51
|
Files R, Okwu V, Topa N, Sousa M, Silva F, Rodrigues P, Delgado L, Prada J, Pires I. Assessment of Tumor-Associated Tissue Eosinophilia (TATE) and Tumor-Associated Macrophages (TAMs) in Canine Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:519. [PMID: 38338162 PMCID: PMC10854732 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030519] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder is a significant neoplasm in dogs, characterized by a poor prognosis and a high metastatic potential. These canine spontaneous tumors share many characteristics with human transitional cell carcinoma, making them an excellent comparative model. The role of inflammatory infiltration in tumor development and progression is frequently contradictory, especially concerning tumor-associated tissue eosinophils (TATE) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). This study aims to analyze TATE and TAMs in canine transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. Congo Red staining was used to identify TATE, and immunohistochemistry was performed to detect TAMs in 34 cases of canine transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder carcinomas, categorized into low and high grades. Statistically significant differences were observed between the number of eosinophils and macrophages in the two groups of tumors. The number of TATE was higher in low-grade malignant tumors, but the number of TAMs was higher in high-grade tumors. Our findings suggest the importance of TATEs and TAMs in the aggressiveness of canine transitional cell carcinoma and propose their potential use as therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Files
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (R.F.); (V.O.); (N.T.); (M.S.); (F.S.); (P.R.); (J.P.)
| | - Victor Okwu
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (R.F.); (V.O.); (N.T.); (M.S.); (F.S.); (P.R.); (J.P.)
| | - Nuno Topa
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (R.F.); (V.O.); (N.T.); (M.S.); (F.S.); (P.R.); (J.P.)
| | - Marisa Sousa
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (R.F.); (V.O.); (N.T.); (M.S.); (F.S.); (P.R.); (J.P.)
| | - Filipe Silva
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (R.F.); (V.O.); (N.T.); (M.S.); (F.S.); (P.R.); (J.P.)
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Paula Rodrigues
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (R.F.); (V.O.); (N.T.); (M.S.); (F.S.); (P.R.); (J.P.)
| | - Leonor Delgado
- UNIPRO—Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences—CESPU (IUCS-CESPU), 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal;
- Pathology Department, INNO Specialized Veterinary Services, 4710-503 Braga, Portugal
| | - Justina Prada
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (R.F.); (V.O.); (N.T.); (M.S.); (F.S.); (P.R.); (J.P.)
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pires
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (R.F.); (V.O.); (N.T.); (M.S.); (F.S.); (P.R.); (J.P.)
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
52
|
Elfstrum AK, Bapat AS, Schwertfeger KL. Defining and targeting macrophage heterogeneity in the mammary gland and breast cancer. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7053. [PMID: 38426622 PMCID: PMC10905685 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Macrophages are innate immune cells that are associated with extensive phenotypic and functional plasticity and contribute to normal development, tissue homeostasis, and diseases such as cancer. In this review, we discuss the heterogeneity of tissue resident macrophages in the normal mammary gland and tumor-associated macrophages in breast cancer. Tissue resident macrophages are required for mammary gland development, where they have been implicated in promoting extracellular matrix remodeling, apoptotic clearance, and cellular crosstalk. In the context of cancer, tumor-associated macrophages are key drivers of growth and metastasis via their ability to promote matrix remodeling, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and immunosuppression. METHOD We identified and summarized studies in Pubmed that describe the phenotypic and functional heterogeneity of macrophages and the implications of targeting individual subsets, specifically in the context of mammary gland development and breast cancer. We also identified and summarized recent studies using single-cell RNA sequencing to identify and describe macrophage subsets in human breast cancer samples. RESULTS Advances in single-cell RNA sequencing technologies have yielded nuances in macrophage heterogeneity, with numerous macrophage subsets identified in both the normal mammary gland and breast cancer tissue. Macrophage subsets contribute to mammary gland development and breast cancer progression in differing ways, and emerging studies highlight a role for spatial localization in modulating their phenotype and function. CONCLUSION Understanding macrophage heterogeneity and the unique functions of each subset in both normal mammary gland development and breast cancer progression may lead to more promising targets for the treatment of breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexis K. Elfstrum
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology Graduate ProgramUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Aditi S. Bapat
- Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics Graduate ProgramUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Kathryn L. Schwertfeger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathologyUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
- Masonic Cancer CenterUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
- Center for ImmunologyUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
53
|
Cornice J, Verzella D, Arboretto P, Vecchiotti D, Capece D, Zazzeroni F, Franzoso G. NF-κB: Governing Macrophages in Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:197. [PMID: 38397187 PMCID: PMC10888451 DOI: 10.3390/genes15020197] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the major component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), where they sustain tumor progression and or-tumor immunity. Due to their plasticity, macrophages can exhibit anti- or pro-tumor functions through the expression of different gene sets leading to distinct macrophage phenotypes: M1-like or pro-inflammatory and M2-like or anti-inflammatory. NF-κB transcription factors are central regulators of TAMs in cancers, where they often drive macrophage polarization toward an M2-like phenotype. Therefore, the NF-κB pathway is an attractive therapeutic target for cancer immunotherapy in a wide range of human tumors. Hence, targeting NF-κB pathway in the myeloid compartment is a potential clinical strategy to overcome microenvironment-induced immunosuppression and increase anti-tumor immunity. In this review, we discuss the role of NF-κB as a key driver of macrophage functions in tumors as well as the principal strategies to overcome tumor immunosuppression by targeting the NF-κB pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Cornice
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (J.C.); (P.A.)
| | - Daniela Verzella
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (D.V.); (D.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Paola Arboretto
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (J.C.); (P.A.)
| | - Davide Vecchiotti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (D.V.); (D.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Daria Capece
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (D.V.); (D.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Francesca Zazzeroni
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (D.V.); (D.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Guido Franzoso
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (J.C.); (P.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
54
|
Wu Y, Lin JY, Zhou YD, Liu HJ, Lu SX, Zhang XK, Guan YY, Nagle DG, Zhang WD, Chen HZ, Luan X. Oncolytic Peptide-Nanoplatform Drives Oncoimmune Response and Reverses Adenosine-Induced Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2303445. [PMID: 38290499 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303445] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
The application of oncolytic peptides has become a powerful approach to induce complete and long-lasting remission in multiple types of carcinomas, as affirmed by the appearance of tumor-associated antigens and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in large quantities, which jumpstarts the cancer-immunity cycle. However, the ATP breakdown product adenosine is a significant contributor to forming the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, which substantially weakens peptide-driven oncolytic immunotherapy. In this study, a lipid-coated micelle (CA@TLM) loaded with a stapled oncolytic peptide (PalAno) and an adenosine 2A receptor (A2AR) inhibitor (CPI-444) is devised to enact tumor-targeted oncolytic immunotherapy and to overcome adenosine-mediated immune suppression simultaneously. The CA@TLM micelle accumulates in tumors with high efficiency, and the acidic tumor microenvironment prompts the rapid release of PalAno and CPI-444. Subsequently, PalAno induces swift membrane lysis of tumor cells and the release of antigenic materials. Meanwhile, CPI-444 blocks the activation of the immunosuppressive adenosine-A2AR signaling pathway. This combined approach exhibits pronounced synergy at stalling tumor growth and metastasis in animal models for triple-negative breast cancer and melanoma, providing a novel strategy for enhanced oncolytic immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Wu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research and Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jia-Yi Lin
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research and Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yu-Dong Zhou
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Liberal Arts, University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA
| | - Hai-Jun Liu
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Sheng-Xin Lu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research and Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xiao-Kun Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research and Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Ying-Yun Guan
- Department of Pharmacy, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Dale G Nagle
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA
| | - Wei-Dong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Hong-Zhuan Chen
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research and Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xin Luan
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research and Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
Cecchi D, Jackson N, Beckham W, Chithrani DB. Improving the Efficacy of Common Cancer Treatments via Targeted Therapeutics towards the Tumour and Its Microenvironment. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:175. [PMID: 38399237 PMCID: PMC10891984 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020175] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is defined as the uncontrolled proliferation of heterogeneous cell cultures in the body that develop abnormalities and mutations, leading to their resistance to many forms of treatment. Left untreated, these abnormal cell growths can lead to detrimental and even fatal complications for patients. Radiation therapy is involved in around 50% of cancer treatment workflows; however, it presents significant recurrence rates and normal tissue toxicity, given the inevitable deposition of the dose to the surrounding healthy tissue. Chemotherapy is another treatment modality with excessive normal tissue toxicity that significantly affects patients' quality of life. To improve the therapeutic efficacy of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, multiple conjunctive modalities have been proposed, which include the targeting of components of the tumour microenvironment inhibiting tumour spread and anti-therapeutic pathways, increasing the oxygen content within the tumour to revert the hypoxic nature of the malignancy, improving the local dose deposition with metal nanoparticles, and the restriction of the cell cycle within radiosensitive phases. The tumour microenvironment is largely responsible for inhibiting nanoparticle capture within the tumour itself and improving resistance to various forms of cancer therapy. In this review, we discuss the current literature surrounding the administration of molecular and nanoparticle therapeutics, their pharmacokinetics, and contrasting mechanisms of action. The review aims to demonstrate the advancements in the field of conjugated nanomaterials and radiotherapeutics targeting, inhibiting, or bypassing the tumour microenvironment to promote further research that can improve treatment outcomes and toxicity rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Cecchi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (D.C.)
| | - Nolan Jackson
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (D.C.)
| | - Wayne Beckham
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (D.C.)
- British Columbia Cancer-Victoria, Victoria, BC V8R 6V5, Canada
| | - Devika B. Chithrani
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (D.C.)
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies, Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
- Department of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, Okanagan Campus, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
56
|
Li F, Wang Y, Chen D, Du Y. Nanoparticle-Based Immunotherapy for Reversing T-Cell Exhaustion. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1396. [PMID: 38338674 PMCID: PMC10855737 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031396] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
T-cell exhaustion refers to a state of T-cell dysfunction commonly observed in chronic infections and cancer. Immune checkpoint molecules blockading using PD-1 and TIM-3 antibodies have shown promising results in reversing exhaustion, but this approach has several limitations. The treatment of T-cell exhaustion is still facing great challenges, making it imperative to explore new therapeutic strategies. With the development of nanotechnology, nanoparticles have successfully been applied as drug carriers and delivery systems in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Furthermore, nanoparticle-based immunotherapy has emerged as a crucial approach to reverse exhaustion. Here, we have compiled the latest advances in T-cell exhaustion, with a particular focus on the characteristics of exhaustion that can be targeted. Additionally, the emerging nanoparticle-based delivery systems were also reviewed. Moreover, we have discussed, in detail, nanoparticle-based immunotherapies that aim to reverse exhaustion, including targeting immune checkpoint blockades, remodeling the tumor microenvironment, and targeting the metabolism of exhausted T cells, etc. These data could aid in comprehending the immunopathogenesis of exhaustion and accomplishing the objective of preventing and treating chronic diseases or cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Li
- Institute of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China;
| | - Yahong Wang
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; (Y.W.); (D.C.)
| | - Dandan Chen
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; (Y.W.); (D.C.)
