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Cords L, Engler S, Haberecker M, Rüschoff JH, Moch H, de Souza N, Bodenmiller B. Cancer-associated fibroblast phenotypes are associated with patient outcome in non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:396-412.e5. [PMID: 38242124 PMCID: PMC10929690 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Despite advances in treatment, lung cancer survival rates remain low. A better understanding of the cellular heterogeneity and interplay of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) within the tumor microenvironment will support the development of personalized therapies. We report a spatially resolved single-cell imaging mass cytometry (IMC) analysis of CAFs in a non-small cell lung cancer cohort of 1,070 patients. We identify four prognostic patient groups based on 11 CAF phenotypes with distinct spatial distributions and show that CAFs are independent prognostic factors for patient survival. The presence of tumor-like CAFs is strongly correlated with poor prognosis. In contrast, inflammatory CAFs and interferon-response CAFs are associated with inflamed tumor microenvironments and higher patient survival. High density of matrix CAFs is correlated with low immune infiltration and is negatively correlated with patient survival. In summary, our data identify phenotypic and spatial features of CAFs that are associated with patient outcome in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Cords
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8049 Zurich, Switzerland; Life Science Zurich Graduate School, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Engler
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8049 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martina Haberecker
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Hendrik Rüschoff
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Holger Moch
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Natalie de Souza
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8049 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Bodenmiller
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8049 Zurich, Switzerland.
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Liang S, Zheng R, Zuo B, Li J, Wang Y, Han Y, Dong H, Zhao X, Zhang Y, Wang P, Meng R, Jia L, Yang A, Yan B. SMAD7 expression in CAR-T cells improves persistence and safety for solid tumors. Cell Mol Immunol 2024; 21:213-226. [PMID: 38177245 PMCID: PMC10901810 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-01120-y] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the tremendous progress of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy in hematological malignancies, their application in solid tumors has been limited largely due to T-cell exhaustion in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and systemic toxicity caused by excessive cytokine release. As a key regulator of the immunosuppressive TME, TGF-β promotes cytokine synthesis via the NF-κB pathway. Here, we coexpressed SMAD7, a suppressor of TGF-β signaling, with a HER2-targeted CAR in engineered T cells. These novel CAR-T cells displayed high cytolytic efficacy and were resistant to TGF-β-triggered exhaustion, which enabled sustained tumoricidal capacity after continuous antigen exposure. Moreover, SMAD7 substantially reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines by antigen-primed CAR-T cells. Mechanistically, SMAD7 downregulated TGF-β receptor I and abrogated the interplay between the TGF-β and NF-κB pathways in CAR-T cells. As a result, these CAR-T cells persistently inhibited tumor growth and promoted the survival of tumor-challenged mice regardless of the hostile tumor microenvironment caused by a high concentration of TGF-β. SMAD7 coexpression also enhanced CAR-T-cell infiltration and persistent activation in patient-derived tumor organoids. Therefore, our study demonstrated the feasibility of SMAD7 coexpression as a novel approach to improve the efficacy and safety of CAR-T-cell therapy for solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sixin Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
- School of Medicine Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
| | - Rui Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Baile Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
- School of Medicine Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xijing Hospital of Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Yiyi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Yujie Han
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
- School of Medicine Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
| | - Hao Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
- School of Medicine Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
| | - Xiaojuan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Yiting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Pengju Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Ruotong Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
- College of Life Science, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi, 716000, China
| | - Lintao Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China.
| | - Angang Yang
- Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China.
| | - Bo Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China.
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Fu Z, Wang L, Guo H, Lin S, Huang W, Pang Y. Bacterial Flagellum-Drug Nanoconjugates for Carrier-Free Immunochemotherapy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2306303. [PMID: 37919854 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202306303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy to ablate tumors has attracted substantial attention due to the ability to simultaneously elicit antitumor immune responses and trigger direct tumor cell death. However, conventional combinational strategies mainly focus on the employment of drug carriers to deliver immunomodulators, chemotherapeutics, or their combinations, always suffering from complicated preparation and carrier-relevant side effects. Here, the fabrication of bacterial flagellum-drug nanoconjugates (FDNCs) for carrier-free immunochemotherapy is described. FDNCs are simply prepared by attaching chemotherapeutics to amine residues of flagellin through an acid-sensitive and traceless cis-aconityl linker. By virtue of native nanofibrous structure and immunogenicity, bacterial flagella not only show long-term tumor retention and highly efficient cell internalization, but also provoke robust systemic antitumor immune responses. Meanwhile, conjugated chemotherapeutics exhibit an acid-mediated release profile and durable intratumoral exposure, which can induce potent tumor cell inhibition via direct killing. More importantly, this combination is able to augment immunoactivation effects associated with chemotherapy-enabled immunogenic tumor cell death to further enhance antitumor efficacy. By leveraging the innate response of the immune system to pathogens, the conjugation of therapeutic agents with self-adjuvant bacterial flagella provides an alternative approach to develop carrier-free nanotherapeutics for tumor immunochemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Fu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Haiyan Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Sisi Lin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Wei Huang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yan Pang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200011, China
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Rasmussen M, Fredsøe J, Salachan PV, Blanke MPL, Larsen SH, Ulhøi BP, Jensen JB, Borre M, Sørensen KD. Stroma-specific gene expression signature identifies prostate cancer subtype with high recurrence risk. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:48. [PMID: 38395986 PMCID: PMC10891092 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00540-x] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Current prognostic tools cannot clearly distinguish indolent and aggressive prostate cancer (PC). We hypothesized that analyzing individual contributions of epithelial and stromal components in localized PC (LPC) could improve risk stratification, as stromal subtypes may have been overlooked due to the emphasis on malignant epithelial cells. Hence, we derived molecular subtypes of PC using gene expression analysis of LPC samples from prostatectomy patients (cohort 1, n = 127) and validated these subtypes in two independent prostatectomy cohorts (cohort 2, n = 406, cohort 3, n = 126). Stroma and epithelium-specific signatures were established from laser-capture microdissection data and non-negative matrix factorization was used to identify subtypes based on these signatures. Subtypes were functionally characterized by gene set and cell type enrichment analyses, and survival analysis was conducted. Three epithelial (E1-E3) and three stromal (S1-S3) PC subtypes were identified. While subtyping based on epithelial signatures showed inconsistent associations to biochemical recurrence (BCR), subtyping by stromal signatures was significantly associated with BCR in all three cohorts, with subtype S3 indicating high BCR risk. Subtype S3 exhibited distinct features, including significantly decreased cell-polarity and myogenesis, significantly increased infiltration of M2-polarized macrophages and CD8 + T-cells compared to subtype S1. For patients clinically classified as CAPRA-S intermediate risk, S3 improved prediction of BCR. This study demonstrates the potential of stromal signatures in identification of clinically relevant PC subtypes, and further indicated that stromal characterization may enhance risk stratification in LPC and may be particularly promising in cases with high prognostic ambiguity based on clinical parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Rasmussen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital (AUH), Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jacob Fredsøe
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital (AUH), Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Paul Vinu Salachan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital (AUH), Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Marcus Pii Lunau Blanke
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital (AUH), Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Stine Hesselby Larsen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital (AUH), Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Jørgen Bjerggaard Jensen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Urology, Gødstrup Hospital, Herning, Denmark
| | - Michael Borre
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Urology, Aarhus University Hospital (AUH), Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Karina Dalsgaard Sørensen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital (AUH), Aarhus, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Yang K, Yi T. Tumor cell stemness in gastrointestinal cancer: regulation and targeted therapy. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 10:1297611. [PMID: 38455361 PMCID: PMC10918437 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1297611] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The cancer stem cells are a rare group of self-renewable cancer cells capable of the initiation, progression, metastasis and recurrence of tumors, and also a key contributor to the therapeutic resistance. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanism of tumor stemness regulation, especially in the gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, is of great importance for targeting CSC and designing novel therapeutic strategies. This review aims to elucidate current advancements in the understanding of CSC regulation, including CSC biomarkers, signaling pathways, and non-coding RNAs. We will also provide a comprehensive view on how the tumor microenvironment (TME) display an overall tumor-promoting effect, including the recruitment and impact of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the establishment of an immunosuppressive milieu, and the induction of angiogenesis and hypoxia. Lastly, this review consolidates mainstream novel therapeutic interventions targeting CSC stemness regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangqi Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tuo Yi
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Yu XW, She PW, Chen FC, Chen YY, Zhou S, Wang XM, Lin XR, Liu QL, Huang ZJ, Qiu Y. Metabolic subtypes and immune landscapes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: prognostic implications and potential for personalized therapies. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:230. [PMID: 38373930 PMCID: PMC10875771 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-11890-x] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to identify metabolic subtypes in ESCA, explore their relationship with immune landscapes, and establish a metabolic index for accurate prognosis assessment. METHODS Clinical, SNP, and RNA-seq data were collected from 80 ESCA patients from the TCGA database and RNA-seq data from the GSE19417 dataset. Metabolic genes associated with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were selected, and k-means clustering was performed. Immune-related pathways, immune infiltration, and response to immunotherapy were predicted using bioinformatic algorithms. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was conducted to identify metabolic genes associated with co-expression modules. Lastly, cell culture and functional analysis were performed using patient tissue samples and ESCA cell lines to verify the identified genes and their roles. RESULTS Molecular subtypes were identified based on the expression profiles of metabolic genes, and univariate survival analysis revealed 163 metabolic genes associated with ESCA prognosis. Consensus clustering analysis classified ESCA samples into three distinct subtypes, with MC1 showing the poorest prognosis and MC3 having the best prognosis. The subtypes also exhibited significant differences in immune cell infiltration, with MC3 showing the highest scores. Additionally, the MC3 subtype demonstrated the poorest response to immunotherapy, while the MC1 subtype was the most sensitive. WGCNA analysis identified gene modules associated with the metabolic index, with SLC5A1, NT5DC4, and MTHFD2 emerging as prognostic markers. Gene and protein expression analysis validated the upregulation of MTHFD2 in ESCA. MTHFD2 promotes the progression of ESCA and may be a potential therapeutic target for ESCA. CONCLUSION The established metabolic index and identified metabolic genes offer potential for prognostic assessment and personalized therapeutic interventions for ESCA, underscoring the importance of targeting metabolism-immune interactions in ESCA. MTHFD2 promotes the progression of ESCA and may be a potential therapeutic target for ESCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Wan Yu
- Clinical Laboratory Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 362000, Quanzhou, Fujian, P. R. China.
| | - Pei-Wei She
- Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, P. R. China
- Center for Experimental Research in Clinical Medicine, Fujian Provincial Hospital, 350001, Fuzhou, Fujian, P. R. China
| | - Fang-Chuan Chen
- Stomatology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 362000, Quanzhou, Fujian, P. R. China
| | - Ya-Yu Chen
- Stomatology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 362000, Quanzhou, Fujian, P. R. China
| | - Shuang Zhou
- Central Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 362000, Quanzhou, Fujian, P. R. China
| | - Xi-Min Wang
- Clinical Laboratory Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 362000, Quanzhou, Fujian, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Rong Lin
- Clinical Laboratory Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 362000, Quanzhou, Fujian, P. R. China
| | - Qiao-Ling Liu
- Clinical Laboratory Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 362000, Quanzhou, Fujian, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Jun Huang
- Esophageal Surgery Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 362000, Quanzhou, Fujian, P. R. China
| | - Yu Qiu
- Reproductive Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 362000, Quanzhou, Fujian, P. R. China.
