326,330 Since the activities of mTORC2 may compensate for the inhibition of mTORC1, a series of inhibitors that simultaneously target mTORC1 and mTORC2 have been developed, such as vistusertib (AZD2014),331 CC-223,332 and TAK-228 (MLN0128).333 Among these drugs, vistusertib is the most clinically used, but it was shown to result in lower OS and PFS improvement than everolimus.331 The efficacy of TAK-228 in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer was also reported to be limited, and eight of nine patients discontinued the treatment early because of radiographic progression, drug toxicity, or investigator discretion.333 CC-223 was proven effective and safe for the treatment of non-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and clinical trials of this drug in other cancers are underway.332

Although inhibitors of the PI3K-AKT pathway showed great efficiency in cancer therapy, mTOR signaling is not its only downstream signaling pathway, and the activation status of mTOR signaling was not reported in these clinical trials.334,335,336,337,338,339 Since the inhibition of mTOR always acts as a potent inducer of cytoprotective autophagy that greatly compromises therapeutic effects, researchers have tried to combine mTOR inhibitors with autophagy inhibitors.283,340,341 Temsirolimus was tolerable and efficient when combined with HCQ in the treatment of melanoma and multiple advanced solid tumors, and the combination of everolimus with HCQ in patients with renal-cell carcinoma also achieved the primary endpoint without dose-limiting toxicity observed.340,341

Inducing LMP directly leads to cell death in preclinical experiments, but the effectiveness of most drugs used for this strategy are not satisfactory. For example, little improvement has been achieved in the application of CADs for cancer therapy, except for antimalarials.342,343 Amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, failed to decrease chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) symptoms in cancer survivors, and a trial of desipramine for the treatment of patients with small cell lung cancer was terminated early because of intolerable doses and a lack of clinical activity.342,343 Although mountains of HSP70 inhibitors have been synthesized and identified to be effective in vitro, few HSP70 inhibitors have been tested in clinical trials.231 MKT-077 is possibly the only Hsp70 inhibitor that has been tested in clinical trials against cancer currently, but the trial was halted because of irreversible renal toxicity.344 ASM inhibitors and agents that target microtubules, the other two classes of LMP inducers, have been much more widely used in clinical studies with good results.26,239,345,346 Among them, ZA, paclitaxel, and vincristine have been used as standard treatments for many cancers.26,239,346 Nevertheless, It is worth noting that their therapeutic effects in the treatment of cancers are not confined to their direct effects in lysosomes, and their induction of LMP in cancer cells is seldom examined in clinical trials.26,137,257

Few cathepsin inhibitors have been used in clinical trials, and only one trial of the cathepsin K inhibitor odanacatib in cancer therapy has been completed.347 Although odanacatib achieved bone resorption inhibition comparable to that of ZA in the treatment of patients with bone metastases of breast cancer, there were some limitations in this trial, such as the relatively small sample size and the lack of clinical outcomes as efficacy endpoints.348 In a multicenter phase 3 clinical trial of osteoporosis, the long-term use of odanacatib (median follow-up 47.6 months) was found to significantly increase the risk of cardio-cerebrovascular events, especially stroke.216 Therefore, the study’s sponsor decided not to develop it as a treatment for osteoporosis (in 2019).216 Since then, there have been no clinical trials or applications for clinical trials of odanacatib for cancer treatment.347 However, we still believe that this drug has potential for treating cancer bone metastases because patients diagnosed with cancer bone metastases generally have a short survival period and will not take the medication for such long periods.349

The understanding of lysosomal calcium channels is still in the primary stage, and there is an urgent need for targeted drugs with high specificity.14 The emerging targeting strategies that we summarized above faced run into similar dilemmas. More highly effective drugs and corresponding clinical trials are needed to judge the effectiveness, safety, and feasibility of these targeting strategies.