| | - Yunjie Du
- Institute of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China;
| |
Collapse
|
57
|
Li H, Miao YQ, Suo LP, Wang X, Mao YQ, Zhang XH, Zhou N, Tian JR, Yu XY, Wang TX, Gao Y, Guo HY, Zhang Z, Ma DS, Wu HX, Cui YW, Zhang XL, Chi XC, Li YC, Irwin DM, Niu G, Tan HR. CD206 modulates the role of M2 macrophages in the origin of metastatic tumors. J Cancer 2024; 15:1462-1486. [PMID: 38356723 PMCID: PMC10861823 DOI: 10.7150/jca.91944] [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: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor metastasis is a key factor affecting the life of patients with malignant tumors. For the past hundred years, scientists have focused on how to kill cancer cells and inhibit their metastasis in vivo, but few breakthroughs have been made. Here we hypothesized a novel mode for cancer metastasis. We show that the phagocytosis of apoptotic tumor cells by macrophages leads to their polarization into the M2 phenotype, and that the expression of stem cell related as well as drug resistance related genes was induced. Therefore, it appears that M2 macrophages have "defected" and have been transformed into the initial "metastatic cancer cells", and thus are the source, at least in part, of the distal tissue tumor metastasis. This assumption is supported by the presence of fused cells with characteristics of both macrophage and tumor cell observed in the peripheral blood and ascites of patients with ovarian cancer. By eliminating the expression of CD206 in M2 macrophages using siRNA, we show that the growth and metastasis of tumors was suppressed using both in vitro cell line and with experimental in vivo mouse models. In summary, we show that M2 macrophages in the blood circulation underwent a "change of loyalty" to become "cancer cells" that transformed into distal tissue metastasis, which could be suppressed by the knockdown of CD206 expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Ying-Qi Miao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Ping Suo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Qing Mao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-Hui Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Na Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jun-Rui Tian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xiu-Yan Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Tong-Xia Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Yan Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | | | | | | | | | - Xiao-Chun Chi
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | | | - David M. Irwin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gang Niu
- Beijing N&N Genetech Company, Beijing, China
| | - Huan-Ran Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
58
|
Zhou X, Ma E, Zhang Y, Xing Y, Xu W, Chen L, Zhou H, Zhang X, Jiang C, Xu K, Wang H, Zheng S. NIR-Actuated Targeted Janus Nanomotors Remodel Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment for Augmented Cancer Immunotherapy. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302272. [PMID: 37824087 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302272] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) always display immunosuppressive M2 phenotype in the tumor microenvironment to facilitate tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. Ibrutinib (IBR), a novel irreversible Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, has been employed to repolarize the BTK-overexpressed TAMs from M2 to M1 phenotype to remodel the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. However, the poor solubility of IBR extremely hinders its bioavailability, which results in low tumor accumulation and TAMs uptake in vivo. Herein, NIR laser-actuated Janus nanomotors are proposed for the effective and deep delivery of IBR to TAMs in solid tumor for targeted immunotherapy. Under NIR irradiation, the Janus nanomotors exhibit efficient photothermal conversion to produce powerful propulsion via self-thermophoresis with a speed of 12.15 µm s-1 . Combined with the salic acid targeting and IBR loading, the nanomotors significantly boost their binding and uptake efficacy by M2-like macrophages during the active motion, which highly facilitate the reprogramming of M2 to M1 macrophages in vitro. Furtherly, the autonomous motion also validly improves in vivo accumulation and penetration depth in tumors to alter the M1/M2 polarization balance and activate T cells. Overall, the synthesized IC@MSA JNMs would provide a promising strategy for the efficient delivery of immunological agents toward targeted cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhou
- School of Medical Imaging, Xuzhou Medical University, 221006, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Radiology, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Enhui Ma
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, China University of Mining and Technology, 221116, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- School of Medical Imaging, Xuzhou Medical University, 221006, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yujuan Xing
- School of Medical Imaging, Xuzhou Medical University, 221006, Xuzhou, China
| | - Wenbei Xu
- School of Medical Imaging, Xuzhou Medical University, 221006, Xuzhou, China
| | - Liang Chen
- School of Medical Imaging, Xuzhou Medical University, 221006, Xuzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhou
- School of Medical Imaging, Xuzhou Medical University, 221006, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xinran Zhang
- School of Medical Imaging, Xuzhou Medical University, 221006, Xuzhou, China
| | - Canran Jiang
- School of Medical Imaging, Xuzhou Medical University, 221006, Xuzhou, China
| | - Kai Xu
- School of Medical Imaging, Xuzhou Medical University, 221006, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, China
| | - Hong Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, China University of Mining and Technology, 221116, Xuzhou, China
| | - Shaohui Zheng
- School of Medical Imaging, Xuzhou Medical University, 221006, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
59
|
Jung M, Bonavida B. Immune Evasion in Cancer Is Regulated by Tumor-Asociated Macrophages (TAMs): Targeting TAMs. Crit Rev Oncog 2024; 29:1-17. [PMID: 38989734 DOI: 10.1615/critrevoncog.2024053096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Recent advancements in cancer treatment have explored a variety of approaches to address the needs of patients. Recently, immunotherapy has evolved as an efficacious treatment for various cancers resistant to conventional therapies. Hence, significant milestones in immunotherapy were achieved clinically in a large subset of cancer patients. Unfortunately, some cancer types do not respond to treatment, and among the responsive cancers, some patients remain unresponsive to treatment. Consequently, there is a critical need to examine the mechanisms of immune resistance and devise strategies to target immune suppressor cells or factors, thereby allowing for tumor sensitivity to immune cytotoxic cells. M2 macrophages, also known as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), are of interest due to their role in suppressing the immune system and influencing antitumor immune responses through modulating T cell activity and immune checkpoint expression. TAMs are associated with signaling pathways that modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME), contributing to immune evasion. One approach targets TAMs, focusing on preventing the polarization of M1 macrophages into the protumoral M2 phenotype. Other strategies focus on direct or indirect targeting of M2 macrophages through understanding the interaction of TAMs with immune factors or signaling pathways. Clinically, biomarkers associated with TAMs' immune resistance in cancer patients have been identified, opening avenues for intervention using pharmacological agents or immunotherapeutic approaches. Ultimately, these multifaceted approaches are promising in overcoming immune resistance and improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan Jung
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Johnson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90025-1747, USA
| | - Benjamin Bonavida
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Johnson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90025-1747, USA
| |
Collapse
|
60
|
Kerboeuf M, Haugeberg DA, Olsen T, Sørling LK, Koppang EO, Moe L, Haaland AH. Tumor-associated macrophages in canine visceral hemangiosarcoma. Vet Pathol 2024; 61:32-45. [PMID: 37341055 PMCID: PMC10687809 DOI: 10.1177/03009858231179947] [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] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Canine hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a highly malignant tumor derived from hematopoietic stem cells and commonly occurs in visceral organs or skin. Visceral HSAs are particularly aggressive and progress rapidly despite multimodal treatment. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a central role in carcinogenesis, tumor progression, and metastasis in humans and murine models. In this retrospective study, we investigated the prevalence and phenotype of TAMs in privately owned, treatment-naïve dogs with naturally occurring HSA. We used CD204 as a general macrophage marker and CD206 as a marker for M2-polarized macrophages. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from HSAs in the spleen (n = 9), heart (n = 6), and other locations (n = 12) from 17 dogs were sectioned and immunohistochemically labeled with CD204 and CD206 antibodies. The mean number of log(CD204)- and log(CD206)-positive cells and the ratio of log(CD206/CD204)-positive cells were compared with normal surrounding tissues and between tumor locations. There were significantly more macrophages and M2 macrophages, and a higher ratio of M2 macrophages to total macrophages in tumor hot spots (P = .0002, P < .0001, and P = .0002, respectively) and in tumor tissues outside of hot spots (P = .009, P = .002, and P = .007, respectively) than in normal surrounding tissues. There were no significant differences between tumor locations, but there was a trend toward higher numbers of CD204-positive macrophages within the splenic tumors. There was no association between histological parameters or clinical stage and TAM numbers or phenotype. As in humans, TAMs in dogs with HSA have a predominantly M2-skewed phenotype. Dogs with HSA could serve as excellent models to evaluate new TAM-reprogramming therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tobias Olsen
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | | | | | - Lars Moe
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | | |
Collapse
|
61
|
Jing Z, Li Y, Song J, Zang X. Efficient TNBC immunotherapy by dual reprogramming tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells and tumor-associated macrophages with stimulus-responsive miR155 nanocomplexes. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:126912. [PMID: 37722648 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains to be a formidable adversary with high mortality and unfavorable prognosis. Tumor microenvironment comprises of various constituents, among them, tumor infiltrating dendritic cells (TIDCs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) which have been recognized as pivotal factors responsible for mediating immune responses. Overcoming the refractory properties of TIDCs and TAMs is critical for inducing a robust and sustained immune response against cancer cells. In this study, pH/ROS-responsive microRNA-155 (miR155) nanocomplexes (MiR@PCPmP NPs) were developed to reprogram TIDCs and TAMs for efficient TNBC immunotherapy. This nanoplatform was based on a pH/ROS cleavable copolymer of poly(ethylene glycol)-carboxydimethyl maleate-poly(ethyleneimine)-peroxalate ester-poly(ε-caprolactone) grafted with mannose moieties (PEG-CDM-PEI[Man]-ox-PCL) which self-assembled with miRNA to form nanocomplexes. In the tumor microenvironment, the nanocomplexes showed selective cellular uptake by TIDCs and TAMs through PEG detachment and mannose exposure, followed by efficient endosomal escape, cytosolic miR155 release, and the dual-reprogramming of TIDCs and TAMs. Our results showed that MiR@PCPmP NPs significantly improved antitumor immune responses with highly infiltrating CD8+ T cells while restraining immunosuppressive components in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. Furthermore, the nanoparticles effectively suppressed both primary tumors and pulmonary metastatic nodules without obvious systemic toxicity. This research highlights the potential of dual-reprogramming of TIDCs and TAMs with the miR155 nanocomplexes as a promising strategy for TNBC immunotherapy, with potential for translation to other cancers with a similar microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghui Jing
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, PR China
| | - Yanfeng Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, PR China
| | - Jinxiao Song
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, PR China
| | - Xinlong Zang
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
62
|
Zhang R, Shen Y, Zhang Q, Feng X, Liu X, Huo X, Sun J, Hao J. TRIM21-mediated Sohlh2 ubiquitination suppresses M2 macrophage polarization and progression of triple-negative breast cancer. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:850. [PMID: 38123542 PMCID: PMC10733312 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06383-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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Lung metastasis is the major cause of death in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) represent the M2-like phenotype with potent immunosuppressive activity, and play a pro-tumor role in TNBC lung metastasis. Sohlh2 belongs to the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor family. However, its role in macrophages polarization remains unknown, especially in TNBC progression. Here we demonstrated that Sohlh2 overexpression promoted M2 macrophage polarization. Moreover, high expression of Sohlh2 in M2-like macrophage enhanced TNBC cell growth, migration and lung metastasis in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, we revealed that Sohlh2 functioned through up-regulating LXRα, ABCA1, ABCG1 expression and disturbing the lipid homeostasis on the membrane of macrophages. Sohlh2 could directly bind to the promoter of LXRα and promote its transcription activity. E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM21 promoted Sohlh2 ubiquitination and degradation, and suppressed M2 macrophage polarization and TNBC progression. Collectively, our findings suggested that Sohlh2 in macrophage could be a novel therapeutic target for TNBC metastatic treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruihong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of The Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Ying Shen
- Key Laboratory of The Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of The Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Xiaoning Feng
- Key Laboratory of The Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Xuyue Liu
- Key Laboratory of The Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Xiaoning Huo
- Key Laboratory of The Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Jinhao Sun
- Department of Human Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Jing Hao
- Key Laboratory of The Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
| |
Collapse
|
63
|
Eichhorn F, Weigert A, Nandigama R, Klotz LV, Wilhelm J, Kriegsmann M, Allgäuer M, Muley T, Christopoulos P, Savai R, Eichhorn ME, Winter H. Prognostic Impact of the Immune-Cell Infiltrate in N1-Positive Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Clin Lung Cancer 2023; 24:706-716.e1. [PMID: 37460340 DOI: 10.1016/j.cllc.2023.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The tumoral immune milieu plays a crucial role for the development of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and may influence individual prognosis. We analyzed the predictive role of immune cell infiltrates after curative lung cancer surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS The tumoral immune-cell infiltrate from 174 patients with pN1 NSCLC and adjuvant chemotherapy was characterized using immunofluorescence staining. The density and distribution of specific immune cells in tumor center (TU), invasive front (IF) and normal tissue (NORM) were correlated with clinical parameters and survival data. RESULTS Tumor specific survival (TSS) of all patients was 69.9% at 5 years. The density of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) was higher in TU and IF than in NORM. High TIL density in TU (low vs. high: 62.0% vs. 86.7%; p = .011) and the presence of cytotoxic T-Lymphocytes (CTLs) in TU and IF were associated with improved TSS (positive vs. negative: 90.6% vs. 64.7% p = .024). High TIL-density correlated with programmed death-ligand 1 expression levels ≥50% (p < .001). Multivariate analysis identified accumulation of TIL (p = .016) and low Treg density (p = .003) in TU as negative prognostic predictors in squamous cell carcinoma (p = .025), whereas M1-like tumor- associated macrophages (p = .019) and high programmed death-ligand 1 status (p = .038) were associated with better survival in adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION The assessment of specific intratumoral immune cells may serve as a prognostic predictor in pN1 NSCLC. However differences were observed related to adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma histology. Prospective assessment of the immune-cell infiltrate and further clarification of its prognostic relevance could assist patient selection for upcoming perioperative immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Eichhorn
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Thoraxklinik, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Translational Lung Research Center, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Andreas Weigert
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Goethe University, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Rajender Nandigama
- Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Laura V Klotz
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Thoraxklinik, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Translational Lung Research Center, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jochen Wilhelm
- Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany; Internal Medicine, University of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Mark Kriegsmann
- Translational Lung Research Center, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany; Institute of Pathology Wiesbaden, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Michael Allgäuer
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Muley
- Translational Lung Research Center, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany; Section Translational Research (STF), Thoraxklinik, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Petros Christopoulos
