1
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Bernatz S, Reddin IG, Fenton TR, Vogl TJ, Wild PJ, Köllermann J, Mandel P, Wenzel M, Hoeh B, Mahmoudi S, Koch V, Grünewald LD, Hammerstingl R, Döring C, Harter PN, Weber KJ. Epigenetic profiling of prostate cancer reveals potential prognostic signatures. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:396. [PMID: 39180680 PMCID: PMC11344710 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05921-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE While epigenetic profiling discovered biomarkers in several tumor entities, its application in prostate cancer is still limited. We explored DNA methylation-based deconvolution of benign and malignant prostate tissue for biomarker discovery and the potential of radiomics as a non-invasive surrogate. METHODS We retrospectively included 30 patients (63 [58-79] years) with prostate cancer (PCa) who had a multiparametric MRI of the prostate before radical prostatectomy between 2014 and 2019. The control group comprised four patients with benign prostate tissue adjacent to the PCa lesions and four patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Tissue punches of all lesions were obtained. DNA methylation analysis and reference-free in silico deconvolution were conducted to retrieve Latent Methylation Components (LCMs). LCM-based clustering was analyzed for cellular composition and correlated with clinical disease parameters. Additionally, PCa and adjacent benign lesions were analyzed using radiomics to predict the epigenetic signatures non-invasively. RESULTS LCMs identified two clusters with potential prognostic impact. Cluster one was associated with malignant prostate tissue (p < 0.001) and reduced immune-cell-related signatures (p = 0.004) of CD19 and CD4 cells. Cluster one comprised exclusively malignant prostate tissue enriched for significant prostate cancer and advanced tumor stages (p < 0.03 for both). No radiomics model could non-invasively predict the epigenetic clusters. CONCLUSION Epigenetic clusters were associated with prognostically and clinically relevant metrics in prostate cancer. Further, immune cell-related signatures differed significantly between prognostically favorable and unfavorable clusters. Further research is necessary to explore potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Bernatz
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Clinic for Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Dr. Senckenberg Institute for Pathology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ian G Reddin
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Tim R Fenton
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Thomas J Vogl
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Clinic for Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Peter J Wild
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Dr. Senckenberg Institute for Pathology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jens Köllermann
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Dr. Senckenberg Institute for Pathology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Philipp Mandel
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Department of Urology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mike Wenzel
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Department of Urology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Benedikt Hoeh
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Department of Urology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Scherwin Mahmoudi
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Clinic for Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Vitali Koch
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Clinic for Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Leon D Grünewald
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Clinic for Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Renate Hammerstingl
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Clinic for Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Claudia Döring
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Dr. Senckenberg Institute for Pathology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Patrick N Harter
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Neurological Institute (Edinger Institute), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, University Cancer Center (UCT), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, A Partnership Between DKFZ and University/University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina J Weber
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Neurological Institute (Edinger Institute), Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, University Cancer Center (UCT), Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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Wang D, Dou L, Sui L, Xue Y, Xu S. Natural killer cells in cancer immunotherapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e626. [PMID: 38882209 PMCID: PMC11179524 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, as innate lymphocytes, possess cytotoxic capabilities and engage target cells through a repertoire of activating and inhibitory receptors. Particularly, natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) receptor on NK cells recognizes stress-induced ligands-the MHC class I chain-related molecules A and B (MICA/B) presented on tumor cells and is key to trigger the cytolytic response of NK cells. However, tumors have developed sophisticated strategies to evade NK cell surveillance, which lead to failure of tumor immunotherapy. In this paper, we summarized these immune escaping strategies, including the downregulation of ligands for activating receptors, upregulation of ligands for inhibitory receptors, secretion of immunosuppressive compounds, and the development of apoptosis resistance. Then, we focus on recent advancements in NK cell immune therapies, which include engaging activating NK cell receptors, upregulating NKG2D ligand MICA/B expression, blocking inhibitory NK cell receptors, adoptive NK cell therapy, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered NK cells (CAR-NK), and NKG2D CAR-T cells, especially several vaccines targeting MICA/B. This review will inspire the research in NK cell biology in tumor and provide significant hope for improving cancer treatment outcomes by harnessing the potent cytotoxic activity of NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- DanRu Wang
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - LingYun Dou
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - LiHao Sui
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - Yiquan Xue
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - Sheng Xu
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
- Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation Dongfang Hospital Shanghai China
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3
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Li Y, Sun L, Zhou Q, Lee AJ, Wang L, Zhang R, Wang S. Effects of opioid drugs on immune function in cancer patients. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116665. [PMID: 38701564 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Opioid receptor agonists are often used when cancer patients undergo surgery or analgesic treatment. As analgesics in clinical care, opioids can provide intraoperative or to chronic cancer pain relief. Immune function plays an important role in anti-cancer therapy, with cellular immunity, comprised principally of T-lymphocytes and natural killer cells, representing the primary anti-cancer immune response. However, it remains unclear whether immune function is further affected with the use of opioids in already immunocompromised cancer patients. This article provides a review of the effects of commonly used clinical opioids, including morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl and tramadol, on immune function in cancer patients. It provides a summary of current evidence regarding the immunomodulatory effects of opioids in the cancer setting and mechanisms underlying these interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunqi Li
- School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Lina Sun
- School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China.
| | - Qinglian Zhou
- School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - An Jie Lee
- Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Lingyan Wang
- School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China.
| | - Shoushi Wang
- Affiliated Qingdao Central Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Hospital, Qingdao 266042, China.
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4
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Huang RH, Ge ZL, Xu G, Zeng QM, Jiang B, Xiao GC, Xia W, Wu YT, Liao YF. Prognosis and diagnosis of prostate cancer based on hypergraph regularization sparse least partial squares regression algorithm. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:9599-9624. [PMID: 38829766 PMCID: PMC11210239 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer (PCa) is a malignant tumor of the male reproductive system, and its incidence has increased significantly in recent years. This study aimed to further identify candidate biomarkers with prognostic and diagnostic significance by integrating gene expression and DNA methylation data from PCa patients through association analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS To this end, this paper proposes a sparse partial least squares regression algorithm based on hypergraph regularization (HR-SPLS) by integrating and clustering two kinds of data. Next, module 2, with the most significant weight, was selected for further analysis according to the weight of each module related to DNA methylation and mRNAs. Based on the DNA methylation sites in module 2, this paper uses multiple machine learning methods to construct a PCa diagnosis-related model of 10-DNA methylation sites. RESULTS The results of Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that the DNA methylation-related diagnostic model we constructed could diagnose PCa patients with high accuracy. Subsequently, based on the mRNAs in module 2, we constructed a prognostic model for 7-mRNAs (MYH11, ACTG2, DDR2, CDC42EP3, MARCKSL1, LMOD1, and MYLK) using multivariate Cox regression analysis. The prognostic model could predict the disease free survival of PCa patients with moderate to high accuracy (area under the curve (AUC) =0.761). In addition, Gene Set EnrichmentAnalysis (GSEA) and immune analysis indicated that the prognosis of patients in the risk group might be related to immune cell infiltration. CONCLUSIONS Our findings may provide new methods and insights for identifying disease-related biomarkers by integrating DNA methylation and gene expression data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruo-Hui Huang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zi-Lu Ge
- First Clinical Medical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Gang Xu
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qing-Ming Zeng
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Bo Jiang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Guan-Cheng Xiao
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wei Xia
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yu-Ting Wu
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yun-Feng Liao
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
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5
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Yang F, Hua Q, Zhu X, Xu P. Surgical stress induced tumor immune suppressive environment. Carcinogenesis 2024; 45:185-198. [PMID: 38366618 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgae012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite significant advances in cancer treatment over the decades, surgical resection remains a prominent management approach for solid neoplasms. Unfortunately, accumulating evidence suggests that surgical stress caused by tumor resection may potentially trigger postoperative metastatic niche formation. Surgical stress not only activates the sympathetic-adrenomedullary axis and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis but also induces hypoxia and hypercoagulable state. These adverse factors can negatively impact the immune system by downregulating immune effector cells and upregulating immune suppressor cells, which contribute to the colonization and progression of postoperative tumor metastatic niche. This review summarizes the effects of surgical stress on four types of immune effector cells (neutrophils, macrophages, natural killer cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes) and two types of immunosuppressive cells (regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells), and discusses the immune mechanisms of postoperative tumor relapse and progression. Additionally, relevant therapeutic strategies to minimize the pro-tumorigenic effects of surgical stress are elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Research Center for Neuro-Oncology Interaction, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Hua
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Navy Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Pingbo Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Research Center for Neuro-Oncology Interaction, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
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6
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Mandal G, Pradhan S. B cell responses and antibody-based therapeutic perspectives in human cancers. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2024; 7:e2056. [PMID: 38522010 PMCID: PMC10961090 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.2056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immuno-oncology has been focused on T cell-centric approaches until the field recently started appreciating the importance of tumor-reactive antibody production by tumor-infiltrating plasma B cells, and the necessity of developing novel therapeutic antibodies for the treatment of different cancers. RECENT FINDINGS B lymphocytes often infiltrate solid tumors and the extent of B cell infiltration normally correlates with stronger T cell responses while generating humoral responses against malignant progression by producing tumor antigens-reactive antibodies that bind and coat the tumor cells and promote cytotoxic effector mechanisms, reiterating the fact that the adaptive immune system works by coordinated humoral and cellular immune responses. Isotypes, magnitude, and the effector functions of antibodies produced by the B cells within the tumor environment differ among cancer types. Interestingly, apart from binding with specific tumor antigens, antibodies produced by tumor-infiltrating B cells could bind to some non-specific receptors, peculiarly expressed by cancer cells. Antibody-based immunotherapies have revolutionized the modalities of cancer treatment across the world but are still limited against hematological malignancies and a few types of solid tumor cancers with a restricted number of targets, which necessitates the expansion of the field to have newer effective targeted antibody therapeutics. CONCLUSION Here, we discuss about recent understanding of the protective spontaneous antitumor humoral responses in human cancers, with an emphasis on the advancement and future perspectives of antibody-based immunotherapies in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunjan Mandal
- Division of Cancer BiologyDBT‐Institute of Life SciencesBhubaneswarIndia
| | - Suchismita Pradhan
- Division of Cancer BiologyDBT‐Institute of Life SciencesBhubaneswarIndia
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7
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Wu J, Ji H, Li T, Guo H, Xu H, Zhu J, Tian J, Gao M, Wang X, Zhang A. Targeting the prostate tumor microenvironment by plant-derived natural products. Cell Signal 2024; 115:111011. [PMID: 38104704 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.111011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is among the most common malignancies for men, with limited therapy options for last stages of the tumor. There are some different options for treatment and control of prostate tumor growth. However, targeting some specific molecules and cells within tumors has been attracted interests in recent years. The tumor microenvironment (TME) has an important role in the initiation of various malignancies, which can also expand the progression of tumor and facilitate invasion of malignant cells. By regulating immune responses and distinct changes in the metabolism of cells in the tumor, TME has substantial effects in the resistance of cancer cells to therapy. TME in various solid cancers like prostate cancer includes various cells, including cancer cells, supportive stromal cells, immunosuppressive cells, and anticancer inflammatory cells. Natural products including herbal-derived agents and also other natural compounds have been well studied for their anti-tumor potentials. These compounds may modulate various signaling pathways involved in TME, such as immune responses, the metabolism of cells, epigenetics, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix (ECM). This paper provides a review of the current knowledge of prostate TME and complex interactions in this environment. Additionally, the potential use of natural products and also nanoparticles loaded with natural products as therapeutic adjuvants on different cells and therapeutic targets within prostate TME will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacheng Wu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University & Nantong Tumor Hospital, 226361, China
| | - Hao Ji
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University & Nantong Tumor Hospital, 226361, China
| | - Tiantian Li
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University & Nantong Tumor Hospital, 226361, China
| | - Haifeng Guo
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University & Nantong Tumor Hospital, 226361, China
| | - HaiFei Xu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University & Nantong Tumor Hospital, 226361, China
| | - Jinfeng Zhu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University & Nantong Tumor Hospital, 226361, China
| | - Jiale Tian
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University & Nantong Tumor Hospital, 226361, China
| | - Mingde Gao
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University & Nantong Tumor Hospital, 226361, China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University & Nantong Tumor Hospital, 226361, China.
| | - Aihua Zhang
- The operating room of Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University & Nantong Tumor Hospital, 226361, China.