In non-malignant diseases

With milder gastrointestinal and skin complications than CQ, HCQ has been more widely used clinically and in clinical trials.156 According to the management recommendation of European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) published in 2019, HCQ is recommended for all patients with SLE.350 In a clinical trial, patients with higher blood levels of HCQ (≥1000 ng/ml) were reported to be less likely to develop active SLE.351 Nevertheless, both EULAR and American Academy of Ophthalmology recommend that the daily dose of HCQ should not exceed 5 mg/kg actual body weight.350,352 Using HCQ as either a single or a combinatorial therapy has been proven to be effective in the treatment of RA, but the addition of HCQ has been found to decrease maximum concentration of methotrexate (MTX) and increase the risk of MTX-induced toxicities (Table 3).353,354 In a prospective, multicenter observational study of 4905 RA patients, Mary Wasko et al.355 found that using hydroxychloroquine was correlated with a low risk of suffering diabetes. However, in a clinical trial, RA patients who received HCQ 6.5 mg/kg daily for 8 weeks showed no difference in insulin resistance and a slight improvement in lipid levels (total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein) compared with controls.356 A possible reason for the different conclusions of the trial may be the short observation time, and a longer trial time may make the improvement more obvious. Since HCQ may improve lipid metabolism in human body, some scholars believe that the use of HCQ in RA patients can reduce the frequency of cardiovascular events.357,358,359,360

Table 3 Representative clinical trials of strategies that target lysosomes in non-malignant diseases

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P140, a phosphopetide that can inhibit CMA, was found to decrease the levels of IgG anti-dsDNA antibody in patients with SLE and effectively improve their SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) score with no adverse effects.361 Intriguingly, in another phase 2 clinical trial of patients with SLE, the subcutaneous injection of 200 μg of P140 every 4 weeks was found to achieve a better SLE responder index (SRI) response at 12 weeks than the same dose given every 2 weeks or a placebo control.362 However, a phase III clinical trial reported that the SRI response rate of patients treated with P140 (200 μg every 4 weeks) showed no significant difference (52.5% vs. 44.6%, p = 0.2631) from that of the control group at week 52.362 Therefore, P140 is safe and well tolerated for the treatment of SLE, but its efficacy in achieving long-term remission and control of SLE may require further experimental evidence.361,362,363

Growing attention has been paid to the role of T cells in autoimmune diseases.364,365 As described above, mTOR signaling is involved in modulating the differentiation of T cells, so a number of clinical trials have been conducted to test the efficacy of its inhibitor in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.64,65,366,367 Low-dose sirolimus, an inhibitor that mainly acts on mTOC1, has been found to selectively upregulate Tregs and achieve better control of the disease activity of RA (Table 3).366 In patients with SLE, sirolimus was also effective for controlling disease activity and correcting pro-inflammatory T-cell lineage specification (Table 3).367 However, there are two issues that attract our attention. First, the use of mTOR inhibitors may induce autophagy, which is always activated in immune cells in autoimmune diseases and is closely related to disease development.283,368 Further studies are needed to determine autophagy activation at these doses and the necessity of combing sirolimus with autophagy inhibitors.283,368 Second, while the upregulation of nxxxxonselective IgG or autoantibodies is common in SLE, the promotion of Th2 cell differentiation as a result of mTORC1 inhibition may facilitate humoral immunity and aggravate the accumulation of autoimmune complexes.64,141,369

As we explained previously, mTORC1 inhibitors can also be used as autophagy inducers to treat neurodegenerative diseases. Several clinical trials of mTOR inhibitors for the treatment of PD and AD are actively recruiting, such as NCT04629495, NCT04200911, and NCT04127578. Trehalose, which induces autophagy via TFEB activation, are also testing in the clinical trial of AD (NCT04663854). These drugs may be valuable candidates for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Numerous cathepsin inhibitors have been developed, but few of them have been tested in clinical trials. A trial assessing the efficacy of RO5459072 in patients with primary SS was completed, but no significant improvement in the EULAR Sjogren’s Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) score was observed in the RO5459072 group.370 Other targeting strategies have only come to the forefront in recent years, and their corresponding drugs are still in development or undergoing preclinical testing.

