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Yu W, Diao Y, Zhang Y, Shi Y, Lv X, Zhang C, Zhang K, Yao W, Huang D, Zhang J. Bioinformatic analysis of FOXN3 expression and prognostic value in pancreatic cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1008100. [PMID: 36324573 PMCID: PMC9619050 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1008100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In most cancers, forkhead box N3 (FOXN3) acts as a transcriptional inhibitor to suppress tumor proliferation, but in pancreatic cancer, the opposite effect is observed. To confirm and investigate this phenomenon, FOXN3 expression in various carcinomas was determined using GEPIA2 and was found to be highly expressed in pancreatic cancer. Kaplan-Meier plotter was then used for survival analysis, revealing that high FOXN3 expression in pancreatic cancer might be associated with a poor prognosis. Similarly, clinical samples collected for immunohistochemical staining and survival analysis showed consistent results. The RNA-seq data of pancreatic cancer patients from the TCGA were then downloaded, and the differential expression gene set was obtained using R for gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The intersection of the above gene sets and FOXN3-related genes was defined as related differentially expressed gene sets (DEGs), and enrichment analysis was performed using Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Finally, we analyzed the relationship between FOXN3 and immune infiltration in pancreatic cancer. Collectively, our findings reveal that FOXN3 is involved in the occurrence and progression of pancreatic cancer and may be useful as a prognostic tool in pancreatic cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yu
- Department of Postgraduates, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongkang Diao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, General Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiangkang Lv
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, General Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chengwu Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, General Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kangjun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, General Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weifeng Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, General Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dongsheng Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jungang Zhang, ; Dongsheng Huang,
| | - Jungang Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, General Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jungang Zhang, ; Dongsheng Huang,
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Bahwal SA, Chen JJ, E L, Hao T, Chen J, Carruthers VB, Lai J, Zhou X. Attenuated Toxoplasma gondii enhances the antitumor efficacy of anti-PD1 antibody by altering the tumor microenvironment in a pancreatic cancer mouse model. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022; 148:2743-2757. [PMID: 35556163 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04036-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate whether attenuated Toxoplasma is efficacious against solid tumors of pancreatic cancer and whether attenuated Toxoplasma improves the antitumor activity of αPD-1 antibody on pancreatic cancer. METHODS The therapeutic effects of attenuated Toxoplasma NRTUA strain monotherapy and combination therapy of NRTUA with anti-PD-1 antibody on PDAC tumor volume and tumor weight of Pan02 tumor-bearing mice were investigated. We characterized the effects of combination therapy of NRTUA with anti-PD-1 antibody on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and tumor-specific IFN-γ by using immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and ELISA. The antitumor mechanisms of combination therapy of NRTUA with anti-PD-1 antibody were investigated via depletion of CD8+ T cells and IL-12. RESULTS NRTUA strain treatment inhibited tumor growth in a subcutaneous mouse model of PDAC through activating dendritic cells and increasing CD8+ T cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. More importantly, combination therapy of NRTUA with anti-PD-1 antibody elicited a significant antitumor immune response and synergistically controlled tumor growth in Pan02 tumor-bearing mice. Specifically, the combination treatment led to elevation of CD8+ T cell infiltration mediated by dendritic cell-secreted IL-12 and to tumor-specific IFN-γ production in the PDAC tumor microenvironment. Also, the combination treatment markedly reduced the immunosuppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cell population in PDAC mice. CONCLUSION These findings could provide a novel immunotherapy approach to treating solid tumors of PDAC and overcoming resistance to anti-PD-1 agents in PDAC tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Said Ahmed Bahwal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jane J Chen
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Lilin E
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Taofang Hao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jiancong Chen
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Vern B Carruthers
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5620, USA.
| | - Jiaming Lai
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Xingwang Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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103
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Wang Y, Ji Y, Xu Q, Huang W. Prognostic N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-related lncRNA patterns to aid therapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:866340. [PMID: 36226185 PMCID: PMC9549010 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.866340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Mounting research studies have suggested the indispensable roles of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification in carcinogenesis. Nevertheless, it was little known about the potential function of m6A-related lncRNAs in sample clustering, underlying mechanism, and anticancer immunity of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).Methods: PDAC sample data were obtained from TCGA-PAAD project, and a total of 23 m6A regulators were employed based on published articles. Pearson correlation and univariate Cox regression were analyzed to determine m6A-related lncRNAs with prognostic significance to identify distinct m6A-related lncRNA subtypes by consensus clustering. Next, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was applied for constructing an m6A-related lncRNA scoring system, further quantifying the m6A-related lncRNA patterns in individual samples. Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) was employed to assign pathway activity estimates to individual samples. To decode the comprehensive landscape of TME, the CIBERSORT method and ESTIMATE algorithm were analyzed. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of chemotherapeutic agents was predicted with the R package pRRophetic. Finally, a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine TRPC7-AS1 mRNA expression in PDAC.Results: Two distinct m6A-related lncRNA patterns with different clinical outcomes, TEM features, and biological enrichment were identified based on 45 prognostic m6A-related lncRNAs. The identification of m6A-related lncRNA patterns within individual samples based on risk scores contributed to revealing biological signatures, clinical outcomes, TEM characterization, and chemotherapeutic effects. A prognostic risk-clinical nomogram was constructed and confirmed to estimate m6A-related lncRNA patterns in individual samples. Finally, the biological roles of TRPC7-AS1 were revealed in PDAC.Conclusion: This work comprehensively elucidated that m6A-related lncRNA patterns served as an indispensable player in prognostic prediction and TEM features. Quantitative identification of m6A-related lncRNA patterns in individual tumors will contribute to sample stratification for further optimizing therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yutian Ji
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qianhui Xu
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wen Huang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- *Correspondence: Wen Huang,
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East P, Kelly GP, Biswas D, Marani M, Hancock DC, Creasy T, Sachsenmeier K, Swanton C, Downward J, de Carné Trécesson S. RAS oncogenic activity predicts response to chemotherapy and outcome in lung adenocarcinoma. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5632. [PMID: 36163168 PMCID: PMC9512813 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33290-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Activating mutations in KRAS occur in 32% of lung adenocarcinomas (LUAD). Despite leading to aggressive disease and resistance to therapy in preclinical studies, the KRAS mutation does not predict patient outcome or response to treatment, presumably due to additional events modulating RAS pathways. To obtain a broader measure of RAS pathway activation, we developed RAS84, a transcriptional signature optimised to capture RAS oncogenic activity in LUAD. We report evidence of RAS pathway oncogenic activation in 84% of LUAD, including 65% KRAS wild-type tumours, falling into four groups characterised by coincident alteration of STK11/LKB1, TP53 or CDKN2A, suggesting that the classifications developed when considering only KRAS mutant tumours have significance in a broader cohort of patients. Critically, high RAS activity patient groups show adverse clinical outcome and reduced response to chemotherapy. Patient stratification using oncogenic RAS transcriptional activity instead of genetic alterations could ultimately assist in clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip East
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Gavin P Kelly
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Dhruva Biswas
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Michela Marani
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - David C Hancock
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Todd Creasy
- Oncology Data Science, Oncology Research and Development, AstraZeneca, 200 Orchard Ridge Drive, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, USA
| | - Kris Sachsenmeier
- Oncology Research and Development, AstraZeneca, 35 Gatehouse Drive, Waltham, MA, 02451, USA
| | - Charles Swanton
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Julian Downward
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK.
- Lung Cancer Group, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London, SW3 6JB, UK.
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105
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Mukherji R, Debnath D, Hartley ML, Noel MS. The Role of Immunotherapy in Pancreatic Cancer. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:6864-6892. [PMID: 36290818 PMCID: PMC9600738 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29100541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma remains one of the most lethal cancers globally, with a significant need for improved therapeutic options. While the recent breakthroughs of immunotherapy through checkpoint inhibitors have dramatically changed treatment paradigms in other malignancies based on considerable survival benefits, this is not so for pancreatic cancer. Chemotherapies with modest benefits are still the cornerstone of advanced pancreatic cancer treatment. Pancreatic cancers are inherently immune-cold tumors and have been largely refractory to immunotherapies in clinical trials. Understanding and overcoming the current failures of immunotherapy through elucidating resistance mechanisms and developing novel therapeutic approaches are essential to harnessing the potential durable benefits of immune-modulating therapy in pancreatic cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reetu Mukherji
- The Ruesch Center for the Cure of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, 3800 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Dipanjan Debnath
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medstar Washington Hospital Center, 110 Irving Street NW, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Marion L. Hartley
- The Ruesch Center for the Cure of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, 3800 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Marcus S. Noel
- The Ruesch Center for the Cure of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, 3800 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
- Correspondence:
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106
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Targeting the Metabolic Rewiring in Pancreatic Cancer and Its Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184351. [PMID: 36139512 PMCID: PMC9497173 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy with only a few effective therapeutic options. A characteristic feature of PDAC is its unique tumor microenvironment (TME), termed desmoplasia, which shows extensive fibrosis and extracellular matrix deposition, generating highly hypoxic and nutrient-deprived conditions within the tumor. To thrive in this harsh TME, PDAC undergoes extensive metabolic rewiring that includes the altered use of glucose and glutamine, constitutive activation of autophagy-lysosomal pathways, and nutrient acquisition from host cells in the TME. Notably, these properties support PDAC metabolism and mediate therapeutic resistance, including immune suppression. A deeper understanding of the unique metabolic properties of PDAC and its TME may aid in the development of novel therapeutic strategies against this deadly disease.
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107
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Balance between immunoregulatory B cells and plasma cells drives pancreatic tumor immunity. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100744. [PMID: 36099917 PMCID: PMC9512696 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Plasma cell responses are associated with anti-tumor immunity and favorable response to immunotherapy. B cells can amplify anti-tumor immune responses through antibody production; yet B cells in patients and tumor-bearing mice often fail to support this effector function. We identify dysregulated transcriptional program in B cells that disrupts differentiation of naive B cells into anti-tumor plasma cells. The signaling network contributing to this dysfunction is driven by interleukin (IL) 35 stimulation of a STAT3-PAX5 complex that upregulates the transcriptional regulator BCL6 in naive B cells. Transient inhibition of BCL6 in tumor-educated naive B cells is sufficient to reverse the dysfunction in B cell differentiation, stimulating the intra-tumoral accumulation of plasma cells and effector T cells and rendering pancreatic tumors sensitive to anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) blockade. Our findings argue that B cell effector dysfunction in cancer can be due to an active systemic suppression program that can be targeted to synergize with T cell-directed immunotherapy. Balance between regulatory B cells and plasma cells shapes pancreatic tumor growth Cancer primes naive B cells toward regulatory B cell differentiation IL-35 drives B cell reprogramming via formation of a pSTAT3-Pax5 complex IL-35/BCL6 blockade in naive B cells enhances αPD1 efficacy
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108
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Nucleolin Therapeutic Targeting Decreases Pancreatic Cancer Immunosuppression. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174265. [PMID: 36077801 PMCID: PMC9454580 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) microenvironment is highly fibrotic and hypoxic, with poor immune cell infiltration. Recently, we showed that nucleolin (NCL) inhibition normalizes tumour vessels and impairs PDAC growth. Methods: Immunocompetent mouse models of PDAC were treated by the pseudopeptide N6L, which selectively inhibits NCL. Tumour-infiltrating immune cells and changes in the tumour microenvironment were analysed. Results: N6L reduced the proportion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and increased tumour-infiltrated T lymphocytes (TILs) with an activated phenotype. Low-dose anti-VEGFR2 treatment normalized PDAC vessels but did not modulate the immune suppressive microenvironment. RNAseq analysis of N6L-treated PDAC tumours revealed a reduction of cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) expansion in vivo and in vitro. Notably, N6L treatment decreased IL-6 levels both in tumour tissues and in serum. Treating mPDAC by an antibody blocking IL-6 reduced the proportion of Tregs and MDSCs and increased the amount of TILs, thus mimicking the effects of N6L. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that NCL inhibition blocks the amplification of lymphoid and myeloid immunosuppressive cells and promotes T cell activation in PDAC through a new mechanism of action dependent on the direct inhibition of the tumoral stroma.