- Translational Lung Research Center, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Thoracic Oncology, Thoraxklinik, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rajkumar Savai
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Goethe University, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Martin E Eichhorn
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Thoraxklinik, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Translational Lung Research Center, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hauke Winter
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Thoraxklinik, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Translational Lung Research Center, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
64
|
Maimaiti A, Abulaiti A, Tang B, Dilixiati Y, Li X, Yakufu S, Wang Y, Jiang L, Shao H. Radiogenomic landscape: Assessment of specific phagocytosis regulators in lower-grade gliomas. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2023; 248:2289-2303. [PMID: 38062999 PMCID: PMC10903236 DOI: 10.1177/15353702231211939] [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: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screens have emerged as a powerful method for identifying key genes driving tumor growth. The aim of this study was to explore the phagocytosis regulators (PRs) specifically associated with lower-grade glioma (LGG) using the CRISPR-Cas9 screening database. Identifying these core PRs could lead to novel therapeutic targets and pave the way for a non-invasive radiogenomics approach to assess LGG patients' prognosis and treatment response. We selected 24 PRs that were overexpressed and lethal in LGG for analysis. The identified PR subtypes (PRsClusters, geneClusters, and PRs-score models) effectively predicted clinical outcomes in LGG patients. Immune response markers, such as CTLA4, were found to be significantly associated with PR-score. Nine radiogenomics models using various machine learning classifiers were constructed to uncover survival risk. The area under the curve (AUC) values for these models in the test and training datasets were 0.686 and 0.868, respectively. The CRISPR-Cas9 screen identified novel prognostic radiogenomics biomarkers that correlated well with the expression status of specific PR-related genes in LGG patients. These biomarkers successfully stratified patient survival outcomes and treatment response using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. This study has important implications for the development of precise clinical treatment strategies and holds promise for more accurate therapeutic approaches for LGG patients in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aierpati Maimaiti
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830054, China
| | - Aimitaji Abulaiti
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830054, China
| | - Bin Tang
- Imaging Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830054, China
| | | | - Xueqi Li
- Imaging Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830054, China
| | - Suobinuer Yakufu
- Imaging Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830054, China
| | - Yongxin Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830054, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830054, China
| | - Hua Shao
- Imaging Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830054, China
| |
Collapse
|
65
|
Wang B, Zhang Y, Yin X. Advances in tumor immunomodulation based on nanodrug delivery systems. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1297493. [PMID: 38106403 PMCID: PMC10725201 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1297493] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a therapeutic approach that employs immunological principles and techniques to enhance and amplify the body's immune response, thereby eradicating tumor cells. Immunotherapy has demonstrated effective antitumor effects on a variety of malignant tumors. However, when applied to humans, many immunotherapy drugs fail to target lesions with precision, leading to an array of adverse immune-related reactions that profoundly limit the clinical application of immunotherapy. Nanodrug delivery systems enable the precise delivery of immunotherapeutic drugs to targeted tissues or specific immune cells, enhancing the immune antitumor effect while reducing the number of adverse reactions. A nanodrug delivery system provides a feasible strategy for activating the antitumor immune response by the following mechanisms: 1) increased targeting and uptake of vaccines by DCs, which enhances the efficacy of the immune response; 2) increased tumor cell immunogenicity; 3) regulation of TAMs and other cells by, for example, regulating the polarization of TAMs and interfering with TAN formation, and ECM remodeling by CAFs; and 4) interference with tumor immune escape signaling pathways, namely, the PD-1/PD-L1, FGL1/LAG-3 and IDO signaling pathways. This paper reviews the progress of nanodrug delivery system research with respect to tumor immunotherapy based on tumor immunomodulation over the last few years, discussing the promising future of these delivery systems under this domain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Xunzhe Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
66
|
Song J, Liu Q, Han L, Song T, Huang S, Zhang X, He Q, Liang C, Zhu S, Xiong B. Hsa_circ_0009092/miR-665/NLK signaling axis suppresses colorectal cancer progression via recruiting TAMs in the tumor microenvironment. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:319. [PMID: 38008713 PMCID: PMC10680284 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02887-8] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been demonstrated that circularRNA (circRNAs) plays a critical role in various cancers. While the potential molecular mechanism of circRNAs in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains uncertain. METHODS Differentially expressed circRNAs were identified by RNA sequencing. RT-qPCR detected the expression of circ_0009092, miR-665, and NLK in CRC tissues and cells. Functions of circ_0009092 on tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were investigated by a series of in vitro assays. The underlying mechanism of circ_0009092 was explored by bioinformatics analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and luciferase assays. A co-culture assay in vitro was performed to detect the affection of circ_0009092 on macrophage recruitment in the tumor microenvironment (TME). A xenograft mouse model was used to explore the effect of circ_0009092 on tumor growth. RESULTS Circ_0009092 was downregulated in CRCand predicted a good prognosis. Overexpression of circ_0009092 reduced tumor cell EMT, proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circ_0009092 elevated the NLK expression via sponging miR-665 and suppressed the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. EIF4EA3 induced circ_0009092 expression in CRC cells. In addition, NLK regulates phosphorylation and O-GlcNAcylation of STAT3 by binding to STAT3, thereby inhibiting CCL2 expression, in which it inhibits macrophage recruitment in the tumor microenvironment (TME). CONCLUSION EIF4A3 suppressed circ_0009092 biogenesis, whichinhibits CRC progression by sponging miR-665 to downregulate NLK. Circ_0009092/miR-665/NLK suppressed tumor EMT, proliferation, migration, and invasion by acting on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. NLK directly interacted with STAT3 and decreased the CCL2 expression, inhibiting the recruitment of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the TME. Our study provided novel insights into the roles of circ_0009092 as a novel promising prognostic and therapeutic target in CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jialin Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumour Biological Behaviours, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Wuhan Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Han
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumour Biological Behaviours, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Tiantian Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumour Biological Behaviours, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Sihao Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumour Biological Behaviours, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xinyao Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumour Biological Behaviours, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Qiuming He
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumour Biological Behaviours, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Chenxi Liang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumour Biological Behaviours, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Shuai Zhu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
| | - Bin Xiong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumour Biological Behaviours, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
67
|
Shao S, Miao H, Ma W. Unraveling the enigma of tumor-associated macrophages: challenges, innovations, and the path to therapeutic breakthroughs. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1295684. [PMID: 38035068 PMCID: PMC10682717 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1295684] [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: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are integral to the tumor microenvironment (TME), influencing cancer progression significantly. Attracted by cancer cell signals, TAMs exhibit unparalleled adaptability, aligning with the dynamic tumor milieu. Their roles span from promoting tumor growth and angiogenesis to modulating metastasis. While substantial research has explored the fundamentals of TAMs, comprehending their adaptive behavior, and leveraging it for novel treatments remains challenging. This review delves into TAM polarization, metabolic shifts, and the complex orchestration of cytokines and chemokines determining their functions. We highlight the complexities of TAM-targeted research focusing on their adaptability and potential variability in therapeutic outcomes. Moreover, we discuss the synergy of integrating TAM-focused strategies with established cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Emphasis is laid on pioneering methods like TAM reprogramming for cancer immunotherapy and the adoption of single-cell technologies for precision intervention. This synthesis seeks to shed light on TAMs' multifaceted roles in cancer, pinpointing prospective pathways for transformative research and enhancing therapeutic modalities in oncology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengwen Shao
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Huilai Miao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Liaobu Hospital of Dongguan City, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenxue Ma
- Department of Medicine, Moores Cancer Center, and Sanford Stem Cell Institute, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
68
|
Xiao Y, Hu Y, Liu S. Non-coding RNAs: a promising target for early metastasis intervention. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023; 136:2538-2550. [PMID: 37442775 PMCID: PMC10617820 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002619] [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: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Metastases account for the overwhelming majority of cancer-associated deaths. The dissemination of cancer cells from the primary tumor to distant organs involves a complex process known as the invasion-metastasis cascade. The underlying biological mechanisms of metastasis, however, remain largely elusive. Recently, the discovery and characterization of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have revealed the diversity of their regulatory roles, especially as key contributors throughout the metastatic cascade. Here, we review recent progress in how three major types of ncRNAs (microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs) are involved in the multistep procedure of metastasis. We further examine interactions among the three ncRNAs as well as current progress in their regulatory mechanisms. We also propose the prevention of metastasis in the early stages of cancer progression and discuss current translational studies using ncRNAs as targets for metastasis diagnosis and treatments. These studies provide insights into developing more effective strategies to target metastatic relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xiao
- Department of Stomatology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yijun Hu
- Clinical Research Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Shanrong Liu
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| |
Collapse
|
69
|
Nifontova G, Kalenichenko D, Kriukova I, Terryn C, Audonnet S, Karaulov A, Nabiev I, Sukhanova A. Impact of Macrophages on the Interaction of Cetuximab-Functionalized Polyelectrolyte Capsules with EGFR-Expressing Cancer Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 37917654 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c10864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Polyelectrolyte capsules (PCs) are a promising tool for anticancer drug delivery and tumor targeting. Surface functionalization of PCs with antibodies is widely used for providing their specific interactions with cancer cells. The efficiency of PC-based targeted delivery systems can be affected by the cellular heterogeneity of the tumor, particularly by the presence of tumor-associated macrophages. We used human epidermoid carcinoma cells and macrophages derived from human leukemia monocytic cells in either monoculture or coculture to analyze the targeting capacity and internalization efficiency of PCs with a mean size of 1.03 ± 0.11 μm. The PCs were functionalized with the monoclonal antibody cetuximab targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). We have shown that surface functionalization of the PCs with cetuximab ensures a specific interaction with EGFR-expressing cancer cells and promotes capsule internalization. In monoculture, the macrophages derived from human leukemia monocytic cells have been found to internalize both nonfunctionalized PCs and cetuximab-functionalized PCs (Cet-PCs) more intensely compared to epidermoid carcinoma cells. The internalization of Cet-PCs by cancer cells is mediated by lipid rafts of the cell membrane, whereas the PC internalization by macrophages is only slightly influenced by lipid rafts. Experiments with a coculture of human epidermoid carcinoma cells and macrophages derived from human leukemia monocytic cells have shown that Cet-PCs preferentially interact with cancer cells, which are subsequently attacked by macrophages. These data can be used to further improve the strategy of PC functionalization for targeted delivery, with the cellular heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment taken into consideration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Galina Nifontova
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Nanosciences, LRN-EA4682, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51096 Reims, France
| | - Daria Kalenichenko
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Nanosciences, LRN-EA4682, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51096 Reims, France
| | - Irina Kriukova
- Life Improvement by Future Technologies (LIFT) Center, 143025 Moscow, Russian Federation
- Laboratory of Nano-Bioengineering, National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute), 115409 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Christine Terryn
- Plateau Technique PICT, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51096 Reims, France
| | - Sandra Audonnet
- URCACyt, Flow Cytometry Technical Platform, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51096, Reims, France
| | - Alexander Karaulov
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Sechenov University, 119146 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Igor Nabiev
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Nanosciences, LRN-EA4682, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51096 Reims, France
- Life Improvement by Future Technologies (LIFT) Center, 143025 Moscow, Russian Federation
- Laboratory of Nano-Bioengineering, National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute), 115409 Moscow, Russian Federation
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Sechenov University, 119146 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Alyona Sukhanova
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Nanosciences, LRN-EA4682, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51096 Reims, France
| |
Collapse
|
70
|
Huang G, Wu Y, Gan H, Chu L. Overexpression of CD2/CD27 could inhibit the activation of nitrogen metabolism pathways and suppress M2 polarization of macrophages, thereby preventing brain metastasis of breast cancer. Transl Oncol 2023; 37:101768. [PMID: 37666207 PMCID: PMC10480780 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101768] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our study aimed to reveal the possible molecular mechanisms of CD2 and CD27 in influencing the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer (BC) brain metastasis based on the TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) and SRA (Sequence Read Archive) databases. METHODS We calculated the proportions of tumor-infiltrating immune cells and the immune and stromal cell scores in 1222 BC samples from the TCGA-BRCA dataset, followed by identification of candidate DEGs. We further screened for BC brain metastasis-related DEGs in the BC brain metastasis dataset SUB12911144 from the SRA database. Finally, we established a mouse breast cancer brain metastasis model for in vivo validation. RESULTS We further screened two immune-regulatory DEGs (CD2 and CD27). GSEA analysis showed that the downregulation of CD2 and CD27 expression was closely related to the activation of nitrogen metabolism pathways. CIBERSORT algorithm analysis showed a correlation between the expression of 16 types of tumor-infiltrating immune cells and CD2 and 19 types of tumor-infiltrating immune cells and CD27. In addition, CD2 and CD27 expression were negatively associated with the proportion of M2 macrophages. In vivo experimental results demonstrated that overexpression of CD2/CD27 could suppress the M2 polarization of macrophages and inhibit breast cancer brain metastasis. CONCLUSION In the tumor microenvironment, overexpression of CD2/CD27 inhibited the activation of nitrogen metabolism pathways and suppressed M2 polarization of macrophages, thereby preventing brain metastasis of breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guanyou Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second People's Hospital of Guiyang (Jinyang Hospital), No.547 Jinyang South Road, Guanshanhu District, Guiyang 550081, China.