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Lan HR, Chen M, Yao SY, Chen JX, Jin KT. Novel immunotherapies for breast cancer: Focus on 2023 findings. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 128:111549. [PMID: 38266449 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111549] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as a revolutionary approach in cancer therapy, and recent advancements hold significant promise for breast cancer (BCa) management. Employing the patient's immune system to combat BCa has become a focal point in immunotherapeutic investigations. Strategies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), adoptive cell transfer (ACT), and targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME) have disclosed encouraging clinical outcomes. ICIs, particularly programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 inhibitors, exhibit efficacy in specific BCa subtypes, including triple-negative BCa (TNBC) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive cancers. ACT approaches, including tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, showed promising clinical outcomes in enhancing tumor recognition and elimination. Targeting the TME through immune agonists and oncolytic viruses signifies a burgeoning field of research. While challenges persist in patient selection, resistance mechanisms, and combination therapy optimization, these novel immunotherapies hold transformative potential for BCa treatment. Continued research and clinical trials are imperative to refine and implement these innovative approaches, paving the way for improved outcomes and revolutionizing the management of BCa. This review provides a concise overview of the latest immunotherapies (2023 studies) in BCa, highlighting their potential and current status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Rong Lan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310002, China
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
| | - Shi-Ya Yao
- Department of Gastrointestinal, Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
| | - Jun-Xia Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, China.
| | - Ke-Tao Jin
- Department of Gastrointestinal, Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China.
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Zhou Y, Wang F, Li G, Xu J, Zhang J, Gullen E, Yang J, Wang J. From immune checkpoints to therapies: understanding immune checkpoint regulation and the influence of natural products and traditional medicine on immune checkpoint and immunotherapy in lung cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1340307. [PMID: 38426097 PMCID: PMC10902058 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1340307] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is a disease of global concern, and immunotherapy has brought lung cancer therapy to a new era. Besides promising effects in the clinical use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and low response rates are problems unsolved. Natural products and traditional medicine with an immune-modulating nature have the property to influence immune checkpoint expression and can improve immunotherapy's effect with relatively low toxicity. This review summarizes currently approved immunotherapy and the current mechanisms known to regulate immune checkpoint expression in lung cancer. It lists natural products and traditional medicine capable of influencing immune checkpoints or synergizing with immunotherapy in lung cancer, exploring both their effects and underlying mechanisms. Future research on immune checkpoint modulation and immunotherapy combination applying natural products and traditional medicine will be based on a deeper understanding of their mechanisms regulating immune checkpoints. Continued exploration of natural products and traditional medicine holds the potential to enhance the efficacy and reduce the adverse reactions of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibin Zhou
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fenglan Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Guangda Li
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Elizabeth Gullen
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale Medical School, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Liu W, Pang Y, Yu X, Lu D, Yang Y, Meng F, Xu C, Yuan L, Nan Y. Pan-cancer analysis of NUDT21 and its effect on the proliferation of human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:3363-3385. [PMID: 38349866 PMCID: PMC10929839 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205539] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Based on bioinformatics research of NUDT21 in pan-cancer, we aimed to clarify the mechanism of NUDT21 in HHNC by experiment. METHODS The correlation between differential expression of NUDT21 in pan-cancer and survival prognosis, genomic instability, tumor stemness, DNA repair, RNA methylation and with immune microenvironment were analyzed by the application of different pan-cancer analysis web databases. In addition, immunohistochemistry staining and genetic detection of NUDT21 in HHNCC tumor tissues by immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR. Then, through in vitro cell experiments, NUDT21 was knocked down by lentivirus to detect the proliferation, cycle, apoptosis of FaDu and CNE-2Z cells, and finally by PathScan intracellular signaling array reagent to detect the apoptotic protein content. RESULTS Based on the pan-cancer analysis, we found that elevated expression of NUDT21 in most cancers was significantly correlated with TMB, MSI, neoantigens and chromosomal ploidy, and in epigenetics, elevated NUDT21 expression was strongly associated with genomic stability, mismatch repair genes, tumor stemness, and RNA methylation. Based on immunosuppressive score, we found that NUDT21 plays an essential role in the immunosuppressive environment by suppressing immune checkpointing effect in most cancers. In addition, using HHNSCC as a study target, PCR and pathological detection of NUDT21 in tumor tissues was significantly increased than that in paracancerous normal tissues. In vitro cellular assays, silencing NUDT21 inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis in FaDu and CNE-2Z cells, and blocked the cell cycle in the G2/M phase. Therefore, the experiments confirmed that NUDT21 promotes the proliferation of FaDu by suppressing the expression of apoptotic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yingna Pang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Xiaolu Yu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Doudou Lu
- Clinical Medical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yating Yang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Fandi Meng
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Chengbi Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Ling Yuan
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yi Nan
- Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
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Luo J, Shi X, Liu Y, Wang J, Wang H, Yang X, Sun Q, Hui Z, Wei F, Ren X, Zhao H. Immune checkpoint ligands expressed on mature high endothelial venules predict poor prognosis of NSCLC: have a relationship with CD8 + T lymphocytes infiltration. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1302761. [PMID: 38390332 PMCID: PMC10882939 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1302761] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background An insufficient number of intratumoral CD8+ T lymphocytes is a major barrier to antitumor immunity and immunotherapy. High endothelial venules (HEVs) are the major sites through which lymphocytes enter tumors; however, the molecular mechanism through which HEVs mediate CD8+ T lymphocyte infiltration remains poorly understood. Methods Forty-two patients with stage IIIA lung adenocarcinoma, who underwent surgery, were recruited. Multiplex immunohistochemical staining was conducted on tumor tissues to detect the immune checkpoint ligands (ICLs) expressed in the HEVs, blood vessels, and lymphatics. A new ICL score model was constructed to evaluate ligand expression. The relationship between ICL score, tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cell frequency, and survival of patients was investigated. Results Mature HEVs, but not blood vessels or lymphatics, mediated CD8+ T cell infiltration. However, the ICLs expressed on mature HEVs could negatively regulate CD8+ T cell entry into tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs). In addition, according to the results obtained using our ICLtotal score model, the expression of ICLs on HEVs was observed to be a predictor of both CD8+ T cell infiltration and survival, in which a high ICLtotal score > 1 represent a weak CD8+ T cell infiltration and a high ICLtotal score > 2 predicts poor survival. Conclusion Using the ICL score model, we discovered that ICLs expressed on HEVs are indicative of CD8+ T cell subset infiltration in TLSs, as well as of patient survival with lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Luo
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiuhuan Shi
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, China
| | - Yumeng Liu
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuena Yang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Qian Sun
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhenzhen Hui
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Feng Wei
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiubao Ren
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin, China
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hua Zhao
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin, China
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Yu Y, Zhang F, Xiao W, Cheng Q, Li T, Tang J, Tao W, Mei L. Adaptive Design of Nanovesicles Overcoming Immunotherapeutic Limitations of Chemotherapeutic Drugs through Poliovirus Receptor Blockade. ACS NANO 2024. [PMID: 38324591 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c13056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Chemotherapy is currently a widely used treatment for cancer in clinical settings. Some chemotherapeutic drugs such as oxaliplatin (OXA) can cause tumor immunogenic cell death (ICD), activate immunity, and realize chemoimmunotherapy for tumors. However, the low degree of accumulation and immunosuppressive microenvironment in tumors limit the immunotherapeutic efficacy of these drugs. T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT)/poliovirus receptor (PVR) is an inhibitory immune checkpoint pathway involved in mediating natural killer (NK) cell and T cell exhaustion in tumors. TIGIT expression is up-regulated in NK cells and CD8+ T cells during tumor development. Moreover, we first found that tumors upregulated PVR expression after OXA treatment in previous work. Here, we systematically analyzed the effects of OXA on the TIGIT/PVR pathway, further proving the effectiveness of the combination of OXA and TIGIT/PVR blocking combination. We developed engineered TIGIT-expressing cell membrane nanovesicles loaded with OXA (OXA@TIGIT MVs) for synergistic cancer therapy. OXA@TIGIT showed good efficacy in several cancer models, leading to tumor regression, effectively inhibiting tumor growth and prolonging mouse survival. Furthermore, the OXA@TIGIT MVs activate a strong tumor-specific immune response in the body, providing long-term (more than 2 months) protection from tumor reactivation in the B16F10 melanoma rechallenge mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongkang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Key Laboratory of Biomaterials and Nanotechnology for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, PR China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, PR China
| | - Fan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Key Laboratory of Biomaterials and Nanotechnology for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, PR China
| | - Wenqing Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Key Laboratory of Biomaterials and Nanotechnology for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, PR China
| | - Qinzhen Cheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, PR China
| | - Tingxuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Key Laboratory of Biomaterials and Nanotechnology for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, PR China
| | - Jing Tang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, PR China
| | - Wei Tao
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Lin Mei
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Key Laboratory of Biomaterials and Nanotechnology for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, PR China
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Collado J, Boland L, Ahrendsen JT, Miska J, Lee-Chang C. Understanding the glioblastoma tumor microenvironment: leveraging the extracellular matrix to increase immunotherapy efficacy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1336476. [PMID: 38380331 PMCID: PMC10876826 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1336476] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) accounts for approximately half of all malignant brain tumors, and it remains lethal with a five-year survival of less than 10%. Despite the immense advancements in the field, it has managed to evade even the most promising therapeutics: immunotherapies. The main reason is the highly spatiotemporally heterogeneous and immunosuppressive GBM tumor microenvironment (TME). Accounting for this complex interplay of TME-driven immunosuppression is key to developing effective therapeutics. This review will explore the immunomodulatory role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by establishing its contribution to the TME as a key mediator of immune responses in GBM. This relationship will help us elucidate therapeutic targets that can be leveraged to develop and deliver more effective immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimena Collado
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Lauren Boland
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Jared T Ahrendsen
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Jason Miska
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Lurie Cancer Center, Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Catalina Lee-Chang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Lurie Cancer Center, Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, Chicago, IL, United States
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63
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Zhang S, Sun L, Zuo J, Feng D. Tumor associated neutrophils governs tumor progression through an IL-10/STAT3/PD-L1 feedback signaling loop in lung cancer. Transl Oncol 2024; 40:101866. [PMID: 38128466 PMCID: PMC10753083 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101866] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) can exist in either a pro-inflammatory or an anti-inflammatory state, known as N1 and N2, respectively. Anti-inflammatory TANs have been shown to correlate with poor prognosis and tumor progression in patients. To explore the role and mechanisms of TANs in lung cancer development, we isolated neutrophils from both peripheral blood and tumor tissues of patients/mice, and assessed their functional interaction with lung cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Our results revealed that tumor-derived neutrophils (or TANs) promote the tumorigenic and metastatic potential of lung cancer cells. Upon tumorigenesis, TANs display a N2-like status and secrete the cytokine IL-10 to facilitate the activation of c-Met/STAT3 signaling, which ultimately enhances distant metastasis in vivo. Meanwhile, the transcription factor STAT3 increases PD-L1 level in tumor cells, which promotes neutrophils polarization towards a N2-like status, leading to a positive feedback loop between TANs, IL-10, STAT3, PD-L1, and TANs themselves. Blocking IL-10, we additionally eliminated metastatic tumor nodules and enhanced the anticancer effects of chemotherapy in a Lewis mouse model. Our findings suggest a positive feedback loop between tumor cells and TANs that controls tumor progression and patient outcome in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210009, PR China
| | - Lei Sun
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210009, PR China
| | - Jingfang Zuo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210009, PR China
| | - Dongjie Feng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210009, PR China.