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109
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Tao S, Tian L, Wang X, Shou Y. A pyroptosis-related gene signature for prognosis and immune microenvironment of pancreatic cancer. Front Genet 2022; 13:817919. [PMID: 36118860 PMCID: PMC9476319 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.817919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal tumors owing to its unspecific symptoms during the early stage and multiple treatment resistances. Pyroptosis, a newly discovered gasdermin-mediated cell death, facilitates anti- or pro-tumor effects in a variety of cancers, whereas the impact of pyroptosis in pancreatic cancer remains unclear. Therefore, we downloaded RNA expression and clinic data from the TCGA-PAAD cohort and were surprised to find that most pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) are not only overexpressed in tumor tissue but also strongly associated with overall survival. For their remarkable prognostic value, cox regression analysis and lasso regression were used to establish a five-gene signature. All patients were divided into low- and high-risk groups based on the media value of the risk score, and we discovered that low-risk patients had better outcomes in both the testing and validation cohorts using time receiver operating characteristic (ROC), nomograms, survival, and decision analysis. More importantly, a higher somatic mutation burden and less immune cell infiltration were found in the high-risk group. Following that, we predicted tumor response to chemotherapy and immunotherapy in both low- and high-risk groups, which suggests patients with low risk were more likely to respond to both immunotherapy and chemotherapy. To summarize, our study established an effective model that can help clinicians better predict patients’ drug responses and outcomes, and we also present basic evidence for future pyroptosis related studies in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sifan Tao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoyan Wang, ; Yajun Shou,
| | - Yajun Shou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoyan Wang, ; Yajun Shou,
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110
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Ullman NA, Burchard PR, Dunne RF, Linehan DC. Immunologic Strategies in Pancreatic Cancer: Making Cold Tumors Hot. J Clin Oncol 2022; 40:2789-2805. [PMID: 35839445 PMCID: PMC9390820 DOI: 10.1200/jco.21.02616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The rising incidence and persistent dismal 5-year overall survival of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) highlight the need for new effective systemic therapies. Immunotherapy has shown significant benefits in solid organ tumors, but has thus far been disappointing in the treatment of PDAC. There have been several promising preclinical studies, but translation into the clinic has proved to be challenging. This is likely a result of PDAC's complex immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that acts to insulate the tumor against an effective cytotoxic immune response. Here, we summarize the mechanisms of immunosuppression within the PDAC tumor microenvironment and provide an up-to-date review of completed and ongoing clinical trials using various immunotherapy strategies.
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111
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Xue S, Ge W, Wang K, Mao T, Zhang X, Xu H, Wang Y, Yao J, Li S, Yue M, Ma J, Wang Y, Shentu D, Cui J, Wang L. Association of aging-related genes with prognosis and immune infiltration in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:942225. [PMID: 36003146 PMCID: PMC9393218 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.942225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is one of the deadliest malignancies. Aging is described as the degeneration of physiological function, which is complexly correlated with cancer. It is significant to explore the influences of aging-related genes (ARGs) on PAAD. Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) datasets, we used univariate Cox regression analysis and acquired eight differentially expressed ARGs with prognostic values. Two molecular subtypes were identified based on these ARGs to depict PAAD patients’ overall survival (OS) and immune microenvironments preliminarily. Cluster 1 had a poor OS as well as a worse immune microenvironment. Through least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis, we constructed a seven-ARG risk signature based on the TCGA dataset and verified it in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) to predict the prognoses, immune microenvironments, signal pathways, tumor mutations, and drug sensitivity of PAAD patients. The high-risk group possessed an unfavorable OS compared with that of the low-risk group. We also verified the independence and clinical availability of the risk signature by Cox regression analyses and the establishment of a nomogram, respectively. The higher risk score was associated with several clinical factors such as higher grade and advanced tumor stage as well as lower immunoscore and cluster 1. The negative associations of risk scores with immune, stroma, and estimate scores proved the terrible immune microenvironment in the high-risk group. Relationships between risk score and immune checkpoint gene expression as well as signal pathways provided several therapeutic targets. PAAD patients in the low-risk group possessed lower tumor mutations as well as a higher susceptibility to axitinib and vorinostat. The high-risk group bore a higher TMB and cisplatin and dasatinib may be better options. We used immunohistochemistry and qPCR to confirm the expression of key ARGs with their influences on OS. In conclusion, we identified two ARG-mediated molecular subtypes and a novel seven-ARG risk signature to predict prognoses, immune microenvironments, signal pathways, tumor mutations, and drug sensitivity of PAAD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengbai Xue
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiyu Ge
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kexuan Wang
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Tiebo Mao
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofei Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiyan Xu
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongchao Wang
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayu Yao
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shumin Li
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Yue
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingyu Ma
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanling Wang
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Daiyuan Shentu
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiujie Cui
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jiujie Cui, ; Liwei Wang,
| | - Liwei Wang
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jiujie Cui, ; Liwei Wang,
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Gorchs L, Oosthoek M, Yucel-Lindberg T, Moro CF, Kaipe H. Chemokine Receptor Expression on T Cells Is Modulated by CAFs and Chemokines Affect the Spatial Distribution of T Cells in Pancreatic Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153826. [PMID: 35954489 PMCID: PMC9367555 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The infiltration of T cells in pancreatic tumors has been correlated with better overall survival. However, the dense desmoplastic stroma, mainly composed by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), can sequester the T cells in the stroma preventing them from reaching the tumor nests. Chemokines are small molecules capable of directing T cell migration. Here, we explored whether CAFs could modulate the expression of chemokine receptors on T cells and examined if the spatial distribution of T cells within tumors was correlated to chemokine secretion patterns. Overall, we found that CXCR3 ligands was associated with an increased number of T cells in tumor rich areas and that CAFs downregulated the expression of CXCR3 on T cells. Understanding the mechanisms by which T cells are prevented from reaching the tumor nests is of great importance for the development of novel targeting therapies. Abstract The accumulation of T cells is associated with a better prognosis in pancreatic cancer. However, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, largely composed by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), can prevent T cells from reaching the tumor nests. We examined how human CAFs modulated chemokine receptors known to be associated with T cell trafficking, CXCR3 and CCR5, and T cell exclusion, CXCR4. CAFs decreased the expression of CXCR3 and CCR5 but increased CXCR4 expression in both 2D and 3D cultures, affecting the migratory capacity of T cells towards CXCL10. An immunohistochemistry analysis showed that very few T cells were found in the tumor nests. Within the stroma, CD8+ T cells were localized more distantly from the malignant cells whereas CD4+ T cells were more equally distributed. Tumor tissues with a high production of chemokines were associated with less T cell infiltration when the whole tissue was analyzed. However, when the spatial localization of CD8+ T cells within the tissue was taken into account, levels of CXCR3 ligands and the CCR5 ligand CCL8 showed a positive association with a high relative T cell infiltration in tumor-rich areas. Thus, CXCR3 ligands could mediate T cell trafficking but CAFs could prevent T cells from reaching the malignant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Gorchs
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence: (L.G.); (H.K.)
| | - Marlies Oosthoek
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Carlos Fernández Moro
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helen Kaipe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 52 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence: (L.G.); (H.K.)
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Quatannens D, Verhoeven Y, Van Dam P, Lardon F, Prenen H, Roeyen G, Peeters M, Smits ELJ, Van Audenaerde J. Targeting hedgehog signaling in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 236:108107. [PMID: 34999181 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a leading cause of cancer related death. The urgent need for effective therapies is highlighted by the lack of adequate targeting. In PDAC, hedgehog (Hh) signaling is known to be aberrantly activated, which prompted the pathway as a possible target for effective treatment for PDAC patients. Unfortunately, specific targeting of upstream molecules within the Hh signaling pathway failed to bring clinical benefit. This led to the ongoing debate on Hh targeting as a therapeutic treatment for PDAC patients. Additionally, concurrent non-canonical activation routes also result in translocation of Gli transcription factors into the nucleus. Therefore, different downstream targets of the Hh signaling pathway were identified and evaluated in preclinical and clinical research. In this review we summarize the variety of Hh signaling antagonists in different preclinical models of PDAC. Furthermore, we discuss published and ongoing clinical trials that evaluated Hh antagonists and point out the current hurdles and future perspectives in the light of redesigning Hh-targeting therapies for the treatment of PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Quatannens
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Yannick Verhoeven
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Peter Van Dam
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Unit of Gynecologic Oncology, University Hospital Antwerp (UZA), Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Filip Lardon
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Hans Prenen
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Oncology, University Hospital Antwerp (UZA), Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Geert Roeyen
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Hepatobiliary Transplantation and Endocrine Surgery, University Hospital Antwerp (UZA), Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Marc Peeters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Oncology, University Hospital Antwerp (UZA), Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Evelien L J Smits
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Jonas Van Audenaerde
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
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Effects of TP53 Mutations and miRs on Immune Responses in the Tumor Microenvironment Important in Pancreatic Cancer Progression. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142155. [PMID: 35883598 PMCID: PMC9318640 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 90% of pancreatic cancers are pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC). PDAC is the fourth leading cause of cancer death world-wide. Therapies for PDAC are largely ineffective due to the dense desmoplastic tumor microenvironment which prevents chemotherapeutic drugs and small molecule inhibitors from exerting effective anti-cancer effects. In this review, we will discuss the roles of TP53 and miRs on the PDAC tumor microenvironment and how loss of the normal functions of TP53 promote tumor progression. The TP53 gene is mutated in approximately 50% of pancreatic cancers. Often, these TP53 mutations are point mutations which confer additional functions for the TP53 proteins. These are called gain of function (GOF) mutations (mut). Another class of TP53 mutations are deletions which result in loss of the TP53 protein; these are referred to TP53-null mutations. We have organized this review into various components/properties of the PDAC microenvironment and how they may be altered in the presence of mutant TP53 and loss of certain miR expression.