| | - Yujuan Wu
- Department of Neurology, The Second People's Hospital of Guiyang (Jinyang Hospital), No.547 Jinyang South Road, Guanshanhu District, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Hongchuan Gan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second People's Hospital of Guiyang (Jinyang Hospital), No.547 Jinyang South Road, Guanshanhu District, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Liangzhao Chu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550001, China
| |
Collapse
|
71
|
Yang Z, Li H, Dong T, Li G, Chen D, Li S, Wang Y, Pan Y, Lu T, Yang G, Zhang G, Cheng P, Wang X. Comprehensive analysis of resistance mechanisms to EGFR-TKIs and establishment and validation of prognostic model. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:13773-13792. [PMID: 37532906 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05129-8] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are the first-line therapy for patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) harboring activating EGFR mutations. However, the emergence of drug resistance to EGFR-TKIs remains a critical obstacle for successful treatment and is associated with poor patient outcomes. The overarching objective of this study is to apply bioinformatics tools to gain insights into the mechanisms underlying resistance to EGFR-TKIs and develop a robust predictive model. METHODS The genes associated with gefitinib resistance in the LUAD cell Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were identified using gene chip expression data. Functional enrichment analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and immune infiltration analysis were performed to comprehensively explore the mechanism of gefitinib resistance. Furthermore, a GRRG_score was constructed by integrating genes related to LUAD prognosis from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database with the screened Gefitinib Resistant Related differentially expressed genes (GRRDEGs) using the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and Cox regression analyses. Furthermore, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the tumor microenvironment (TME) features and their association with immune infiltration between different GRRG_score groups. A prognostic model for LUAD was developed based on the GRRG_score and validated. The HPA database was used to validate protein expression. The CTR-DB database was utilized to validate the results of drug therapy prediction based on the relevant genes. RESULTS A total of 110 differentially expression genes were identified. Pathway enrichment analysis of DEGs showed that the differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in Mucin type O-glycan biosynthesis, Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, Sphingolipid metabolism. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that biological processes strongly correlated with gefitinib resistance were cell proliferation and immune-related pathways, EPITHELIAL_MESENCHYMAL_TRANSITION, APICAL_SURFACE, and APICAL_JUNCTION were highly expressed in the drug-resistant group; KRAS_SIGNALING_DN, HYPOXIA, and HEDGEHOG_SIGNALING were highly expressed in the drug-resistant group. The GRRG_score was constructed based on the expression levels of 13 genes, including HSPA2, ATP8B3, SPOCK1, EIF6, NUP62CL, BCAR3, PCSK9, NT5E, FLNC, KRT8, FSCN1, ANGPTL4, and ID1. We further screened and validated two key genes, namely, NUP62CL and KRT8, which exhibited predictive value for both prognosis and drug resistance. CONCLUSIONS Our study identified several novel GRRDEGs and provided insight into the underlying mechanisms of gefitinib resistance in LUAD. Our results have implications for developing more effective treatment strategies and prognostic models for LUAD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengzheng Yang
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Haiming Li
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tongjing Dong
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Guangda Li
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Chen
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shujiao Li
- Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yuancan Pan
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Taicheng Lu
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Guowang Yang
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ganlin Zhang
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Peiyu Cheng
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaomin Wang
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
72
|
Lu Y, Chen Y, Li Y, Xu S, Lian D, Liang J, Jiang D, Chen S, Hou S. Monotropein inhibits colitis associated cancer through VDR/JAK1/STAT1 regulation of macrophage polarization. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:110838. [PMID: 37633235 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110838] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a growing concern due to its high morbidity and mortality, and the search for effective and less toxic active substances against inflammatory bowel diseases has been a hot topic in the research and development of drugs against CRC. It is reported that monotropein isolated from the roots of Morinda officinalis, can improve Dextran Sodium Sulfate (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis in mice, but its therapeutic effects and mechanisms for CRC treatment are still to be investigated. In the present study, we first used molecular docking, BLI, CESTA, and DARTS methods to detest whether monotropein targets VDR proteins. In addition, we used tumor cell conditioned co-culture and four models of macrophage polarisation to investigate the regulation of four macrophage polarisations by monotropein using RT-PCR, IF and western blot. Furthermore, we further validated the target of action of monotropein for the treatment of Azoxymethane (AOM)/DSS induced colitis associated cancer (CAC) using knockout animals. Meanwhile, we further explored the mechanism of action of monotropein in regulating polarisation by detecting JAK/STAT1-related genes and proteins. Molecular docking and biofilm interference techniques showed that monotropein bound to the VDR, and additional results from CESTA and DARTS suggested that VDR proteins are targets of monotropein. Furthermore, in tumor cell conditioned co-cultures or LPS + IFN-γ induced RAW264.7 cells, VDR translocation to the nucleus was reduced, JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway proteins were up-regulated, and macrophages were polarised towards the M1-type after monotropein intervention. Animal models in which normal VDR or myeloid VDR was knocked out confirmed that JAK1 levels in intestinal tissues were increased after monotropein intervention, macrophages were polarised towards the M1 type, and CAC paracarcinomas were ameliorated. Taken together, the present study concluded that monotropein inhibited colitis-associated cancers through macrophage polarisation regulated by VDR/JAK1/STAT1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingyu Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, PR China
| | - Yonger Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, PR China
| | - Yuhua Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, PR China
| | - Shuoxi Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, PR China
| | - Dawei Lian
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, PR China
| | - Jian Liang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, PR China
| | - Dongxu Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, PR China
| | - Shuxian Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510000, PR China.
| | - Shaozhen Hou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
73
|
Li Z, Yin P. Tumor microenvironment diversity and plasticity in cancer multidrug resistance. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188997. [PMID: 37832894 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188997] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Multidrug resistance (MDR) poses a significant obstacle to effective cancer treatment, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial for MDR development and reversal. The TME plays an active role in promoting MDR through several pathways. However, a promising therapeutic approach for battling MDR involves targeting specific elements within the TME. Therefore, this comprehensive review elaborates on the research developments regarding the dual role of the TME in promoting and reversing MDR in cancer. Understanding the complex role of the TME in promoting and reversing MDR is essential to developing effective cancer therapies. Utilizing the adaptability of the TME by targeting novel TME-specific factors, utilizing combination therapies, and employing innovative treatment strategies can potentially combat MDR and achieve personalized treatment outcomes for patients with cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Li
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, China; Department of General surgery, Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Umbilical Cord Blood Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China.
| | - Peihao Yin
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, China.
| |
Collapse
|
74
|
Shang T, Yu X, Gu Y, Du R, Cai Y, Li Y, Zheng G, Wang C, Zhang J, Liu J, Han S, Yang B. Supermolecular nanovehicles co-delivering TLR7/8-agonist and anti-CD47 siRNA for enhanced tumor immunotherapy. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 251:126539. [PMID: 37634787 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126539] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is the most promising method for tumor therapy in recent years, among which the macrophages play a critical role in the antitumor immune response. However, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) usually display the tumor-promoting M2 phenotype rather than the tumor-killing M1 phenotype. Moreover, the over-expressed CD47 on tumor cells severely hinders the function of macrophages by blocking the CD47/SIRPα pathway. Herein, a nano-assembly system of CHTR/siRNA was constructed through the host-guest interaction of a hyperbranched amino-functionalized β-cyclodextrin and immune agonist imiquimod (R848), while CD47 siRNA was loaded inside through electrostatic interaction. The Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7/8 agonist R848 can "re-educate" macrophages from the protumoral M2 phenotype to antitumoral M1 phenotype, while CD47 siRNA can down-regulate the "don't eat me" CD47 signal on the surface of cancer cells and enhance the phagocytosis of cancer cells by macrophages. Through the dual regulation of TAMs, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment was relieved, and the host-guest drug-carrying system resulted in synergistic immunotherapy effect on tumors and inhibited tumor growth. The facile self-assembly of nanodrug offers a new strategy in co-delivery of multiple therapeutic agents for cascade cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tongyi Shang
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Xinying Yu
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Yuan Gu
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Rong Du
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Yanjun Cai
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Yuwei Li
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Guodong Zheng
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Chaoqun Wang
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Jifang Liu
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China.
| | - Shisong Han
- Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, China.
| | - Bin Yang
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China.
| |
Collapse
|
75
|
Adir O, Sagi-Assif O, Meshel T, Ben-Menachem S, Pasmanik-Chor M, Hoon DSB, Witz IP, Izraely S. Heterogeneity in the Metastatic Microenvironment: JunB-Expressing Microglia Cells as Potential Drivers of Melanoma Brain Metastasis Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4979. [PMID: 37894348 PMCID: PMC10605008 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15204979] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Reciprocal signaling between melanoma brain metastatic (MBM) cells and microglia reprograms the phenotype of both interaction partners, including upregulation of the transcription factor JunB in microglia. Here, we aimed to elucidate the impact of microglial JunB upregulation on MBM progression. For molecular profiling, we employed RNA-seq and reverse-phase protein array (RPPA). To test microglial JunB functions, we generated microglia variants stably overexpressing JunB (JunBhi) or with downregulated levels of JunB (JunBlo). Melanoma-derived factors, namely leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), controlled JunB upregulation through Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling. The expression levels of JunB in melanoma-associated microglia were heterogeneous. Flow cytometry analysis revealed the existence of basal-level JunB-expressing microglia alongside microglia highly expressing JunB. Proteomic profiling revealed a differential protein expression in JunBhi and JunBlo cells, namely the expression of microglia activation markers Iba-1 and CD150, and the immunosuppressive molecules SOCS3 and PD-L1. Functionally, JunBhi microglia displayed decreased migratory capacity and phagocytic activity. JunBlo microglia reduced melanoma proliferation and migration, while JunBhi microglia preserved the ability of melanoma cells to proliferate in three-dimensional co-cultures, that was abrogated by targeting leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) in control microglia-melanoma spheroids. Altogether, these data highlight a melanoma-mediated heterogenous effect on microglial JunB expression, dictating the nature of their functional involvement in MBM progression. Targeting microglia highly expressing JunB may potentially be utilized for MBM theranostics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Orit Adir
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Science, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (O.A.); (O.S.-A.); (T.M.); (S.B.-M.); (I.P.W.)