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Uehara M, Domoto T, Takenaka S, Takeuchi O, Shimasaki T, Miyashita T, Minamoto T. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β: the nexus of chemoresistance, invasive capacity, and cancer stemness in pancreatic cancer. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2024; 7:4. [PMID: 38318525 PMCID: PMC10838383 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
The treatment of pancreatic cancer remains a significant clinical challenge due to the limited number of patients eligible for curative (R0) surgery, failures in the clinical development of targeted and immune therapies, and the pervasive acquisition of chemotherapeutic resistance. Refractory pancreatic cancer is typified by high invasiveness and resistance to therapy, with both attributes related to tumor cell stemness. These malignant characteristics mutually enhance each other, leading to rapid cancer progression. Over the past two decades, numerous studies have produced evidence of the pivotal role of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)3β in the progression of over 25 different cancer types, including pancreatic cancer. In this review, we synthesize the current knowledge on the pathological roles of aberrant GSK3β in supporting tumor cell proliferation and invasion, as well as its contribution to gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer. Importantly, we discuss the central role of GSK3β as a molecular hub that mechanistically connects chemoresistance, tumor cell invasion, and stemness in pancreatic cancer. We also discuss the involvement of GSK3β in the formation of desmoplastic tumor stroma and in promoting anti-cancer immune evasion, both of which constitute major obstacles to successful cancer treatment. Overall, GSK3β has characteristics of a promising therapeutic target to overcome chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Uehara
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
- Authors contributed equally
| | - Takahiro Domoto
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
- Authors contributed equally
| | - Satoshi Takenaka
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Toyama City Hospital, Toyama 939-8511, Japan
| | - Osamu Takeuchi
- Biomedical Laboratory, Department of Research, Kitasato University Kitasato Institute Hospital, Tokyo 108-8642, Japan
| | - Takeo Shimasaki
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
- Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada 920-0293, Japan
| | - Tomoharu Miyashita
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Toyama City Hospital, Toyama 939-8511, Japan
| | - Toshinari Minamoto
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
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Du W, Xia X, Hu F, Yu J. Extracellular matrix remodeling in the tumor immunity. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1340634. [PMID: 38332915 PMCID: PMC10850336 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1340634] [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: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a significant constituent of tumors, fulfilling various essential functions such as providing mechanical support, influencing the microenvironment, and serving as a reservoir for signaling molecules. The abundance and degree of cross-linking of ECM components are critical determinants of tissue stiffness. In the process of tumorigenesis, the interaction between ECM and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) frequently leads to ECM stiffness, thereby disrupting normal mechanotransduction and promoting malignant progression. Therefore, acquiring a thorough comprehension of the dysregulation of ECM within the TME would significantly aid in the identification of potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. In this regard, we have compiled a comprehensive summary encompassing the following aspects: (1) the principal components of ECM and their roles in malignant conditions; (2) the intricate interaction between ECM and immune cells within the TME; and (3) the pivotal regulators governing the onco-immune response in ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Du
- Department of Targeting Therapy and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xueming Xia
- Division of Head & Neck Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiayun Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Ahluwalia P, Ballur K, Leeman T, Vashisht A, Singh H, Omar N, Mondal AK, Vaibhav K, Baban B, Kolhe R. Incorporating Novel Technologies in Precision Oncology for Colorectal Cancer: Advancing Personalized Medicine. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:480. [PMID: 38339232 PMCID: PMC10854941 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030480] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most heterogeneous and deadly diseases, with a global incidence of 1.5 million cases per year. Genomics has revolutionized the clinical management of CRC by enabling comprehensive molecular profiling of cancer. However, a deeper understanding of the molecular factors is needed to identify new prognostic and predictive markers that can assist in designing more effective therapeutic regimens for the improved management of CRC. Recent breakthroughs in single-cell analysis have identified new cell subtypes that play a critical role in tumor progression and could serve as potential therapeutic targets. Spatial analysis of the transcriptome and proteome holds the key to unlocking pathogenic cellular interactions, while liquid biopsy profiling of molecular variables from serum holds great potential for monitoring therapy resistance. Furthermore, gene expression signatures from various pathways have emerged as promising prognostic indicators in colorectal cancer and have the potential to enhance the development of equitable medicine. The advancement of these technologies for identifying new markers, particularly in the domain of predictive and personalized medicine, has the potential to improve the management of patients with CRC. Further investigations utilizing similar methods could uncover molecular subtypes specific to emerging therapies, potentially strengthening the development of personalized medicine for CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Ahluwalia
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (P.A.); (K.B.); (T.L.); (A.V.); (H.S.); (N.O.); (A.K.M.)
| | - Kalyani Ballur
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (P.A.); (K.B.); (T.L.); (A.V.); (H.S.); (N.O.); (A.K.M.)
| | - Tiffanie Leeman
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (P.A.); (K.B.); (T.L.); (A.V.); (H.S.); (N.O.); (A.K.M.)
| | - Ashutosh Vashisht
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (P.A.); (K.B.); (T.L.); (A.V.); (H.S.); (N.O.); (A.K.M.)
| | - Harmanpreet Singh
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (P.A.); (K.B.); (T.L.); (A.V.); (H.S.); (N.O.); (A.K.M.)
| | - Nivin Omar
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (P.A.); (K.B.); (T.L.); (A.V.); (H.S.); (N.O.); (A.K.M.)
| | - Ashis K. Mondal
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (P.A.); (K.B.); (T.L.); (A.V.); (H.S.); (N.O.); (A.K.M.)
| | - Kumar Vaibhav
- Department of Neurosurgery, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
| | - Babak Baban
- Departments of Neurology and Surgery, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
| | - Ravindra Kolhe
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (P.A.); (K.B.); (T.L.); (A.V.); (H.S.); (N.O.); (A.K.M.)
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Su W, Che L, Liao W, Huang H. The RNA m 6A writer METTL3 in tumor microenvironment: emerging roles and therapeutic implications. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1335774. [PMID: 38322265 PMCID: PMC10845340 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1335774] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a heterogeneous ecosystem comprising cancer cells, immune cells, stromal cells, and various non-cellular components, all of which play critical roles in controlling tumor progression and response to immunotherapies. Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), the core component of N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) writer, is frequently associated with abnormalities in the m6A epitranscriptome in different cancer types, impacting both cancer cells and the surrounding TME. While the impact of METTL3 on cancer cells has been extensively reviewed, its roles in TME and anti-cancer immunity have not been comprehensively summarized. This review aims to systematically summarize the functions of METTL3 in TME, particularly its effects on tumor-infiltrating immune cells. We also elaborate on the underlying m6A-dependent mechanism. Additionally, we discuss ongoing endeavors towards developing METTL3 inhibitors, as well as the potential of targeting METTL3 to bolster the efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqi Su
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin Che
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenting Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huilin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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68
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Guo X, Xu L, Nie L, Zhang C, Liu Y, Zhao R, Cao J, Tian L, Liu M. B cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: current opinion and novel therapy. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:41. [PMID: 38245714 PMCID: PMC10799521 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03218-3] [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: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common malignant tumour. Despite advancements in surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which have improved the prognosis of most patients, a subset of patients with poor prognoses still exist due to loss of surgical opportunities, postoperative recurrence, and metastasis, among other reasons. The tumour microenvironment (TME) is a complex organization composed of tumour, stromal, and endothelial cells. Communication and interaction between tumours and immune cells within the TME are increasingly being recognized as pivotal in inhibiting or promoting tumour development. Previous studies on T cells in the TME of HNSCC have yielded novel therapeutic possibilities. However, the function of B cells, another adaptive immune cell type, in the TME of HNSCC patients has yet to be determined. Recent studies have revealed various distinct subtypes of B cells and tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) in the TME of HNSCC patients, which are believed to impact the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Therefore, this paper focuses on B cells in the TME to explore potential directions for future immunotherapy for HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Guo
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Licheng Xu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Luan Nie
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Chenyu Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yaohui Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Linli Tian
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
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Zheng J, Hao H. The importance of cancer-associated fibroblasts in targeted therapies and drug resistance in breast cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1333839. [PMID: 38273859 PMCID: PMC10810416 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1333839] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a substantial role in the tumor microenvironment, exhibiting a strong association with the advancement of various types of cancer, including breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancer. CAFs represent the most abundant mesenchymal cell population in breast cancer. Through diverse mechanisms, including the release of cytokines and exosomes, CAFs contribute to the progression of breast cancer by influencing tumor energy metabolism, promoting angiogenesis, impairing immune cell function, and remodeling the extracellular matrix. Moreover, CAFs considerably impact the response to treatment in breast cancer. Consequently, the development of interventions targeting CAFs has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach in the management of breast cancer. This article provides an analysis of the role of CAFs in breast cancer, specifically in relation to diagnosis, treatment, drug resistance, and prognosis. The paper succinctly outlines the diverse mechanisms through which CAFs contribute to the malignant behavior of breast cancer cells, including proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the potential of CAFs as valuable tools for early diagnosis, targeted therapy, treatment resistance, and prognosis assessment in breast cancer, thereby offering novel approaches for targeted therapy and overcoming treatment resistance in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hua Hao
- Department of Pathology, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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70
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Jia X, Xi J, Tian B, Zhang Y, Wang Z, Wang F, Li Z, Long J, Wang J, Fan GH, Li Q. The Tautomerase Activity of Tumor Exosomal MIF Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Progression by Modulating MDSC Differentiation. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:72-90. [PMID: 37956411 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0205] [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: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a deadly disease that is largely resistant to immunotherapy, in part because of the accumulation of immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Much evidence suggests that tumor-derived exosomes (TDE) contribute to the immunosuppressive activity mediated by myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) within the pancreatic cancer TME. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Herein, we report that macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in TDEs has a key role in inducing MDSC formation in pancreatic cancer. We identified MIF in both human and murine pancreatic cancer-derived exosomes. Upon specific shRNA-mediated knockdown of MIF, the ability of pancreatic cancer-derived exosomes to promote MDSC differentiation was abrogated. This phenotype was rescued by reexpression of the wild-type form of MIF rather than a tautomerase-null mutant or a thiol-protein oxidoreductase-null mutant, indicating that both MIF enzyme activity sites play a role in exosome-induced MDSC formation in pancreatic cancer. RNA sequencing data indicated that MIF tautomerase regulated the expression of genes required for MDSC differentiation, recruitment, and activation. We therefore developed a MIF tautomerase inhibitor, IPG1576. The inhibitor effectively inhibited exosome-induced MDSC differentiation in vitro and reduced tumor growth in an orthotopic pancreatic cancer model, which was associated with decreased numbers of MDSCs and increased infiltration of CD8+ T cells in the TME. Collectively, our findings highlight a pivotal role for MIF in exosome-induced MDSC differentiation in pancreatic cancer and underscore the potential of MIF tautomerase inhibitors to reverse the immunosuppressive pancreatic cancer microenvironment, thereby augmenting anticancer immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuebing Jia