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8
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Patel SP, Alonso-Gordoa T, Banerjee S, Wang D, Naidoo J, Standifer NE, Palmer DC, Cheng LY, Kourtesis P, Ascierto ML, Das M, Diamond JR, Hellmann MD, Carneiro BA. Phase 1/2 study of monalizumab plus durvalumab in patients with advanced solid tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e007340. [PMID: 38309722 PMCID: PMC10840023 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The combination of monalizumab (anti-NKG2A/CD94) and durvalumab (anti-programmed death ligand-1) may promote antitumor immunity by targeting innate and adaptive immunity. This phase 1/2 study of monalizumab and durvalumab evaluated safety, antitumor activity, and pharmacodynamics in patients with advanced solid tumors. MAIN BODY Immunotherapy-naïve patients aged ≥18 years with advanced disease, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-1, and 1-3 prior lines of systemic therapy in the recurrent/metastatic setting were enrolled. In part 1 (dose escalation), patients received durvalumab 1500 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) with increasing doses of monalizumab Q2W/Q4W (n=15). Dose expansion in part 1 included patients with cervical cancer (n=15; durvalumab 1500 mg Q4W and monalizumab 750 mg Q2W) or metastatic microsatellite stable (MSS)-colorectal cancer (CRC) (n=15; durvalumab 1500 mg Q4W and monalizumab 750 mg Q4W). In part 2 (dose expansion), patients with MSS-CRC (n=40), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC; n=20), MSS-endometrial cancer (n=40), or ovarian cancer (n=40) received durvalumab 1500 mg Q4W and monalizumab 750 mg Q2W. The primary endpoint was safety. Secondary endpoints included antitumor activity per Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors version 1.1 (RECIST v1.1). Exploratory analyses included assessment of T-cell and natural killer (NK) cell activation and proliferation in peripheral blood and the tumor microenvironment (TME). The study enrolled 185 patients (part 1, 45; part 2, 140). No dose-limiting toxicities were observed and the maximum tolerated dose was not reached. In part 2, the most common treatment-related adverse events were fatigue (12.1%), asthenia (9.3%), diarrhea (9.3%), pruritus (7.9%), and pyrexia (7.1%). In the expansion cohorts, response rates were 0% (cervical), 7.7% (MSS-CRC), 10% (NSCLC), 5.4% (ovarian), and 0% (MSS-endometrial). Sustained NK cell activation, CD8+ T-cell proliferation, increased serum levels of CXCL10 (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10) and CXCL11, and increased tumor infiltration of CD8+ and granzyme B+ cells were observed. CONCLUSIONS Although efficacy was modest, monalizumab plus durvalumab was well tolerated and encouraging immune activation was observed in the peripheral blood and TME. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02671435.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandip P Patel
- University of California San Diego, Moores Cancer Center, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Susana Banerjee
- Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Ding Wang
- Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Jarushka Naidoo
- Johns Hopkins Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins Medicine The Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nathan E Standifer
- BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Doug C Palmer
- Oncology Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Lin-Yang Cheng
- Oncology Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Maria L Ascierto
- Oncology Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Mayukh Das
- Oncology Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Benedito A Carneiro
- Legorreta Cancer Center at Brown University, Lifespan Cancer Institute, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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9
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Karmakar S, Mishra A, Pal P, Lal G. Effector and cytolytic function of natural killer cells in anticancer immunity. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 115:235-252. [PMID: 37818891 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Adaptive immune cells play an important role in mounting antigen-specific antitumor immunity. The contribution of innate immune cells such as monocytes, macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells, and gamma-delta T cells is well studied in cancer immunology. NK cells are innate lymphoid cells that show effector and regulatory function in a contact-dependent and contact-independent manner. The cytotoxic function of NK cells plays an important role in killing the infected and transformed host cells and controlling infection and tumor growth. However, several studies have also ascribed the role of NK cells in inducing pathophysiology in autoimmune diseases, promoting immune tolerance in the uterus, and antitumor function in the tumor microenvironment. We discuss the fundamentals of NK cell biology, its distribution in different organs, cellular and molecular interactions, and its cytotoxic and noncytotoxic functions in cancer biology. We also highlight the use of NK cell-based adoptive cellular therapy in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surojit Karmakar
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Tolerance, National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune, MH-411007, India
| | - Amrita Mishra
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Tolerance, National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune, MH-411007, India
| | - Pradipta Pal
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Tolerance, National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune, MH-411007, India
| | - Girdhari Lal
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Tolerance, National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune, MH-411007, India
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10
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Mei T, Wang T, Lei C, Jiang D, Zhou Q. Pathological complete response to neoadjuvant therapy with serplulimab and chemotherapy in stage IIIB small cell lung cancer: a case report and literature review. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1272450. [PMID: 38304254 PMCID: PMC10830647 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1272450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy has significantly improved survival in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), and neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy has emerged as the standard treatment for those with resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the potential benefits of surgery following neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy in locally advanced SCLC remain unclear. Herein, we report a patient diagnosed with stage IIIB SCLC, who was administered five cycles of neoadjuvant serplulimab combined with chemotherapy followed by surgery, and subsequently achieved a pathologic complete response (pCR). Within a follow-up duration of six months, the patient displayed neither recurrence nor metastasis and experienced no treatment-related adverse reactions of any grade. Based on this case, for locally advanced SCLC, neoadjuvant serplulimab combined with chemotherapy followed by surgery may present an effective, safe, and potentially curative treatment strategy. Nonetheless, further prospective studies are needed to verify our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Mei
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chuanfen Lei
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dan Jiang
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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11
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Li S, Kang Y, Zeng Y. Targeting tumor and bone microenvironment: Novel therapeutic opportunities for castration-resistant prostate cancer patients with bone metastasis. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189033. [PMID: 38040267 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Despite standard hormonal therapy that targets the androgen receptor (AR) attenuates prostate cancer (PCa) effectively in the initial stage, the tumor ultimately converts to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), and the acquired resistance is still a great challenge for the management of advanced prostate cancer patients. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of multiple cellular and noncellular agents is well known as a vital role during the development and progression of CRPC by establishing communication between TME and tumor cells. Additionally, as primary prostate cancer progresses towards metastasis, and CRPC always experiences bone metastasis, the TME is conducive to the spread of tumors to the distant sits, particularly in bone. In addition, the bone microenvironment (BME) is also closely related to the survival, growth and colonization of metastatic tumor cells. The present review summarized the recent studies which mainly focused on the role of TME or BME in the CRPC patients with bone metastasis, and discussed the underlying mechanisms, as well as the potential therapeutic values of targeting TME and BME in the management of metastatic CRPC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenglong Li
- Second ward of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Surgery,Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, China; The Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Research on Gastrointestinal Tumor Combining Medicine with Engineering, Shenyang, China
| | - Yue Kang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu Zeng
- Department of Urology, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, China.
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12
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Greenlee JD, Zhang Z, Subramanian T, Liu K, King MR. TRAIL-conjugated liposomes that bind natural killer cells to induce colorectal cancer cell apoptosis. J Biomed Mater Res A 2024; 112:110-120. [PMID: 37772330 PMCID: PMC10794038 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell functionality is a strong indicator of favorable prognosis in cancer patients, making NK cells an appealing therapeutic target to prevent lymph node dissemination. We engineered liposomes that are conjugated with anti-CD335 antibodies for NK cell targeting, and the apoptotic ligand TRAIL to kill cancer cells. Liposomes were made using a thin film hydration method followed by extrusion to approximately 100 nm in diameter and conjugation of proteins via thiol-maleimide click chemistry. TRAIL/anti-CD335 liposomes successfully bound to isolated NK cells. Once piggybacked to the surface of NK cells, these "Super Natural Killer Cells" were able to more effectively kill oxaliplatin-resistant SW620 cells and metastatic COLO205 colorectal cancer cells via TRAIL-mediated apoptosis compared to NK cells alone. Importantly, Super NK cells were more effective under physiological levels of fluid shear stress found in the lymphatics. Liposome biodistribution after intravenous administration confirmed the sustained presence of liposomes within the spleen and tumor draining mesenteric lymph nodes for at least 4 days. These results demonstrate the enhanced apoptotic effects of NK cells armored with liposomal TRAIL against clinically relevant colorectal cancer cells, providing the groundwork for in vivo treatment studies in mouse models of colorectal cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kevin Liu
- Vanderbilt University Department of Biomedical Engineering
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13
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Li L, Li A, Jin H, Li M, Jia Q. Inhibitory receptors and checkpoints on NK cells: Implications for cancer immunotherapy. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 253:155003. [PMID: 38042093 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.155003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
With the success of immunosuppressive checkpoint in tumor therapy, the corresponding adverse response and drug resistance defects have been exposed. T cells and NK cells are the body's immune system of the two substantial main forces. in recent years, study of T cell checkpoints appeared a certain block, such as PD-1 the effect not benign, on the distribution of NK cell surface excitatory and inhibitory receptors under normal conditions to maintain steady, could be targeted in the tumor treatment blockade have therapeutic effect. This paper reviews the function of NK cells and the effects of corresponding receptors in various types of tumors, providing a direction for the selection of appropriate gate control sites for future treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital and School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ang Li
- Department of Cardiology, 2nd Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hai Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China.
| | - Mingyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital and School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Qingge Jia
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.