| | - Orit Sagi-Assif
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Science, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (O.A.); (O.S.-A.); (T.M.); (S.B.-M.); (I.P.W.)
| | - Tsipi Meshel
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Science, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (O.A.); (O.S.-A.); (T.M.); (S.B.-M.); (I.P.W.)
| | - Shlomit Ben-Menachem
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Science, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (O.A.); (O.S.-A.); (T.M.); (S.B.-M.); (I.P.W.)
| | - Metsada Pasmanik-Chor
- Bioinformatics Unit, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Science, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Dave S. B. Hoon
- Department of Translational Molecular Medicine, Saint John’s Cancer Institute, Providence Saint John’s Health Center, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA;
| | - Isaac P. Witz
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Science, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (O.A.); (O.S.-A.); (T.M.); (S.B.-M.); (I.P.W.)
| | - Sivan Izraely
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Science, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (O.A.); (O.S.-A.); (T.M.); (S.B.-M.); (I.P.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
76
|
Ehsani R, Jonassen I, Akslen LA, Kleftogiannis D. LOCATOR: feature extraction and spatial analysis of the cancer tissue microenvironment using mass cytometry imaging technologies. BIOINFORMATICS ADVANCES 2023; 3:vbad146. [PMID: 37881170 PMCID: PMC10597586 DOI: 10.1093/bioadv/vbad146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Motivation Recent advances in highly multiplexed imaging have provided unprecedented insights into the complex cellular organization of tissues, with many applications in translational medicine. However, downstream analyses of multiplexed imaging data face several technical limitations, and although some computational methods and bioinformatics tools are available, deciphering the complex spatial organization of cellular ecosystems remains a challenging problem. Results To mitigate this problem, we develop a novel computational tool, LOCATOR (anaLysis Of CAncer Tissue micrOenviRonment), for spatial analysis of cancer tissue microenvironments using data acquired from mass cytometry imaging technologies. LOCATOR introduces a graph-based representation of tissue images to describe features of the cellular organization and deploys downstream analysis and visualization utilities that can be used for data-driven patient-risk stratification. Our case studies using mass cytometry imaging data from two well-annotated breast cancer cohorts re-confirmed that the spatial organization of the tumour-immune microenvironment is strongly associated with the clinical outcome in breast cancer. In addition, we report interesting potential associations between the spatial organization of macrophages and patients' survival. Our work introduces an automated and versatile analysis tool for mass cytometry imaging data with many applications in future cancer research projects. Availability and implementation Datasets and codes of LOCATOR are publicly available at https://github.com/RezvanEhsani/LOCATOR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rezvan Ehsani
- Department of Informatics, Computational Biology Unit, University of Bergen, Bergen N-5020, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen N-5020, Norway
| | - Inge Jonassen
- Department of Informatics, Computational Biology Unit, University of Bergen, Bergen N-5020, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen N-5020, Norway
| | - Lars A Akslen
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen N-5020, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen N-5020, Norway
| | - Dimitrios Kleftogiannis
- Department of Informatics, Computational Biology Unit, University of Bergen, Bergen N-5020, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen N-5020, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
77
|
Hosseini R, Hosseinzadeh N, Asef-Kabiri L, Akbari A, Ghezelbash B, Sarvnaz H, Akbari ME. Small extracellular vesicle TGF-β in cancer progression and immune evasion. Cancer Gene Ther 2023; 30:1309-1322. [PMID: 37344681 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00638-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a well-known cytokine that controls various processes in normal physiology and disease context. Strong preclinical and clinical literature supports the crucial roles of the TGF-β in several aspects of cancer biology. Recently emerging evidence reveals that the release of TGF-β from tumor/immune/stromal cells in small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) plays an important part in tumor development and immune evasion. Hence, this review aims to address the packaging, release, and signaling pathways of TGF-β carried in sEVs (sEV-TGF-β) in cancer, and to explore its underpinning roles in tumor development, growth, progression, metastasis, etc. We also highlight key progresses in deciphering the roles of sEV-TGF-β in subverting anti-tumor immune responses. The paper ends with a focus on the clinical significance of TGF-β carried in sEVs and draws attention to its diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic importance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reza Hosseini
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Nashmin Hosseinzadeh
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Asef-Kabiri
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atieh Akbari
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behrooz Ghezelbash
- Laboratory Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hamzeh Sarvnaz
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | |
Collapse
|
78
|
Tulk A, Watson R, Erdrich J. The Influence of Statin Use on Chemotherapeutic Efficacy in Studies of Mouse Models: A Systematic Review. Anticancer Res 2023; 43:4263-4275. [PMID: 37772570 PMCID: PMC10637576 DOI: 10.21873/anticanres.16621] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Using statins as antitumor agents is an approach to cancer therapy that has been explored extensively in specific cancer types. Reframing the query to how a statin interacts with the treatment regimen instead might provide new insight. Given that cell-cycle regulation influences tumorigenesis, it is possible that the cell-cycle phase which a given chemotherapy acts on influences the synergistic effects with adjuvant statin use. In this review, we outline the effect of statins in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs in in vivo animal model studies based on the class of chemotherapy and its relation to the cell cycle. MATERIALS AND METHODS This systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses for Protocols 2015 with 23 articles deemed eligible to be included. RESULTS Our review suggests that statins influence the success of chemotherapy treatments. Furthermore, enhanced efficacy was demonstrated with chemotherapeutic drugs that act at every phase of the cell cycle. CONCLUSION This type of compilation departs from the norm of describing statin influence on named cancer subtypes and instead catalogs how statins interact with categorical chemotherapy agents which might be beneficial for broader therapeutic decision-making across cancer subtypes, possibly contributing to pharmaceutical development, and thereby helping to maximize patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Tulk
- Department of Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, U.S.A.;
| | - Raj Watson
- A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville, MO, U.S.A
| | - Jennifer Erdrich
- Department of Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
79
|
Chang CY, Armstrong D, Corry DB, Kheradmand F. Alveolar macrophages in lung cancer: opportunities challenges. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1268939. [PMID: 37822933 PMCID: PMC10562548 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1268939] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are critical components of the innate defense mechanism in the lung. Nestled tightly within the alveoli, AMs, derived from the yolk-sac or bone marrow, can phagocytose foreign particles, defend the host against pathogens, recycle surfactant, and promptly respond to inhaled noxious stimuli. The behavior of AMs is tightly dependent on the environmental cues whereby infection, chronic inflammation, and associated metabolic changes can repolarize their effector functions in the lungs. Several factors within the tumor microenvironment can re-educate AMs, resulting in tumor growth, and reducing immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) efficacy in patients treated for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The plasticity of AMs and their critical function in altering tumor responses to ICIs make them a desirable target in lung cancer treatment. New strategies have been developed to target AMs in solid tumors reprograming their suppressive function and boosting the efficacy of ICIs. Here, we review the phenotypic and functional changes in AMs in response to sterile inflammation and in NSCLC that could be critical in tumor growth and metastasis. Opportunities in altering AMs' function include harnessing their potential function in trained immunity, a concept borrowed from memory response to infections, which could be explored therapeutically in managing lung cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Yen Chang
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Dominique Armstrong
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - David B. Corry
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Biology of Inflammation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Farrah Kheradmand
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Biology of Inflammation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
80
|
Fang J, Lu Y, Zheng J, Jiang X, Shen H, Shang X, Lu Y, Fu P. Exploring the crosstalk between endothelial cells, immune cells, and immune checkpoints in the tumor microenvironment: new insights and therapeutic implications. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:586. [PMID: 37666809 PMCID: PMC10477350 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06119-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a highly intricate milieu, comprising a multitude of components, including immune cells and stromal cells, that exert a profound influence on tumor initiation and progression. Within the TME, angiogenesis is predominantly orchestrated by endothelial cells (ECs), which foster the proliferation and metastasis of malignant cells. The interplay between tumor and immune cells with ECs is complex and can either bolster or hinder the immune system. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the intricate crosstalk between ECs and immune cells is essential to advance the development of immunotherapeutic interventions. Despite recent progress, the underlying molecular mechanisms that govern the interplay between ECs and immune cells remain elusive. Nevertheless, the immunomodulatory function of ECs has emerged as a pivotal determinant of the immune response. In light of this, the study of the relationship between ECs and immune checkpoints has garnered considerable attention in the field of immunotherapy. By targeting specific molecular pathways and signaling molecules associated with ECs in the TME, novel immunotherapeutic strategies may be devised to enhance the efficacy of current treatments. In this vein, we sought to elucidate the relationship between ECs, immune cells, and immune checkpoints in the TME, with the ultimate goal of identifying novel therapeutic targets and charting new avenues for immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianwen Fang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue Lu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, 313000, Huzhou, China
| | - Jingyan Zheng
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Lishui People's Hospital, The Six Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 323000, Lishui, China
| | - Xiaocong Jiang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haixing Shen
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Cixi People's Hospital, 315300, Cixi, China
| | - Xi Shang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Taizhou Hospital, Zhejiang University, 318000, Taizhou, China
| | - Yuexin Lu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peifen Fu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
81
|
Wang X, Meng X, Mao K, Chen H, Cong X, Liu F, Wang J, Liu S, Xin Y, Zhu G, Tan H, Yang YG, Sun T. Maleimide as the PEG end-group promotes macrophage-targeted drug delivery of PEGylated nanoparticles in vivo by enhancing interaction with circulating erythrocytes. Biomaterials 2023; 300:122187. [PMID: 37302279 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Radiotherapy (IR) is capable of enhancing antitumor immune responses. However, IR treatment also aggravates the infiltration of peripheral macrophages into the tumor, resulting in reversing the therapeutic effects of antitumor immunity. Thus, a strategy to effectively prevent tumor infiltration by macrophages may further improved the therapeutic efficacy of radiotherapy. Herein, we found that PEGylated solid lipid nanoparticles with maleimide as PEG end-group (SLN-PEG-Mal) show significantly enhanced adsorption onto RBCs through reacting with reactive sulfhydryl groups on RBCs' surface both in vitro and in vivo, and caused significant changes in the surface properties and morphology of RBCs. These RBCs adsorbed by SLN-PEG-Mal were rapidly removed from circulation due to efficient engulfment by reticuloendothelial macrophages, supporting the usefulness of SLN-PEG-Mal for macrophage-targeted drug delivery. While lacking the use of radioisotope tracing (considered the gold standard for PK/BD studies), our data align with the expected pathway of host defense activation through surface-loaded RBCs. Importantly, injection of paclitaxel-loaded SLN-PEG-Mal effectively inhibited the tumor-infiltration by macrophages, and significantly improved the antitumor immune responses in tumor-bearing mice treated with low-dose irradiation. This study provides insights into the effects of maleimide as PEG end-group on enhancing the interaction between PEGylated nanoparticles and RBCs and offers an effective strategy to inhibit tumor infiltration by circulating macrophages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin, China; Medical Laboratory Center, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Xiandi Meng
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Kuirong Mao
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China; International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Hongmei Chen
- Department of Oncology Chemotherapy, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiuxiu Cong
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Feiqi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jialiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Shuhan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yanbao Xin
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Ge Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Huizhu Tan
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yong-Guang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China; International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Tianmeng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China; International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin, China; State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| |
Collapse
|
82
|
Urbanova M, Cihova M, Buocikova V, Slopovsky J, Dubovan P, Pindak D, Tomas M, García-Bermejo L, Rodríguez-Garrote M, Earl J, Kohl Y, Kataki A, Dusinska M, Sainz B, Smolkova B, Gabelova A. Nanomedicine and epigenetics: New alliances to increase the odds in pancreatic cancer survival. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115179. [PMID: 37481927 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115179] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the deadliest cancers worldwide, primarily due to its robust desmoplastic stroma and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), which facilitate tumor progression and metastasis. In addition, fibrous tissue leads to sparse vasculature, high interstitial fluid pressure, and hypoxia, thereby hindering effective systemic drug delivery and immune cell infiltration. Thus, remodeling the TME to enhance tumor perfusion, increase drug retention, and reverse immunosuppression has become a key therapeutic strategy. In recent years, targeting epigenetic pathways has emerged as a promising approach to overcome tumor immunosuppression and cancer progression. Moreover, the progress in nanotechnology has provided new opportunities for enhancing the efficacy of conventional and epigenetic drugs. Nano-based drug delivery systems (NDDSs) offer several advantages, including improved drug pharmacokinetics, enhanced tumor penetration, and reduced systemic toxicity. Smart NDDSs enable precise targeting of stromal components and augment the effectiveness of immunotherapy through multiple drug delivery options. This review offers an overview of the latest nano-based approaches developed to achieve superior therapeutic efficacy and overcome drug resistance. We specifically focus on the TME and epigenetic-targeted therapies in the context of PDAC, discussing the advantages and limitations of current strategies while highlighting promising new developments. By emphasizing the immense potential of NDDSs in improving therapeutic outcomes in PDAC, our review paves the way for future research in this rapidly evolving field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Urbanova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Marina Cihova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Verona Buocikova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jan Slopovsky
- 2nd Department of Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Spitalska 24, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Peter Dubovan
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; Department of Surgical Oncology, National CancerInstitute in Bratislava, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, Limbová12, 833 03 Bratislava
| | - Daniel Pindak
- Department of Surgical Oncology, National CancerInstitute in Bratislava, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, Limbová12, 833 03 Bratislava
| | - Miroslav Tomas
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; Department of Surgical Oncology, National CancerInstitute in Bratislava, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, Limbová12, 833 03 Bratislava
| | - Laura García-Bermejo
- Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets Group, Area4, Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), Carretera Colmenar Km 9100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Rodríguez-Garrote
- Molecular Epidemiology and Predictive Tumor Markers Group, Area 3, Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), Carretera Colmenar Km 9100, 28034 Madrid, Spain; CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julie Earl
- Molecular Epidemiology and Predictive Tumor Markers Group, Area 3, Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), Carretera Colmenar Km 9100, 28034 Madrid, Spain; CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yvonne Kohl
- Department Bioprocessing & Bioanalytics, Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT, 66280 Sulzbach, Germany
| | - Agapi Kataki
- 1st Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias 114, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Dusinska
- Health Effects Laboratory, Department of Environmental Chemistry, NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Instituttveien 18, 2002 Kjeller, Norway
| | - Bruno Sainz
- CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas"Alberto Sols" (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Biomarkers and Personalized Approach to Cancer (BIOPAC) Group, Area 3, Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Bozena Smolkova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Alena Gabelova
- Department of Nanobiology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia..