- Cancer Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianbei Xi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Immunophage Biotech Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Binle Tian
- Cancer Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Immunophage Biotech Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Zhilong Wang
- Department of Oncology, Immunophage Biotech Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Wang
- Cancer Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Autoimmune Disease, Immunophage Biotech Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Jiang Long
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - JianFei Wang
- Excecutive Office, Immunophage Biotech Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Laboratory Animal Research Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Huang Fan
- Excecutive Office, Immunophage Biotech Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Li
- Cancer Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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71
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Hickey JW, Haist M, Horowitz N, Caraccio C, Tan Y, Rech AJ, Baertsch MA, Rovira-Clavé X, Zhu B, Vazquez G, Barlow G, Agmon E, Goltsev Y, Sunwoo JB, Covert M, Nolan GP. T cell-mediated curation and restructuring of tumor tissue coordinates an effective immune response. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113494. [PMID: 38085642 PMCID: PMC10765317 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113494] [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: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Antigen-specific T cells traffic to, are influenced by, and create unique cellular microenvironments. Here we characterize these microenvironments over time with multiplexed imaging in a melanoma model of adoptive T cell therapy and human patients with melanoma treated with checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Multicellular neighborhood analysis reveals dynamic immune cell infiltration and inflamed tumor cell neighborhoods associated with CD8+ T cells. T cell-focused analysis indicates T cells are found along a continuum of neighborhoods that reflect the progressive steps coordinating the anti-tumor immune response. More effective anti-tumor immune responses are characterized by inflamed tumor-T cell neighborhoods, flanked by dense immune infiltration neighborhoods. Conversely, ineffective T cell therapies express anti-inflammatory cytokines, resulting in regulatory neighborhoods, spatially disrupting productive T cell-immune and -tumor interactions. Our study provides in situ mechanistic insights into temporal tumor microenvironment changes, cell interactions critical for response, and spatial correlates of immunotherapy outcomes, informing cellular therapy evaluation and engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Hickey
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Maximillian Haist
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Nina Horowitz
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Chiara Caraccio
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yuqi Tan
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Andrew J Rech
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Marc-Andrea Baertsch
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Xavier Rovira-Clavé
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Bokai Zhu
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Gustavo Vazquez
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Graham Barlow
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Eran Agmon
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT 06032, USA
| | - Yury Goltsev
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - John B Sunwoo
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford Cancer Institute, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Markus Covert
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Garry P Nolan
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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72
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Abizanda-Campo S, Virumbrales-Muñoz M, Humayun M, Marmol I, Beebe DJ, Ochoa I, Oliván S, Ayuso JM. Microphysiological systems for solid tumor immunotherapy: opportunities and challenges. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2023; 9:154. [PMID: 38106674 PMCID: PMC10724276 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00616-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy remains more effective for hematologic tumors than for solid tumors. One of the main challenges to immunotherapy of solid tumors is the immunosuppressive microenvironment these tumors generate, which limits the cytotoxic capabilities of immune effector cells (e.g., cytotoxic T and natural killer cells). This microenvironment is characterized by hypoxia, nutrient starvation, accumulated waste products, and acidic pH. Tumor-hijacked cells, such as fibroblasts, macrophages, and T regulatory cells, also contribute to this inhospitable microenvironment for immune cells by secreting immunosuppressive cytokines that suppress the antitumor immune response and lead to immune evasion. Thus, there is a strong interest in developing new drugs and cell formulations that modulate the tumor microenvironment and reduce tumor cell immune evasion. Microphysiological systems (MPSs) are versatile tools that may accelerate the development and evaluation of these therapies, although specific examples showcasing the potential of MPSs remain rare. Advances in microtechnologies have led to the development of sophisticated microfluidic devices used to recapitulate tumor complexity. The resulting models, also known as microphysiological systems (MPSs), are versatile tools with which to decipher the molecular mechanisms driving immune cell antitumor cytotoxicity, immune cell exhaustion, and immune cell exclusion and to evaluate new targeted immunotherapies. Here, we review existing microphysiological platforms to study immuno-oncological applications and discuss challenges and opportunities in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Abizanda-Campo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI USA
- Tissue Microenvironment Lab (TME lab), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IISA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red. Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Virumbrales-Muñoz
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Mouhita Humayun
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Ines Marmol
- Tissue Microenvironment Lab (TME lab), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IISA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - David J Beebe
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI USA
| | - Ignacio Ochoa
- Tissue Microenvironment Lab (TME lab), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IISA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red. Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sara Oliván
- Tissue Microenvironment Lab (TME lab), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IISA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jose M Ayuso
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI USA
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Lee SY, Koo IS, Hwang HJ, Lee DW. WITHDRAWN: In Vitro three-dimensional (3D) cell culture tools for spheroid and organoid models. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2023:100131. [PMID: 38101575 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
The Publisher regrets that this article is an accidental duplication of an article previously published at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.slasd.2023.03.006. This duplication was due to an error in the publishing workflow and was not the responsibility of the authors or editors. As a result, the duplicate article has been withdrawn. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Yun Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Gachon University, Seongnam, 13120, Republic of Korea; Central R & D Center, Medical & Bio Decision (MBD) Co., Ltd, Suwon, 16229, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Seong Koo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Gachon University, Seongnam, 13120, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Ju Hwang
- Central R & D Center, Medical & Bio Decision (MBD) Co., Ltd, Suwon, 16229, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Woo Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Gachon University, Seongnam, 13120, Republic of Korea.
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74
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claus Jorgensen
- Systems Oncology, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Manchester, UK
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75
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Schenkel JM, Pauken KE. Localization, tissue biology and T cell state - implications for cancer immunotherapy. Nat Rev Immunol 2023; 23:807-823. [PMID: 37253877 PMCID: PMC11448857 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-023-00884-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Tissue localization is a critical determinant of T cell immunity. CD8+ T cells are contact-dependent killers, which requires them to physically be within the tissue of interest to kill peptide-MHC class I-bearing target cells. Following their migration and extravasation into tissues, T cells receive many extrinsic cues from the local microenvironment, and these signals shape T cell differentiation, fate and function. Because major organ systems are variable in their functions and compositions, they apply disparate pressures on T cells to adapt to the local microenvironment. Additional complexity arises in the context of malignant lesions (either primary or metastatic), and this has made understanding the factors that dictate T cell function and longevity in tumours challenging. Moreover, T cell differentiation state influences how cues from the microenvironment are interpreted by tissue-infiltrating T cells, highlighting the importance of T cell state in the context of tissue biology. Here, we review the intertwined nature of T cell differentiation state, location, survival and function, and explain how dysfunctional T cell populations can adopt features of tissue-resident memory T cells to persist in tumours. Finally, we discuss how these factors have shaped responses to cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M Schenkel
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Kristen E Pauken
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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76
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Liu Z, Sun L, Peng X, Liu S, Zhu Z, Huang C. An immunogenic cell death-related signature predicts prognosis and immunotherapy response in stomach adenocarcinoma. Apoptosis 2023; 28:1564-1583. [PMID: 37580435 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-023-01879-5] [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] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
The immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a specific type of regulatory cell death (RCD), which induces adaptive immunity against antigens of dead cells. ICDs have received increasing attention for their potential role in tumor microenvironment reprogramming and immunotherapy. However, the relationship between ICD-related features and stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) prognosis, immune cell infiltration and immunotherapy remains unclear. Patients were divided into different ICD-related subtypes by consensus clustering. The differences in prognosis, Tumor microenvironment (TME), and immune checkpoint expression between different ICD-related subtypes were systematically assessed. Additionally, we constructed an ICD-related gene risk score (ICDRS). We systematically analyzed the correlation between ICDRS and prognosis, TME, immunotherapy response and drug sensitivity of gastric cancer. In addition, we explored the role of TGM2 in promoting gastric cancer progression through in vitro experiments. We identified three ICD-associated subtypes by consensus clustering. The ICD gene was highly expressed in Cluster B. Compared with the other two subtypes, Cluster B had better prognosis, higher immune response signaling activity, massive immune cell infiltration and lower tumor purity. Immune checkpoint (ICP) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) related genes were also highly expressed in Cluster B. In addition, we found that ICDRS is an effective indicator for predicting the prognosis and immune efficacy of STAD. The low ICDRS group has the characteristics of good prognosis, high tumor mutation burden (TMB), high microsatellite instability (MSI), and sensitivity to immunotherapy, while the high ICDRS group is prone to immune escape and immunotherapy resistance. In addition, we found that down-regulating TGM2 gene can inhibit the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells through in vitro experiments. Our study found that the model based on ICD features is helpful to clarify the TME characteristics of STAD, and has important clinical significance for evaluating the prognosis and immunotherapy response of STAD patients. TGM2 plays an important role in the progression of STAD, suggesting that TGM2 can be used as a new target for the treatment of STAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zitao Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingyu Peng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Sicheng Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengming Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chao Huang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China.