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Menezes S, Okail MH, Jalil SMA, Kocher HM, Cameron AJM. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in pancreatic cancer: new subtypes, new markers, new targets. J Pathol 2022; 257:526-544. [PMID: 35533046 PMCID: PMC9327514 DOI: 10.1002/path.5926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have conflicting roles in the suppression and promotion of cancer. Current research focuses on targeting the undesirable properties of CAFs, while attempting to maintain tumour-suppressive roles. CAFs have been widely associated with primary or secondary therapeutic resistance, and strategies to modify CAF function have therefore largely focussed on their combination with existing therapies. Despite significant progress in preclinical studies, clinical translation of CAF targeted therapies has achieved limited success. Here we will review our emerging understanding of heterogeneous CAF populations in tumour biology and use examples from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma to explore why successful clinical targeting of protumourigenic CAF functions remains elusive. Single-cell technologies have allowed the identification of CAF subtypes with a differential impact on prognosis and response to therapy, but currently without clear consensus. Identification and pharmacological targeting of CAF subtypes associated with immunotherapy response offers new hope to expand clinical options for pancreatic cancer. Various CAF subtype markers may represent biomarkers for patient stratification, to obtain enhanced response with existing and emerging combinatorial therapeutic strategies. Thus, CAF subtyping is the next frontier in understanding and exploiting the tumour microenvironment for therapeutic benefit. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinelle Menezes
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary, University of London, John Vane Science CentreLondonUK
| | - Mohamed Hazem Okail
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary, University of London, John Vane Science CentreLondonUK
| | - Siti Munira Abd Jalil
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary, University of London, John Vane Science CentreLondonUK
| | - Hemant M Kocher
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary, University of London, John Vane Science CentreLondonUK
- Barts and the London HPB Centre, The Royal London HospitalBarts Health NHS TrustLondonUK
| | - Angus J M Cameron
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary, University of London, John Vane Science CentreLondonUK
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Brouwer TP, de Vries NL, Abdelaal T, Krog RT, Li Z, Ruano D, Fariña A, Lelieveldt BPF, Morreau H, Bonsing BA, Vahrmeijer AL, Koning F, de Miranda NFCC. Local and systemic immune profiles of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma revealed by single-cell mass cytometry. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:e004638. [PMID: 35793870 PMCID: PMC9260840 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-004638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal malignancy in need of effective (immuno)therapeutic treatment strategies. For the optimal application and development of cancer immunotherapies, a comprehensive understanding of local and systemic immune profiles in patients with PDAC is required. Here, our goal was to decipher the interplay between local and systemic immune profiles in treatment-naïve patients with PDAC. METHODS The immune composition of PDAC, matched non-malignant pancreatic tissue, regional lymph nodes, spleen, portal vein blood, and peripheral blood samples (collected before and after surgery) from 11 patients with PDAC was assessed by measuring 41 immune cell markers by single-cell mass cytometry. Furthermore, the activation potential of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes as determined by their ability to produce cytokines was investigated by flow cytometry. In addition, the spatial localization of tumor-infiltrating innate lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment was confirmed by multispectral immunofluorescence. RESULTS We found that CD103+CD8+ T cells with cytotoxic potential are infrequent in the PDAC immune microenvironment and lack the expression of activation markers and checkpoint blockade molecule programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1). In contrast, PDAC tissues showed a remarkable increased relative frequency of B cells and regulatory T cells as compared with non-malignant pancreatic tissues. Besides, a previously unappreciated innate lymphocyte cell (ILC) population (CD127-CD103+CD39+CD45RO+ ILC1-like) was discovered in PDAC tissues. Strikingly, the increased relative frequency of B cells and regulatory T cells in pancreatic cancer samples was reflected in matched portal vein blood samples but not in peripheral blood, suggesting a regional enrichment of immune cells that infiltrate the PDAC microenvironment. After surgery, decreased frequencies of myeloid dendritic cells were found in peripheral blood. CONCLUSIONS Our work demonstrates an immunosuppressive landscape in PDAC tissues, generally deprived of cytotoxic T cells and enriched in regulatory T cells and B cells. The antitumor potential of ILC1-like cells in PDAC may be exploited in a therapeutic setting. Importantly, immune profiles detected in blood isolated from the portal vein reflected the immune cell composition of the PDAC microenvironment, suggesting that this anatomical location could be a source of tumor-associated immune cell subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas P Brouwer
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Natasja L de Vries
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tamim Abdelaal
- Pattern recognition and Bioinformatics, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
- Leiden Computational Biology Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ricki T Krog
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Dina Ruano
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Arantza Fariña
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Boudewijn P F Lelieveldt
- Leiden Computational Biology Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Computational Biology Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Morreau
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bert A Bonsing
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Frits Koning
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Ye J, Mills BN, Qin SS, Garrett-Larsen J, Murphy JD, Uccello TP, Han BJ, Vrooman TG, Johnston CJ, Lord EM, Belt BA, Linehan DC, Gerber SA. Toll-like receptor 7/8 agonist R848 alters the immune tumor microenvironment and enhances SBRT-induced antitumor efficacy in murine models of pancreatic cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:e004784. [PMID: 35851308 PMCID: PMC9295644 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-004784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has been increasingly used as adjuvant therapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and induces immunogenic cell death, which leads to the release of tumor antigen and damage-associated molecular patterns. However, this induction often fails to generate sufficient response to overcome pre-existing tumor microenvironment (TME) immunosuppression. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7/8 ligands, such as R848, can amplify the effect of tumor vaccines, with recent evidence showing its antitumor effect in pancreatic cancer by modulating the immunosuppressive TME. Therefore, we hypothesized that the combination of R848 and SBRT would improve local and systemic antitumor immune responses by potentiating the antitumor effects of SBRT and reversing the immunosuppressive nature of the PDAC TME. METHODS Using murine models of orthotopic PDAC, we assessed the combination of intravenous TLR7/8 agonist R848 and local SBRT on tumor growth and immune response in primary pancreatic tumors. Additionally, we employed a hepatic metastatic model to investigate if the combination of SBRT targeting only the primary pancreatic tumor and systemic R848 is effective in controlling established liver metastases. RESULTS We demonstrated that intravenous administration of the TLR7/8 agonist R848, in combination with local SBRT, leads to superior tumor control compared with either treatment alone. The combination of R848 and SBRT results in significant immune activation of the pancreatic TME, including increased tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells, decreased regulatory T cells, and enhanced antigen-presenting cells maturation, as well as increased interferon gamma, granzyme B, and CCL5 along with decreased levels of interleukin 4 (IL-4), IL-6, and IL-10. Importantly, the combination of SBRT and systemic R848 also resulted in similar immunostimulatory changes in liver metastases, leading to improved metastatic control. CD8+ T cell depletion studies highlighted the necessity of these effector cells at both the local and hepatic metastatic sites. T cell receptor (TCR) clonotype analysis indicated that systemic R848 not only diversified the TCR repertoire but also conditioned the metastatic foci to facilitate entry of CD8+ T cells generated by SBRT therapy. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that systemic administration of TLR7/8 agonists in combination with SBRT may be a promising avenue for metastatic PDAC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Ye
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Center for Tumor Immunology Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Bradley N Mills
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Shuyang S Qin
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Jesse Garrett-Larsen
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Center for Tumor Immunology Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Joseph D Murphy
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Taylor P Uccello
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Booyeon J Han
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Tara G Vrooman
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Carl J Johnston
- Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Edith M Lord
- Center for Tumor Immunology Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Brian A Belt
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Center for Tumor Immunology Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - David C Linehan
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Center for Tumor Immunology Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Scott A Gerber
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Center for Tumor Immunology Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
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Chen H, Zhao X, Li Y, Zhang S, Wang Y, Wang L, Ma W. High Expression of TMEM33 Predicts Poor Prognosis and Promotes Cell Proliferation in Cervical Cancer. Front Genet 2022; 13:908807. [PMID: 35832191 PMCID: PMC9271802 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.908807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The prognosis of patients with advanced cervical cancer remains unsatisfactory. A study indicated that transmembrane protein 33 (TMEM33) was implicated in tumor recurrence, while its role in cervical cancer has not been elucidated. Methods: TMEM33 expression in cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC) was primarily screened in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and further validated in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The Kaplan–Meier plotter analysis and Cox regression were constructed to evaluate the prognostic value of TMEM33 in CESC. Functional enrichment analysis was performed with GO, KEGG and GSEA tools. CCK-8 assay and colony formation assay were performed to investigate the carcinogenesis role of TMEM33 in cervical cancer cell proliferation. Results: TMEM33 expression was significantly elevated in CESC compared with normal tissues. High expression of TMEM33 was associated with poor prognostic clinical characteristics in CESC patients. KM-plotter analysis revealed that patients with increased TMEM33 had shorter overall survival (OS), progress free interval (PFI), and disease specific survival (DSS). Moreover, Multivariate Cox analysis confirmed that high TMEM33 expression was an independent risk factor for OS in patients with CESC. TMEM33 was associated with immune infiltrates, and its expression was correlated with tumorigenesis-related genes RNF4, OCIAD1, TMED5, DHX15, MED28 and LETM1. More importantly, knockdown of TMEM33 in cervical cancer cells decreased the expression of those genes and inhibited cell proliferation. Conclusion: Increased TMEM33 in cervical cancer can serve as an independent prognostic marker and might play a role in tumorigenesis by promoting cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanxiang Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
- Shandong LaiBo Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Jinan, China
| | - Xia Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Yongqing Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | | | - Yunshan Wang
- Medical Research and Laboratory Diagnostic Center, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lili Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Lili Wang, ; Wanshan Ma,
| | - Wanshan Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Lili Wang, ; Wanshan Ma,
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Zhang Y, Liu Q, Zhang X, Huang H, Tang S, Chai Y, Xu Z, Li M, Chen X, Liu J, Yang C. Recent advances in exosome-mediated nucleic acid delivery for cancer therapy. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:279. [PMID: 35701788 PMCID: PMC9194774 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01472-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading public health problem worldwide. Its treatment remains a daunting challenge, although significant progress has been made in existing treatments in recent years. A large concern is the poor therapeutic effect due to lack of specificity and low bioavailability. Gene therapy has recently emerged as a powerful tool for cancer therapy. However, delivery methods limit its therapeutic effects. Exosomes, a subset of extracellular vesicles secreted by most cells, have the characteristics of good biocompatibility, low toxicity and immunogenicity, and great designability. In the past decades, as therapeutic carriers and diagnostic markers, they have caught extensive attention. This review introduced the characteristics of exosomes, and focused on their applications as delivery carriers in DNA, messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNA (miRNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), circular RNA (circRNA) and other nucleic acids. Meanwhile, their application in cancer therapy and exosome-based clinical trials were presented and discussed. Through systematic summarization and analysis, the recent advances and current challenges of exosome-mediated nucleic acid delivery for cancer therapy are introduced, which will provide a theoretical basis for the development of nucleic acid drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Central Laboratory of Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen & The Second Affiliated Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Qiqi Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Xinmeng Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Haoqiang Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Shiqi Tang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Yujuan Chai
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Zhourui Xu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Meirong Li
- Central Laboratory of Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen & The Second Affiliated Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Central Laboratory of Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen & The Second Affiliated Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China.