| |
Collapse
|
83
|
Zhang Q, Liu Y, Wang X, Zhang C, Hou M, Liu Y. Integration of single-cell RNA sequencing and bulk RNA transcriptome sequencing reveals a heterogeneous immune landscape and pivotal cell subpopulations associated with colorectal cancer prognosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1184167. [PMID: 37675100 PMCID: PMC10477986 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1184167] [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: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly heterogeneous cancer. The molecular and cellular characteristics differ between the colon and rectal cancer type due to the differences in their anatomical location and pathological properties. With the advent of single-cell sequencing, it has become possible to analyze inter- and intra-tumoral tissue heterogeneities. Methods A comprehensive CRC immune atlas, comprising 62,398 immune cells, was re-structured into 33 immune cell clusters at the single-cell level. Further, the immune cell lineage heterogeneity of colon, rectal, and paracancerous tissues was explored. Simultaneously, we characterized the TAM phenotypes and analyzed the transcriptomic factor regulatory network of each macrophage subset using SCENIC. In addition, monocle2 was used to elucidate the B cell developmental trajectory. The crosstalk between immune cells was explored using CellChat and the patterns of incoming and outgoing signals within the overall immune cell population were identified. Afterwards, the bulk RNA-sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were combined and the relative infiltration abundance of the identified subpopulations was analyzed using CIBERSORT. Moreover, cell composition patterns could be classified into five tumor microenvironment (TME) subtypes by employing a consistent non-negative matrix algorithm. Finally, the co-expression and interaction between SPP1+TAMs and Treg cells in the tumor microenvironment were analyzed by multiplex immunohistochemistry. Results In the T cell lineage, we found that CXCL13+T cells were more widely distributed in colorectal cancer tissues, and the proportion of infiltration was increased. In addition, Th17 was found accounted for the highest proportion in CD39+CD101+PD1+T cells. Mover, Ma1-SPP1 showed the characteristics of M2 phenotypes and displayed an increased proportion in tumor tissues, which may promote angiogenesis. Plasma cells (PCs) displayed a significantly heterogeneous distribution in tumor as well as normal tissues. Specifically, the IgA+ PC population could be shown to be decreased in colorectal tumor tissues whereas the IgG+ PC one was enriched. In addition, information flow mediated by SPP1 and CD44, regulate signaling pathways of tumor progression. Among the five TME subtypes, the TME-1 subtype displayed a markedly reduced proportion of T-cell infiltration with the highest proportion of macrophages which was correlated to the worst prognosis. Finally, the co-expression and interaction between SPP1+TAMs and Treg cells were observed in the CD44 enriched region. Discussion The heterogeneity distribution and phenotype of immune cells were analyzed in colon cancer and rectal cancer at the single-cell level. Further, the prognostic role of major tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and TME subtypes in CRC was evaluated by integrating bulk RNA. These findings provide novel insight into the immunotherapy of CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Shuren International College, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Shuren International College, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Mingxiao Hou
- College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Shuren International College, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shenyang Medical College, The Veterans General Hospital of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yunen Liu
- Shuren International College, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| |
Collapse
|
84
|
Wang R, Qu J, Tang X, Zhang J, Ou A, Li Q, Chen G, Zheng C, Muhitdinov B, Huang Y. Lactoferrin-Modified Gambogic Acid Liposomes for Colorectal Cancer Treatment. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:3925-3936. [PMID: 37505210 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy is a big challenge, and seeking an effective and safe drug is a pressing clinical need. Gambogic acid is a potent antineoplastic agent without the drawback of bone marrow suppression. To improve its druggability (e.g., poor water solubility and tumor delivery), a lactoferrin-modified gambogic acid liposomal delivery system (LF-lipo) was developed to enhance the treatment efficacy of CRC. The LF-lipo can specifically bind LRP-1 expressed on colorectal cancer cells to enhance drug delivery to the tumor cells and yield enhanced therapeutic efficacy. The LF-lipo promoted tumor cell apoptosis and autophagy, reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in tumor cells, and inhibited angiogenesis; moreover, it could also repolarize tumor-associated macrophages from the M2 to M1 phenotype and induce ICD to activate T cells, exhibiting the capability of remodeling the tumor immune microenvironment. The liposomal formulation yielded an efficient and safe treatment outcome and has potential for clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- Nanchang University College of Pharmacy, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Jingkun Qu
- School of Chinese Materia Medical, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xueping Tang
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Guangzhou 510450, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ante Ou
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qianqian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- Nanchang University College of Pharmacy, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Guihua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Guangzhou 510450, China
| | - Caihong Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Bahtiyor Muhitdinov
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences, 83 M. Ulughbek Street, Tashkent 100125, Uzbekistan
| | - Yongzhuo Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medical, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528437, China
| |
Collapse
|
85
|
Zhang J, Wang S, Zhang D, He X, Wang X, Han H, Qin Y. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems to enhance cancer immunotherapy in solid tumors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1230893. [PMID: 37600822 PMCID: PMC10435760 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1230893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has developed rapidly in solid tumors, especially in the areas of blocking inhibitory immune checkpoints and adoptive T-cell transfer for immune regulation. Many patients benefit from immunotherapy. However, the response rate of immunotherapy in the overall population are relatively low, which depends on the characteristics of the tumor and individualized patient differences. Moreover, the occurrence of drug resistance and adverse reactions largely limit the development of immunotherapy. Recently, the emergence of nanodrug delivery systems (NDDS) seems to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy by encapsulating drug carriers in nanoparticles to precisely reach the tumor site with high stability and biocompatibility, prolonging the drug cycle of action and greatly reducing the occurrence of toxic side effects. In this paper, we mainly review the advantages of NDDS and the mechanisms that enhance conventional immunotherapy in solid tumors, and summarize the recent advances in NDDS-based therapeutic strategies, which will provide valuable ideas for the development of novel tumor immunotherapy regimen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Siyuan Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Daidi Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xin He
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Academy of Medical Science, School of Basic Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huiqiong Han
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanru Qin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
86
|
Gu L, Hu G, Hu J, Wen F. Construction and comprehensive analysis of a novel prognostic signature associated with immunogenic cell death molecular subtypes in patients with bladder cancer. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18848. [PMID: 37593621 PMCID: PMC10428052 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Immunogenic cell death (ICD) triggers adaptive immune responses that aid in anticancer therapy. However, the significance of ICD-associated genes (ICDAGs) in clinical applications and their potential impact on the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains unclear. Methods The TCGA cohort was divided into different ICD clusters using the method of Consensus clustering. We assessed the clinical results and TME features of various ICD clusters. GSVA quantified the activation of hallmark gene sets. To establish an ICD molecular subtypes-related prognostic model (ICDRPM), we performed LASSO Cox regression analysis on the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among ICD subtypes. We evaluated the assessment of risk groups by analyzing the proportion of immune cells, the TME, differences in genomic mutation, the efficacy of immunotherapy, and drug sensitivity. To enhance the clinical effectiveness of the ICDRPM, a nomograph was developed. Results Two distinct molecular subtypes were identified, and changes in ICDRGs were associated with clinical outcomes and TME characteristics of patients. A total of 1162 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained from two ICD clusters, and an ICDRPS was then developed to predict overall survival (OS). During both internal and external validation, patients classified as high-risk exhibited significantly poorer overall survival compared to those classified as low-risk. Additionally, the ICDRPS (ICD_score) was identified as an independent prognostic indicator for patients with BC, demonstrating excellent predictive performance. Afterward, we constructed a dependable nomogram to improve the practicality of the ICD_score. Furthermore, low-risk individuals showed stronger immunocyte infiltration, higher immune checkpoint expression, and higher IPS-PD-1 combined IPS-CTLA4 scores, indicating a greater response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Moreover, individuals categorized as having low or high risk exhibited contrasting sensitivity to anticancer medications. Conclusions The model constructed for genes related to ICD provided meaningful clinical implications for immunotherapy, and facilitated individualized treatment for BC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Gu
- Department of Pathology, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Hu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Thyroid Surgery, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Hu
- Department of Gynecology, Huangshi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Wen
- Department of Pathology, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
87
|
Kim SM, Jeon Y, Jang JY, Lee H. NR1D1 deficiency in the tumor microenvironment promotes lung tumor development by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:278. [PMID: 37524704 PMCID: PMC10390518 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01554-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptor Rev-erbα (NR1D1) is a major negative regulator of the circadian clock. Numerous studies have investigated the role of circadian clock-related factors in the tumorigenesis of multiple cancer types, but little is known about the role of NR1D1 in cancer development. In this study, we identified the role of NR1D1 in lung tumorigenesis using genetically engineered mouse models of Nr1d1. Although NR1D1 overexpression or knockdown had little effect on the proliferation of NSCLC cells in vitro, NR1D1 deficiency in the tumor microenvironment increased lung cancer development compared with the control in the orthotopic model. NR1D1-deficient mice showed increased NACHT, LRR, and PYD domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation, and conditioned medium (CM) from NR1D1-deficient macrophages increased the proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lung cancer cells. Treatment with MCC950, a specific inhibitor of NLRP3 inflammasome, blocked tumorigenesis in NR1D1-deficient mice in an orthotopic lung cancer model. In addition, MCC950 treatment blocked the increased proliferation and EMT of cancer cells induced by CM from NR1D1-deficient macrophages in vitro. Our results showed that NR1D1 in the tumor microenvironment functions as a tumor suppressor by negatively regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome, suggesting that the NLRP3 inflammasome blockade via NR1D1 activation could be a therapeutic strategy to overcome lung cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sun Mi Kim
- Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi, 10408, Republic of Korea.