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Agrawal A, Lasli S, Javanmardi Y, Coursier D, Micalet A, Watson S, Shahreza S, Serwinski B, Djordjevic B, Szita N, Cheema U, Bertazzo S, Calvo F, Moeendarbary E. Stromal cells regulate mechanics of tumour spheroid. Mater Today Bio 2023; 23:100821. [PMID: 37868949 PMCID: PMC10585335 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100821] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The remarkable contractility and force generation ability exhibited by cancer cells empower them to overcome the resistance and steric hindrance presented by a three-dimensional, interconnected matrix. Cancer cells disseminate by actively remodelling and deforming their extracellular matrix (ECM). The process of tumour growth and its ECM remodelling have been extensively studied, but the effect of the cellular tumour microenvironment (TME) has been ignored in most studies that investigated tumour-cell-mediated ECM deformations and realignment. This study reports the integration of stromal cells in spheroid contractility assays that impacts the ECM remodelling and invasion abilities of cancer spheroids. To investigate this, we developed a novel multilayer in vitro assay that incorporates stromal cells and quantifies the contractile deformations that tumour spheroids exert on the ECM. We observed a negative correlation between the spheroid invasion potential and the levels of collagen deformation. The presence of stromal cells significantly increased cancer cell invasiveness and altered the cancer cells' ability to deform and realign collagen gel, due to upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines. Interestingly, this was observed consistently in both metastatic and non-metastatic cancer cells. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the vital role played by the cellular TME in regulating the invasive outgrowth of cancer cells and underscore the potential of utilising matrix deformation measurements as a biophysical marker for evaluating invasiveness and informing targeted therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayushi Agrawal
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Soufian Lasli
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Yousef Javanmardi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Diane Coursier
- 199 Biotechnologies Ltd, Gloucester Road, London, W2 6LD, UK
| | - Auxtine Micalet
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, UK
- Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Sara Watson
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Somayeh Shahreza
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Bianca Serwinski
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, UK
- 199 Biotechnologies Ltd, Gloucester Road, London, W2 6LD, UK
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Northeastern University London, London, E1W 1LP, UK
| | - Boris Djordjevic
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, UK
- 199 Biotechnologies Ltd, Gloucester Road, London, W2 6LD, UK
| | - Nicolas Szita
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Umber Cheema
- Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Sergio Bertazzo
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Fernando Calvo
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Cantabria), Santander, Spain
| | - Emad Moeendarbary
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, UK
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
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78
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Cervenkova L, Palek R, Moulisova V, Liska V, Daum O, Mohelnikova-Duchonova B, Soucek P. Protein expression and localization of ABC transporters in pancreatic adenocarcinoma: Prognostic role of ABCC8. Pancreatology 2023; 23:978-987. [PMID: 37839922 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2023.10.008] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters translocate various substances across cellular membranes. Their deregulation may cause cancer drug resistance or perturbations in the supply of building blocks for cancer cells and modify patients' prognosis. This study investigated protein expression and cellular localization of the previously suggested putative prognostic biomarkers - ABCB2/TAP1, ABCC7/CFTR, ABCC8/SUR1, and ABCD4 in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). METHODS Protein expression and localization were assessed by immunohistochemistry in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded primary tumor tissue blocks of 61 PDAC patients and associated with clinical data and the survival of patients. RESULTS No CFTR protein expression was observed in PDAC, while TAP1 and ABCC8 were expressed predominantly in the cytoplasm of tumor cells. Most samples (81 %) had detectable both membranous and cytoplasmic ABCD4 staining and 42 % had ABCD4 expressed in the apical orientation. Negative membranous ABCD4 staining was significantly more frequent in advanced stage III or IV tumors (p = 0.022). Small or medium counts of individual ABCC8-positive cells in the stroma surrounding tumor tubules were also more often found in stage III or IV (p = 0.044). Patients with moderate or strong ABCC8 cytoplasmic staining intensity in tumor cells had a 3.5-fold higher risk of disease progression than those with weak staining (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS The study shows for the first time that the cytoplasmic ABCC8 protein expression has prognostic value in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Cervenkova
- Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic; Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Richard Palek
- Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic; Department of Surgery, Faculty Hospital and Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic.
| | - Vladimira Moulisova
- Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic.
| | - Vaclav Liska
- Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic; Department of Surgery, Faculty Hospital and Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic.
| | - Ondrej Daum
- Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic; Department of Pathology, Faculty Hospital and Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic.
| | - Beatrice Mohelnikova-Duchonova
- Department of Oncology and Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
| | - Pavel Soucek
- Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic.
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79
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Lu W, Yu G, Li Y, Yin C, Long J, Chen X, Chen Y, Zheng Z, Lai Y, Zhou X, Xu D. Identifying prognostic biomarker related to immune infiltration in acute myeloid leukemia. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:4553-4562. [PMID: 37561221 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01164-4] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
The immune cells of tumor microenvironment (TME) constitute a vital element of the tumor tissue. There is increasing evidence for their clinical significance in predicting prognosis and therapeutic outcomes. However, the TME immune cell infiltrating pattern of the bone marrow in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients remains unclear. Here, RNA-sequencing results of AML patients from TCGA database were used to quantify the abundance of 28 types of immune cells in the TME using the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis algorithm. We comprehensively evaluated the immune infiltration status in the TCGA-LAML cohort and defined two immunophenotypes: the immune hot and immune cold subtypes. Additionally, we constructed a TME score reflecting the immune infiltrating pattern of the patients using Cox regression algorithm. Subtypes with high TME score were characterized by over-activation of immune inflammation-related pathways, release of inflammatory factors, T-cell dysfunction, and poor prognosis. Subtypes with a low TME score were characterized by relatively low immune infiltration and immune exclusion. Our analysis indicated that patients in the low TME score group were more sensitive to chemotherapeutic drugs, and those in high TME score were more likely to respond to immunotherapy. Our study provides a new direction to evaluate anti-tumor therapy from immune infiltration of the TME, and the individualized scoring system in this study has important clinical significance in identifying patients who respond to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixiang Lu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Guopan Yu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yanlin Li
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Changxin Yin
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jiaxin Long
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiaofan Chen
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yanxiao Chen
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zhongxin Zheng
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yujie Lai
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524000, China
| | - Xinyu Zhou
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524000, China
| | - Dan Xu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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Huang W, Pang Y, Liu Q, Liang C, An S, Wu Q, Zhang Y, Huang G, Chen H, Liu J, Wei W. Development and Characterization of Novel FAP-Targeted Theranostic Pairs: A Bench-to-Bedside Study. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2023; 6:0282. [PMID: 38706713 PMCID: PMC11066877 DOI: 10.34133/research.0282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is among the most popular targets in nuclear medicine imaging and cancer theranostics. Several small-molecule moieties (FAPI-04, FAPI-46, etc.) are used for developing FAP-targeted theranostic agents. Nonetheless, the circulation time of FAP inhibitors is relatively short, resulting in rapid clearance via kidneys, low tumor uptake, and associated unsatisfactory treatment efficacy. To address the existing drawbacks, we engineered 3 peptides named FD1, FD2, and FD3 with different circulation times through solid-phase peptide synthesis. All the 3 reported peptides bind to human and murine FAP with single-digit nanomolar affinity measured by surface plasmon resonance. The diagnostic and therapeutic potential of the agents labeled with 68Ga and 177Lu was assessed in several tumor models exhibiting different levels of FAP expression. While radiolabeled FD1 was rapidly excreted from kidneys, radiolabeled FD2/FD3 have significantly prolonged circulation, increased tumor uptake, and decreased kidney accumulation. Our findings indicated that [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FD1 positron emission tomography (PET) effectively detected FAP dynamics, whereas [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-FD2 and [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-FD3 exhibited remarkable therapeutic efficacy in FAP-overexpressing tumor models, including pancreatic cancer cell models characterized by abundant stroma. Moreover, a pilot translational investigation demonstrated that [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FD1 had the capability to identify both primary and metastatic tumors with precision and distinction. In summary, we developed [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FD1 for same-day PET imaging of FAP dynamics and [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-FD2 and [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-FD3 for effective radioligand therapy of FAP-overexpressing tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Yizhen Pang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Minnan PET Center, Xiamen Cancer Center, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine,
Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, China
| | - Qiufang Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center,
Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Chenyi Liang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Shuxian An
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Qianyun Wu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - You Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Gang Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Haojun Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Minnan PET Center, Xiamen Cancer Center, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine,
Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, China
| | - Jianjun Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Weijun Wei
- Address correspondence to: (H.C.); (J.L.); (W.W.)
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Wen XM, Xu ZJ, Ma JC, Xia PH, Jin Y, Chen XY, Qian W, Lin J, Qian J. Identification and validation of necroptosis-related gene signatures to predict clinical outcomes and therapeutic responses in acute myeloid leukemia. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:14677-14702. [PMID: 37993258 PMCID: PMC10781507 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205231] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Necroptosis is a tightly regulated form of necrotic cell death that promotes inflammation and contributes to disease development. However, the potential roles of necroptosis-related genes (NRGs) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have not been elucidated fully. METHODS We conducted a study to identify a robust biomarker signature for predicting the prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy based on NRGs in AML. We analyzed the genetic and transcriptional alterations of NRGs in 151 patients with AML. Then, we identified three necroptosis clusters. Moreover, a necroptosis score was constructed and assessed based on the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the three necroptosis clusters. RESULTS Three necroptosis clusters were correlated with clinical characteristics, prognosis, the tumor microenvironment, and infiltration of immune cells. A high necroptosis score was positively associated with a poor prognosis, immune-cell infiltration, expression of programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1), immune score, stromal score, interferon-gamma (IFNG), merck18, T-cell dysfunction-score signatures, and cluster of differentiation-86, but negatively correlated with tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion score, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and M2-type tumor-associated macrophages. Our observations indicated that a high necroptosis score might contribute to immune evasion. More interestingly, AML patients with a high necroptosis score may benefit from treatment based on immune checkpoint blockade. CONCLUSIONS Consequently, our findings may contribute to deeper understanding of NRGs in AML, and facilitate assessment of the prognosis and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Mei Wen
- Laboratory Center, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212002, Jiangsu, P.R. China
- Zhenjiang Clinical Research Center of Hematology, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212002, Jiangsu, P.R. China
- The Key Lab of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Hematologic Malignancies of Zhenjiang City, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212002, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Zi-Jun Xu
- Laboratory Center, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212002, Jiangsu, P.R. China
- Zhenjiang Clinical Research Center of Hematology, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212002, Jiangsu, P.R. China
- The Key Lab of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Hematologic Malignancies of Zhenjiang City, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212002, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Ji-Chun Ma
- Laboratory Center, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212002, Jiangsu, P.R. China
- Zhenjiang Clinical Research Center of Hematology, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212002, Jiangsu, P.R. China
- The Key Lab of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Hematologic Malignancies of Zhenjiang City, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212002, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Pei-Hui Xia
- Laboratory Center, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212002, Jiangsu, P.R. China
- Zhenjiang Clinical Research Center of Hematology, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212002, Jiangsu, P.R. China
- The Key Lab of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Hematologic Malignancies of Zhenjiang City, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212002, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Ye Jin
- Zhenjiang Clinical Research Center of Hematology, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212002, Jiangsu, P.R. China
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212002, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Xin-Yi Chen
- Laboratory Center, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212002, Jiangsu, P.R. China
- Zhenjiang Clinical Research Center of Hematology, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212002, Jiangsu, P.R. China
- The Key Lab of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Hematologic Malignancies of Zhenjiang City, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212002, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Wei Qian
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212002, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Jiang Lin
- Laboratory Center, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212002, Jiangsu, P.R. China
- Zhenjiang Clinical Research Center of Hematology, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212002, Jiangsu, P.R. China
- The Key Lab of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment in Hematologic Malignancies of Zhenjiang City, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212002, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Jun Qian
- Zhenjiang Clinical Research Center of Hematology, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212002, Jiangsu, P.R. China
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212002, Jiangsu, P.R. China