| | - Chengbin Yang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
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Gao Z, Zhang Q, Zhang X, Song Y. Advance of T regulatory cells in tumor microenvironment remodeling and immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer. EUR J INFLAMM 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/1721727x221092900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is highly aggressive, deadly, and is rarely diagnosed early. Regulatory T cells (Treg) are a multifunctional class of immunosuppressive T cells that help maintain immunologic homeostasis and participate in autoimmune diseases, transplants, and tumors. This cell type mediates immune homeostasis, tolerance, and surveillance and is associated with poor outcomes in PDAC. Tregs remodel the tumor immune microenvironment, mediate tumor immune escape, and promote tumor invasion and metastasis. A promising area of research involves regulating Tregs to reduce their infiltration into tumor tissues. However, the complexity of the immune microenvironment has limited the efficacy of immunotherapy in PDAC. Treg modulation combined with other treatments is emerging. This review summarizes the mechanisms of Tregs activity in tumor immune microenvironments in PDAC and the latest developments in immunotherapy and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zetian Gao
- The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Qiubo Zhang
- The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Xie Zhang
- The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yufei Song
- The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
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Kaplon H. Translational Learnings in the Development of Chemo-Immunotherapy Combination to Bypass the Cold Tumor Microenvironment in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:835502. [PMID: 35664786 PMCID: PMC9159762 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.835502] [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: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the most lethal cancers, with a 5-year relative survival rate of 5%. The desmoplastic stroma found in the tumor microenvironment of PDAC is suggested to be partly responsible for the resistance to most therapeutic strategies. This review outlines the clinical results obtained with an immune checkpoint inhibitor in PDAC and discusses the rationale to use a combination of chemotherapy and immune checkpoint therapy. Moreover, essential parameters to take into account in designing an efficient combination have been highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Kaplon
- Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, Translational Medicine Department, Servier, Suresnes, France
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Nie W, Chen J, Wang B, Gao X. Nonviral vector system for cancer immunogene therapy. MEDCOMM – BIOMATERIALS AND APPLICATIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/mba2.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wen Nie
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu PR China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu PR China
| | - Bilan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University Chengdu PR China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu PR China
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Agostini A, Orlacchio A, Carbone C, Guerriero I. Understanding Tricky Cellular and Molecular Interactions in Pancreatic Tumor Microenvironment: New Food for Thought. Front Immunol 2022; 13:876291. [PMID: 35711414 PMCID: PMC9193393 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.876291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents 90% of all pancreatic cancer cases and shows a high mortality rate among all solid tumors. PDAC is often associated with poor prognosis, due to the late diagnosis that leads to metastasis development, and limited efficacy of available treatments. The tumor microenvironment (TME) represents a reliable source of novel targets for therapy, and even if many of the biological interactions among stromal, immune, and cancer cells that populate the TME have been studied, much more needs to be clarified. The great limitation in the efficacy of current standard chemoterapy is due to both the dense fibrotic inaccessible TME barrier surrounding cancer cells and the immunological evolution from a tumor-suppressor to an immunosuppressive environment. Nevertheless, combinatorial therapies may prove more effective at overcoming resistance mechanisms and achieving tumor cell killing. To achieve this result, a deeper understanding of the pathological mechanisms driving tumor progression and immune escape is required in order to design rationale-based therapeutic strategies. This review aims to summarize the present knowledge about cellular interactions in the TME, with much attention on immunosuppressive functioning and a specific focus on extracellular matrix (ECM) contribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Agostini
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Arturo Orlacchio
- NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Carmine Carbone
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Guerriero
- Biogem, Biology and Molecular Genetics Institute, Ariano Irpino, Italy
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Chen Q, Wang Q, Wang Y, Chu Y, Luo Y, You H, Su B, Li C, Guo Q, Sun T, Jiang C. Penetrating Micelle for Reversing Immunosuppression and Drug Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer Treatment. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2107712. [PMID: 35285149 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202107712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is on of the most lethal malignant tumors with relatively poor prognosis, characterized with insufficient drug penetration, low immune response and obvious drug resistances. The therapeutic inefficiency is multifactorially related to its specific tumor microenvironment (TME), which is representatively featured as rich stroma and immunosuppression. In this work, a versatile drug delivery system is developed that can coencapsulate two prodrugs modified from gemcitabine (GEM) and a signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) inhibitor (HJC0152), and the gradient pH variation is further sensed in the TME of PDAC to achieve a higher penetration by reversing its surficial charges. The escorted prodrugs can release GEM intracellularly, and respond to the hypoxic condition to yield the parental STAT3 inhibitor HJC0152, respectively. By inhibiting STAT3, the tumor immunosuppression microenvironment can be re-educated through the reversion of M2-like tumor associated macrophages (M2-TAMs), recruitment of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and downregulation of regulatory T cells (Treg s). Furthermore, cytidine deaminase (CDA) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression can be downregulated, plus the lipid modification of GEM, the drug resistance of GEM can be greatly relieved. Based on the above design, a synergetic therapeutic efficacy in PDAC treatment can be achieved to provide more opportunity for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinjun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Ministry of Education), Minhang Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, P. R. China
| | - Qingbing Wang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, P. R. China
| | - Yu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Ministry of Education), Minhang Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, P. R. China
| | - Yongchao Chu
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Ministry of Education), Minhang Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, P. R. China
| | - Yifan Luo
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Ministry of Education), Minhang Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, P. R. China
| | - Haoyu You
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Ministry of Education), Minhang Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, P. R. China
| | - Boyu Su
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Ministry of Education), Minhang Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, P. R. China
| | - Chao Li
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Ministry of Education), Minhang Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, P. R. China
| | - Qin Guo
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Ministry of Education), Minhang Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, P. R. China
| | - Tao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Ministry of Education), Minhang Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, P. R. China
| | - Chen Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Ministry of Education), Minhang Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, P. R. China
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Burrack AL, Schmiechen ZC, Patterson MT, Miller EA, Spartz EJ, Rollins MR, Raynor JF, Mitchell JS, Kaisho T, Fife BT, Stromnes IM. Distinct myeloid antigen-presenting cells dictate differential fates of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells in pancreatic cancer. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e151593. [PMID: 35393950 PMCID: PMC9057584 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.151593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigate how myeloid subsets differentially shape immunity to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). We show that tumor antigenicity sculpts myeloid cell composition and functionality. Antigenicity promotes accumulation of type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1), which is driven by Xcr1 signaling, and overcomes macrophage-mediated suppression. The therapeutic activity of adoptive T cell therapy or programmed cell death ligand 1 blockade required cDC1s, which sustained splenic Klrg1+ cytotoxic antitumor T cells and functional intratumoral T cells. KLRG1 and cDC1 genes correlated in human tumors, and PDA patients with high intratumoral KLRG1 survived longer than patients with low intratumoral KLRG1. The immunotherapy CD40 agonist also required host cDC1s for maximal therapeutic benefit. However, CD40 agonist exhibited partial therapeutic benefit in cDC1-deficient hosts and resulted in priming of tumor-specific yet atypical CD8+ T cells with a regulatory phenotype and that failed to participate in tumor control. Monocyte/macrophage depletion using clodronate liposomes abrogated T cell priming yet enhanced the antitumor activity of CD40 agonist in cDC1-deficient hosts via engagement of innate immunity. In sum, our study supports that cDC1s are essential for sustaining effective antitumor T cells and supports differential roles for cDC1s and monocytes/macrophages in instructing T cell fate and immunotherapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam L. Burrack
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology
- Center for Immunology
| | | | | | - Ebony A. Miller
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology
- Center for Immunology
| | | | | | | | - Jason S. Mitchell
- Center for Immunology
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Tsuneyasu Kaisho
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Brian T. Fife
- Center for Immunology
- Department of Medicine, and
- Masonic Cancer Center, and
| | - Ingunn M. Stromnes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology
- Center for Immunology
- Masonic Cancer Center, and
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Yang J, Zhang Q, Wang J, Lou Y, Hong Z, Wei S, Sun K, Wang J, Chen Y, Sheng J, Su W, Bai X, Liang T. Dynamic profiling of immune microenvironment during pancreatic cancer development suggests early intervention and combination strategy of immunotherapy. EBioMedicine 2022; 78:103958. [PMID: 35316682 PMCID: PMC8943259 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.103958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has little response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. An in-depth understanding of the immune microenvironment from a comprehensive and dynamic perspective is critical to generate effective therapeutic strategies for PDAC. METHODS Using mass cytometry and immunohistochemistry, we explored the dynamic changes of tumor-infiltrating immune cells during the development of PDAC in a genetically engineered mouse model (KrasG12D/+; Trp53R172H/+; Pdx1-cre) and human specimens. PD-L1-/- mice were crossed with KrasG12D/+; TgfβR2flox/flox; Ptf1a-cre mice to achieve early depletion of PD-L1 in pancreatic cancer. Combination therapy of Arginase-1 (Arg-1) inhibitor and anti-PD-1 mAb was validated in syngeneic mouse models. FINDINGS Two different stages of immunosuppression with unique features were observed in both mouse model and human specimens. Early stage of immunosuppression featured highly abundant Tregs during acinar-to-ductal metaplasia, despite of a prominent and continuous presence of effector lymphocytes. The differentiation/activation branch of Ly-6C+ monocytes changed from a BST2+/MHC-II+ phenotype to an Arg-1+ phenotype over time during PDAC development. The late stage of immunosuppression thus featured the presence of a large number of myeloid suppressive cells together with a significant reduction of effector lymphocytes. Removal of PD-L1 from the beginning efficiently triggered anti-tumor immunity and significantly prolonged survival in PDAC-developing mice. Targeting Arg1+ macrophages with an Arg-1 inhibitor synergized with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy and led to PDAC-specific immune memory. INTERPRETATION By demonstrating the coevolution of histopathology and immunology in PDAC, this study highlights the necessity and value of early intervention and combinational approach in leveraging immunotherapy to treat pancreatic cancer. FUNDING A full list of funding bodies that contributed to this study can be found in the Acknowledgements section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310003, China; Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310003, China; Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junli Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310003, China; Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu Lou
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310003, China; Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhengtao Hong
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310003, China; Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shumei Wei
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ke Sun
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058 China; Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianing Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310003, China; Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiwen Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310003, China; Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianpeng Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Su
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310003, China; Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xueli Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310003, China; Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058 China.
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310003, China; Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058 China.
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Minici C, Testoni S, Della-Torre E. B-Lymphocytes in the Pathophysiology of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:867902. [PMID: 35359944 PMCID: PMC8963963 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.867902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is highly infiltrated by B lymphocytes but the relevance of these immune cells in tumor development has been surprisingly overlooked until recently. Based on available evidence from other solid tumors, interaction between B lymphocytes and neoplastic cells is probably not uniformly stimulatory or inhibitory. Although presentation of tumor antigens to T cells and production of antitumor immunoglobulins might intuitively suggest a prominent tumor suppressive activity, specific subsets of B lymphocytes can secrete growth factors for neoplastic cells and immunosuppressive cytokines thus promoting escape from immunosurveillance and cancer progression. Because many of these mechanisms might also be implicated in the development of PDAC, and immune-modulation of B-cell activity is nowadays possible at different levels, determining the role of B-lymphocytes in this lethal cancer becomes of utmost importance to design novel therapeutic strategies. This review aims to discuss the emerging role of B cells in PDAC tumorigenesis, progression, and associated stromal reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Minici
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Sabrina Testoni
- Pancreato-Biliary Endoscopy and Endosonography Division, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuel Della-Torre
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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Zhang X, Lao M, Xu J, Duan Y, Yang H, Li M, Ying H, He L, Sun K, Guo C, Chen W, Jiang H, Zhang X, Bai X, Liang T. Combination cancer immunotherapy targeting TNFR2 and PD-1/PD-L1 signaling reduces immunosuppressive effects in the microenvironment of pancreatic tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:e003982. [PMID: 35260434 PMCID: PMC8906048 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS In advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), immune therapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, has limited efficacy, encouraging the study of combination therapy. METHODS Tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) was analyzed via immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, western blotting, and ELISAs. The in vitro mechanism that TNFR2 regulates programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) was investigated using immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, western blotting, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). In vivo efficacy and mechanistic studies, using C57BL/6 mice and nude mice with KPC cell-derived subcutaneous and orthotopic tumors, employed antibodies against TNFR2 and PD-L1. Survival curves were constructed for the orthotopic model and a genetically engineered PDAC model (LSL-KrasG12D/+; LSL-Trp53R172H/+; Pdx1-Cre). Mass cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry analyzed local and systemic alterations in the immunophenotype. RESULTS TNFR2 showed high expression and is a prognostic factor in CD8+ T cell-enriched pancreatic cancer. TNFR2 promotes tumorigenesis and progression of pancreatic cancer via dual effect: suppressing cancer immunogenicity and partially accelerating tumor growth. TNFR2 positivity correlated with PD-L1, and in vitro and in vivo, it could regulate the expression of PDL1 at the transcription level via the p65 NF-κB pathway. Combining anti-TNFR2 and PD-L1 antibodies eradicated tumors, prolonged overall survival in pancreatic cancer, and induced strong antitumor immune memory and secondary prevention by reducing the infiltration of Tregs and tumor-associated macrophages and inducing CD8+ T cell activation in the PDAC microenvironment. Finally, the antitumor immune response derived from combination therapy is mainly dependent on CD8+ T cells, partially dependent on CD4+ T cells, and independent of natural killer cells. CONCLUSIONS Anti-TNFR2 and anti-PD-L1 combination therapy eradicated tumors by inhibiting their growth, relieving tumor immunosuppression, and generating robust memory recall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozhen Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery,the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengyi Lao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery,the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery,the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Duan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery,the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hanshen Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery,the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Muchun Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery,the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Honggang Ying
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery,the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lihong He
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery,the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kang Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery,the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chengxiang Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery,the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wen Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery,the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haitao Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery,the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery,the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xueli Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery,the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery,the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Ge Y, Liu H, Zhang Y, Liu J, Yan R, Xiao Z, Fan X, Huang X, An G. Inhibition of DCLK1 kinase reverses epithelial-mesenchymal transition and restores T-cell activity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Transl Oncol 2022; 17:101317. [PMID: 34998236 PMCID: PMC8739467 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101317] [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: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has recently become a promising cancer therapy with extensive applications of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) appears to be unresponsive to immunotherapy due to the immunosuppressive microenvironment. Recent studies showed that cancer stem cell marker DCLK1 promoted the initiation and development of PDAC. Nevertheless, the mechanism driving this process remains unclear. Here, by performing gain-of-function investigations in PDAC cell lines, we demonstrate that both DCLK1 long (DCLK1-iso1, DCLK1-AS) and short (DCLK1-iso4, DCLK1-BL) isoforms can efficiently activate EMT leading to tumor migration and invasion. Consistent with experiments in vitro, bioinformatic analysis demonstrates that DCLK1 may act as a driver of EMT activation in PDAC. Further analysis showed that EMT was associated with an immunosuppressive microenvironment, which includes more immunosuppressive cells and chemokines, and patients with a higher EMT score were less sensitive to immune checkpoint inhibitors according to the TIDE (Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion) algorithm. Multiplexed immunofluorescence results demonstrated the close correlation between DCLK1, EMT and immunosuppression in PDAC patients. The findings were further confirmed in vivo reflected by decreased CD4+, CD8+ T cells and increased M2 macrophages as well as E-cad loss in DCLK1-overexpressing subcutaneous tumors. Importantly, the highly-specific DCLK1 inhibitor (DCLK1-IN-1) was able to effectively block EMT process and restore T-cell activity. Altogether, our data demonstrate that DCLK1 is strongly associated with tumor immune escape in PDAC and inhibiting DCLK1 kinase activity may be a promising therapeutic modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Ge
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China.