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi, 10408, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yoon Jeon
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi, 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Yun Jang
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi, 10408, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Seoul, 04620, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Lee
- Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi, 10408, Republic of Korea.
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi, 10408, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
88
|
Khalili S, Zeinali F, Moghadam Fard A, Taha SR, Fazlollahpour Naghibi A, Bagheri K, Shariat Zadeh M, Eslami Y, Fattah K, Asadimanesh N, Azarimatin A, Khalesi B, Almasi F, Payandeh Z. Macrophage-Based Therapeutic Strategies in Hematologic Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3722. [PMID: 37509382 PMCID: PMC10378576 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143722] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are types of immune cells, with ambivalent functions in tumor growth, which depend on the specific environment in which they reside. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a diverse population of immunosuppressive myeloid cells that play significant roles in several malignancies. TAM infiltration in malignancies has been linked to a poor prognosis and limited response to treatments, including those using checkpoint inhibitors. Understanding the precise mechanisms through which macrophages contribute to tumor growth is an active area of research as targeting these cells may offer potential therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment. Numerous investigations have focused on anti-TAM-based methods that try to eliminate, rewire, or target the functional mediators released by these cells. Considering the importance of these strategies in the reversion of tumor resistance to conventional therapies and immune modulatory vaccination could be an appealing approach for the immunosuppressive targeting of myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The combination of reprogramming and TAM depletion is a special feature of this approach compared to other clinical strategies. Thus, the present review aims to comprehensively overview the pleiotropic activities of TAMs and their involvement in various stages of cancer development as a potent drug target, with a focus on hematologic tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Khalili
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran 1678815811, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Zeinali
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz 6135715794, Iran
| | - Atousa Moghadam Fard
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran 4188783417, Iran
| | - Seyed Reza Taha
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Andarz Fazlollahpour Naghibi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol 4717641367, Iran
| | - Kimia Bagheri
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol 4717641367, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Shariat Zadeh
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Yeghaneh Eslami
- Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari 4815733971, Iran
| | - Khashayar Fattah
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717411, Iran
| | - Naghmeh Asadimanesh
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717411, Iran
| | - Armin Azarimatin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Shabestar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shabestar 5381637181, Iran
| | - Bahman Khalesi
- Department of Research and Production of Poultry Viral Vaccine, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj 3197619751, Iran
| | - Faezeh Almasi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Lab, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, School of Biology and Center of Excellence in Phylogeny of Living Organisms, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran 1416634793, Iran
| | - Zahra Payandeh
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
89
|
Suliman IH, Kim K, Chen W, Kim Y, Moon JH, Son S, Nam J. Metal-Based Nanoparticles for Cancer Metalloimmunotherapy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2003. [PMID: 37514189 PMCID: PMC10385358 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15072003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the promise of cancer immunotherapy has been partially fulfilled with the unprecedented clinical success of several immunotherapeutic interventions, some issues, such as limited response rate and immunotoxicity, still remain. Metalloimmunotherapy offers a new form of cancer immunotherapy that utilizes the inherent immunomodulatory features of metal ions to enhance anticancer immune responses. Their versatile functionalities for a multitude of direct and indirect anticancer activities together with their inherent biocompatibility suggest that metal ions can help overcome the current issues associated with cancer immunotherapy. However, metal ions exhibit poor drug-like properties due to their intrinsic physicochemical profiles that impede in vivo pharmacological performance, thus necessitating an effective pharmaceutical formulation strategy to improve their in vivo behavior. Metal-based nanoparticles provide a promising platform technology for reshaping metal ions into more drug-like formulations with nano-enabled engineering approaches. This review provides a general overview of cancer immunotherapy, the immune system and how it works against cancer cells, and the role of metal ions in the host response and immune modulation, as well as the impact of metal ions on the process via the regulation of immune cells. The preclinical studies that have demonstrated the potential of metal-based nanoparticles for cancer metalloimmunotherapy are presented for the representative nanoparticles constructed with manganese, zinc, iron, copper, calcium, and sodium ions. Lastly, the perspectives and future directions of metal-based nanoparticles are discussed, particularly with respect to their clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kidong Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Weihsuan Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Industry-Academia Interactive R&E Center for Bioprocess Innovation, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Yubin Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Industry-Academia Interactive R&E Center for Bioprocess Innovation, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Hyun Moon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Sejin Son
- Department of Biological Sciences, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Industry-Academia Interactive R&E Center for Bioprocess Innovation, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Jutaek Nam
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
90
|
Zhu J, Fan J, Xia Y, Wang H, Li Y, Feng Z, Fu C. Potential therapeutic targets of macrophages in inhibiting immune damage and fibrotic processes in musculoskeletal diseases. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1219487. [PMID: 37545490 PMCID: PMC10400722 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1219487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are a heterogeneous cell type with high plasticity, exhibiting unique activation characteristics that modulate the progression and resolution of diseases, serving as a key mediator in maintaining tissue homeostasis. Macrophages display a variety of activation states in response to stimuli in the local environment, with their subpopulations and biological functions being dependent on the local microenvironment. Resident tissue macrophages exhibit distinct transcriptional profiles and functions, all of which are essential for maintaining internal homeostasis. Dysfunctional macrophage subpopulations, or an imbalance in the M1/M2 subpopulation ratio, contribute to the pathogenesis of diseases. In skeletal muscle disorders, immune and inflammatory damage, as well as fibrosis induced by macrophages, are prominent pathological features. Therefore, targeting macrophages is of great significance for maintaining tissue homeostasis and treating skeletal muscle disorders. In this review, we discuss the receptor-ligand interactions regulating macrophages and identify potential targets for inhibiting collateral damage and fibrosis in skeletal muscle disorders. Furthermore, we explore strategies for modulating macrophages to maintain tissue homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianshu Zhu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiawei Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuanliang Xia
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hengyi Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuehong Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zijia Feng
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Changfeng Fu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
91
|
Park SH, Eun R, Heo J, Lim YT. Nanoengineered drug delivery in cancer immunotherapy for overcoming immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2023; 13:2015-2031. [PMID: 36581707 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-022-01282-8] [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: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Almost like a living being in and of itself, tumors actively interact with and modify their environment to escape immune responses. Owing to the pre-formation of cancer-favorable microenvironment prior to anti-cancer treatment, the numerous attempts that followed propose limited efficacy in oncology. Immunogenicity by activation of immune cells within the tumor microenvironment or recruitment of immune cells from nearby lymph nodes is quickly offset as the immunosuppressive environment, rapidly converting immunogenic cells into immune suppressive cells, overriding the immune system. Tumor cells, as well as regulatory cells, namely M2 macrophages, Treg cells, and MDSCs, derived by the immunosuppressive environment, also cloak from potential anti-tumoral factors by directly or indirectly secreting cytokines, such as IL-10 and TGF-β, related to immune regulation. Enzymes and other metabolic or angiogenetic constituents - VEGF, IDO1, and iNOS - are also employed directed for anti-cancer immune cell malfunctioning. Therefore, the conversion of "cold" immunosuppressive environment into "hot" immune responsive environment is of paramount importance, bestowing the advances in the field of cancer immunotherapy the opportunity to wholly fulfill its intended purpose. This paper reviews the mechanisms by which tumors wield to exercise immune suppression and the nanoengineered delivery strategies being developed to overcome this suppression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sei Hyun Park
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Department of Nano Science and Technology, Department of Nano Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, and Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Gyeonggi-Do, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Ryounho Eun
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Department of Nano Science and Technology, Department of Nano Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, and Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Gyeonggi-Do, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Janghun Heo
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Department of Nano Science and Technology, Department of Nano Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, and Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Gyeonggi-Do, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Taik Lim
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Department of Nano Science and Technology, Department of Nano Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, and Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Gyeonggi-Do, 16419, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
92
|
Usama SM, Marker SC, Li DH, Caldwell DR, Stroet M, Patel NL, Tebo AG, Hernot S, Kalen JD, Schnermann M. Method To Diversify Cyanine Chromophore Functionality Enables Improved Biomolecule Tracking and Intracellular Imaging. J Am Chem Soc 2023. [PMID: 37367935 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c01765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Heptamethine indocyanines are invaluable probes for near-infrared (NIR) imaging. Despite broad use, there are only a few synthetic methods to assemble these molecules, and each has significant limitations. Here, we report the use of pyridinium benzoxazole (PyBox) salts as heptamethine indocyanine precursors. This method is high yielding, simple to implement, and provides access to previously unknown chromophore functionality. We applied this method to create molecules to address two outstanding objectives in NIR fluorescence imaging. First, we used an iterative approach to develop molecules for protein-targeted tumor imaging. When compared to common NIR fluorophores, the optimized probe increases the tumor specificity of monoclonal antibody (mAb) and nanobody conjugates. Second, we developed cyclizing heptamethine indocyanines with the goal of improving cellular uptake and fluorogenic properties. By modifying both the electrophilic and nucleophilic components, we demonstrate that the solvent sensitivity of the ring-open/ring-closed equilibrium can be modified over a wide range. We then show that a chloroalkane derivative of a compound with tuned cyclization properties undergoes particularly efficient no-wash live cell imaging using organelle-targeted HaloTag self-labeling proteins. Overall, the chemistry reported here broadens the scope of accessible chromophore functionality, and, in turn, enables the discovery of NIR probes with promising properties for advanced imaging applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Syed Muhammad Usama
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Sierra C Marker
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Dong-Hao Li
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Donald R Caldwell
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Marcus Stroet
- Laboratory for in Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging, ICMI-BEFY/MIMA, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nimit L Patel
- Small Animal Imaging Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Alison G Tebo
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, Virginia 20147, United States
| | - Sophie Hernot
- Laboratory for in Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging, ICMI-BEFY/MIMA, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joseph D Kalen
- Small Animal Imaging Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Martin Schnermann
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| |
Collapse
|
93
|
Stavrou M, Phung N, Grimm J, Andreou C. Organ-on-chip systems as a model for nanomedicine. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:9927-9940. [PMID: 37254663 PMCID: PMC10619891 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr01661g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Nanomedicine is giving rise to increasing numbers of successful drugs, including cancer treatments, molecular imaging agents, and novel vaccine formulations. However, traditionally available model systems offer limited clinical translation and, compared to the number of preclinical studies, the approval rate of nanoparticles (NPs) for clinical use remains disappointingly low. A new paradigm of modeling biological systems on microfluidic chips has emerged in the last decade and is being gradually adopted by the nanomedicine community. These systems mimic tissues, organs, and diseases like cancer, on devices with small physical footprints and complex geometries. In this review, we report studies that used organ-on-chip approaches to study the interactions of NPs with biological systems. We present examples of NP toxicity studies, studies using biological NPs such as viruses, as well as modeling biological barriers and cancer on chip. Organ-on-chip systems present an exciting opportunity and can provide a renewed direction for the nanomedicine community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marios Stavrou
- University of Cyprus, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| | - Ngan Phung
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Molecular Pharmacology Program, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Department of Pharmacology, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jan Grimm
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Molecular Pharmacology Program, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Department of Pharmacology, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chrysafis Andreou
- University of Cyprus, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| |
Collapse
|
94
|
D'Urso A, Oltolina F, Borsotti C, Prat M, Colangelo D, Follenzi A. Macrophage Reprogramming via the Modulation of Unfolded Protein Response with siRNA-Loaded Magnetic Nanoparticles in a TAM-like Experimental Model. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1711. [PMID: 37376159 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061711] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