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Li Z, Liu Y, Guo P, Wei Y. Construction and validation of a novel angiogenesis pattern to predict prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy in colorectal cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:12413-12450. [PMID: 37938164 PMCID: PMC10683615 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that the tumor microenvironment (TME) affects the tumor active response to immunotherapy. Tumor angiogenesis is closely related to the TME. Nonetheless, the effects of angiogenesis on the TME of colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unknown. METHODS We comprehensively assessed the angiogenesis patterns in CRC based on 36 angiogenesis-related genes (ARGs). Subsequently, we evaluated the prognostic values and therapeutic sensitivities of angiogenesis patterns using multiple methods. We then performed the machine learning algorithm and functional experiments to identify the prognostic key ARGs. Ultimately, the regulation of gut microbiota on the expression of ARGs was further investigated by using whole genome sequencing. RESULTS Two angiogenesis clusters were identified and angiogenesis cluster B was characterized by increased stromal and immunity activation with unfavorable odds of survival. Further, an ARG_score including 9 ARGs to predict recurrence-free survival (RFS) was established and its predominant predictive ability was confirmed. The low ARG_score patients were characterized by a high mutation burden, high microsatellite instability, and immune activation with better prognosis. Moreover, patients with high KLK10 expression were associated with a hot tumor immune microenvironment, poorer immune checkpoint blocking treatment, and shorter survival. The in vitro experiments also indicated that Fusobacterium nucleatum (F.n) infection significantly induced KLK10 expression in CRC. CONCLUSIONS The quantification of angiogenesis patterns could contribute to predict TME characteristics, prognosis, and individualized immunotherapy strategies. Furthermore, our findings suggest that F.n may influence CRC progression through ARGs, which could serve as a clinical biomarker and therapeutic target for F.n-infected CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Li
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Peking University People’s Hospital, Xicheng, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic and Gastrointestinal Surgery Division, Ningbo Second Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, China
| | - Peng Guo
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Peking University People’s Hospital, Xicheng, Beijing 100044, China
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Peking University People’s Hospital, Xicheng, Beijing 100044, China
- Laboratory of Surgery Oncology, Peking University People’s Hospital, Xicheng, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Yunwei Wei
- Department of Pancreatic and Gastrointestinal Surgery Division, Ningbo Second Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, China
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Intestinal Microecology and Human Major Diseases, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, China
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83
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Liu S, Jia M, Dai R. Deciphering the tumour immune microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Scand J Immunol 2023; 98:e13327. [PMID: 38441331 DOI: 10.1111/sji.13327] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Current treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are less effective and prone to recurrence after surgery, so it's needed to seek new ideas for its therapy. Tumour immune microenvironment (TME) is crucial for the pathogenesis, development and metastasis of HCC. Interactions between immune cells and tumour cells significantly impact responses to immunotherapies and patient prognosis. In recent years, immunotherapies for HCC have shown promising potential, but the response rate is still unsatisfactory. Understanding their cross-talks is helpful for selecting potential therapeutic targets, predicting immunotherapy responses, determining immunotherapy efficacy, identifying prognostic markers and selecting individualized treatment options. In this paper, we reviewed the research advances on the roles of immune cells and multi-omic research associated with HCC pathogenesis and therapy, and future perspectives on TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Department of Pain, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Man Jia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Rongyang Dai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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84
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Choi Y, Jung K. Normalization of the tumor microenvironment by harnessing vascular and immune modulation to achieve enhanced cancer therapy. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:2308-2319. [PMID: 37907742 PMCID: PMC10689787 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01114-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Solid tumors are complex entities that actively shape their microenvironment to create a supportive environment for their own growth. Angiogenesis and immune suppression are two key characteristics of this tumor microenvironment. Despite attempts to deplete tumor blood vessels using antiangiogenic drugs, extensive vessel pruning has shown limited efficacy. Instead, a targeted approach involving the judicious use of drugs at specific time points can normalize the function and structure of tumor vessels, leading to improved outcomes when combined with other anticancer therapies. Additionally, normalizing the immune microenvironment by suppressing immunosuppressive cells and activating immunostimulatory cells has shown promise in suppressing tumor growth and improving overall survival. Based on these findings, many studies have been conducted to normalize each component of the tumor microenvironment, leading to the development of a variety of strategies. In this review, we provide an overview of the concepts of vascular and immune normalization and discuss some of the strategies employed to achieve these goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yechan Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Keehoon Jung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
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85
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Gao D, Fang L, Liu C, Yang M, Yu X, Wang L, Zhang W, Sun C, Zhuang J. Microenvironmental regulation in tumor progression: Interactions between cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115622. [PMID: 37783155 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME), the "soil" on which tumor cells grow, has an important role in regulating the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells as well as their response to treatment. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), as the most abundant stromal cells of the TME, can not only directly alter the immunosuppressive effect of the TME through their own metabolism, but also influence the aggregation and function of immune cells by secreting a large number of cytokines and chemokines, reducing the body's immune surveillance of tumor cells and making them more prone to immune escape. Our study provides a comprehensive review of fibroblast chemotaxis, malignant transformation, metabolic characteristics, and interactions with immune cells. In addition, the current small molecule drugs targeting CAFs have been summarized, including both natural small molecules and targeted drugs for current clinical therapeutic applications. A complete review of the role of fibroblasts in TME from an immune perspective is presented, which has important implications in improving the efficiency of immunotherapy by targeting fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Gao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Liguang Fang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Cun Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Mengrui Yang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Xiaoyun Yu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Longyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, 999078, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Wenfeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, 999078, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Changgang Sun
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China; Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang 261000, China.
| | - Jing Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang 261000, China.
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Di Carlo SE, Raffenne J, Varet H, Ode A, Granados DC, Stein M, Legendre R, Tuckermann J, Bousquet C, Peduto L. Depletion of slow-cycling PDGFRα +ADAM12 + mesenchymal cells promotes antitumor immunity by restricting macrophage efferocytosis. Nat Immunol 2023; 24:1867-1878. [PMID: 37798557 PMCID: PMC10602852 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01642-7] [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: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
The capacity to survive and thrive in conditions of limited resources and high inflammation is a major driver of tumor malignancy. Here we identified slow-cycling ADAM12+PDGFRα+ mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) induced at the tumor margins in mouse models of melanoma, pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer. Using inducible lineage tracing and transcriptomics, we demonstrated that metabolically altered ADAM12+ MSCs induced pathological angiogenesis and immunosuppression by promoting macrophage efferocytosis and polarization through overexpression of genes such as Gas6, Lgals3 and Csf1. Genetic depletion of ADAM12+ cells restored a functional tumor vasculature, reduced hypoxia and acidosis and normalized CAFs, inducing infiltration of effector T cells and growth inhibition of melanomas and pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer, in a process dependent on TGF-β. In human cancer, ADAM12 stratifies patients with high levels of hypoxia and innate resistance mechanisms, as well as factors associated with a poor prognosis and drug resistance such as AXL. Altogether, our data show that depletion of tumor-induced slow-cycling PDGFRα+ MSCs through ADAM12 restores antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selene E Di Carlo
- Stroma, Inflammation & Tissue Repair Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1224, Paris, France
| | - Jerome Raffenne
- INSERM U1037, Cancer Research Center of Toulouse (CRCT), Toulouse, France
| | - Hugo Varet
- Transcriptome and Epigenome Platform-Biomics Pole, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Anais Ode
- Stroma, Inflammation & Tissue Repair Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1224, Paris, France
| | - David Cabrerizo Granados
- Stroma, Inflammation & Tissue Repair Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1224, Paris, France
- Laboratory for Disease Mechanisms in Cancer, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Merle Stein
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Rachel Legendre
- Transcriptome and Epigenome Platform-Biomics Pole, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Jan Tuckermann
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Corinne Bousquet
- INSERM U1037, Cancer Research Center of Toulouse (CRCT), Toulouse, France
| | - Lucie Peduto
- Stroma, Inflammation & Tissue Repair Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1224, Paris, France.
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Jeong S, Afroz S, Kang D, Noh J, Suh J, Kim JH, You HJ, Kang HG, Kim YJ, Kim JH. Sarcoma Immunotherapy: Confronting Present Hurdles and Unveiling Upcoming Opportunities. Mol Cells 2023; 46:579-588. [PMID: 37853684 PMCID: PMC10590708 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2023.0079] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are rare and heterogeneous mesenchymal neoplasms originating from the bone or soft tissues, which pose significant treatment challenges. The current standard treatment for sarcomas consists of surgical resection, often combined with chemo- and radiotherapy; however, local recurrence and metastasis remain significant concerns. Although immunotherapy has demonstrated promise in improving long-term survival rates for certain cancers, sarcomas are generally considered to be relatively less immunogenic than other tumors, presenting substantial challenges for effective immunotherapy. In this review, we examine the possible opportunities for sarcoma immunotherapy, noting cancer testis antigens expressed in sarcomas. We then cover the current status of immunotherapies in sarcomas, including progress in cancer vaccines, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and adoptive cellular therapy and their potential in combating these tumors. Furthermore, we discuss the limitations of immunotherapies in sarcomas, including a low tumor mutation burden and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and explore potential strategies to tackle the immunosuppressive barriers in therapeutic interventions, shedding light on the development of effective and personalized treatments for sarcomas. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the current status and potential of immunotherapies in sarcoma treatment, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for developing effective therapies to improve the outcomes of patients with these rare malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehan Jeong
- Center for RNA Research, Institute for Basic Science, Seoul 08826, Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Sharmin Afroz
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul 07985, Korea
| | - Donghyun Kang
- Center for RNA Research, Institute for Basic Science, Seoul 08826, Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Jeonghwan Noh
- Center for RNA Research, Institute for Basic Science, Seoul 08826, Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Jooyeon Suh
- Center for RNA Research, Institute for Basic Science, Seoul 08826, Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - June Hyuk Kim
- Orthopaedic Oncology Clinic, Center for Rare Cancer, Research Institute and Hospital, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea
| | - Hye Jin You
- Cancer Microenvironment Branch, Division of Cancer Biology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea
| | - Hyun Guy Kang
- Orthopaedic Oncology Clinic, Center for Rare Cancer, Research Institute and Hospital, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea
| | - Yi-Jun Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul 07985, Korea
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul 07985, Korea
| | - Jin-Hong Kim
- Center for RNA Research, Institute for Basic Science, Seoul 08826, Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
- Bio-MAX Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
- Institute of Green-Bio Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeongchang 25354, Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioinformatics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
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88
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Zarodniuk M, Steele A, Lu X, Li J, Datta M. CNS tumor stroma transcriptomics identify perivascular fibroblasts as predictors of immunotherapy resistance in glioblastoma patients. NPJ Genom Med 2023; 8:35. [PMID: 37884531 PMCID: PMC10603041 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-023-00381-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) is a hallmark of solid tumors; however, it remains poorly understood which cellular and molecular components contribute to the formation of ECM stroma in central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Here, we undertake a pan-CNS analysis of retrospective gene expression datasets to characterize inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity of ECM remodeling signatures in both adult and pediatric CNS disease. We find that CNS lesions - glioblastoma in particular - can be divided into two ECM-based subtypes (ECMhi and ECMlo) that are influenced by the presence of perivascular stromal cells resembling cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Ligand-receptor network analysis predicts that perivascular fibroblasts activate signaling pathways responsible for recruitment of tumor-associated macrophages and promotion of cancer stemness. Our analysis reveals that perivascular fibroblasts are correlated with unfavorable response to immune checkpoint blockade in glioblastoma and poor patient survival across a subset of CNS tumors. We provide insights into new stroma-driven mechanisms underlying immune evasion and immunotherapy resistance in CNS tumors like glioblastoma, and discuss how targeting these perivascular fibroblasts may prove an effective approach to improving treatment response and patient survival in a variety of CNS tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksym Zarodniuk
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Alexander Steele
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Xin Lu
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Meenal Datta
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
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89
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Xue M, Tong Y, Xiong Y, Yu C. Role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the progression, therapeutic resistance and targeted therapy of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1257266. [PMID: 37927475 PMCID: PMC10623436 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1257266] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most aggressive malignant tumours with high morbidity and mortality. Although surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are common treatment options available for oesophageal cancer, the 5-year survival rate remains low after treatment. On the one hand, many oesophageal cancers are are discovered at an advanced stage and, on the other hand, treatment resistance is a major obstacle to treating locally advanced ESCC. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the main type of stromal cell in the tumour microenvironment, enhance tumour progression and treatment resistance and have emerged as a major focus of study on targeted therapy of oesophageal cancer.With the aim of providing potential, prospective targets for improving therapeutic efficacy, this review summarises the origin and activation of CAFs and their specific role in regulating tumour progression and treatment resistance in ESCC. We also emphasize the clinical potential and emerging trends of ESCC CAFs-targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Changhua Yu
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, China
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90