| | - Heshu Liu
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Huai-Rou Hospital, Beijing 101400, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Rui Yan
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Zeru Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Xiaona Fan
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Xuying Huang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Guangyu An
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China.
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130
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Velez-Delgado A, Donahue KL, Brown KL, Du W, Irizarry-Negron V, Menjivar RE, Lasse Opsahl EL, Steele NG, The S, Lazarus J, Sirihorachai VR, Yan W, Kemp SB, Kerk SA, Bollampally M, Yang S, Scales MK, Avritt FR, Lima F, Lyssiotis CA, Rao A, Crawford HC, Bednar F, Frankel TL, Allen BL, Zhang Y, Pasca di Magliano M. Extrinsic KRAS Signaling Shapes the Pancreatic Microenvironment Through Fibroblast Reprogramming. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 13:1673-1699. [PMID: 35245687 PMCID: PMC9046274 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Oncogenic Kirsten Rat Sarcoma virus (KRAS) is the hallmark mutation of human pancreatic cancer and a driver of tumorigenesis in genetically engineered mouse models of the disease. Although the tumor cell-intrinsic effects of oncogenic Kras expression have been widely studied, its role in regulating the extensive pancreatic tumor microenvironment is less understood. METHODS Using a genetically engineered mouse model of inducible and reversible oncogenic Kras expression and a combination of approaches that include mass cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing we studied the effect of oncogenic KRAS in the tumor microenvironment. RESULTS We have discovered that non-cell autonomous (ie, extrinsic) oncogenic KRAS signaling reprograms pancreatic fibroblasts, activating an inflammatory gene expression program. As a result, fibroblasts become a hub of extracellular signaling, and the main source of cytokines mediating the polarization of protumorigenic macrophages while also preventing tissue repair. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides fundamental knowledge on the mechanisms underlying the formation of the fibroinflammatory stroma in pancreatic cancer and highlights stromal pathways with the potential to be exploited therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Wenting Du
- Department of Surgery, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | | | | | - Nina G Steele
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Stephanie The
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | | | - Wei Yan
- Department of Surgery, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Samantha B Kemp
- Molecular and Cellular Pathology Program, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | | | - Sion Yang
- Life Sciences and Arts College, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Michael K Scales
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | | | - Costas A Lyssiotis
- Cancer Biology Program, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Arvind Rao
- Cancer Biology Program, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Michigan Institute of Data Science, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Howard C Crawford
- Cancer Biology Program, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Filip Bednar
- Department of Surgery, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Timothy L Frankel
- Department of Surgery, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Benjamin L Allen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Yaqing Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
| | - Marina Pasca di Magliano
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Cancer Biology Program, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Surgery, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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131
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Song H, Jiang C. Recent advances in targeted drug delivery for the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2022; 19:281-301. [PMID: 35220832 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2022.2045943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has become a serious health problem with high impact worldwide. The heterogeneity of PDAC makes it difficult to apply drug delivery systems (DDS) used in other cancer models, for example, the poorly developed vascular system makes anti-angiogenic therapy ineffective. Due to its various malignant pathological changes, drug delivery against PDAC is a matter of urgent concern. Based on this situation, various drug delivery strategies specially designed for PDAC have been generated. AREAS COVERED This review will briefly describe how delivery systems can be designed through nanotechnology and formulation science. Most research focused on penetrating the stromal barrier, exploiting and alleviating the hypoxic microenvironment, targeting immune cells, or designing vaccines, and combination therapies. This review will summarize the ways to reverse the malignant pathological features of PDAC and hopefully provide ideas for subsequent studies. EXPERT OPINION Drug delivery systems designed to achieve penetrating functions or to alleviate hypoxia and activate immunity have achieved good therapeutic results in animal models in several studies. In future studies, there is a need to deliver PDAC therapeutics in a more precise manner, or the use of drug carriers for multiple functions simultaneously, are potential therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haolin Song
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Fudan University, Shanghai, Sichuan, 201203 China
| | - Chen Jiang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Fudan University, Shanghai, Sichuan, 201203 China
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132
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Cattolico C, Bailey P, Barry ST. Modulation of Type I Interferon Responses to Influence Tumor-Immune Cross Talk in PDAC. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:816517. [PMID: 35273962 PMCID: PMC8902310 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.816517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of many cancer types. However, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) exhibit poor responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors with immunotherapy-based trials not generating convincing clinical activity. PDAC tumors often have low infiltration of tumor CD8+ T cells and a highly immunosuppressive microenvironment. These features classify PDAC as immunologically "cold." However, the presence of tumor T cells is a favorable prognostic feature in PDAC. Intrinsic tumor cell properties govern interactions with the immune system. Alterations in tumor DNA such as genomic instability, high tumor mutation burden, and/or defects in DNA damage repair are associated with responses to both immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Cytotoxic or metabolic stress produced by radiation and/or chemotherapy can act as potent immune triggers and prime immune responses. Damage- or stress-mediated activation of nucleic acid-sensing pathways triggers type I interferon (IFN-I) responses that activate innate immune cells and natural killer cells, promote maturation of dendritic cells, and stimulate adaptive immunity. While PDAC exhibits intrinsic features that have the potential to engage immune cells, particularly following chemotherapy, these immune-sensing mechanisms are ineffective. Understanding where defects in innate immune triggers render the PDAC tumor-immune interface less effective, or how T-cell function is suppressed will help develop more effective treatments and harness the immune system for durable outcomes. This review will focus on the pivotal role played by IFN-I in promoting tumor cell-immune cell cross talk in PDAC. We will discuss how PDAC tumor cells bypass IFN-I signaling pathways and explore how these pathways can be co-opted or re-engaged to enhance the therapeutic outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Cattolico
- Bioscience, Early Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Bailey
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Department of Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Section Surgical Research, University Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simon T. Barry
- Bioscience, Early Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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133
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Zhang AMY, Chu KH, Daly BF, Ruiter T, Dou Y, Yang JCC, de Winter TJJ, Chhuor J, Wang S, Flibotte S, Zhao YB, Hu X, Li H, Rideout EJ, Schaeffer DF, Johnson JD, Kopp JL. Effects of hyperinsulinemia on pancreatic cancer development and the immune microenvironment revealed through single-cell transcriptomics. Cancer Metab 2022; 10:5. [PMID: 35189981 PMCID: PMC8862319 DOI: 10.1186/s40170-022-00282-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperinsulinemia is independently associated with increased risk and mortality of pancreatic cancer. We recently reported that genetically reduced insulin production resulted in ~ 50% suppression of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) precancerous lesions in mice. However, only female mice remained normoglycemic, and only the gene dosage of the rodent-specific Ins1 alleles was tested in our previous model. Moreover, we did not delve into the molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with modulating hyperinsulinemia. METHODS We studied how reduced Ins2 gene dosage affects PanIN lesion development in both male and female Ptf1aCreER;KrasLSL-G12D mice lacking the rodent-specific Ins1 gene (Ins1-/-). We generated control mice having two alleles of the wild-type Ins2 gene (Ptf1aCreER;KrasLSL-G12D;Ins1-/-;Ins2+/+) and experimental mice having one allele of Ins2 gene (Ptf1aCreER;KrasLSL-G12D;Ins1-/-;Ins2+/-). We then performed thorough histopathological analyses and single-cell transcriptomics for both genotypes and sexes. RESULTS High-fat diet-induced hyperinsulinemia was transiently or modestly reduced in female and male mice, respectively, with only one allele of Ins2. This occurred without dramatically affecting glucose tolerance. Genetic reduction of insulin production resulted in mice with a tendency for less PanIN and acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM) lesions. Using single-cell transcriptomics, we found hyperinsulinemia affected multiple cell types in the pancreas, with the most statistically significant effects on local immune cell types that were highly represented in our sampled cell population. Specifically, hyperinsulinemia modulated pathways associated with protein translation, MAPK-ERK signaling, and PI3K-AKT signaling, which were changed in epithelial cells and subsets of immune cells. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest a potential role for the immune microenvironment in hyperinsulinemia-driven PanIN development. Together with our previous work, we propose that mild suppression of insulin levels may be useful in preventing pancreatic cancer by acting on multiple cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anni M Y Zhang
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Ken H Chu
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Brian F Daly
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Titine Ruiter
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Yan Dou
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jenny C C Yang
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Twan J J de Winter
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Justin Chhuor
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Su Wang
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Stephane Flibotte
- Life Sciences Institute Bioinformatics Core Facility, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Yiwei Bernie Zhao
- Biomedical Research Centre, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Xiaoke Hu
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Elizabeth J Rideout
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - David F Schaeffer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory and Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - James D Johnson
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - Janel L Kopp
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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134
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A Comprehensive Review of the Current and Future Role of the Microbiome in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14041020. [PMID: 35205769 PMCID: PMC8870349 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14041020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review summarizes the current literature related to the microbiome and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The aim of this review is to explore the current role of the microbiome in the disease process, screening/diagnostics and to postulate the future role with regards to therapeutic strategies including chemotherapy, immunotherapy and surgery. We further explore the future of microbiome modulation (faecal microbiome transplants, bacterial consortiums, anti-microbials and probiotics), their applications and how we can improve the future of microbiome modulation in a bid to improve PDAC outcomes. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is expected to become the second most common cause of cancer death in the USA by 2030, yet progress continues to lag behind that of other cancers, with only 9% of patients surviving beyond 5 years. Long-term survivorship of PDAC and improving survival has, until recently, escaped our understanding. One recent frontier in the cancer field is the microbiome. The microbiome collectively refers to the extensive community of bacteria and fungi that colonise us. It is estimated that there is one to ten prokaryotic cells for each human somatic cell, yet, the significance of this community in health and disease has, until recently, been overlooked. This review examines the role of the microbiome in PDAC and how it may alter survival outcomes. We evaluate the possibility of employing microbiomic signatures as biomarkers of PDAC. Ultimately this review analyses whether the microbiome may be amenable to targeting and consequently altering the natural history of PDAC.