Conclusion and perspectives

Although targeted lysosomes show great promise for treating human diseases such as malignancies, autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and cardiovascular diseases, there are still many questions waiting to be answered. A key question that needs to be answered first is how to selectively target lysosomes, especially lysosomes in pathological cells. CADs, including CQ, have good lysosomal aggregation characteristics, but they may result to indiscriminate inhibition or deletion of all lysosomal function.24 Although lysosomal changes in diseases are the foundation of our targeting strategies, there is no clinical evidence that these changes allow currently available therapies to strike fatal blows to pathological cells far more often than to normal cells.2,14 Luckily, metabolic glycoengineering of unnatural sugars provides a powerful tool for selectively labeling cancer cells, and antibody-drug conjugates restrict the systemic delivery of antineoplastic agents to cells that express certain antigens.371,372 In addition, nanoscale drug delivery systems, such as cathepsin-sensitive drug delivery systems, possess the unique ability to penetrate cell barriers and locate in certain organelles such as lysosomes.14,373 These emerging approaches offer the possibility of specifically targeting lysosomes, especially lysosomes in pathological cells.

Another question arises from the heterogeneity and complexity of lysosomes and their associated pathways. Several commonly targeted molecules or pathways exert dual effects on cancer progression and adapt with time, and the broad-spectrum and complete suppression of these molecules and pathways may lead to unpredictable and irreparable side effects.2,14,235,374 Therefore, it is necessary to develop precise personalized treatment regimens and monitor the functional status of lysosomes in cancer patients in real-time. The expression‎ of some specific molecules can be used to eval‎uate the activation of the pathways, and the introduction of microfluidic single-cell analysis technology is expected to achieve lysosomal level accuracy in the future.14,101,246 However, these methods have not currently achieved the real-time monitoring of lysosomal number and function in individuals. In addition, tremendous work is needed to develop uniform and implementable guidelines for standardizing research and diagnosis.14,321 For instance, a trial that eval‎uated both SQSTM1/p62 and LC3-II found inconsistent levels of autophagy inhibition, making it difficult to determine whether autophagy was effectively suppressed.321

The issue of drug specificity and efficacy also requires attention. The structural and functional similarities among molecules in the same family make it difficult to target specific molecules, and the complementary effects of these molecules may weaken the targeting effect.207,314 For example, when cathepsin L is inhibited, cathepsin B activity increases compensatively and partially offsets the effect of cathepsin L inhibition.207 However, if both are inhibited simultaneously, other related pathways of cathepsin B will be affected.207 Future research needs to not only develop targeting agents with high selectivity but also clarify the necessity and extent of the inhibition of compensatory molecules. In addition, many targeting agents have limited therapeutic effects as single agents and need to be used in combination.318,319,320,321,322,326,330 Although combination-therapy can improve the efficacy of these compounds, it may also increase the side effects of the drugs and aggravate the metabolic burden on patients’ liver and kidneys.97 Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop more potent drugs and identify the tumors that are sensitive to them.

In conclusion, there are still many difficulties and challenges to be overcome, but they are not completely unsolvable considering the improvement of lysosome-targeted drugs and the optimization of research instruments and methods. Lysosomes are important regulators of cell and organismal homeostasis that mediate energy metabolism, cell proliferation and differentiation, immunity, and cell death. The lysosomes of a variety of disease cells have been found to undergo some lysosomal changes and dysfunction that have a profound effect on disease progression. Lysosomal acidification, lysosomal cathepsins, lysosomal membrane permeability and integrity, lysosomal calcium signaling, mTOR signaling, lysosomal degradation of immune signals, TFEB, noncanonical autophagy, and vesicle movement are all promising targets for lysosomes, and some of these targeted drugs have been tested clinically effective and safe. Therefore, targeting lysosomes in human disease is a feasible, effective, and safe targeted strategy, and we can look forward to developing it as an excellent therapeutic intervention.

Data availability

All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article.

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