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Hao Y, Li R, Min Y. Platinum-Based Twin Drug Modulates Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Cells to Improve Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy. J Med Chem 2023; 66:13607-13621. [PMID: 37728887 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Chemoimmunotherapy is an area of active research and development with a growing body of evidence supporting its potential benefits for the treatment of cancer. However, chemotherapy components of chemoimmunotherapy have several limitations, including systemic toxicity and poor performance in reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Here, we designed a twin drug, MROP, complexed with all-trans retinoic acid and oxaliplatin, and showed that the twin drug significantly enhanced the synergetic therapeutic efficacy with anti-PD-1 in a colorectal cancer mouse model. We demonstrated by mechanistic analyses of tumor tissue that the combination of anti-PD-1 and MROP induced immunogenic cell death and regulated tumor-infiltrating immune cells, including the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages toward type 1, a reduction in myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and a significant increase in the proportion of T cells, particularly CD8+ T cells. This paper provides a promising strategy for cancer treatment and new insight into the mechanism of chemoimmunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Hao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Yuanzeng Min
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Anhui Provincial Hospital, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- CAS Key Lab of Soft Matter Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
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91
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Hashimoto A, Hashimoto S. ADP-Ribosylation Factor 6 Pathway Acts as a Key Executor of Mesenchymal Tumor Plasticity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14934. [PMID: 37834383 PMCID: PMC10573442 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the "big data" on cancer from recent breakthroughs in high-throughput technology and the development of new therapeutic modalities, it remains unclear as to how intra-tumor heterogeneity and phenotypic plasticity created by various somatic abnormalities and epigenetic and metabolic adaptations orchestrate therapy resistance, immune evasiveness, and metastatic ability. Tumors are formed by various cells, including immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and endothelial cells, and their tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in malignant tumor progression and responses to therapy. ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6) and AMAP1 are often overexpressed in cancers, which statistically correlates with poor outcomes. The ARF6-AMAP1 pathway promotes the intracellular dynamics and cell-surface expression of various proteins. This pathway is also a major target for KRAS/TP53 mutations to cooperatively promote malignancy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and is closely associated with immune evasion. Additionally, this pathway is important in angiogenesis, acidosis, and fibrosis associated with tumor malignancy in the TME, and its inhibition in PDAC cells results in therapeutic synergy with an anti-PD-1 antibody in vivo. Thus, the ARF6-based pathway affects the TME and the intrinsic function of tumors, leading to malignancy. Here, we discuss the potential mechanisms of this ARF6-based pathway in tumorigenesis, and novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ari Hashimoto
- Department of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Shigeru Hashimoto
- Division of Molecular Psychoimmunology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0815, Japan
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92
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Huang Y, Lin A, Gu T, Hou S, Yao J, Luo P, Zhang J. CACNA1C mutation as a prognosis predictor of immune checkpoint inhibitor in skin cutaneous melanoma. Immunotherapy 2023; 15:1275-1291. [PMID: 37584225 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2022-0175] [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] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims: There is an urgent need for appropriate biomarkers that can precisely and reliably predict immunotherapy efficacy, as immunotherapy responses can differ in skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) patients. Methods: In this study, univariate regression models and survival analysis were used to examine the link between calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha 1C (CACNA1C) mutation status and immunotherapy outcome in SKCM patients receiving immunotherapy. Mutational landscape, immunogenicity, tumor microenvironment and pathway-enrichment analyses were also performed. Results: The CACNA1C mutation group had a better prognosis, higher immunogenicity, lower endothelial cell infiltration, significant enrichment of antitumor immune response pathways and significant downregulation of protumor pathways. Conclusion: CACNA1C mutation status is anticipated to be a biomarker for predicting melanoma immunotherapy effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushan Huang
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Industrial Avenue, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Anqi Lin
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Industrial Avenue, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Tianqi Gu
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuang Hou
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Industrial Avenue, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiarong Yao
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Industrial Avenue, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Industrial Avenue, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Industrial Avenue, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
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93
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Li T, Zhou Z, Xie Z, Fan X, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Song X, Ruan Y. Identification and validation of cancer-associated fibroblast-related subtypes and the prognosis model of biochemical recurrence in prostate cancer based on single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:11379-11395. [PMID: 37369799 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05011-7] [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: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are an essential component of the tumor immune microenvironment that are involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. We aim to investigate the characteristics of CAFs in prostate cancer and develop a biochemical recurrence (BCR)-related CAF signature for predicting the prognosis of PCa patients. METHODS The bulk RNA-seq and relevant clinical information were obtained from the TCGA and GEO databases, respectively. The infiltration scores of CAFs in prostate cancer patients were calculated using the MCP counter and EPIC algorithms. The single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was downloaded from the GEO database. Subsequently, univariate Cox regression analysis was employed to identify prognostic genes associated with CAFs. We identified two subtypes (C1 and C2) of prostate cancer that were associated with CAFs via non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) clustering. In addition, the BCR-related CAF signatures were constructed using Lasso regression analysis. Finally, a nomogram model was established based on the risk score and clinical characteristics of the patients. RESULTS Initially, we found that patients with high CAF infiltration scores had shorter biochemical recurrence-free survival (BCRFS) times. Subsequently, CAFs in four pairs of tumors and paracancerous tissues were identified. We discovered 253 significantly differentially expressed genes, of which 13 had prognostic significance. Using NMF clustering, we divided PCa patients into C1 and C2 subgroups, with the C1 subgroup having a worse prognosis and substantially enriched cell cycle, homologous recombination, and mismatch repair pathways. Furthermore, a BCR-related CAFs signature was established. Multivariate COX regression analysis confirmed that the BCR-related CAFs signature was an independent prognostic factor for BCR in PCa. In addition, the nomogram was based on the clinical characteristics and risk scores of the patient and demonstrated high accuracy and reliability for predicting BCR. Lastly, our findings indicate that the risk score may be a useful tool for predicting PCa patients' sensitivity to immunotherapy and drug treatment. CONCLUSION NMF clustering based on CAF-related genes revealed distinct TME immune characteristics between groups. The BCR-related CAF signature accurately predicted prognosis and immunotherapy response in prostate cancer patients, offering a promising new approach to cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiewen Li
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Wujin Road 85, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Zeng Zhou
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Wujin Road 85, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Zhiwen Xie
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Wujin Road 85, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Xuhui Fan
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Wujin Road 85, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Yichen Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Wujin Road 85, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Wujin Road 85, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Xiaodong Song
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Wujin Road 85, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Yuan Ruan
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Wujin Road 85, Shanghai, 200080, China.
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94
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Moutabian H, Radi UK, Saleman AY, Adil M, Zabibah RS, Chaitanya MNL, Saadh MJ, Jawad MJ, Hazrati E, Bagheri H, Pal RS, Akhavan-Sigari R. MicroRNA-155 and cancer metastasis: Regulation of invasion, migration, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 250:154789. [PMID: 37741138 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Among the leading causes of death globally has been cancer. Nearly 90% of all cancer-related fatalities are attributed to metastasis, which is the growing of additional malignant growths out of the original cancer origin. Therefore, a significant clinical need for a deeper comprehension of metastasis exists. Beginning investigations are being made on the function of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the metastatic process. Tiny non-coding RNAs called miRNAs have a crucial part in controlling the spread of cancer. Some miRNAs regulate migration, invasion, colonization, cancer stem cells' properties, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the microenvironment, among other processes, to either promote or prevent metastasis. One of the most well-conserved and versatile miRNAs, miR-155 is primarily distinguished by overexpression in a variety of illnesses, including malignant tumors. It has been discovered that altered miR-155 expression is connected to a number of physiological and pathological processes, including metastasis. As a result, miR-155-mediated signaling pathways were identified as possible cancer molecular therapy targets. The current research on miR-155, which is important in controlling cancer cells' invasion, and metastasis as well as migration, will be summarized in the current work. The crucial significance of the lncRNA/circRNA-miR-155-mRNA network as a crucial regulator of carcinogenesis and a player in the regulation of signaling pathways or related genes implicated in cancer metastasis will be covered in the final section. These might provide light on the creation of fresh treatment plans for controlling cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Moutabian
- Radiation Sciences Research Center (RSRC), AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Usama Kadem Radi
- College of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar, Iraq
| | | | | | - Rahman S Zabibah
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Mv N L Chaitanya
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144402, India
| | - Mohamed J Saadh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Middle East University, Amman 11831, Jordan; Applied Science Research Center. Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Ebrahi Hazrati
- Trauma Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Bagheri
- Radiation Sciences Research Center (RSRC), AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Radiation Biology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Rashmi Saxena Pal
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144402, India
| | - Reza Akhavan-Sigari
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center, Tuebingen, Germany; Department of Health Care Management and Clinical Research, Collegium Humanum Warsaw Management University, Warsaw, Poland
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95
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Wang Q, Zhi Y, Zi M, Mo Y, Wang Y, Liao Q, Zhang S, Gong Z, Wang F, Zeng Z, Guo C, Xiong W. Spatially Resolved Transcriptomics Technology Facilitates Cancer Research. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2302558. [PMID: 37632718 PMCID: PMC10602551 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) provides a great convenience for studying tumor occurrence and development for its ability to study gene expression at the individual cell level. However, patient-derived tumor tissues are composed of multiple types of cells including tumor cells and adjacent non-malignant cells such as stromal cells and immune cells. The spatial locations of various cells in situ tissues plays a pivotal role in the occurrence and development of tumors, which cannot be elucidated by scRNA-seq alone. Spatially resolved transcriptomics (SRT) technology emerges timely to explore the unrecognized relationship between the spatial background of a particular cell and its functions, and is increasingly used in cancer research. This review provides a systematic overview of the SRT technologies that are developed, in particular the more widely used cutting-edge SRT technologies based on next-generation sequencing (NGS). In addition, the main achievements by SRT technologies in precisely unveiling the underappreciated spatial locations on gene expression and cell function with unprecedented high-resolution in cancer research are emphasized, with the aim of developing more effective clinical therapeutics oriented to a deeper understanding of the interaction between tumor cells and surrounding non-malignant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer MetabolismHunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunan410008P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of EducationCancer Research InstituteCentral South UniversityChangshaHunan410008P. R. China
| | - Yuan Zhi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryThe Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South UniversityChangshaHunan410012P. R. China
| | - Moxin Zi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryThe Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South UniversityChangshaHunan410012P. R. China
| | - Yongzhen Mo
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of EducationCancer Research InstituteCentral South UniversityChangshaHunan410008P. R. China
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunan410008P. R. China
| | - Yumin Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunan410008P. R. China
| | - Qianjin Liao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer MetabolismHunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunan410008P. R. China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunan410008P. R. China
| | - Zhaojian Gong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryThe Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South UniversityChangshaHunan410012P. R. China
| | - Fuyan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of EducationCancer Research InstituteCentral South UniversityChangshaHunan410008P. R. China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer MetabolismHunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunan410008P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of EducationCancer Research InstituteCentral South UniversityChangshaHunan410008P. R. China
| | - Can Guo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer MetabolismHunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunan410008P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of EducationCancer Research InstituteCentral South UniversityChangshaHunan410008P. R. China
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer MetabolismHunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunan410008P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of EducationCancer Research InstituteCentral South UniversityChangshaHunan410008P. R. China
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96
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Gao Q, Zhan Y, Sun L, Zhu W. Cancer Stem Cells and the Tumor Microenvironment in Tumor Drug Resistance. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023; 19:2141-2154. [PMID: 37477773 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10593-3] [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] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Although there has been some progress in the efficacy of anti-cancer drugs, drug resistance remains challenging. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are self-renewing and differentiate into cancer tissues with tumor heterogeneity. CSCs are associated with the progression of breast, colon, and lung cancers. Hence, recent studies have focused on the role of CSCs in resistance to anti-cancer drugs. Increasing evidence suggests that CSCs interact with components of the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as vascular and immune cells, as well as various cytokines, and are regulated by multiple signaling pathways, thereby promoting drug resistance in various cancers. Therefore, it is important to clarify the mechanisms underlying the crosstalk between CSCs and the TME for the development of targeted anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuzhi Gao
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Yixiang Zhan
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215300, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China.