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135
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Li X, He G, Liu J, Yan M, Shen M, Xu L, An M, Huang J, Gao Z. CCL2-mediated monocytes regulate immune checkpoint blockade resistance in pancreatic cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 106:108598. [PMID: 35183036 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The immunosuppressive microenvironment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) contributes to resistance to immune checkpoint blockade. C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) is believed to participate in pancreatic tumorigenesis, but its role in PDAC progression and resistance to immune checkpoint blockade remains unclear. We hypothesized that CCL2 contributes to the pancreatic immunosuppressive microenvironment. In this study, we found that CCL2 recruits monocytes to and decrease CD8+ T cell infiltration in pancreatic tumors. CCL2 inhibition and monocyte neutralization increased the sensitivity of PDAC to immune checkpoint blockade. The findings of our study suggest the potential of CCL2-mediated monocytes as a target for PDAC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocui Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, QingPu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201700, China
| | - Guijun He
- Department of Gastroenterology, QingPu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201700, China
| | - Jican Liu
- Department of Pathology, QingPu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201700, China
| | - Meizhu Yan
- Department of Gastroenterology, QingPu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201700, China
| | - Manru Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, QingPu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201700, China
| | - Linfang Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, QingPu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201700, China
| | - Min An
- Department of Gastroenterology, QingPu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201700, China
| | - Jiying Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, QingPu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201700, China.
| | - Zhenjun Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology, QingPu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201700, China.
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136
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Current Limitations and Novel Perspectives in Pancreatic Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040985. [PMID: 35205732 PMCID: PMC8870068 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review article presents a synopsis of the key clinical developments, their limitations, and future perspectives in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. In the first part, we summarize the available treatments for pancreatic cancer patients according to tumor stage, as well as the most relevant clinical trials over the past two decades. Despite this progress, there is still much to be improved in terms of patient survival. Therefore, in the second part, we consider various components of the tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer, looking for the key drivers of therapy resistance and tumor progression, which may lead to the discovery of new potential targets. We also discuss the most prominent molecules targeting the stroma and immune compartment that are being investigated in either preclinical or clinical trials. Finally, we also outline interesting venues for further research, such as possible combinations of therapies that may have the potential for clinical application. Abstract Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide, largely due to its aggressive development. Consequently, treatment options are often palliative, as only one-fifth of patients present with potentially curable tumors. The only available treatment with curative intent is surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. However, even for patients that are eligible for surgery, the 5-year OS remains below 10%. Hence, there is an urgent need to find new therapeutic regimens. In the first part of this review, we discuss the tumor staging method and its impact on the corresponding current standard-of-care treatments for PDAC. We also consider the key clinical trials over the last 20 years that have improved patient survival. In the second part, we provide an overview of the major components and cell types involved in PDAC, as well as their respective roles and interactions with each other. A deeper knowledge of the interactions taking place in the TME may lead to the discovery of potential new therapeutic targets. Finally, we discuss promising treatment strategies targeting specific components of the TME and potential combinations thereof. Overall, this review provides an overview of the current challenges and future perspectives in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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137
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Exosomes and Other Extracellular Vesicles with High Therapeutic Potential: Their Applications in Oncology, Neurology, and Dermatology. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27041303. [PMID: 35209095 PMCID: PMC8879284 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27041303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Until thirty years ago, it was believed that extracellular vesicles (EVs) were used to remove unnecessary compounds from the cell. Today, we know about their enormous potential in diagnosing and treating various diseases. EVs are essential mediators of intercellular communication, enabling the functional transfer of bioactive molecules from one cell to another. Compared to laboratory-created drug nanocarriers, they are stable in physiological conditions. Furthermore, they are less immunogenic and cytotoxic compared to polymerized vectors. Finally, EVs can transfer cargo to particular cells due to their membrane proteins and lipids, which can implement them to specific receptors in the target cells. Recently, new strategies to produce ad hoc exosomes have been devised. Cells delivering exosomes have been genetically engineered to overexpress particular macromolecules, or transformed to release exosomes with appropriate targeting molecules. In this way, we can say tailor-made therapeutic EVs are created. Nevertheless, there are significant difficulties to solve during the application of EVs as drug-delivery agents in the clinic. This review explores the diversity of EVs and the potential therapeutic options for exosomes as natural drug-delivery vehicles in oncology, neurology, and dermatology. It also reflects future challenges in clinical translation.
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138
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Alam A, Levanduski E, Denz P, Villavicencio HS, Bhatta M, Alhorebi L, Zhang Y, Gomez EC, Morreale B, Senchanthisai S, Li J, Turowski SG, Sexton S, Sait SJ, Singh PK, Wang J, Maitra A, Kalinski P, DePinho RA, Wang H, Liao W, Abrams SI, Segal BH, Dey P. Fungal mycobiome drives IL-33 secretion and type 2 immunity in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Cell 2022; 40:153-167.e11. [PMID: 35120601 PMCID: PMC8847236 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
TH2 cells and innate lymphoid cells 2 (ILC2) can stimulate tumor growth by secreting pro-tumorigenic cytokines such as interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, and IL-13. However, the mechanisms by which type 2 immune cells traffic to the tumor microenvironment are unknown. Here, we show that oncogenic KrasG12D increases IL-33 expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells, which recruits and activates TH2 and ILC2 cells. Correspondingly, cancer-cell-specific deletion of IL-33 reduces TH2 and ILC2 recruitment and promotes tumor regression. Unexpectedly, IL-33 secretion is dependent on the intratumoral fungal mycobiome. Genetic deletion of IL-33 or anti-fungal treatment decreases TH2 and ILC2 infiltration and increases survival. Consistently, high IL-33 expression is observed in approximately 20% of human PDAC, and expression is mainly restricted to cancer cells. These data expand our knowledge of the mechanisms driving PDAC tumor progression and identify therapeutically targetable pathways involving intratumoral mycobiome-driven secretion of IL-33.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aftab Alam
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton Sts. CGP/BLSC-L5307, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Eric Levanduski
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton Sts. CGP/BLSC-L5307, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Parker Denz
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton Sts. CGP/BLSC-L5307, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Helena Solleiro Villavicencio
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton Sts. CGP/BLSC-L5307, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Maulasri Bhatta
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton Sts. CGP/BLSC-L5307, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Lamees Alhorebi
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton Sts. CGP/BLSC-L5307, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Yali Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Eduardo Cortes Gomez
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Brian Morreale
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton Sts. CGP/BLSC-L5307, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Sharon Senchanthisai
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton Sts. CGP/BLSC-L5307, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Steven G Turowski
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Sandra Sexton
- Department of Animal Resources, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Sheila Jani Sait
- Department of Cytogenetics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Prashant K Singh
- Genomics Shared Resource, Department of Cancer Genetics & Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Jianmin Wang
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Pawel Kalinski
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton Sts. CGP/BLSC-L5307, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Ronald A DePinho
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Huamin Wang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Wenting Liao
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Scott I Abrams
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton Sts. CGP/BLSC-L5307, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Brahm H Segal
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Prasenjit Dey
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton Sts. CGP/BLSC-L5307, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
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Inman KS, Liu Y, Scotti Buzhardt ML, Leitges M, Krishna M, Crawford HC, Fields AP, Murray NR. Prkci Regulates Autophagy and Pancreatic Tumorigenesis in Mice. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:796. [PMID: 35159064 PMCID: PMC8834021 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase C iota (PKCι) functions as a bonafide human oncogene in lung and ovarian cancer and is required for KrasG12D-mediated lung cancer initiation and progression. PKCι expression is required for pancreatic cancer cell growth and maintenance of the transformed phenotype; however, nothing is known about the role of PKCι in pancreas development or pancreatic tumorigenesis. In this study, we investigated the effect of pancreas-specific ablation of PKCι expression on pancreatic cellular homeostasis, susceptibility to pancreatitis, and KrasG12D-mediated pancreatic cancer development. Knockout of pancreatic Prkci significantly increased pancreatic immune cell infiltration, acinar cell DNA damage, and apoptosis, but reduced sensitivity to caerulein-induced pancreatitis. Prkci-ablated pancreatic acinar cells exhibited P62 aggregation and a loss of autophagic vesicles. Loss of pancreatic Prkci promoted KrasG12D-mediated pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia formation but blocked progression to adenocarcinoma, consistent with disruption of autophagy. Our results reveal a novel promotive role for PKCι in pancreatic epithelial cell autophagy and pancreatic cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin S. Inman
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA; (K.S.I.); (Y.L.); (M.L.S.B.); (H.C.C.); (A.P.F.)
- Environmental Health Perspectives/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA; (K.S.I.); (Y.L.); (M.L.S.B.); (H.C.C.); (A.P.F.)
| | - Michele L. Scotti Buzhardt
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA; (K.S.I.); (Y.L.); (M.L.S.B.); (H.C.C.); (A.P.F.)
- Neogenomics Laboratories, Clinical Division, Charlotte, NC 28104, USA
| | - Michael Leitges
- Department of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John’s, NL A1M 2V7, Canada;
| | - Murli Krishna
- Department of Pathology/Lab Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA;
| | - Howard C. Crawford
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA; (K.S.I.); (Y.L.); (M.L.S.B.); (H.C.C.); (A.P.F.)
- Department of Surgery, Henry Ford Pancreatic Cancer Center, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Alan P. Fields
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA; (K.S.I.); (Y.L.); (M.L.S.B.); (H.C.C.); (A.P.F.)
| | - Nicole R. Murray
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA; (K.S.I.); (Y.L.); (M.L.S.B.); (H.C.C.); (A.P.F.)