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14
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Nakamura T, Sasaki S, Sato Y, Harashima H. Cancer Immunotherapy with Lipid Nanoparticles Loaded with a Stimulator of Interferon Genes Agonist against Renal Tumor Lung Metastasis. Pharmaceutics 2023; 16:31. [PMID: 38258042 PMCID: PMC10819482 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16010031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has a poor prognosis, and the major organ of metastasis is the lung. Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is the first-line therapy, but the response rates are low. Thus, the development of a more effective immunotherapy against metastatic RCC would be highly desirable. We previously demonstrated how a stimulator of an interferon gene (STING) agonist-loaded lipid nanoparticles (STING-LNPs) significantly activates natural killer (NK) cells and induces an antitumor effect against cases of melanoma lung metastasis that have shown ICI resistance. In this study, we evaluated the potential of using STING-LNPs in the treatment of lung metastatic RCC (Renca). An intravenous injection of STING-LNPs drastically decreased the amount of Renca tumor colonies. In contrast, monotherapies using ICIs showed no antitumor effect, and even a combination of ICI and STING-LNP therapies failed to enhance the antitumor effects. The main effector cells would be NK cells, and the activation of NK cells by the STING-LNPs may avoid the increased expression of immune checkpoint molecules. These findings provide useful insights into the development of an effective immunotherapy against metastatic RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Nakamura
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | | | | | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
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15
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Carreira-Santos S, López-Sejas N, González-Sánchez M, Sánchez-Hernández E, Pera A, Hassouneh F, Durán E, Solana R, Casado JG, Tarazona R. Enhanced expression of natural cytotoxicity receptors on cytokine-induced memory-like natural killer cells correlates with effector function. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1256404. [PMID: 37908353 PMCID: PMC10613704 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1256404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Natural killer (NK) cells are a key component of the innate immune system, involved in defending the host against virus-infected cells and tumor immunosurveillance. Under in vitro culture conditions, IL-12/15/18 can induce a memory-like phenotype in NK cells. These cytokine-induced memory-like (CIML) NK cells possess desirable characteristics for immunotherapies, including a longer lifespan and increased cytotoxicity. Methods In this study, NK cells were isolated from peripheral blood of healthy donors and stimulated with IL-12/15/18 to induce a memory-like phenotype or with IL-15 alone as a control. After seven days of culture, multiparametric flow cytometry analysis was performed to evaluate the phenotypic and functional profiles of CIML and control NK cells. Results Our results showed a significantly higher expression of CD25, CD69, NKG2D, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, TACTILE, and Granzyme B in CIML NK cells compared to control NK cells. In contrast, KIR2D expression was significantly lower in CIML NK cells than in control NK cells. Moreover, functional experiments demonstrated that CIML NK cells displayed enhanced degranulation capacity and increased intracellular IFN-γ production against the target cell line K562. Interestingly, the degranulation capacity of CIML NK cells was positively correlated with the expression of the activating receptors NKp46 and NKp30, as well as with the inhibitory receptor TACTILE. Discussion In conclusion, this study provides a deep phenotypic characterization of in vitro-expanded CIML NK cells. Moreover, the correlations found between NK cell receptors and degranulation capacity of CIML NK cells allowed the identification of several biomarkers that could be useful in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofía Carreira-Santos
- Immunology Unit, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Nelson López-Sejas
- Immunology Unit, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | | | - Eva Sánchez-Hernández
- Immunology Unit, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Alejandra Pera
- Immunology and Allergy Group (GC01), Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Fakhri Hassouneh
- Immunology and Allergy Group (GC01), Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Esther Durán
- Anatomy and Comparative Pathological Anatomy Unit, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Rafael Solana
- Immunology and Allergy Group (GC01), Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Immunology and Allergy Service, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Javier G. Casado
- Immunology Unit, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red (CIBER) de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- RICORS-TERAV Network, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Raquel Tarazona
- Immunology Unit, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
- Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
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16
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Zedan AH, Nederby L, Volmer LM, Madsen CV, Sørensen BE, Hansen TF. Natural killer cell activity in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer patients treated with enzalutamide. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17144. [PMID: 37816781 PMCID: PMC10564750 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43937-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is still the lethal stage for the whole spectrum of prostate cancer disease. Even though different treatment options have been introduced in the last decade with a significant survival improvement for this population, a lack of more reliable prognostic and predictive markers is still one of the main clinical challenges in management of mCRPC. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between Natural Killer cell activity (NKA) and both treatment effect and outcomes in patients with mCRPC treated with enzalutamide. A total of 87 patients with mCRPC treated with enzalutamide as the first line treatment were enrolled. NKA was estimated at baseline and prior to each treatment cycle. Endpoints included both treatment effect with biochemical response (BR), biochemical progression (BP) and radiological progression (RP), as well as outcome data with overall survival (OS), radiologic progression free survival (rPFS), and time to next treatment (TTT). At the time of BR, interferon-gamma (IFNγ) decreased significantly compared to levels detected at baseline (z-score = 2.33, p = 0.019). Regarding outcome data, the whole cohort was divided into four groups according to the change of IFNγ level during the first 3 cycles of enzalutamide treatment. In group 1 (n = 42) the IFNγ level remained within a normal range (≥ 250 pg/mL),while in group 2 (n = 7) it increased from an abnormal (< 250 pg/mL) to a normal level. In group 3 (n = 13) it dropped to an abnormal level, and it remained at an abnormal level during treatment in group 4 (n = 17). Patients in group 2 showed the worst prognosis with shorter both rPFS and TTT (HR 4.30, p = 0.037; and HR 6.82, p = 0.011, respectively). In this study inverse correlations between NKA and both treatment response and outcomes was observed in mCRPC patients receiving enzalutamide, suggesting an unfavourable role of NK cells in the late stage of PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- A H Zedan
- Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark.
- Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - L Nederby
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - L M Volmer
- Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - C V Madsen
- Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - B E Sørensen
- Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - T F Hansen
- Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
- Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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17
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Kiaei SZF, Nouralishahi A, Ghasemirad M, Barkhordar M, Ghaffari S, Kheradjoo H, Saleh M, Mohammadzadehsaliani S, Molaeipour Z. Advances in natural killer cell therapies for breast cancer. Immunol Cell Biol 2023; 101:705-726. [PMID: 37282729 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cause of cancer death in women. According to the American Cancer Society's yearly cancer statistics, BC constituted almost 15% of all the newly diagnosed cancer cases in 2022 for both sexes. Metastatic disease occurs in 30% of patients with BC. The currently available treatments fail to cure metastatic BC, and the average survival time for patients with metastatic BC is approximately 2 years. Developing a treatment method that terminates cancer stem cells without harming healthy cells is the primary objective of novel therapeutics. Adoptive cell therapy is a branch of cancer immunotherapy that utilizes the immune cells to attack cancer cells. Natural killer (NK) cells are an essential component of innate immunity and are critical in destroying tumor cells without prior stimulation with antigens. With the advent of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), the autologous or allogeneic use of NK/CAR-NK cell therapy has raised new hopes for treating patients with cancer. Here, we describe recent developments in NK and CAR-NK cell immunotherapy, including the biology and function of NK cells, clinical trials, different sources of NK cells and their future perspectives on BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Zahra Fotook Kiaei
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Ghasemirad
- Department of Periodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Maryam Barkhordar
- Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center (HORCSCT), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sasan Ghaffari
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | - Mahshid Saleh
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin Graduate School, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Zahra Molaeipour
- Hematology Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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18
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Dahut M, Fousek K, Horn LA, Angstadt S, Qin H, Hamilton DH, Schlom J, Palena C. Fulvestrant increases the susceptibility of enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer cells to NK-mediated lysis. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007386. [PMID: 37678915 PMCID: PMC10496692 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enzalutamide, a next-generation antiandrogen agent, is approved for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). While enzalutamide has been shown to improve time to progression and extend overall survival in men with CRPC, the majority of patients ultimately develop resistance to treatment. Immunotherapy approaches have shown limited clinical benefit in this patient population; understanding resistance mechanisms could help develop novel and more effective treatments for CRPC. One of the mechanisms involved in tumor resistance to various therapeutics is tumor phenotypic plasticity, whereby carcinoma cells acquire mesenchymal features with or without the loss of classical epithelial characteristics. This work investigated a potential link between enzalutamide resistance, tumor phenotypic plasticity, and resistance to immune-mediated lysis in prostate cancer. METHODS Models of prostate cancer resistant to enzalutamide were established by long-term exposure of human prostate cancer cell lines to the drug in culture. Tumor cells were evaluated for phenotypic features in vitro and in vivo, as well as for sensitivity to immune effector cell-mediated cytotoxicity. RESULTS Resistance to enzalutamide was associated with gain of mesenchymal tumor features, upregulation of estrogen receptor expression, and significantly reduced tumor susceptibility to natural killer (NK)-mediated lysis, an effect that was associated with decreased tumor/NK cell conjugate formation with enzalutamide-resistant cells. Fulvestrant, a selective estrogen receptor degrader, restored the formation of target/NK cell conjugates and increased susceptibility to NK cell lysis in vitro. In vivo, fulvestrant demonstrated antitumor activity against enzalutamide-resistant cells, an effect that was associated with activation of NK cells. CONCLUSION NK cells are emerging as a promising therapeutic approach in prostate cancer. Modifying tumor plasticity via blockade of estrogen receptor with fulvestrant may offer an opportunity for immune intervention via NK cell-based approaches in enzalutamide-resistant CRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Dahut
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kristen Fousek
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Lucas A Horn
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Shantel Angstadt
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Haiyan Qin
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Duane H Hamilton
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Claudia Palena
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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19
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Schafer CC, Jiang J, Elsamanoudi S, Nousome D, Young DY, Song Y, Sesterhenn IA, Chesnut GT, Tan SH. Immunologic Assessment of Tumors from a Race-matched Military Cohort Identifies Mast Cell Depletion as a Marker of Prostate Cancer Progression. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:1423-1434. [PMID: 37534375 PMCID: PMC10392708 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Elucidating the cellular immune components underlying aggressive prostate cancer, especially among African American (AA) men who are disproportionately affected by this disease compared with Caucasian American (CA) men, will support more inclusive precision medicine treatment strategies. We aimed to evaluate which immune-related genes and cell types are differentially expressed in AA tumors and how immunobiology impacts prostate cancer progression. We purified nucleic acid from tumor biopsies, obtained following radical prostatectomy, from 51 patients (AA = 26, CA = 25). Gene expression was measured using the NanoString platform from which we estimated immune cell abundances and assessed differences between groups based on clinicopathologic data. Product-limit estimates determined associations with biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free and metastasis-free survival. DVL2 and KLRC2 were significantly upregulated in CA tumors and were also associated with worse disease progression. No significant differences in immune cell abundances by race were observed. Highly significant reductions in abundances of mast cells versus tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) were found in men with high-grade pathologies and in men who later developed metastases. Low ratios of mast cells versus TILs were associated with worse BCR-free survival and metastasis-free survival. Although estimated immune cell abundances were not different by race, we identified genes involved in metabolism and natural killer cell functions that were differentially expressed between AA and CA tumors. Among the entire cohort, depletion of mast cells within prostatectomy tumors was characteristic of advanced disease and susceptibility to disease progression. Significance Our findings demonstrate that there are immune-related genes and pathways that differ by race. Impaired intratumoral cellular immune composition, especially for TIL-normalized mast cells, may be vital in predicting and contributing to prostate cancer disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara C. Schafer
- Center for Prostate Disease Research, Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jiji Jiang
- Center for Prostate Disease Research, Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sally Elsamanoudi
- Center for Prostate Disease Research, Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Darryl Nousome
- Center for Prostate Disease Research, Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland
- Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, NCI, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Denise Y. Young
- Center for Prostate Disease Research, Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Yingjie Song
- Center for Prostate Disease Research, Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Gregory T. Chesnut
- Center for Prostate Disease Research, Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
- Urology Service, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Shyh-Han Tan
- Center for Prostate Disease Research, Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland
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20