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97
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Zhang Y, Wu C, Li Q, Fang S, Hou M, Zhang S, Dong X. Development of a tumor microenvironment-related prognostic signature in glioma to predict immune landscape and potential therapeutic drugs. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023; 37:e23448. [PMID: 37365744 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23448] [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: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The involvement of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in the biology of gliomas has expanded, while it is yet uncertain its potential of supporting diagnosis and therapy choices. According to immunological characteristics and overall survival, cohorts of glioma patients from public databases were separated into two TME-relevant clusters in this analysis. Based on differentially expressed genes between TME clusters and correlative regression analysis, a 21-gene molecular classifier of TME-related prognostic signature (TPS) was constructed. Afterward, the prognostic efficacy and effectiveness of TPS were assessed in the training and validation groups. The outcome demonstrated that TPS might be utilized alone or in conjunction with other clinical criteria to act as a superior prognostic predictor for glioma. Also, high-risk glioma patients classified by TPS were considered to associate with enhanced immune infiltration, greater tumor mutation, and worse general prognosis. Finally, possible treatment medicines specialized for different risk subgroups of TPS were evaluated in drug databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunmiao Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
| | - Sheng Fang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Hou
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
| | - Sunfu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
| | - Xingyu Dong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
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98
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Wang R, Hong K, Zhang Q, Cao J, Huang T, Xiao Z, Wang Y, Shuai X. A nanodrug simultaneously inhibits pancreatic stellate cell activation and regulatory T cell infiltration to promote the immunotherapy of pancreatic cancer. Acta Biomater 2023; 169:451-463. [PMID: 37572982 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.08.007] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by a dense extracellular matrix flooded with immune suppressive cells, resulting in extremely poor clinical response to immunotherapy. It has been revealed that the activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) makes considerable contributions to the immunological "cold" tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, we developed a polyamino acid-based nanodrug incorporating the PSC activation inhibitor calcipotriol and anti-CXCL12 siRNA. The nanodrug was easily prepared with a small particle size and is capable of penetrating pancreatic tumors to inactivate PSCs and downregulate CXCL12. The in vivo results of orthotopic pancreatic tumor treatment demonstrated that codelivery of calcipotriol and anti-CXCL12 siRNA remodeled the PDAC TME with reduced extracellular matrix and decreased immunosuppressive T cells. Eventually, the infiltration of cytotoxic T cells was increased, thereby acting with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy for immunologically "cold" pancreatic tumors. In the present study, we propose a promising paradigm to improve the immunotherapy outcome of PDAC using nanodrugs that synchronously inhibit PSC activation and regulatory T-cell infiltration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by a dense extracellular matrix (ECM) that impedes the tumor infiltration of therapeutic agents and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, resulting in a poor clinical response to immunotherapy. In the present study, we proposed a promising approach for enhanced immunotherapy of pancreatic cancer. Specifically, a nanodrug incorporating calcipotriol and anti-CXCL12 siRNA was synthesized to synchronously inactivate matrix-producing pancreatic stellate cells and suppress the infiltration of regulatory T cells. The reduced ECM removed the pathological barrier, preventing nanodrug penetration and effector T-cell infiltration, leading to a conversion of the immunosuppressive "cold" microenvironment to a "hot" microenvironment, which eventually boosted the immunotherapy of anti-PD-1 antibodies in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongze Wang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Keze Hong
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Qiaoyun Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jianrong Cao
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Tao Huang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zecong Xiao
- Nanomedicine Research Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
| | - Yong Wang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Xintao Shuai
- Nanomedicine Research Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
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99
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Adegoke NA, Gide TN, Mao Y, Quek C, Patrick E, Carlino MS, Lo SN, Menzies AM, Pires da Silva I, Vergara IA, Long G, Scolyer RA, Wilmott JS. Classification of the tumor immune microenvironment and associations with outcomes in patients with metastatic melanoma treated with immunotherapies. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007144. [PMID: 37865395 PMCID: PMC10603328 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007144] [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] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor microenvironment (TME) characteristics are potential biomarkers of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in metastatic melanoma. This study developed a method to perform unsupervised classification of TME of metastatic melanoma. METHODS We used multiplex immunohistochemical and quantitative pathology-derived assessment of immune cell compositions of intratumoral and peritumoral regions of metastatic melanoma baseline biopsies to classify TME in relation to response to anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) monotherapy or in combination with anti-cytotoxic T-cell lymphocyte-4 (ipilimumab (IPI)+PD-1). RESULTS Spatial profiling of CD8+T cells, macrophages, and melanoma cells, as well as phenotypic PD-1 receptor ligand (PD-L1) and CD16 proportions, were used to identify and classify patients into one of three mutually exclusive TME classes: immune-scarce, immune-intermediate, and immune-rich tumors. Patients with immune-rich tumors were characterized by a lower proportion of melanoma cells and higher proportions of immune cells, including higher PD-L1 expression. These patients had higher response rates and longer progression-free survival (PFS) than those with immune-intermediate and immune-scarce tumors. At a median follow-up of 18 months (95% CI: 6.7 to 49 months), the 1-year PFS was 76% (95% CI: 64% to 90%) for patients with an immune-rich tumor, 56% (95% CI: 44% to 72%) for those with an immune-intermediate tumor, and 33% (95% CI: 23% to 47%) for patients with an immune-scarce tumor. A higher response rate was observed in patients with an immune-scarce or immune-intermediate tumor when treated with IPI+PD-1 compared with those treated with PD-1 alone. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides an automatic TME classification method that may predict the clinical efficacy of immunotherapy for patients with metastatic melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurudeen A Adegoke
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tuba N Gide
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yizhe Mao
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Camelia Quek
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ellis Patrick
- Centre for Cancer Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Matteo S Carlino
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Westmead and Blacktown Hospitals, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Serigne N Lo
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexander Maxwell Menzies
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Royal North Shore and Mater Hospitals, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ines Pires da Silva
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Westmead and Blacktown Hospitals, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ismael A Vergara
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Georgina Long
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Royal North Shore and Mater Hospitals, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Richard A Scolyer
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Tissue Oncology and Diagnostic Pathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and NSW Health Pathology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - James S Wilmott
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Park SK, Lee GY, Kim S, Lee CW, Choi CH, Kang SB, Kim TO, Chun J, Cha JM, Im JP, Ahn KS, Kim SY, Kim MS, Lee CK, Park DI. Enrichment of Activated Fibroblasts as a Potential Biomarker for a Non-Durable Response to Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Therapy in Patients with Crohn's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14799. [PMID: 37834250 PMCID: PMC10573580 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914799] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated whether the response to anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) treatment varied according to inflammatory tissue characteristics in Crohn's disease (CD). Bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data were obtained from inflamed and non-inflamed tissues from 170 patients with CD. The samples were clustered based on gene expression profiles using principal coordinate analysis (PCA). Cellular heterogeneity was inferred using CiberSortx, with bulk RNA-seq data. The PCA results displayed two clusters of CD-inflamed samples: one close to (Inflamed_1) and the other far away (Inflamed_2) from the non-inflamed samples. Inflamed_1 was rich in anti-TNF durable responders (DRs), and Inflamed_2 was enriched in non-durable responders (NDRs). The CiberSortx results showed that the cell fraction of activated fibroblasts was six times higher in Inflamed_2 than in Inflamed_1. Validation with public gene expression datasets (GSE16879) revealed that the activated fibroblasts were enriched in NDRs over Next, we used DRs by 1.9 times pre-treatment and 7.5 times after treatment. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) was overexpressed in the Inflamed_2 and was also overexpressed in the NDRs in both the RISK and GSE16879 datasets. The activation of fibroblasts may play a role in resistance to anti-TNF therapy. Characterizing fibroblasts in inflamed tissues at diagnosis may help to identify patients who are likely to respond to anti-TNF therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Kyung Park
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea;
- Medical Research Institute, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea;
| | - Gi-Young Lee
- Department of Bioinformatics, Soongsil University, Seoul 06978, Republic of Korea; (G.-Y.L.); (S.K.)
| | - Sangsoo Kim
- Department of Bioinformatics, Soongsil University, Seoul 06978, Republic of Korea; (G.-Y.L.); (S.K.)
| | - Chil-Woo Lee
- Medical Research Institute, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea;
| | - Chang-Hwan Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea;
| | - Sang-Bum Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Daejeon St. Mary’s Hospital, Daejeon 34943, Republic of Korea;
| | - Tae-Oh Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Haeundae Paik Hospital, College of Medicine, Inje University, Busan 47392, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jaeyoung Chun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jae-Myung Cha
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gang Dong, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jong-Pil Im
- Department of Internal Medicine, Liver Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea;
| | - Kwang-Sung Ahn
- Functional Genome Institute, PDXen Biosystems, Inc., Daejeon 34027, Republic of Korea;
| | - Seon-Young Kim
- Personalized Medicine Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea;
| | - Min-Suk Kim
- Department of Human Intelligence and Robot Engineering, Sangmyung University, Cheonan 31066, Republic of Korea;
| | - Chang-Kyun Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology, Center for Crohn’s and Colitis, Kyung Hee University Hospital, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea;
| | - Dong-Il Park
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea;
- Medical Research Institute, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea;
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