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140
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Stromnes IM, Hulbert A, Rollins MR, Basom RS, Delrow J, Bonson P, Burrack AL, Hingorani SR, Greenberg PD. Insufficiency of compound immune checkpoint blockade to overcome engineered T cell exhaustion in pancreatic cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:e003525. [PMID: 35210305 PMCID: PMC8883283 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Achieving robust responses with adoptive cell therapy for the treatment of the highly lethal pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) has been elusive. We previously showed that T cells engineered to express a mesothelin-specific T cell receptor (TCRMsln) accumulate in autochthonous PDA, mediate therapeutic antitumor activity, but fail to eradicate tumors in part due to acquisition of a dysfunctional exhausted T cell state. METHODS Here, we investigated the role of immune checkpoints in mediating TCR engineered T cell dysfunction in a genetically engineered PDA mouse model. The fate of engineered T cells that were either deficient in PD-1, or transferred concurrent with antibodies blocking PD-L1 and/or additional immune checkpoints, were tracked to evaluate persistence, functionality, and antitumor activity at day 8 and day 28 post infusion. We performed RNAseq on engineered T cells isolated from tumors and compared differentially expressed genes to prototypical endogenous exhausted T cells. RESULTS PD-L1 pathway blockade and/or simultaneous blockade of multiple coinhibitory receptors during adoptive cell therapy was insufficient to prevent engineered T cell dysfunction in autochthonous PDA yet resulted in subclinical activity in the lung, without enhancing anti-tumor immunity. Gene expression analysis revealed that ex vivo TCR engineered T cells markedly differed from in vivo primed endogenous effector T cells which can respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Early after transfer, intratumoral TCR engineered T cells acquired a similar molecular program to prototypical exhausted T cells that arise during chronic viral infection, but the molecular programs later diverged. Intratumoral engineered T cells exhibited decreased effector and cell cycle genes and were refractory to TCR signaling. CONCLUSIONS Abrogation of PD-1 signaling is not sufficient to overcome TCR engineered T cell dysfunction in PDA. Our study suggests that contributions by both the differentiation pathways induced during the ex vivo T cell engineering process and intratumoral suppressive mechanisms render engineered T cells dysfunctional and resistant to rescue by blockade of immune checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingunn M Stromnes
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ayaka Hulbert
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Meagan R Rollins
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ryan S Basom
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jeffrey Delrow
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Patrick Bonson
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Adam L Burrack
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Sunil R Hingorani
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Philip D Greenberg
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
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141
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Guo F, Cheng X, Jing B, Wu H, Jin X. FGD3 binds with HSF4 to suppress p65 expression and inhibit pancreatic cancer progression. Oncogene 2022; 41:838-851. [PMID: 34975151 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02140-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is regarded as the most lethal solid tumor worldwide. Deregulated and constitutively activated NF-κB signaling is one of the major characteristics of pancreatic cancer. The total expression level and subcellular localization of RelA/p65 have been shown to determine the activation of canonical NF-κB signaling in pancreatic cancer. FGD3, which is involved in regulating the actin cytoskeleton and cell shape, has been reported to inhibit cancer cell migration and predict a favorable prognosis in multiple types of cancer. However, the specific role of FGD3 in pancreatic cancer is still unknown. In this study, we conducted a systematic investigation of the cancer-related role of FGD3 in pancreatic cancer. We demonstrated that FGD3 was abnormally downregulated in pancreatic cancer tissues and that low expression of FGD3 was associated with unfavorable prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer. Then, we showed that FGD3 inhibited pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, we revealed that FGD3 silencing activated the NF-κB signaling pathway by promoting HSF4 nuclear translocation and increasing p65 expression in pancreatic cancer cells. Therefore, our results identified a novel and targetable FGD3/HSF4/p65 signaling axis in pancreatic cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Guo
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Sino-German Laboratory of Personalized Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xiang Cheng
- Cancer center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Boping Jing
- Department of Ultrasound, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, P.R. China
| | - Heshui Wu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Sino-German Laboratory of Personalized Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Xin Jin
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.
- Uro-Oncology Institute of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.
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142
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Patil S, Dou Y, Kopp JL. Cell Type of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Origin: Implications for Prognosis and Clinical Outcomes. Visc Med 2022; 38:4-10. [PMID: 35295896 PMCID: PMC8874250 DOI: 10.1159/000520946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease that has no effective early detection method or treatment to date. Summary The normal cell type that initiates PDAC, or its cellular origin, is still unknown. To investigate the contribution of distinct normal epithelial cell types to PDAC tumorigenesis, genetically engineered mouse models were used to show that both acinar and ductal cells are capable of giving rise to PDAC. These studies indicated that genetic mutations and pancreatic injury interact differently with each cellular origin to affect their predilection and process for forming PDAC. In this review, we summarize recent findings using various genetically engineered mouse models in the identification and characterization of the PDAC cell of origin. We also discuss potential implications for cellular origin on tumor development, PDAC transcriptional subtype, and disease prognosis of patients. Key Message Although it is clear that both ductal and acinar cells have the potential to form PDAC, whether cellular origin can indeed influence patient prognosis and whether knowledge of cellular origin will aid in the diagnosis or treatment of patients in the future will need further study.
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143
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Trebska-McGowan K, Chaib M, Alvarez MA, Kansal R, Pingili AK, Shibata D, Makowski L, Glazer ES. TGF-β Alters the Proportion of Infiltrating Immune Cells in a Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. J Gastrointest Surg 2022; 26:113-121. [PMID: 34260016 DOI: 10.1007/s11605-021-05087-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Immunotherapy, such as checkpoint inhibitors against anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), has not been successful in treating patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), dendritic cells (DCs), and the TGF-β cytokine are critical in anti-cancer immunity. We hypothesized that TGF-β enhances the immunosuppressive effects of TAM, MDSC, and DC presence in tumors. METHODS Using a murine PDAC cell line derived from a genetically engineered mouse model, we orthotopically implanted treated cells plus drug embedded in Matrigel into immunocompetent mice. Treatments included saline control, TGF-β1, or a TGF-β receptor 1 small molecule inhibitor, galunisertib. We investigated TAM, MDSC, DC, and TAM PD-L1 expression with flow cytometry in tumors. Separately, we used the TIMER2.0 database to analyze TAM and PD-L1 gene expression in human PDAC tumors in TCGA database. RESULTS TGF-β did not alter MDSC or DC frequencies in the primary tumors. However, in PDAC metastases to the liver, TGF-β decreased the proportion of MDSCs (P=0.022) and DCs (P=0.005). TGF-β significantly increased the percent of high PD-L1 expressing TAMs (32 ± 6 % vs. 12 ± 5%, P=0.013) but not the proportion of TAMs in primary and metastatic tumors. TAM PD-L1 gene expression in TCGA PDAC database was significantly correlated with tgb1 and tgfbr1 gene expression (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS TGF-β is important in PDAC anti-tumor immunity, demonstrating context-dependent impact on immune cells. TGF-β has an overall immunosuppressive effect mediated by TAM PD-L1 expression and decreased presence of DCs. Future investigations will focus on enhancing anti-cancer immune effects of TGF-β receptor inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasia Trebska-McGowan
- Divisiion of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 910 Madison Ave, Suite 325, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Mehdi Chaib
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, USA
| | - Marcus A Alvarez
- Divisiion of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 910 Madison Ave, Suite 325, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Rita Kansal
- Divisiion of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 910 Madison Ave, Suite 325, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Ajeeth K Pingili
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, USA
| | - David Shibata
- Divisiion of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 910 Madison Ave, Suite 325, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
- Center for Cancer Research, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, USA
| | - Liza Makowski
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, USA
- Center for Cancer Research, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, USA
| | - Evan S Glazer
- Divisiion of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 910 Madison Ave, Suite 325, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
- Center for Cancer Research, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, USA.
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Cappellesso F, Orban MP, Shirgaonkar N, Berardi E, Serneels J, Neveu MA, Di Molfetta D, Piccapane F, Caroppo R, Debellis L, Ostyn T, Joudiou N, Mignion L, Richiardone E, Jordan BF, Gallez B, Corbet C, Roskams T, DasGupta R, Tejpar S, Di Matteo M, Taverna D, Reshkin SJ, Topal B, Virga F, Mazzone M. Targeting the bicarbonate transporter SLC4A4 overcomes immunosuppression and immunotherapy resistance in pancreatic cancer. NATURE CANCER 2022; 3:1464-1483. [PMID: 36522548 PMCID: PMC9767871 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00470-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Solid tumors are generally characterized by an acidic tumor microenvironment (TME) that favors cancer progression, therapy resistance and immune evasion. By single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis in individuals with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), we reveal solute carrier family 4 member 4 (SLC4A4) as the most abundant bicarbonate transporter, predominantly expressed by epithelial ductal cells. Functionally, SLC4A4 inhibition in PDAC cancer cells mitigates the acidosis of the TME due to bicarbonate accumulation in the extracellular space and a decrease in lactate production by cancer cells as the result of reduced glycolysis. In PDAC-bearing mice, genetic or pharmacological SLC4A4 targeting improves T cell-mediated immune response and breaches macrophage-mediated immunosuppression, thus inhibiting tumor growth and metastases. In addition, Slc4a4 targeting in combination with immune checkpoint blockade is able to overcome immunotherapy resistance and prolong survival. Overall, our data propose SLC4A4 as a therapeutic target to unleash an antitumor immune response in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Cappellesso
- grid.11486.3a0000000104788040Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium ,grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marie-Pauline Orban
- grid.11486.3a0000000104788040Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium ,grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Niranjan Shirgaonkar
- grid.418377.e0000 0004 0620 715XLaboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Emanuele Berardi
- grid.11486.3a0000000104788040Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium ,grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jens Serneels
- grid.11486.3a0000000104788040Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium ,grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marie-Aline Neveu
- grid.11486.3a0000000104788040Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium ,grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Daria Di Molfetta
- grid.7644.10000 0001 0120 3326Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Piccapane
- grid.7644.10000 0001 0120 3326Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Rosa Caroppo
- grid.7644.10000 0001 0120 3326Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Lucantonio Debellis
- grid.7644.10000 0001 0120 3326Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Tessa Ostyn
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Department of Imaging and Pathology, Translational Cell and Tissue Research, KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Joudiou
- grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XNuclear and Electron Spin Technologies Platform (NEST), Louvain Drug Research Institute, UCLouvain, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lionel Mignion
- grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XNuclear and Electron Spin Technologies Platform (NEST), Louvain Drug Research Institute, UCLouvain, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium ,grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XBiomedical Magnetic Resonance Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, UCLouvain, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elena Richiardone
- grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XPole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérmentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bénédicte F. Jordan
- grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XNuclear and Electron Spin Technologies Platform (NEST), Louvain Drug Research Institute, UCLouvain, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium ,grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XBiomedical Magnetic Resonance Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, UCLouvain, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bernard Gallez
- grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XNuclear and Electron Spin Technologies Platform (NEST), Louvain Drug Research Institute, UCLouvain, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium ,grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XBiomedical Magnetic Resonance Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, UCLouvain, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cyril Corbet
- grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XPole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérmentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tania Roskams
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Department of Imaging and Pathology, Translational Cell and Tissue Research, KU Leuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ramanuj DasGupta
- grid.418377.e0000 0004 0620 715XLaboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sabine Tejpar
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Laboratory of Molecular Digestive Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mario Di Matteo
- grid.11486.3a0000000104788040Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium ,grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Daniela Taverna
- grid.7605.40000 0001 2336 6580Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy ,grid.7605.40000 0001 2336 6580Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Stephan J. Reshkin
- grid.7644.10000 0001 0120 3326Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Baki Topal
- grid.410569.f0000 0004 0626 3338Department of Abdominal Surgery, University Hospitals Gasthuisberg Leuven and KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Federico Virga
- grid.11486.3a0000000104788040Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium ,grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium ,grid.7605.40000 0001 2336 6580Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy ,grid.7605.40000 0001 2336 6580Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Mazzone
- grid.11486.3a0000000104788040Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium ,grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Malik S, Westcott JM, Brekken RA, Burrows FJ. CXCL12 in Pancreatic Cancer: Its Function and Potential as a Therapeutic Drug Target. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010086. [PMID: 35008248 PMCID: PMC8750050 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic cancer is a challenging disease to treat effectively. Fibroblasts associated with pancreatic cancer contribute to disease progression by secreting factors that enhance tumor cell survival and help tumor cells avoid detection by the immune system. This overview focuses on a chemokine, CXCL12, produced by cancer-associated fibroblasts and how CXCL12 signaling enhances pancreatic cancer progression by contributing to various hallmarks of cancer including, but not limited to, tumor growth and evasion of immune response. These pro-oncogenic functions of CXCL12 make it an attractive target in pancreatic cancer. We discuss the different approaches in development to therapeutically target CXCL12 and finally propose a novel approach, the use of the farnesyl transferase inhibitor tipifarnib to inhibit CXCL12 expression in pancreatic fibroblasts. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a disease with limited therapeutic options and dismal long-term survival. The unique tumor environment of PDAC, consisting of desmoplastic stroma, immune suppressive cells, and activated fibroblasts, contributes to its resistance to therapy. Activated fibroblasts (cancer-associated fibroblasts and pancreatic stellate cells) secrete chemokines and growth factors that support PDAC growth, spread, chemoresistance, and immune evasion. In this review, we focus on one such chemokine, CXCL12, secreted by the cancer-associated fibroblasts and discuss its contribution to several of the classical hallmarks of PDAC and other tumors. We review the various therapeutic approaches in development to target CXCL12 signaling in PDAC. Finally, we propose an unconventional use of tipifarnib, a farnesyl transferase inhibitor, to inhibit CXCL12 production in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jill M. Westcott
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
| | - Rolf A. Brekken
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
- Correspondence: (R.A.B.); (F.J.B.)
| | - Francis J. Burrows
- Kura Oncology, Inc., San Diego, CA 92130, USA;
- Correspondence: (R.A.B.); (F.J.B.)