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Song S, Zhi Y, Tian G, Sun X, Chen Y, Qiu W, Jiao W, Huang H, Yu Y, Li M, Lv G. Immature and activated phenotype of blood NK cells is associated with acute rejection in adult liver transplant. Liver Transpl 2023; 29:836-848. [PMID: 37002601 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells contribute to liver transplant (LTx) rejection. However, the blood-circulating NK-cell dynamics of patients who experience acute rejection (AR) are unclear. Herein, we longitudinally profiled the total NK cells and their subsets, along with the expression of activating and inhibitory receptors in sequential peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples, spanning from before LTx to the first year after LTx of 32 patients with AR and 30 patients under a steady immune status. Before transplantation, patients with AR (rejectors) contained a significantly higher proportion of the immature CD56 bright CD16 - subset and a lower cytolytic CD56 dim CD16 + in the total blood-circulating NK cells than patients with steady immunity. Both subsets contained a high NKp30-positive population, and CD56 dim CD16 + additionally exhibited a high NKp46-positive ratio. The NKp30-positive ratio in CD56 dim CD16 + subset showed the most prominent AR predictive ability before LTx and was an independent risk factor of LTx AR. After transplantation, the blood-circulating NK cells in rejectors maintained a higher CD56 bright CD16 - and lower CD56 dim CD16 + composition than the controls throughout the first year after LTx. Moreover, both subsets maintained a high NKp30-positive ratio, and CD56 dim CD16 + retained a high NKp46-positive ratio. The blood-circulating NK cell subset composition was consistent during AR, while the expressions of NKp30 and NKp46 were augmented. Collectively, a more immature CD56 bright CD16 - subset composition and an activated phenotype of high NKp30 expression were the general properties of blood-circulating NK cells in rejected LTx recipients, and the NKp30-positive ratio in CD56 dim CD16 + NK subset before LTx possessed AR predictive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shifei Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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21
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Mao XD, Chen SZ, Shen SQ, Liu KS. Clinical significance of regulatory T cells and T lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood in neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2023; 13:3091-3099. [PMID: 37559980 PMCID: PMC10408470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of the immune response on the therapeutical efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer remains largely unknown. To characterize the role of regulatory T cells (CD4+CD25+CD127lowTreg), T lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+) and NK cells in neoadjuvant chemotherapy, we investigated the correlation patterns of these immune cell subsets with the progression of breast cancer. A total of 120 breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy in Nanjing Maternal and Child Health Hospital from May 2019 to November 2021 were retrospectively collected as the breast cancer group, and 46 healthy women were selected as the control group. The number of regulatory T cells, T lymphocyte subsets and NK cells in the peripheral blood were analyzed by flow cytometry. Compared with the control group, CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ ratio and NK cells were significantly decreased in patients with breast cancer (P < 0.05), while the levels of Treg and CD8+ cells were significantly increased (P < 0.05). In addition, the status of the immune response among breast cancer patients at different clinical stages was obviously different. In higher tumor stages, the level of CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ ratio and NK cell were reduced, while the level of Treg and CD8+ T cells gradually increased. Furthermore, we found a lower percentage of CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ and NK cells in association with lymph node metastasis, accompanied by a higher number of CD8+ T cells. Interestingly, after treatment with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the levels of Tregs, CD3+, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ ratio of patients were all upregulated compared with the levels before treatment, indicating the recovery of cytotoxic lymphocytes and a consolidation of the immunosuppressive microenvironment at the same time (P < 0.05). Immune dysfunction is commonly observed in breast cancer patients, which is closely associated with tumor progression and lymph node metastasis. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was found to highly influence the number of T lymphocytes and improve the immune function of T lymphocyte subsets in breast cancer patients. At the same time, as immunosuppressive cells, the proportion of Tregs (CD4+CD25+CD127lowTreg) also increased after treatment with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Our results provide guidance for the development of new combination strategies during neoadjuvant chemotherapy to reverse the immunosuppressive microenvironment and achieve better clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Dong Mao
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjing 210028, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of TCM Syndrome & Treatment of Yingbing of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese MedicineNanjing 210028, Jiangsu, China
| | - Su-Zhu Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou Branch of BenQ Medical Center, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing 210019, Jiangsu, China
| | - Su-Qing Shen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care HospitalNanjing 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kang-Sheng Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care HospitalNanjing 210029, Jiangsu, China
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22
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Han ZZ, Li M, Zhang Y. The effects of allogeneic and autologous blood transfusion on immune function in patients receiving total hip replacement. Am J Transl Res 2023; 15:4709-4717. [PMID: 37560247 PMCID: PMC10408532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of allogeneic and autologous blood transfusion on immune function and postoperative inflammation in patients after total hip replacement. METHODS In this retrospective study, the clinical data of 60 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty through a posterolateral approach were analyzed. The patients were grouped into an autologous blood transfusion group (allo group) (n = 30) and an autologous blood transfusion group (auto-group) (n = 30) according to the treatment they received. All patients did not receive preoperative and intraoperative blood transfusion. The blood collected in the operation area was transfused to the patients in the auto-group with the autotransfusion device and the allogeneic blood was transfused to the patients in the allo-group after the operation. The average amount of blood transfusion was 400 ml. The immune function after blood transfusion was mainly evaluated by natural killer cell cytotoxicity (NKCC) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) using ELISA kits, meanwhile the changes of cellular immune factor levels (differentiation cluster of differentiation, CD) (CD3+, CD4+) and humoral immune factor levels (Immunoglobulin E, IgE) after blood transfusion were determined by flow cytometry. The secondary outcome was postoperative inflammatory response measured by white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil percentage (NP) and C-reactive protein (CRP). RESULTS The parameters of both groups of patients were comparable. The auto-group significantly outperformed the Allo-group in the following laboratory parameters: NKCC (%, E:T = 10:1) at day 2 [26.1 (Auto) vs 19.3 (Allo); P = 0.0025], NKCC (%, E:T = 5:1) at day 2 [20.0 (Auto) vs 17.3 (Allo); P = 0.0094], CD3+ (%) at day 2 [50.5 (Auto) vs 40.8 (Allo); P = 0.0233], CD4+ (%) at day 2 [41.2 (Auto) vs 26.3 (Allo); P = 0.0122], IgE (U/mL) at day 2 [157.8 (Auto) vs 319.8 (Allo); P = 0.0064]. CONCLUSION Autotransfusion can safely replace allogeneic blood transfusion and reduce the damage of postoperative immune function after total hip arthroplasty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zong-Zheng Han
- Graduate School of Jinzhou Medical UniversityJinzhou 121000, Liaoning, China
- Blood Transfusion Department, Hanchuan People’s HospitalHanchuan 431600, Hubei, China
| | - Miao Li
- Blood Transfusion Department, Hanchuan People’s HospitalHanchuan 431600, Hubei, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory, Huangshi Fifth HospitalHuangshi 420204, Hubei, China
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23
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Pyzik M, Kozicky LK, Gandhi AK, Blumberg RS. The therapeutic age of the neonatal Fc receptor. Nat Rev Immunol 2023; 23:415-432. [PMID: 36726033 PMCID: PMC9891766 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-022-00821-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
IgGs are essential soluble components of the adaptive immune response that evolved to protect the body from infection. Compared with other immunoglobulins, the role of IgGs is distinguished and enhanced by their high circulating levels, long half-life and ability to transfer from mother to offspring, properties that are conferred by interactions with neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn). FcRn binds to the Fc portion of IgGs in a pH-dependent manner and protects them from intracellular degradation. It also allows their transport across polarized cells that separate tissue compartments, such as the endothelium and epithelium. Further, it is becoming apparent that FcRn functions to potentiate cellular immune responses when IgGs, bound to their antigens, form IgG immune complexes. Besides the protective role of IgG, IgG autoantibodies are associated with numerous pathological conditions. As such, FcRn blockade is a novel and effective strategy to reduce circulating levels of pathogenic IgG autoantibodies and curtail IgG-mediated diseases, with several FcRn-blocking strategies on the path to therapeutic use. Here, we describe the current state of knowledge of FcRn-IgG immunobiology, with an emphasis on the functional and pathological aspects, and an overview of FcRn-targeted therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Pyzik
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Lisa K Kozicky
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amit K Gandhi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard S Blumberg
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Digestive Diseases Center, Boston, MA, USA.
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24
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Caforio M, Tumino N, Sorino C, Manni I, Di Giovenale S, Piaggio G, Iezzi S, Strimpakos G, Mattei E, Moretta L, Fanciulli M, Vacca P, Locatelli F, Folgiero V. AATF/Che-1 RNA polymerase II binding protein overexpression reduces the anti-tumor NK-cell cytotoxicity through activating receptors modulation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1191908. [PMID: 37435061 PMCID: PMC10332273 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1191908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction AATF/Che-1 over-expression in different tumors is well known and its effect on tumorigenicity is mainly due to its central role demonstrated in the oncogenic pathways of solid tumors, where it controls proliferation and viability. The effect exerted by tumors overexpressing Che-1 on the immune response has not yet been investigated. Methods Starting from ChIP-sequencing data we confirmed Che-1 enrichment on Nectin-1 promoter. Several co-cultures experiments between NK-cells and tumor cells transduced by lentiviral vectors carrying Che-1-interfering sequence, analyzed by flow-cytometry have allowed a detailed characterization of NK receptors and tumor ligands expression. Results Here, we show that Che-1 is able to modulate the expression of Nectin-1 ligand at the transcriptional level, leading to the impairment of killing activity of NK-cells. Nectin-1 down-modulation induces a modification in NK-cell ligands expression able to interact with activating receptors and to stimulate NK-cell function. In addition, NK-cells from Che-1 transgenic mice, confirming a reduced expression of activating receptors, exhibit impaired activation and a preferential immature status. Discussion The critical equilibrium between NK-cell ligand expression on tumor cells and the interaction with NK cell receptors is affected by Che-1 over-expression and partially restored by Che-1 interference. The evidence of a new role for Che-1 as regulator of anti-tumor immunity supports the necessity to develop approaches able to target this molecule which shows a dual tumorigenic function as cancer promoter and immune response modulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Caforio
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Tumino
- Immunology Research Area, Innate Lymphoid Cells Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Sorino
- Stabilimento Allevamento Fornitore e Utilizzatore (SAFU) Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostic, Technological Innovation, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Manni
- Stabilimento Allevamento Fornitore e Utilizzatore (SAFU) Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostic, Technological Innovation, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Di Giovenale
- Stabilimento Allevamento Fornitore e Utilizzatore (SAFU) Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostic, Technological Innovation, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Piaggio
- Stabilimento Allevamento Fornitore e Utilizzatore (SAFU) Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostic, Technological Innovation, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Iezzi
- Stabilimento Allevamento Fornitore e Utilizzatore (SAFU) Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostic, Technological Innovation, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Georgios Strimpakos
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Mattei
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR)-Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Tumor Immunology Unit , Children Hospital Bambino Gesù, RomaLM, Rome, Italy
| | - M. Fanciulli
- Stabilimento Allevamento Fornitore e Utilizzatore (SAFU) Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostic, Technological Innovation, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Vacca
- Immunology Research Area, Innate Lymphoid Cells Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Folgiero
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
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25
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Lin M, Sun X, Lv L. New insights and options into the mechanisms and effects of combined targeted therapy and immunotherapy in prostate cancer. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 29:91-106. [PMID: 37215386 PMCID: PMC10199166 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is believed to drive prostate carcinogenesis by producing reactive oxygen species or reactive nitrogen species to induce DNA damage. This effect might subsequently cause epigenetic and genomic alterations, leading to malignant transformation. Although established therapeutic advances have extended overall survival, tumors in patients with advanced prostate cancer are prone to metastasis, transformation into metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, and therapeutic resistance. The tumor microenvironment (TME) of prostate cancer is involved in carcinogenesis, invasion and drug resistance. A plethora of preclinical studies have focused on immune-based therapies. Understanding the intricate TME system in prostate cancer may hold much promise for developing novel therapies, designing combinational therapeutic strategies, and further overcoming resistance to established treatments to improve the lives of prostate cancer patients. In this review, we discuss nonimmune components and various immune cells within the TME and their putative roles during prostate cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. We also outline the updated fundamental research focusing on therapeutic advances of targeted therapy as well as combinational options for prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingen Lin
- Nourse Centre for Pet Nutrition, Wuhu 241200, China
| | - Xue Sun
- Nourse Centre for Pet Nutrition, Wuhu 241200, China
| | - Lei Lv
- Nourse Centre for Pet Nutrition, Wuhu 241200, China
- Shanghai Chowsing Pet Products Co., Ltd, Shanghai 201103, China
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26
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Maselli FM, Giuliani F, Laface C, Perrone M, Melaccio A, De Santis P, Santoro AN, Guarini C, Iaia ML, Fedele P. Immunotherapy in Prostate Cancer: State of Art and New Therapeutic Perspectives. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:5769-5794. [PMID: 37366915 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30060432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common type of tumor in men. In the early stage of the disease, it is sensitive to androgen deprivation therapy. In patients with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC), chemotherapy and second-generation androgen receptor therapy have led to increased survival. However, despite advances in the management of mHSPC, castration resistance is unavoidable and many patients develop metastatic castration-resistant disease (mCRPC). In the past few decades, immunotherapy has dramatically changed the oncology landscape and has increased the survival rate of many types of cancer. However, immunotherapy in prostate cancer has not yet given the revolutionary results it has in other types of tumors. Research into new treatments is very important for patients with mCRPC because of its poor prognosis. In this review, we focus on the reasons for the apparent intrinsic resistance of prostate cancer to immunotherapy, the possibilities for overcoming this resistance, and the clinical evidence and new therapeutic perspectives regarding immunotherapy in prostate cancer with a look toward the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carmelo Laface
- Medical Oncology, Dario Camberlingo Hospital, 72021 Francavilla Fontana, Italy
| | - Martina Perrone