New therapeutic strategies are required in cancer therapy. Considering the prominent role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the development and progression of cancer, the re-education of TAMs in the tumor microenvironment (TME) could represent a potential approach for cancer immunotherapy. TAMs display an irregular unfolded protein response (UPR) in their endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to endure environmental stress and ensure anti-cancer immunity. Therefore, nanotechnology could be an attractive tool to modulate the UPR in TAMs, providing an alternative strategy for TAM-targeted repolarization therapy. Herein, we developed and tested polydopamine-coupled magnetite nanoparticles (PDA-MNPs) functionalized with small interfering RNAs (siRNA) to downregulate the protein kinase R (PKR)-like ER kinase (PERK) expression in TAM-like macrophages derived from murine peritoneal exudate (PEMs). After the evaluation of the cytocompatibility, the cellular uptake, and the gene silencing efficiency of PDA-MNPs/siPERK in PEMs, we analyzed their ability to re-polarize in vitro these macrophages from M2 to the M1 inflammatory anti-tumor phenotype. Our results indicate that PDA-MNPs, with their magnetic and immunomodulator features, are cytocompatible and able to re-educate TAMs toward the M1 phenotype by PERK inhibition, a UPR effector contributing to TAM metabolic adaptation. These findings can provide a novel strategy for the development of new tumor immunotherapies in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annarita D'Urso
- Department of Health Sciences, School Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale A. Avogadro, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Francesca Oltolina
- Department of Health Sciences, School Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale A. Avogadro, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Chiara Borsotti
- Department of Health Sciences, School Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale A. Avogadro, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Maria Prat
- Department of Health Sciences, School Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale A. Avogadro, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Donato Colangelo
- Department of Health Sciences, School Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale A. Avogadro, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Antonia Follenzi
- Department of Health Sciences, School Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale A. Avogadro, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
95
|
Zhang X, Sun Y, Ma Y, Gao C, Zhang Y, Yang X, Zhao X, Wang W, Wang L. Tumor-associated M2 macrophages in the immune microenvironment influence the progression of renal clear cell carcinoma by regulating M2 macrophage-associated genes. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1157861. [PMID: 37361571 PMCID: PMC10285481 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1157861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Renal clear cell carcinoma (RCC) has negative prognosis and high mortality due to its early diagnosis difficulty and early metastasis. Although previous studies have confirmed the negative progression of RCC is closely related to M2 macrophages in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), the specific mechanism is still unknown. Methods We used immunofluorescence labeling and flow cytometry to detect the proportion of M2 macrophages in RCC tissues. And bioinformatics technique was used to obtain 9 M2 macrophage-related model genes, including SLC40A1, VSIG4, FUCA1, LIPA, BCAT1, CRYBB1, F13A, TMEM144, COLEC12. Using these genes, model formulas are constructed to devide samples into high and low risk groups, and then the overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of the high and low risk groups were analyzed. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to measure the expression of model genes between normal kidney tissue and RCC tissue, as well as between HK-2 cell and 786-O cell. Besides, we induced the M2 differentiation of THP-1 cell, and then co-cultured with the RCC cell 786-O in transwell to observe what effect M2 macrophages will cause on the invasion, migration and the expression of model genes of RCC. Results Our study demonstrated M2 macrophages in RCC was about 2 folds that of normal renal tissue (P<0.0001) and M2 macrophages affected the prognosis of patients with RCC by affecting the co-expressed genes, which were mainly enriched in immune-related pathways. The results of in vitro experiments showed that in RCC tissues and 786-O cells, the model gene FUCA1 was down-regulated, and SLC40A1, VSIG4, CRYBB1 and LIPA were up-regulated. Besides, the results of co-culture showed that after 786-O co-culture with M2 macrophages, the ability of migration and invasion was promoted and the expressions of FUCA1, SLC40A1, VSIG4, CRYBB1, LIPA and TMEM144 were all up-regulated. Conclusion The proportion of tumor-associated M2 macrophages in RCC tissues is upregulated, and M2 macrophages promote the progression of RCC by regulating the expression of SLC40A1, VSIG4, FUCA1, LIPA, BCAT1, CRYBB1, F13A, TMEM144, COLEC12 genes, thereby affecting the prognosis of patients with RCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis and Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis and Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yushuo Ma
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis and Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Department of Lymphoma, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chengwen Gao
- Department of Lymphoma, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Youzhi Zhang
- Department of Urology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaokun Yang
- Department of Urology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xia Zhao
- Department of Lymphoma, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lisheng Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis and Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
96
|
Kang W, Liu Y, Wang W. Light-responsive nanomedicine for cancer immunotherapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:2346-2368. [PMID: 37425044 PMCID: PMC10326299 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy emerged as a paradigm shift in cancer treatments, which can effectively inhibit cancer progression by activating the immune system. Remarkable clinical outcomes have been achieved through recent advances in cancer immunotherapy, including checkpoint blockades, adoptive cellular therapy, cancer vaccine, and tumor microenvironment modulation. However, extending the application of immunotherapy in cancer patients has been limited by the low response rate and side effects such as autoimmune toxicities. With great progress being made in nanotechnology, nanomedicine has been exploited to overcome biological barriers for drug delivery. Given the spatiotemporal control, light-responsive nanomedicine is of great interest in designing precise modality for cancer immunotherapy. Herein, we summarized current research utilizing light-responsive nanoplatforms to enhance checkpoint blockade immunotherapy, facilitate targeted delivery of cancer vaccines, activate immune cell functions, and modulate tumor microenvironment. The clinical translation potential of those designs is highlighted and challenges for the next breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weirong Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Engineering and Nanomedicine, Dr. Li Dak-Sum Research Centre, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuwei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Engineering and Nanomedicine, Dr. Li Dak-Sum Research Centre, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Weiping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Engineering and Nanomedicine, Dr. Li Dak-Sum Research Centre, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
97
|
Gil-Edo R, Royo S, Carda M, Falomir E. Unveiling the Potential of BenzylethyleneAryl-Urea Scaffolds for the Design of New Onco Immunomodulating Agents. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:808. [PMID: 37375756 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This work focuses on the development of thirteen benzylethylenearyl ureas and one carbamate. After the synthesis and purification of the compounds, we studied their antiproliferative action on cell lines, such as HEK-293, and cancer ones, such as HT-29, MCF-7 or A-549, on the immune Jurkat T-cells and endothelial cells HMEC-1. Compounds C.1, C.3, C.12 and C.14 were selected for further biological studies to establish their potential as immunomodulating agents. Some of the derivatives exhibited significant inhibitory effects on both targets: PD-L1 and VEGFR-2 in the HT-29 cell line, showing that urea C.12 is active against both targets. Some compounds could inhibit more than 50% of cancer cell proliferation compared to non-treated ones when assessed in co-cultures using HT-29 and THP-1 cells. In addition, they significantly reduced CD11b expression, which is a promising target for immune modulation in anticancer immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Gil-Edo
- Inorganic and Organic Chemistry Department, University Jaume I, 12071 Castellón, Spain
| | - Santiago Royo
- Institute of Agronomic Engineering for Development, Polytechnic University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Miguel Carda
- Inorganic and Organic Chemistry Department, University Jaume I, 12071 Castellón, Spain
| | - Eva Falomir
- Inorganic and Organic Chemistry Department, University Jaume I, 12071 Castellón, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
98
|
Zhang Y, Dong P, Yang L. The role of nanotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by targeting tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1189323. [PMID: 37292204 PMCID: PMC10244756 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1189323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) refers to a group of highly malignant and pathogenically complex tumors. Traditional treatment methods include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, with advancements in genetics, molecular medicine, and nanotherapy, more effective and safer treatments have been developed. Nanotherapy, in particular, has the potential to be an alternative therapeutic option for HNSCC patients, given its advantageous targeting capabilities, low toxicity and modifiability. Recent research has highlighted the important role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in the development of HNSCC. The TME is composed of various cellular components, such as fibroblasts, vascular endothelial cells, and immune cells, as well as non-cellular agents such as cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, extracellular matrix (ECM), and extracellular vesicles (EVs). These components greatly influence the prognosis and therapeutic efficacy of HNSCC, making the TME a potential target for treatment using nanotherapy. By regulating angiogenesis, immune response, tumor metastasis and other factors, nanotherapy can potentially alleviate HNSCC symptoms. This review aims to summarize and discuss the application of nanotherapy that targets HNSCC's TME. We highlight the therapeutic value of nanotherapy for HNSCC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology/Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, China
| | - Pengbo Dong
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Lu Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology/Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
99
|
Guo S, Yao Y, Tang Y, Xin Z, Wu D, Ni C, Huang J, Wei Q, Zhang T. Radiation-induced tumor immune microenvironments and potential targets for combination therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:205. [PMID: 37208386 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01462-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
As one of the four major means of cancer treatment including surgery, radiotherapy (RT), chemotherapy, immunotherapy, RT can be applied to various cancers as both a radical cancer treatment and an adjuvant treatment before or after surgery. Although RT is an important modality for cancer treatment, the consequential changes caused by RT in the tumor microenvironment (TME) have not yet been fully elucidated. RT-induced damage to cancer cells leads to different outcomes, such as survival, senescence, or death. During RT, alterations in signaling pathways result in changes in the local immune microenvironment. However, some immune cells are immunosuppressive or transform into immunosuppressive phenotypes under specific conditions, leading to the development of radioresistance. Patients who are radioresistant respond poorly to RT and may experience cancer progression. Given that the emergence of radioresistance is inevitable, new radiosensitization treatments are urgently needed. In this review, we discuss the changes in irradiated cancer cells and immune cells in the TME under different RT regimens and describe existing and potential molecules that could be targeted to improve the therapeutic effects of RT. Overall, this review highlights the possibilities of synergistic therapy by building on existing research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Guo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yihan Yao
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Tang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zengfeng Xin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dang Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chao Ni
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Qichun Wei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
100
|
Melotti S, Ambrosi F, Franceschini T, Giunchi F, Filippo GD, Franchini E, Massari F, Mollica V, Tateo V, Bianchi FM, Colecchia M, Acosta AM, Lobo J, Fiorentino M, Ricci C. TAMs PD-L1(+) in the reprogramming of germ cell tumors of the testis. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 247:154540. [PMID: 37209574 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154540] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, several studies focused on the process of reprogramming of seminoma (S) cells, which regulates the transition from pure S (P-S) to S component (S-C) of mixed germ cell tumors of the testis (GCTT) and finally to embryonal carcinoma (EC) and other nonseminomatous GCTT (NS-GCTT). The accepted pathogenetic model is driven and regulated by cells (macrophages, B- and T-lymphocytes) and molecules of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, we tested a series of GCTT with double staining (DS) for CD68-PD-L1 to evaluate tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) expressing programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) [TAMs PD-L1(+)] and clarify if these cells may be involved in establishing the fate of GCTT. METHODS We collected 45 GCTT (comprising a total of 62 different components of GCTT). TAMs PD-L1(+) were evaluated with three different scoring systems [TAMs PD-L1(+)/mm2, TAMs PD-L1(+)/mm2H-score, TAMs PD-L1(+) %], and compared using pertinent statistic tests (Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test). RESULTS We found that TAMs PD-L1(+) values were higher in S rather than EC (p = 0.001, p = 0.015, p = 0.022) and NS-GCTT (p < 0.001). P-S showed statistically significant differences in TAMs PD-L1(+) values compared to S-C (p < 0.001, p = 0.006, p = 0.015), but there were no differences between S-C and EC (p = 0.107, p = 0.408, p = 0.800). Finally, we found statistically significant differences also in TAMs PD-L1(+) values between EC and other NS-GCTT (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS TAMs PD-L1(+) levels gradually decrease during the reprogramming of S cells {P-S [(high values of TAMs PD-L1(+)] → S-C and EC [(intermediate values of TAMs PD-L1(+)] → other NS-GCTT [(low values of TAMs PD-L1(+)], supporting a complex pathogenetic model where the interactions between tumor cells and TME components [and specifically TAMs PD-L1(+)] play a key role in determining the fate of GCTT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Melotti
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Ambrosi
- Pathology Unit, Maggiore Hospital-AUSL Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Giunchi
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesco Massari
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Veronica Mollica
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Tateo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Colecchia
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Andres Martin Acosta
- Department of Pathology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA
| | - João Lobo
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), Porto, Portugal; Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), Porto, Portugal; Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Michelangelo Fiorentino
- Pathology Unit, Maggiore Hospital-AUSL Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Costantino Ricci
- Pathology Unit, Maggiore Hospital-AUSL Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|