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146
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Piro G, Agostini A, Larghi A, Quero G, Carbone C, Esposito A, Rizzatti G, Attili F, Alfieri S, Costamagna G, Tortora G. Pancreatic Cancer Patient-Derived Organoid Platforms: A Clinical Tool to Study Cell- and Non-Cell-Autonomous Mechanisms of Treatment Response. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:793144. [PMID: 35004765 PMCID: PMC8733292 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.793144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For many years, cell lines and animal models have been essential to improve our understanding of the basis of cell metabolism, signaling, and genetics. They also provided an essential boost to cancer drug discovery. Nevertheless, these model systems failed to reproduce the tumor heterogeneity and the complex biological interactions between cancer cells and human hosts, making a high priority search for alternative methods that are able to export results from model systems to humans, which has become a major bottleneck in the drug development. The emergent human in vitro 3D cell culture technologies have attracted widespread attention because they seem to have the potential to overcome these limitations. Organoids are unique 3D culture models with the ability to self-organize in contained structures. Their versatility has offered an exceptional window of opportunity to approach human cancers. Pancreatic cancers (PCs) patient-derived-organoids (PDOs) preserve histological, genomic, and molecular features of neoplasms they originate from and therefore retain their heterogeneity. Patient-derived organoids can be established with a high success rate from minimal tissue core specimens acquired with endoscopic-ultrasound-guided techniques and assembled into platforms, representing tens to hundreds of cancers each conserving specific features, expanding the types of patient samples that can be propagated and analyzed in the laboratory. Because of their nature, PDO platforms are multipurpose systems that can be easily adapted in co-culture settings to perform a wide spectrum of studies, ranging from drug discovery to immune response evaluation to tumor-stroma interaction. This possibility to increase the complexity of organoids creating a hybrid culture with non-epithelial cells increases the interest in organoid-based platforms giving a pragmatic way to deeply study biological interactions in vitro. In this view, implementing organoid models in co-clinical trials to compare drug responses may represent the next step toward even more personalized medicine. In the present review, we discuss how PDO platforms are shaping modern-day oncology aiding to unravel the most complex aspects of PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geny Piro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Antonio Agostini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Alberto Larghi
- Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- CERTT, Center for Endoscopic Research Therapeutics and Training, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Quero
- Department of Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmine Carbone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Annachiara Esposito
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Gianenrico Rizzatti
- Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- CERTT, Center for Endoscopic Research Therapeutics and Training, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabia Attili
- Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- CERTT, Center for Endoscopic Research Therapeutics and Training, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Alfieri
- Department of Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Costamagna
- Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- CERTT, Center for Endoscopic Research Therapeutics and Training, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Tortora
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, Medical Oncology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giampaolo Tortora
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147
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Lee BY, Hogg EKJ, Below CR, Kononov A, Blanco-Gomez A, Heider F, Xu J, Hutton C, Zhang X, Scheidt T, Beattie K, Lamarca A, McNamara M, Valle JW, Jørgensen C. Heterocellular OSM-OSMR signalling reprograms fibroblasts to promote pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis. Nat Commun 2021; 12:7336. [PMID: 34921158 PMCID: PMC8683436 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27607-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is a lethal malignancy with a complex microenvironment. Dichotomous tumour-promoting and -restrictive roles have been ascribed to the tumour microenvironment, however the effects of individual stromal subsets remain incompletely characterised. Here, we describe how heterocellular Oncostatin M (OSM) - Oncostatin M Receptor (OSMR) signalling reprograms fibroblasts, regulates tumour growth and metastasis. Macrophage-secreted OSM stimulates inflammatory gene expression in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which in turn induce a pro-tumourigenic environment and engage tumour cell survival and migratory signalling pathways. Tumour cells implanted in Osm-deficient (Osm-/-) mice display an epithelial-dominated morphology, reduced tumour growth and do not metastasise. Moreover, the tumour microenvironment of Osm-/- animals exhibit increased abundance of α smooth muscle actin positive myofibroblasts and a shift in myeloid and T cell phenotypes, consistent with a more immunogenic environment. Taken together, these data demonstrate how OSM-OSMR signalling coordinates heterocellular interactions to drive a pro-tumourigenic environment in PDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Y Lee
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, SK10 4TG, Manchester, UK
| | - Elizabeth K J Hogg
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, SK10 4TG, Manchester, UK
| | - Christopher R Below
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, SK10 4TG, Manchester, UK
| | - Alexander Kononov
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, SK10 4TG, Manchester, UK
| | - Adrian Blanco-Gomez
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, SK10 4TG, Manchester, UK
| | - Felix Heider
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, SK10 4TG, Manchester, UK
| | - Jingshu Xu
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, SK10 4TG, Manchester, UK
| | - Colin Hutton
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, SK10 4TG, Manchester, UK
| | - Xiaohong Zhang
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, SK10 4TG, Manchester, UK
| | - Tamara Scheidt
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Kenneth Beattie
- FingerPrints Proteomics Facility, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Angela Lamarca
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Road, M20 4BX, Manchester, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, M20 4BX, Manchester, UK
| | - Mairéad McNamara
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Road, M20 4BX, Manchester, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, M20 4BX, Manchester, UK
| | - Juan W Valle
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Road, M20 4BX, Manchester, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, M20 4BX, Manchester, UK
| | - Claus Jørgensen
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, SK10 4TG, Manchester, UK.
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148
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Fan G, Lou L, Song Z, Zhang X, Xiong XF. Targeting mutated GTPase KRAS in tumor therapies. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 226:113816. [PMID: 34520956 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Kirsten rat sarcoma virus oncogene (KRAS) mutation accounts for approximately 85% of RAS-driven cancers, and participates in multiple signaling pathways and mediates cell proliferation, differentiation and metabolism. KRAS has been considered as an "undruggable" target due to the lack of effective direct inhibitors, although high frequency of KRAS mutations have been identified in multiple carcinomas in the past decades. Encouragingly, the KRASG12C inhibitor AMG510 (sotorasib), which has been approved for treating NSCLC and CRC recently, makes directly targeting KRAS the most promising strategy for cancer therapy. To better understand the current state of KRAS inhibitors, this review summarizes the biological functions of KRAS, the structure-activity relationship studies of the small-molecule inhibitors that directly target KRAS, and highlights the therapeutic agents with improved selectivity, bioavailability and physicochemical properties. Furthermore, the combined medication that can enhance efficacy and overcome drug resistance of KRAS covalent inhibitors is also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangjin Fan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Linlin Lou
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zhendong Song
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Xiaolei Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Xiao-Feng Xiong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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149
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Goulart MR, Stasinos K, Fincham REA, Delvecchio FR, Kocher HM. T cells in pancreatic cancer stroma. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:7956-7968. [PMID: 35046623 PMCID: PMC8678814 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i46.7956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly devastating disease with a dismal 5-year survival rate. PDAC has a complex tumour microenvironment; characterised by a robust desmoplastic stroma, extensive infiltration of immunesuppressive cells such as immature myeloid cells, tumour-associated macrophages, neutrophils and regulatory T cells, and the presence of exhausted and senescent T cells. The cross-talk between cells in this fibrotic tumour establishes an immune-privileged microenvironment that supports tumour cell escape from immune-surveillance, disease progression and spread to distant organs. PDAC tumours, considered to be non-immunogenic or cold, express low mutation burden, low infiltration of CD8+ cytotoxic lymphocytes that are localised along the invasive margin of the tumour border in the surrounding fibrotic tissue, and often display an exhausted phenotype. Here, we review the role of T cells in pancreatic cancer, examine the complex interactions of these crucial effector units within pancreatic cancer stroma and shed light on the increasingly attractive use of T cells as therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle R Goulart
- Centre for Tumour Biology Barts Cancer Institute-A CRUK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - Konstantinos Stasinos
- Centre for Tumour Biology Barts Cancer Institute-A CRUK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
- Barts and the London HPB Centre, The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London E1 1BB, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Elizabeth Ann Fincham
- Centre for Tumour Biology Barts Cancer Institute-A CRUK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca R Delvecchio
- Centre for Tumour Biology Barts Cancer Institute-A CRUK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
- Centre for Experimental Medicine and Rheumatology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - Hemant M Kocher
- Centre for Tumour Biology Barts Cancer Institute-A CRUK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
- Barts and the London HPB Centre, The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London E1 1BB, United Kingdom
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150
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Narayanan S, Vicent S, Ponz-Sarvisé M. PDAC as an Immune Evasive Disease: Can 3D Model Systems Aid to Tackle This Clinical Problem? Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:787249. [PMID: 34957115 PMCID: PMC8703167 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.787249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive cancer with a high mortality rate. The presence of a dense desmoplastic stroma rich in fibroblasts, extracellular matrix, and immune cells plays a critical role in disease progression, therapy response and is a distinguishing feature of PDAC. PDAC is currently treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy in selected cases which results in long-term survival only in a small percentage of patients. Cancer therapies that incorporate immunotherapy-based techniques have become increasingly common in recent years. While such a strategy has been shown to be effective for immunogenic, “hot” tumors like melanoma and lung cancer, thus far PDAC patients display poor responses to this therapeutic approach. Various factors, such as low tumor mutational burden, increased infiltration of immunosuppressive cells, like MDSCs and Treg cells promote tolerance and immune deviation, further aggravating adaptive immunity in PDAC. In this review we will elaborate on the ability of PDAC tumors to evade immune detection. We will also discuss various 3D model system that can be used as a platform in preclinical research to investigate rational combinations of immunotherapy with chemotherapy or targeted therapy, to prime the immune microenvironment to enhance antitumor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruthi Narayanan
- Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Medical Oncology Department, Pamplona, Spain
- Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Silve Vicent
- Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- *Correspondence: Silve Vicent, ; Mariano Ponz-Sarvisé,
| | - Mariano Ponz-Sarvisé
- Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Medical Oncology Department, Pamplona, Spain
- Program in Solid Tumors, Center for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- *Correspondence: Silve Vicent, ; Mariano Ponz-Sarvisé,
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