- Medical Oncology, Dario Camberlingo Hospital, 72021 Francavilla Fontana, Italy
| | - Assunta Melaccio
- Medical Oncology, San Paolo Hospital, ASL Bari, 70123 Bari, Italy
| | - Pierluigi De Santis
- Medical Oncology, Dario Camberlingo Hospital, 72021 Francavilla Fontana, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Guarini
- Medical Oncology, Dario Camberlingo Hospital, 72021 Francavilla Fontana, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Iaia
- Medical Oncology, Dario Camberlingo Hospital, 72021 Francavilla Fontana, Italy
| | - Palma Fedele
- Medical Oncology, Dario Camberlingo Hospital, 72021 Francavilla Fontana, Italy
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27
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Dons'koi BV, Baksheev SM, Sudoma IO, Palyha IE, Khazhylenko KG, Zabara DV, Anoshko YI, Dosenko VE, Dubrovsky EI. A Blinded Investigation: Accentuated NK Lymphocyte CD335 (NKp46) Expression Predicts Pregnancy Failures. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13111845. [PMID: 37296696 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13111845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM NKp46 is an NK cell receptor uniquely expressed by NK cells and a small subset of innate lymphoid cells. In our previous studies, we suggested a tight connection between the activity of NK cells and the expression of NKp46 and supported the clinical significance of NKp46 expression in NK cells in women with reproductive failures. In this study, we investigated the expression of NKp46 in NK cells in the peripheral blood of women in early pregnancy and analyzed its association with pregnancy loss. METHODS In a blinded study, we examined blood samples and analyzed the subsequent pregnancy outcomes from 98 early pregnant women (5th-7th week of gestation-w.g.) and 66 women in the 11th-13th week of pregnancy who served as controls. We studied the expression of NKp46 and the levels of anti-cardiolipin antibodies (aCL). The results of aCL were shared with the clinic, while the expression of NKp46 was blinded and not analyzed until the end of the study. RESULTS A misbalance in the NKp46+NK cells subpopulations was associated with an unfavorable ongoing pregnancy. A decreased level of NKp46high cells (<14%) was strongly associated with miscarriage. A decreased level of the double-bright subpopulation (NKp46hightCD56++) also was a negative prognostic factor for the pregnancy course, but its increased level (>4%) was strongly associated with a successful pregnancy course. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that accentuated levels of NKp46+NK cells lead to a negative prognosis for early pregnancy courses in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris V Dons'koi
- Laboratory of Immunology, Institute of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Named after Academician O. Lukyanova of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Mayborody Str. 8, 04050 Kyiv, Ukraine
- Private Enterprise "First Social Medical Laboratory "ESCULAB"", 79010 Lviv, Ukraine
| | | | - Irina O Sudoma
- NADIYA Clinic, 03037 Kyiv, Ukraine
- LELEKA Maternity Hospital, 04075 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Ihor E Palyha
- Klinika Reproduktsiyi Lyudyny "Al'ternatyva", 79041 Lviv, Ukraine
| | | | - Dariia V Zabara
- Laboratory of Immunology, Institute of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Named after Academician O. Lukyanova of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Mayborody Str. 8, 04050 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Yaroslava I Anoshko
- Laboratory of Immunology, Institute of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Named after Academician O. Lukyanova of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Mayborody Str. 8, 04050 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Viktor E Dosenko
- Department of General and Molecular Pathophysiology, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 02000 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Evgen I Dubrovsky
- Laboratory of Immunology, Institute of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Named after Academician O. Lukyanova of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Mayborody Str. 8, 04050 Kyiv, Ukraine
- Department of General and Molecular Pathophysiology, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 02000 Kyiv, Ukraine
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28
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Kim HS, Jang S, Kim J. Genome-Wide Integrative Transcriptional Profiling Identifies Age-Associated Signatures in Dogs. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1131. [PMID: 37372311 DOI: 10.3390/genes14061131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammals experience similar stages of embryonic development, birth, infancy, youth, adolescence, maturity, and senescence. While embryonic developmental processes have been extensively researched, many molecular mechanisms regulating the different life stages after birth, such as aging, remain unresolved. We investigated the conserved and global molecular transitions in transcriptional remodeling with age in dogs of 15 breeds, which revealed that genes underlying hormone level regulation and developmental programs were differentially regulated during aging. Subsequently, we show that the candidate genes associated with tumorigenesis also exhibit age-dependent DNA methylation patterns, which might have contributed to the tumor state through inhibiting the plasticity of cell differentiation processes during aging, and ultimately suggesting the molecular events that link the processes of aging and cancer. These results highlight that the rate of age-related transcriptional remodeling is influenced not only by the lifespan, but also by the timing of critical physiological milestones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Seung Kim
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Subin Jang
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaemin Kim
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
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29
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Yu Y. The Function of NK Cells in Tumor Metastasis and NK Cell-Based Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082323. [PMID: 37190251 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic tumors cause the most deaths in cancer patients. Treating metastasis remains the primary goal of current cancer research. Although the immune system prevents and kills the tumor cells, the function of the immune system in metastatic cancer has been unappreciated for decades because tumors are able to develop complex signaling pathways to suppress immune responses, leading them to escape detection and elimination. Studies showed NK cell-based therapies have many advantages and promise for fighting metastatic cancers. We here review the function of the immune system in tumor progression, specifically focusing on the ability of NK cells in antimetastasis, how metastatic tumors escape the NK cell attack, as well as the recent development of effective antimetastatic immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlin Yu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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30
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Kourko O, Hawke LG, Ormiston ML, Gee K. IFN-β activates cytotoxic function of human natural killer cells toward IL-27 and poly(I:C) stimulated PC3 and DU145 cells. Cell Immunol 2023; 387:104718. [PMID: 37068442 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2023.104718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell phenotype and function are altered in patients with prostate cancer, and increased NK cell activity is associated with a better prognosis in patients with disease. For patients with advanced stage prostate cancer, immunotherapies are a promising approach when standard treatment options have been exhausted. With the rapid emergence of NK cell-based therapies, it is important to understand the mechanisms by which NK cells can be triggered to kill cancer cells that have developed immune-evasive strategies. Altering the cytokine profiles of advanced prostate cancer cells may be an area to explore when considering ways in which NK cell activation can be modulated. We have previously demonstrated that combining the cytokine, IL-27, with TLR3 agonist, poly(I:C), changes cytokine secretion in the advanced prostate cancer models, PC3 and DU145 cells. Herein, we extend our previous work to study the effect of primary human NK cells on prostate cancer cell death in an in vitro co-culture model. Stimulating PC3 and DU145 cells with IL-27 and poly(I:C) induced IFN-β secretion, which was required for activation of primary human NK cells to kill these stimulated prostate cancer cells. PC3 cells were more sensitized to NK cell-mediated killing when compared to DU145 cells, which was attributed to differential levels of IFN-β produced in response to stimulation with IL-27 and poly(I:C). IFN-β increased granzyme B secretion and membrane-bound TRAIL expression by co-cultured NK cells. We further demonstrated that these NK cells killed PC3 cells in a partially TRAIL-dependent manner. This work provides mechanistic insight into how the cytotoxic function of NK cells can be improved to target cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olena Kourko
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Lindsey G Hawke
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Mark L Ormiston
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Katrina Gee
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada.
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31
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Tian J, Cheng C, Gao J, Fu G, Xu Z, Chen X, Wu Y, Jin B. POLD1 as a Prognostic Biomarker Correlated with Cell Proliferation and Immune Infiltration in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076849. [PMID: 37047824 PMCID: PMC10095303 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA polymerase delta 1 catalytic subunit (POLD1) plays a vital role in genomic copy with high fidelity and DNA damage repair processes. However, the prognostic value of POLD1 and its relationship with tumor immunity in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains to be further explored. Transcriptional data sets and clinical information were obtained from the TCGA, ICGC, and GEO databases. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were derived from the comparison between the low and high POLD1 expression groups in the TCGA–KIRC cohort. KEGG and gene ontology (GO) analyses were performed for those DEGs to explore the potential influence of POLD1 on the biological behaviors of ccRCC. The prognostic clinical value and mutational characteristics of patients were described and analyzed according to the POLD1 expression levels. TIMER and TISIDB databases were utilized to comprehensively investigate the potential relevance between the POLD1 levels and the status of the immune cells, as well as the tumor infiltration of immune cells. In addition, RT-qPCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry and several functional and animal experiments were performed for clinical, in vitro and in vivo validation. POLD1 was highly expressed in a variety of tumors including ccRCC, and further verified in a validation cohort of 60 ccRCC samples and in vitro cell line experiments. POLD1 expression levels in the ccRCC samples were associated with various clinical characteristics including pathologic tumor stage and histologic grade. ccRCC patients with high POLD1 expression have poor clinical outcomes and exhibit a higher rate of somatic mutations than those with low POLD1 expression. Cox regression analysis also showed that POLD1 could act as a potential independent prognostic biomarker. The DEGs associated with POLD1 were significantly enriched in the immunity-related pathways. Moreover, further immune infiltration analysis indicated that high POLD1 expression was associated with high NK CD56bright cells, Treg cells, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells’ (MDSCs) infiltration scores, as well as their marker gene sets of immune cell status. Meanwhile, POLD1 exhibited resistance to various drugs when highly expressed. Finally, the knockdown of POLD1 inhibited the proliferation and migration, and promoted the apoptosis of ccRCC cells in vitro and in vivo, as well as influenced the activation of oncogenic signaling. Our current study demonstrated that POLD1 is a potential prognostic biomarker for ccRCC patients. It might create a tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment and inhibit the susceptibility to ferroptosis leading to a poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Tian
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Urinary Bladder Carcinoma Innovation Diagnosis and Treatment, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Urinary Bladder Carcinoma Innovation Diagnosis and Treatment, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Jianguo Gao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Guanghou Fu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Urinary Bladder Carcinoma Innovation Diagnosis and Treatment, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Zhijie Xu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Urinary Bladder Carcinoma Innovation Diagnosis and Treatment, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Xiaoyi Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Urinary Bladder Carcinoma Innovation Diagnosis and Treatment, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Yunfei Wu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Urinary Bladder Carcinoma Innovation Diagnosis and Treatment, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Baiye Jin
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Urinary Bladder Carcinoma Innovation Diagnosis and Treatment, Hangzhou 310024, China
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Han S, Shi T, Liao Y, Chen D, Yang F, Wang M, Ma J, Li H, Xu Y, Zhu T, Chen W, Wang G, Han Y, Xu C, Wang W, Cai S, Zhang X, Xing N. Tumor immune contexture predicts recurrence after prostatectomy and efficacy of androgen deprivation and immunotherapy in prostate cancer. J Transl Med 2023; 21:194. [PMID: 36918939 PMCID: PMC10012744 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03827-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men with notable interpatient heterogeneity. Implications of the immune microenvironment in predicting the biochemical recurrence-free survival (BCRFS) after radical prostatectomy and the efficacy of systemic therapies in prostate cancer remain ambiguous. METHODS The tumor immune contexture score (TICS) involving eight immune contexture-related signatures was developed using seven cohorts of 1120 patients treated with radical prostatectomy (training: GSE46602, GSE54460, GSE70769, and GSE94767; validation: GSE70768, DKFZ2018, and TCGA). The association between the TICS and treatment efficacy was investigated in GSE111177 (androgen deprivation therapy [ADT]) and EGAS00001004050 (ipilimumab). RESULTS A high TICS was associated with prolonged BCRFS after radical prostatectomy in the training (HR = 0.32, 95% CI 0.24-0.45, P < 0.001) and the validation cohorts (HR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.32-0.62, P < 0.001). The TICS showed stable prognostic power independent of tumor stage, surgical margin, pre-treatment prostatic specific antigen (PSA), and Gleason score (multivariable HR = 0.50, 95% CI 0.39-0.63, P < 0.001). Adding the TICS into the prognostic model constructed using clinicopathological features significantly improved its 1/2/3/4/5-year area under curve (P < 0.05). A low TICS was associated with high homologous recombination deficiency scores, abnormally activated pathways concerning DNA replication, cell cycle, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and drug metabolism, and fewer tumor-infiltrating immune cells (P < 0.05). The patients with a high TICS had favorable BCRFS with ADT (HR = 0.25, 95% CI 0.06-0.99, P = 0.034) or ipilimumab monotherapy (HR = 0.23, 95% CI 0.06-0.81, P = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS Our study delineates the associations of tumor immune contexture with molecular features, recurrence after radical prostatectomy, and the efficacy of ADT and immunotherapy. The TICS may improve the existing risk stratification systems and serve as a patient-selection tool for ADT and immunotherapy in prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujun Han
- Department of Urology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Taoping Shi
- Department of Urology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yuchen Liao
- Burning Rock Biotech, Guangzhou, 510300, China
| | - Dong Chen
- Department of Urology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Feiya Yang
- Department of Urology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Mingshuai Wang
- Department of Urology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Jing Ma
- Department of Urology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Hu Li
- Department of Urology, Shanxian Central Hospital of Shandong Province, Heze, 274300, Shandong, China
| | - Yu Xu
- Burning Rock Biotech, Guangzhou, 510300, China
| | - Tengfei Zhu
- Burning Rock Biotech, Guangzhou, 510300, China
| | - Wenxi Chen
- Burning Rock Biotech, Guangzhou, 510300, China
| | | | - Yusheng Han
- Burning Rock Biotech, Guangzhou, 510300, China
| | - Chunwei Xu
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Wenxian Wang
- Department of Clinical Trial, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Shangli Cai
- Burning Rock Biotech, Guangzhou, 510300, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Urology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853, China.
| | - Nianzeng Xing
- Department of Urology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China.
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Roshan Zamir M, Ariafar A, Ghaderi A, Amirzargar A. The impact of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genes and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I ligands on predisposition or protection against prostate cancer. Immunobiology 2023; 228:152319. [PMID: 36599262 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2022.152319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell development largely depends on killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I ligands. In the current study, we investigated the role of KIR genes, HLA ligands, and KIR-HLA combinations in vulnerability or protection against prostate cancer (PC). To analyze the frequency of 16 KIR genes and 5 HLA ligands, polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) was conducted in 150 PC patients and 200 healthy controls (CNs). KIR2DL5 (p = 0.0346, OR = 0.606, CI = 0.3916-0.9336), KIR2DS5 (p = 0.0227, OR = 0.587, CI = 0.3793-0.9139), HLA-B Bw4Thr80 (p = 0.0401, OR = 0.3552, CI = 0.1466-0.9059), HLA Bw4 (p = 0.0190, OR = 0.4744, CI = 0.2656-0.8521), and T4 gene cluster (including KIR2DS5-2DL5-3DS1-2DS1 genes) (p = 0.0194, OR = 0.5575, CI = 0.3449-0.8938) had a lower frequency in the PC patients compared to the control group. Moreover, a lower frequency of the genotypes contacting activating KIR (aKIR) > inhibitory KIR (iKIR) (p = 0.0298, OR = 0.5291, CI = 0.3056-0.9174) and iKIR + HLA < aKIR + HLA (p = 0.0183, OR = 0.2197, CI = 0.0672-0.7001) in PC patients compared to the CNs implies a protective role for aKIR genes. In the case of KIR-HLA interactions, we detected a significant association between KIR3DS1+ + HLA-A Bw4+ (p = 0.0113, OR = 0.5093, CI = 0.3124-0.8416) and KIR3DL1- + HLA-A Bw4+ (p = 0.0306, OR = 0.1153, CI = 0.0106-0.6537) combinations and resistance to prostate cancer. In contrast, the presence of KIR3DL1 in the absence of HLA-A Bw4 (p = 0.0040, OR = 2.00, CI = 1.264-3.111), HLA Bw4 (p = 0.0296, OR = 2.066, CI = 1.094-3.906), and HLA-Bw4Thr80 (p = 0.0071, OR = 2.505, CI = 1.319-4.703) genes probably predisposes to prostate cancer. Carrying the CxT4 genotype in PC patients was positively associated with lower tumor grades (Gleason score ≤ 6) (p = 0.0331, OR = 3.290, and CI = 1.181-8.395). Altogether, our data suggest a protective role for aKIRs, HLA-B Bw4Thr80, and HLA Bw4 ligands as well as a predisposing role for certain KIR-HLA combinations in prostate cancer. The findings of this study offer new insight into the population's risk assessment for prostate cancer in men. Additionally, predicting immunotherapy response based on KIR-HLA combinations aids in implementing the most effective therapeutic approach in the early stages of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Roshan Zamir
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Ali Ariafar
- Urology-Oncology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Abbas Ghaderi
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Aliakbar Amirzargar
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Schmitz RL, Tweed KE, Rehani P, Samimi K, Riendeau J, Jones I, Maly EM, Guzman EC, Forsberg MH, Shahi A, Capitini CM, Walsh AJ, Skala MC. Autofluorescence lifetime imaging classifies human lymphocyte activation and subtype. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.23.525260. [PMID: 36747690 PMCID: PMC9900834 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.23.525260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
New non-destructive tools are needed to reliably assess lymphocyte function for immune profiling and adoptive cell therapy. Optical metabolic imaging (OMI) is a label-free method that measures the autofluorescence intensity and lifetime of metabolic cofactors NAD(P)H and FAD to quantify metabolism at a single-cell level. Here, we investigate whether OMI can resolve metabolic changes between human quiescent versus IL4/CD40 activated B cells and IL12/IL15/IL18 activated memory-like NK cells. We found that quiescent B and NK cells were more oxidized compared to activated cells. Additionally, the NAD(P)H mean fluorescence lifetime decreased and the fraction of unbound NAD(P)H increased in the activated B and NK cells compared to quiescent cells. Machine learning classified B cells and NK cells according to activation state (CD69+) based on OMI parameters with up to 93.4% and 92.6% accuracy, respectively. Leveraging our previously published OMI data from activated and quiescent T cells, we found that the NAD(P)H mean fluorescence lifetime increased in NK cells compared to T cells, and further increased in B cells compared to NK cells. Random forest models based on OMI classified lymphocytes according to subtype (B, NK, T cell) with 97.8% accuracy, and according to activation state (quiescent or activated) and subtype (B, NK, T cell) with 90.0% accuracy. Our results show that autofluorescence lifetime imaging can accurately assess lymphocyte activation and subtype in a label-free, non-destructive manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kelsey E. Tweed
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Peter Rehani
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | | | - Isabel Jones
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | | | - Matthew H. Forsberg
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ankita Shahi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Christian M. Capitini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Melissa C. Skala
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
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Anang V, Singh A, Kottarath SK, Verma C. Receptors of immune cells mediates recognition for tumors. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 194:219-267. [PMID: 36631194 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Over the last few decades, the immune system has been steered toward eradication of cancer cells with the help of cancer immunotherapy. T cells, B cells, monocytes/macrophages, dendritic cells, T-reg cells, and natural killer (NK) cells are some of the numerous immune cell types that play a significant part in cancer cell detection and reduction of inflammation, and the antitumor response. Briefly stated, chimeric antigen receptors, adoptive transfer and immune checkpoint modulators are currently the subjects of research focus for successful immunotherapy-based treatments for a variety of cancers. This chapter discusses ongoing investigations on the mechanisms and recent developments by which receptors of immune cells especially that of lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages regulate the detection of immune system leading to malignancies. We will also be looking into the treatment strategies based on these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandana Anang
- International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
| | | | - Sarat Kumar Kottarath
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Huston, TX, United States.
| | - Chaitenya Verma
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.
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dos Reis FD, Jerónimo C, Correia MP. Epigenetic modulation and prostate cancer: Paving the way for NK cell anti-tumor immunity. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1152572. [PMID: 37090711 PMCID: PMC10113550 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1152572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunoepigenetics is a growing field, as there is mounting evidence on the key role played by epigenetic mechanisms in the regulation of tumor immune cell recognition and control of immune cell anti-tumor responses. Moreover, it is increasingly acknowledgeable a tie between epigenetic regulation and prostate cancer (PCa) development and progression. PCa is intrinsically a cold tumor, with scarce immune cell infiltration and low inflammatory tumor microenvironment. However, Natural Killer (NK) cells, main anti-tumor effector immune cells, have been frequently linked to improved PCa prognosis. The role that epigenetic-related mechanisms might have in regulating both NK cell recognition of PCa tumor cells and NK cell functions in PCa is still mainly unknown. Epigenetic modulating drugs have been showing boundless therapeutic potential as anti-tumor agents, however their role in immune cell regulation and recognition is scarce. In this review, we focused on studies addressing modulation of epigenetic mechanisms involved in NK cell-mediated responses, including both the epigenetic modulation of tumor cell NK ligand expression and NK cell receptor expression and function in different tumor models, highlighting studies in PCa. The integrated knowledge from diverse epigenetic modulation mechanisms promoting NK cell-mediated immunity in various tumor models might open doors for the development of novel epigenetic-based therapeutic options for PCa management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa D. dos Reis
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
- Master Program in Oncology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Margareta P. Correia
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Margareta P. Correia,
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Zhang X, Jing J. Effect of Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes on Prognosis of Multiple Cancers. Cancer Control 2023; 30:10732748231202921. [PMID: 37815060 PMCID: PMC10566274 DOI: 10.1177/10732748231202921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the era of immunotherapy, the immune function of patients with cancer has attracted increasingly more attention. The immune scoring system is an important supplement to the classical tumor staging and classification process. The immune system plays a controversial role in the development of cancer. Meanwhile, the prognostic significance of peripheral blood lymphocytes is still controversial. The present study aimed to assess the prognostic significance of peripheral blood lymphocytes in eight types of cancers. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of 32731 patients with cancer hospitalized in Shanxi Cancer Hospital from January 2012 to December 2016. The percentages of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD19+, CD56+, and CD127+ lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of all patients were examined using flow cytometry. The immune cell subsets of patients with cancer were classified into three groups using the K-means clustering method via the R language software. Differences in the overall survival rate were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. The Cox regression model was utilized for univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS The mean survival time of patients with liver cancer, rectal cancer, gastric cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, and lymphoma was 30.25, 21.74, 37.67, 16.28, 21.62, 30.25, 31.43, and 34.27 months, respectively. The survival curves showed that the most prognostically beneficial immune state of the patients was when the expression of the immune cells in the peripheral blood was in equilibrium. Moreover, Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis revealed that the factors affecting the overall survival (OS) of patients with eight different kinds of cancer were not identical. However, CD19+ lymphocytes had the most significant impact on the prognosis of these patients. CONCLUSIONS Cancer occurrence and development were associated with the density of lymphocyte infiltration. Thus, immune homeostasis could be an effective indicator to evaluate prognosis and judge cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan, China
- Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jiexian Jing
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan, China
- Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
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Deng X, Terunuma H. Harnessing NK Cells to Control Metastasis. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10122018. [PMID: 36560427 PMCID: PMC9781233 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10122018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, tumor immunotherapy has produced remarkable results in tumor treatment. Nevertheless, its effects are severely limited in patients with low or absent pre-existing T cell immunity. Accordingly, metastasis remains the major cause of tumor-associated death. On the other hand, natural killer (NK) cells have the unique ability to recognize and rapidly act against tumor cells and surveil tumor cell dissemination. The role of NK cells in metastasis prevention is undisputable as an increase in the number of these cells mostly leads to a favorable prognosis. Hence, it is reasonable to consider that successful metastasis involves evasion of NK-cell-mediated immunosurveillance. Therefore, harnessing NK cells to control metastasis is promising. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are the seeds for distant metastasis, and the number of CTCs detected in the blood of patients with tumor is associated with a worse prognosis, whereas NK cells can eliminate highly motile CTCs especially in the blood. Here, we review the role of NK cells during metastasis, particularly the specific interactions of NK cells with CTCs, which may provide essential clues on how to harness the power of NK cells against tumor metastasis. As a result, a new way to prevent or treat metastatic tumor may be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewen Deng
- Biotherapy Institute of Japan Inc., 2-4-8 Edagawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0051, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-3-5632-6080; Fax: +81-3-5632-6083
| | - Hiroshi Terunuma
- Biotherapy Institute of Japan Inc., 2-4-8 Edagawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0051, Japan
- N2 Clinic Yotsuya, 5F 2-6 Samon-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0017, Japan
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Crist M, Yaniv B, Palackdharry S, Lehn MA, Medvedovic M, Stone T, Gulati S, Karivedu V, Borchers M, Fuhrman B, Crago A, Curry J, Martinez-Outschoorn U, Takiar V, Wise-Draper TM. Metformin increases natural killer cell functions in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma through CXCL1 inhibition. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-005632. [PMID: 36328378 PMCID: PMC9639146 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metformin slows tumor growth and progression in vitro, and in combination with chemoradiotherapy, resulted in high overall survival in patients with head and neck cancer squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in our phase 1 clinical trial (NCT02325401). Metformin is also postulated to activate an antitumor immune response. Here, we investigate immunologic effects of metformin on natural killer (NK) and natural killer T cells, including results from two phase I open-label studies in patients with HNSCC treated with metformin (NCT02325401, NCT02083692). METHODS Peripheral blood was collected before and after metformin treatment or from newly diagnosed patients with HNSCC. Peripheral immune cell phenotypes were evaluated using flow cytometry, cytokine expression by ELISA and/or IsoLight, and NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity was determined with a flow-based NK cell cytotoxicity assay (NKCA). Patient tumor immune infiltration before and after metformin treatment was analyzed with immunofluorescence. NK cells were treated with either vehicle or metformin and analyzed by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). NK cells were then treated with inhibitors of significant pathways determined by RNA-seq and analyzed by NKCA, ELISA, and western blot analyses. RESULTS Increased peripheral NK cell activated populations were observed in patients treated with metformin. NK cell tumor infiltration was enhanced in patients with HNSCC treated with metformin preoperatively. Metformin increased antitumorigenic cytokines ex vivo, including significant increases in perforin. Metformin increased HNSCC NK cell cytotoxicity and inhibited the CXCL1 pathway while stimulating the STAT1 pathway within HNSCC NK cells. Exogenous CXCL1 prevented metformin-enhanced NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Metformin-mediated NK cell cytotoxicity was found to be AMP-activated protein kinase independent, but dependent on both mechanistic target of rapamycin and pSTAT1. CONCLUSIONS Our data identifies a new role for metformin-mediated immune antitumorigenic function through NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity and downregulation of CXCL1 in HNSCC. These findings will inform future immunomodulating therapies in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- McKenzie Crist
- Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Benyamin Yaniv
- Department of Medicine, UMass Memorial Medical Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah Palackdharry
- University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Maria A Lehn
- Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA,Division of Radiation Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Mario Medvedovic
- Department of Environmental Health; Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Timothy Stone
- Department of Environmental Health; Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Shuchi Gulati
- Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Vidhya Karivedu
- Department of Medical Oncology Head and Neck Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Michael Borchers
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA,Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Bethany Fuhrman
- University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Audrey Crago
- University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Joseph Curry
- Department of Otolaryngology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Vinita Takiar
- Division of Radiation Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA,Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Trisha M Wise-Draper
- Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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40
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Tokaz MC, Baik CS, Houghton AM, Tseng D. New Immuno-oncology Targets and Resistance Mechanisms. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2022; 23:1201-1218. [PMID: 35980521 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-022-01005-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) has revolutionized the field of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); currently, most patients with advanced disease receive upfront ICI either alone or in combination with chemotherapy. These advances have recently extended into early-stage NSCLC, with ICI incorporation into neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment regimens. However, despite these successes, immunotherapy (IO) resistance remains a fundamental challenge in NSCLC, introducing a central quandary of how to precisely select the appropriate IO therapy or IO combination therapy for each individual patient. To address this vital need in the field, there has been an explosion of research in immuno-oncology to identify mechanisms of resistance, ranging from genomic alterations in the tumor to immunosuppressive conditions in the tumor microenvironment (TME). There remain many questions about how this complex interplay between the tumor and the immune microenvironment translates into clinical phenotypes of primary and acquired resistance. In NSCLC, a number of novel therapeutics are being developed to prevent and overcome resistance to ICI. Particular promise has been shown with therapeutics targeting novel T cell immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeting innate immune cells in the TME, chief among these cells are natural killer cells, neutrophils, and macrophages. Further research into tissue-based and non-invasive biomarkers that can be prospectively integrated into therapeutic trial design will be critical to advance the field's understanding of individual resistance patterns and enable the ultimate goal of precision immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly C Tokaz
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christina S Baik
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - A McGarry Houghton
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Diane Tseng
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Mail Stop LG-540, 825 Eastlake Ave E., Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.
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41
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Podojil JR, Cogswell AC, Chiang MY, Eaton V, Ifergan I, Neef T, Xu D, Meghani KA, Yu Y, Orbach SM, Murthy T, Boyne MT, Elhofy A, Shea LD, Meeks JJ, Miller SD. Biodegradable nanoparticles induce cGAS/STING-dependent reprogramming of myeloid cells to promote tumor immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:887649. [PMID: 36059473 PMCID: PMC9433741 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.887649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer treatment utilizing infusion therapies to enhance the patient's own immune response against the tumor have shown significant functionality in a small subpopulation of patients. Additionally, advances have been made in the utilization of nanotechnology for the treatment of disease. We have previously reported the potent effects of 3-4 daily intravenous infusions of immune modifying poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (IMPs; named ONP-302) for the amelioration of acute inflammatory diseases by targeting myeloid cells. The present studies describe a novel use for ONP-302, employing an altered dosing scheme to reprogram myeloid cells resulting in significant enhancement of tumor immunity. ONP-302 infusion decreased tumor growth via the activation of the cGAS/STING pathway within myeloid cells, and subsequently increased NK cell activation via an IL-15-dependent mechanism. Additionally, ONP-302 treatment increased PD-1/PD-L1 expression in the tumor microenvironment, thereby allowing for functionality of anti-PD-1 for treatment in the B16.F10 melanoma tumor model which is normally unresponsive to monotherapy with anti-PD-1. These findings indicate that ONP-302 allows for tumor control via reprogramming myeloid cells via activation of the STING/IL-15/NK cell mechanism, as well as increasing anti-PD-1 response rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R. Podojil
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States,Cour Pharmaceutical Development Company, Northbrook, IL, United States
| | - Andrew C. Cogswell
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ming-Yi Chiang
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Valerie Eaton
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Igal Ifergan
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Tobias Neef
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Dan Xu
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Khyati A. Meghani
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Yanni Yu
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States,Immunobiology Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Sophia M. Orbach
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Tushar Murthy
- Cour Pharmaceutical Development Company, Northbrook, IL, United States
| | - Michael T. Boyne
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States,Cour Pharmaceutical Development Company, Northbrook, IL, United States
| | - Adam Elhofy
- Cour Pharmaceutical Development Company, Northbrook, IL, United States
| | - Lonnie D. Shea
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Joshua J. Meeks
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Stephen D. Miller
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States,Immunobiology Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States,*Correspondence: Stephen D. Miller,
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Chandran E, Meininger L, Karzai F, Madan RA. Signaling new therapeutic opportunities: cytokines in prostate cancer. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2022; 22:1233-1243. [PMID: 35930001 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2022.2108701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite FDA approval of sipuleucel-T in 2010, endeavors to use immune checkpoint inhibitors in unselected prostate cancer patients have not improved clinical outcomes. These efforts include studies with anti-PD1/PD-L1 and anti-CTLA-4 alone and in combination with existing standards of care. These strategies are generally T-cell centric and disregard the broader complex and pleiotropic components of the prostate cancer tumor microenvironment such as natural killer cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells and tumor associated macrophages. AREAS COVERED We performed an online literature search and undertook a review of existing pre-clinical and clinical literature for cytokine-based therapy relating to prostate cancer, specifically on interleukin (IL)-2, IL-15, IL-12, IL-23, IL-8 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. EXPERT OPINION Cytokine-based therapies present an alternative immune strategy to target the pleiotropic prostate cancer tumor microenvironment beyond T-cells. Future immunotherapy strategies in prostate cancer should address these immune cell populations which may play more important roles in the prostate cancer tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Chandran
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Luke Meininger
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Fatima Karzai
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ravi A Madan
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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43
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The Immunotherapy and Immunosuppressive Signaling in Therapy-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081778. [PMID: 35892678 PMCID: PMC9394279 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in men. Initially, it is androgen-dependent, but it eventually develops into castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), which is incurable with current androgen receptor signaling target therapy and chemotherapy. Immunotherapy, specifically with immune checkpoint inhibitors, has brought hope for the treatment of this type of prostate cancer. Approaches such as vaccines, adoptive chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cells, and immune checkpoint inhibitors have been employed to activate innate and adaptive immune responses to treat prostate cancer, but with limited success. Only Sipuleucel-T and the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab are approved by the US FDA for the treatment of limited prostate cancer patients. Prostate cancer has a complex tumor microenvironment (TME) in which various immunosuppressive molecules and mechanisms coexist and interact. Additionally, prostate cancer is considered a “cold” tumor with low levels of tumor mutational burden, low amounts of antigen-presenting and cytotoxic T-cell activation, and high levels of immunosuppressive molecules including cytokines/chemokines. Thus, understanding the mechanisms of immunosuppressive signaling activation and immune evasion will help develop more effective treatments for prostate cancer. The purpose of this review is to summarize emerging advances in prostate cancer immunotherapy, with a particular focus on the molecular mechanisms that lead to immune evasion in prostate cancer. At the same time, we also highlight some potential therapeutic targets to provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of prostate cancer.
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Integrative Analysis of Bulk RNA-Seq and Single-Cell RNA-Seq Unveils the Characteristics of the Immune Microenvironment and Prognosis Signature in Prostate Cancer. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:6768139. [PMID: 35909899 PMCID: PMC9325591 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6768139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The immune microenvironment is a culmination of the collaborative effort of immune cells and is important in cancer development. The underlying mechanisms of the tumor immune microenvironment in regulating prostate cancer (PRAD) are unclear. In the current study, 144 natural killer cell-related genes were identified using differential expression, single-sample gene set enrichment analysis, and weighted gene coexpression network analysis. Furthermore, VCL, ACTA2, MYL9, MYLK, MYH11, TPM1, ACTG2, TAGLN, and FLNC were selected as hub genes via the protein-protein interaction network. Based on the expression patterns of the hub genes, endothelial, epithelial, and tissue stem cells were identified as key cell subpopulations, which could regulate PRAD via immune response, extracellular signaling, and protein formation. Moreover, 27 genes were identified as prognostic signatures and used to construct the risk score model. Receiver operating characteristic curves revealed the good performance of the risk score model in both the training and testing datasets. Different chemotherapeutic responses were observed between the low- and high-risk groups. Additionally, a nomogram based on the risk score and other clinical features was established to predict the 1-, 3-, and 5-year progression-free interval of patients with PRAD. This study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of the immune microenvironment and its role in the pathogenesis of PARD. The identification of key cell subpopulations has a potential therapeutic and prognostic use in PRAD.
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45
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Bernard PL, Delconte R, Pastor S, Laletin V, Costa Da Silva C, Goubard A, Josselin E, Castellano R, Krug A, Vernerey J, Devillier R, Olive D, Verhoeyen E, Vivier E, Huntington ND, Nunes J, Guittard G. Targeting CISH enhances natural cytotoxicity receptor signaling and reduces NK cell exhaustion to improve solid tumor immunity. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-004244. [PMID: 35589278 PMCID: PMC9121483 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-004244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The success and limitations of current immunotherapies have pushed research toward the development of alternative approaches and the possibility to manipulate other cytotoxic immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells. Here, we targeted an intracellular inhibiting protein ‘cytokine inducible SH2-containing protein’ (CISH) in NK cells to evaluate the impact on their functions and antitumor properties. Methods To further understand CISH functions in NK cells, we developed a conditional Cish-deficient mouse model in NK cells (Cishfl/flNcr1Ki/+). NK cells cytokine expression, signaling and cytotoxicity has been evaluated in vitro. Using intravenous injection of B16F10 melanoma cell line and EO711 triple negative breast cancer cell line, metastasis evaluation was performed. Then, orthotopic implantation of breast tumors was performed and tumor growth was followed using bioluminescence. Infiltration and phenotype of NK cells in the tumor was evaluated. Finally, we targeted CISH in human NK-92 or primary NK cells, using a technology combining the CRISPR(i)-dCas9 tool with a new lentiviral pseudotype. We then tested human NK cells functions. Results In Cishfl/flNcr1Ki/+ mice, we detected no developmental or homeostatic difference in NK cells. Global gene expression of Cishfl/flNcr1Ki/+ NK cells compared with Cish+/+Ncr1Ki/+ NK cells revealed upregulation of pathways and genes associated with NK cell cycling and activation. We show that CISH does not only regulate interleukin-15 (IL-15) signaling pathways but also natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCR) pathways, triggering CISH protein expression. Primed Cishfl/flNcr1Ki/+ NK cells display increased activation upon NCR stimulation. Cishfl/flNcr1Ki/+ NK cells display lower activation thresholds and Cishfl/flNcr1Ki/+ mice are more resistant to tumor metastasis and to primary breast cancer growth. CISH deletion favors NK cell accumulation to the primary tumor, optimizes NK cell killing properties and decreases TIGIT immune checkpoint receptor expression, limiting NK cell exhaustion. Finally, using CRISPRi, we then targeted CISH in human NK-92 or primary NK cells. In human NK cells, CISH deletion also favors NCR signaling and antitumor functions. Conclusion This study represents a crucial step in the mechanistic understanding and safety of Cish targeting to unleash NK cell antitumor function in solid tumors. Our results validate CISH as an emerging therapeutic target to enhance NK cell immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Louis Bernard
- Immunity and Cancer Team, Onco-Hemato Immuno-Onco Department, OHIO, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Inserm, CNRS, Cancer Research Centre, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Rebecca Delconte
- Immunology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Sonia Pastor
- Immunity and Cancer Team, Onco-Hemato Immuno-Onco Department, OHIO, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Inserm, CNRS, Cancer Research Centre, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Vladimir Laletin
- Immunity and Cancer Team, Onco-Hemato Immuno-Onco Department, OHIO, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Inserm, CNRS, Cancer Research Centre, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Cathy Costa Da Silva
- Immunity and Cancer Team, Onco-Hemato Immuno-Onco Department, OHIO, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Inserm, CNRS, Cancer Research Centre, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Armelle Goubard
- Immunity and Cancer Team, Onco-Hemato Immuno-Onco Department, OHIO, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Inserm, CNRS, Cancer Research Centre, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Emmanuelle Josselin
- Immunity and Cancer Team, Onco-Hemato Immuno-Onco Department, OHIO, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Inserm, CNRS, Cancer Research Centre, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Rémy Castellano
- Immunity and Cancer Team, Onco-Hemato Immuno-Onco Department, OHIO, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Inserm, CNRS, Cancer Research Centre, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Adrien Krug
- INSERM, Unité 1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 5308, CIRI-International Center for Infectiology Research, Nice, France
| | - Julien Vernerey
- Immunity and Cancer Team, Onco-Hemato Immuno-Onco Department, OHIO, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Inserm, CNRS, Cancer Research Centre, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Raynier Devillier
- Immunity and Cancer Team, Onco-Hemato Immuno-Onco Department, OHIO, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Inserm, CNRS, Cancer Research Centre, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Daniel Olive
- Immunity and Cancer Team, Onco-Hemato Immuno-Onco Department, OHIO, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Inserm, CNRS, Cancer Research Centre, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Els Verhoeyen
- INSERM, Unité 1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 5308, CIRI-International Center for Infectiology Research, Nice, France
| | - Eric Vivier
- Innate Pharma Research Labs, Innate Pharma; Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, CIML; Service d'Immunologie, Marseille Immunopole, Hôpital de la Timone, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Aix Marseille Université, Inserm, CNRS, Marseille, France
| | - Nicholas D Huntington
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jacques Nunes
- Immunity and Cancer Team, Onco-Hemato Immuno-Onco Department, OHIO, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Inserm, CNRS, Cancer Research Centre, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Geoffrey Guittard
- Immunity and Cancer Team, Onco-Hemato Immuno-Onco Department, OHIO, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Inserm, CNRS, Cancer Research Centre, CRCM, Marseille, France
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46
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Combination Blockade of the IL6R/STAT-3 Axis with TIGIT and Its Impact on the Functional Activity of NK Cells against Prostate Cancer Cells. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:1810804. [PMID: 35465350 PMCID: PMC9020142 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1810804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims. Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the neoplasms with the highest incidence and mortality rate in men worldwide. Advanced stages of the disease are usually very aggressive, and most are treated with chemotherapeutic drugs that generally cause side effects in these patients. However, additional therapeutic targets such as the IL6R/STAT-3 axis and TIGIT have been proposed, mainly due to their relevance in the development of PCa and regulation of NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Here, we evaluate the effect of inhibitors directed against these therapeutic targets primarily via an analysis of NK cell function versus prostate cancer cells. Methods. We analyzed the secretion of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors in 22Rv1, LNCaP, and DU145 cells. In these cells, we also evaluated the expression of NK ligands, IL6R, STAT-3, and phosporylated STAT-3. In NK-92 cells, we evaluated the effects of Stattic (Stt) and tocilizumab (Tcz) on NK receptors. In addition, we assessed if the disruption of the IL6R/STAT-3 pathway and blockade of TIGIT potentiated the cytotoxicity of NK-92 cells versus DU145 cells. Results. DU145 abundantly secretes M-CSF, VEGF, IL-6, CXCL8, and TGF-β. Furthermore, the expression of CD155 was found to increase in accordance with aggressiveness and metastatic status in the prostate cancer cells. Stt and Tcz induce a decrease in STAT-3 phosphorylation in the DU145 cells and, in turn, induce an increase of NKp46 and a decrease of TIGIT expression in NK-92 cells. Finally, the disruption of the IL6R/STAT-3 axis in prostate cancer cells and the blocking of TIGIT on NK-92 were observed to increase the cytotoxicity of NK-92 cells against DU145 cells through an increase in sFasL, granzyme A, granzyme B, and granulysin. Conclusions. Our results reveal that the combined use of inhibitors directed against the IL6R/STAT-3 axis and TIGIT enhances the functional activity of NK cells against castration-resistant prostate cancer cells.
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Bai Z, Zhou Y, Ye Z, Xiong J, Lan H, Wang F. Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Colorectal Cancer: The Fundamental Indication and Application on Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 12:808964. [PMID: 35095898 PMCID: PMC8795622 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.808964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical success of immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of cancer patients, bringing renewed attention to tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) of various cancer types. Immune checkpoint blockade is effective in patients with mismatched repair defects and high microsatellite instability (dMMR-MSI-H) in metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), leading the FDA to accelerate the approval of two programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) blocking antibodies, pembrolizumab and nivolumab, for treatment of dMMR-MSI-H cancers. In contrast, patients with proficient mismatch repair and low levels of microsatellite stability or microsatellite instability (pMMR-MSI-L/MSS) typically have low tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and have shown unsatisfied responses to the immune checkpoint inhibitor. Different TILs environments reflect different responses to immunotherapy, highlighting the complexity of the underlying tumor-immune interaction. Profiling of TILs fundamental Indication would shed light on the mechanisms of cancer-immune evasion, thus providing opportunities for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. In this review, we summarize phenotypic diversities of TILs and their connections with prognosis in CRC and provide insights into the subsets-specific nature of TILs with different MSI status. We also discuss current clinical immunotherapy approaches based on TILs as well as promising directions for future expansion, and highlight existing clinical data supporting its use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Bai
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China.,College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yao Zhou
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zifan Ye
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Jialong Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Hongying Lan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
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48
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Wang C, Zhang Y, Gao WQ. The evolving role of immune cells in prostate cancer. Cancer Lett 2022; 525:9-21. [PMID: 34715253 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death among men in western countries. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is considered the standard therapy for recurrent prostate cancer; however, this therapy may lead to ADT resistance and tumor progression, which seems to be regulated by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and/or neuroendocrine differentiation (NED). In addition, recent data suggested the involvement of either adaptive or innate infiltrated immune cells in the initiation, progression, metastasis, and treatment of prostate cancer. In this review, we outlined the characteristics and roles of these immune cells in the initiation, progression, metastasis, and treatments of prostate cancer. We also summarized the current therapeutic strategies in targeting immune cells of the prostate tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-MedX Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, PR China; Med-X Research Institute, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, PR China.
| | - Wei-Qiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-MedX Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, PR China; Med-X Research Institute, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, PR China.
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49
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Ye Y, Zhang Y, Yang N, Gao Q, Ding X, Kuang X, Bao R, Zhang Z, Sun C, Zhou B, Wang L, Hu Q, Lin C, Gao J, Lou Y, Lin SH, Diao L, Liu H, Chen X, Mills GB, Han L. Profiling of immune features to predict immunotherapy efficacy. Innovation (N Y) 2022; 3:100194. [PMID: 34977836 PMCID: PMC8688727 DOI: 10.1016/j.xinn.2021.100194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies exhibit substantial clinical benefit in different cancers, but relatively low response rates in the majority of patients highlight the need to understand mutual relationships among immune features. Here, we reveal overall positive correlations among immune checkpoints and immune cell populations. Clinically, patients benefiting from ICB exhibited increases for both immune stimulatory and inhibitory features after initiation of therapy, suggesting that the activation of the immune microenvironment might serve as the biomarker to predict immune response. As proof-of-concept, we demonstrated that the immune activation score (IS Δ) based on dynamic alteration of interleukins in patient plasma as early as two cycles (4-6 weeks) after starting immunotherapy can accurately predict immunotherapy efficacy. Our results reveal a systematic landscape of associations among immune features and provide a noninvasive, cost-effective, and time-efficient approach based on dynamic profiling of pre- and on-treatment plasma to predict immunotherapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youqiong Ye
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yongchang Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lung Cancer and Gastrointestinal Unit, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Nong Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lung Cancer and Gastrointestinal Unit, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Qian Gao
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Xinyu Ding
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xinwei Kuang
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Rujuan Bao
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chaoyang Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Bingying Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Qingsong Hu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chunru Lin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jianjun Gao
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yanyan Lou
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Steven H. Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lixia Diao
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Gordon B. Mills
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Leng Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Epigenetics and Disease Prevention, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030 USA
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Palano MT, Gallazzi M, Cucchiara M, Dehò F, Capogrosso P, Bruno A, Mortara L. The tumor innate immune microenvironment in prostate cancer: an overview of soluble factors and cellular effectors. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2022; 3:694-718. [PMID: 36338516 PMCID: PMC9630328 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2022.00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) accounts as the most common non-cutaneous disease affecting males, and as the first cancer, for incidence, in male. With the introduction of the concept of immunoscore, PCa has been classified as a cold tumor, thus driving the attention in the development of strategies aimed at blocking the infiltration/activation of immunosuppressive cells, while favoring the infiltration/activation of anti-tumor immune cells. Even if immunotherapy has revolutionized the approaches to cancer therapy, there is still a window failure, due to the immune cell plasticity within PCa, that can acquire pro-tumor features, subsequent to the tumor microenvironment (TME) capability to polarize them. This review discussed selected relevant soluble factors [transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, IL-23] and cellular components of the innate immunity, as drivers of tumor progression, immunosuppression, and angiogenesis within the PCa-TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Palano
- Laboratory of Innate Immunity, Unit of Molecular Pathology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) MultiMedica, 20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Gallazzi
- Laboratory of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Martina Cucchiara
- Laboratory of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Federico Dehò
- Unit of Urology, ASST-Sette Laghi, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Paolo Capogrosso
- Unit of Urology, ASST-Sette Laghi, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Antonino Bruno
- Laboratory of Innate Immunity, Unit of Molecular Pathology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) MultiMedica, 20138 Milan, Italy,Laboratory of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy,Correspondence: Antonino Bruno,
| | - Lorenzo Mortara
- Laboratory of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy,Lorenzo Mortara, . Laboratory of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
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