Macrophages and Metabolism in the Tumor Microenvironment

Oncolytic bacteria VNP20009 expressing IFNβ inhibits melanoma progression by remodeling the tumor microenvironment

In the tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor-associated NEs (TANs) have the potential to be protumorigenic or antitumorigenic within the TME in response to environmental cues. The diversity and plasticity of NEs (NEs) underlie the dual potential of TANs in the TME. Here, we utilized the tumor-targeting bacterium VNP20009 (VNP) to carry a plasmid expressed IFNβ (VNP-IFNβ), which can deliver IFNβ and remodel TANs to an antitumorigenic phenotype, and performed preclinical evaluations in the B16F10 lung metastasis model and the B16F10 subcutaneous xenograft model. Compared with VNP, VNP-IFNβ recruited more NEs and macrophages (Mφs) with antitumor phenotypes in lung metastases and activated dendritic cells (DCs) differentiation, which activated antitumor immune responses of CD4+ T cells, and ultimately inhibited melanoma progression. This study enriches the bacterial-mediated tumor therapy by using tumor-targeting bacteria to deliver IFNβ to the tumor site and inhibit melanoma growth and metastasis by remodeling the tumor immune microenvironment.

Drug repurposing for cancer therapy

Cancer, a complex and multifactorial disease, presents a significant challenge to global health. Despite significant advances in surgical, radiotherapeutic and immunological approaches, which have improved cancer treatment outcomes, drug therapy continues to serve as a key therapeutic strategy. However, the clinical efficacy of drug therapy is often constrained by drug resistance and severe toxic side effects, and thus there remains a critical need to develop novel cancer therapeutics. One promising strategy that has received widespread attention in recent years is drug repurposing: the identification of new applications for existing, clinically approved drugs. Drug repurposing possesses several inherent advantages in the context of cancer treatment since repurposed drugs are typically cost-effective, proven to be safe, and can significantly expedite the drug development process due to their already established safety profiles. In light of this, the present review offers a comprehensive overview of the various methods employed in drug repurposing, specifically focusing on the repurposing of drugs to treat cancer. We describe the antitumor properties of candidate drugs, and discuss in detail how they target both the hallmarks of cancer in tumor cells and the surrounding tumor microenvironment. In addition, we examine the innovative strategy of integrating drug repurposing with nanotechnology to enhance topical drug delivery. We also emphasize the critical role that repurposed drugs can play when used as part of a combination therapy regimen. To conclude, we outline the challenges associated with repurposing drugs and consider the future prospects of these repurposed drugs transitioning into clinical application.

Macrophage diversity in human cancers: New insight provided by single-cell resolution and spatial context

M1/M2 paradigm of macrophage plasticity has existed for decades. Now it becomes clear that this dichotomy doesn't adequately reflect the diversity of macrophage phenotypes in tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a major population of innate immune cells in the TME that promotes tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, invasion and metastatic niche formation, as well as response to anti-tumor therapy. However, the fundamental restriction in therapeutic TAM targeting is the limited knowledge about the specific TAM states in distinct human cancer types. Here we summarized the results of the most recent studies that use advanced technologies (e.g. single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics) allowing to decipher novel functional subsets of TAMs in numerous human cancers. The transcriptomic profiles of these TAM subsets and their clinical significance were described. We emphasized the characteristics of specific TAM subpopulations - TREM2+, SPP1+, MARCO+, FOLR2+, SIGLEC1+, APOC1+, C1QC+, and others, which have been most extensively characterized in several cancers, and are associated with cancer prognosis. Spatial transcriptomics technologies defined specific spatial interactions between TAMs and other cell types, especially fibroblasts, in tumors. Spatial transcriptomics methods were also applied to identify markers of immunotherapy response, which are expressed by macrophages or in the macrophage-abundant regions. We highlighted the perspectives for novel techniques that utilize spatial and single cell resolution in investigating new ligand-receptor interactions for effective immunotherapy based on TAM-targeting.

Free energy calculations for membrane morphological transformations and insights to physical biology and oncology

In this chapter, we aim to bridge basic molecular and cellular principles surrounding membrane curvature generation with rewiring of cellular signals in cancer through multiscale models. We describe a general framework that integrates signaling with other cellular functions like trafficking, cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion, and motility. The guiding question in our approach is: how does a physical change in cell membrane configuration caused by external stimuli (including those by the extracellular microenvironment) alter trafficking, signaling and subsequent cell fate? We answer this question by constructing a modeling framework based on stochastic spatial continuum models of cell membrane deformations. We apply this framework to explore the link between trafficking, signaling in the tumor microenvironment, and cell fate. At each stage, we aim to connect the results of our predictions with cellular experiments.

Ferroptosis in liver cancer: a key role of post-translational modifications

Ferroptosis is an emerging form of regulated cell death in an oxidative stress- and iron-dependent manner, primarily induced by the over-production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Manipulation of ferroptosis has been considered a promising therapeutic approach to inhibit liver tumor growth. Nevertheless, the development of resistance to ferroptosis in liver cancer poses a significant challenge in cancer treatment. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are crucial enzymatic catalytic reactions that covalently regulate protein conformation, stability and cellular activities. Additionally, PTMs play pivotal roles in various biological processes and divergent programmed cell death, including ferroptosis. Importantly, key PTMs regulators involved in ferroptosis have been identified as potential targets for cancer therapy. PTMs function of two proteins, SLC7A11, GPX4 involved in ferroptosis resistance have been extensively investigated in recent years. This review will summarize the roles of PTMs in ferroptosis-related proteins in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment.

Crosstalk between metabolism and cell death in tumorigenesis

It is generally recognized that tumor cells proliferate more rapidly than normal cells. Due to such an abnormally rapid proliferation rate, cancer cells constantly encounter the limits of insufficient oxygen and nutrient supplies. To satisfy their growth needs and resist adverse environmental events, tumor cells modify the metabolic pathways to produce both extra energies and substances required for rapid growth. Realizing the metabolic characters special for tumor cells will be helpful for eliminating them during therapy. Cell death is a hot topic of long-term study and targeting cell death is one of the most effective ways to repress tumor growth. Many studies have successfully demonstrated that metabolism is inextricably linked to cell death of cancer cells. Here we summarize the recently identified metabolic characters that specifically impact on different types of cell deaths and discuss their roles in tumorigenesis.

Nanoparticles in tumor microenvironment remodeling and cancer immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapy and vaccine development have significantly improved the fight against cancers. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly in the clinical delivery of immunomodulatory compounds. The tumor microenvironment (TME), comprising macrophages, fibroblasts, and immune cells, plays a crucial role in immune response modulation. Nanoparticles, engineered to reshape the TME, have shown promising results in enhancing immunotherapy by facilitating targeted delivery and immune modulation. These nanoparticles can suppress fibroblast activation, promote M1 macrophage polarization, aid dendritic cell maturation, and encourage T cell infiltration. Biomimetic nanoparticles further enhance immunotherapy by increasing the internalization of immunomodulatory agents in immune cells such as dendritic cells. Moreover, exosomes, whether naturally secreted by cells in the body or bioengineered, have been explored to regulate the TME and immune-related cells to affect cancer immunotherapy. Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, activated by pH, redox, and light conditions, exhibit the potential to accelerate immunotherapy. The co-application of nanoparticles with immune checkpoint inhibitors is an emerging strategy to boost anti-tumor immunity. With their ability to induce long-term immunity, nanoarchitectures are promising structures in vaccine development. This review underscores the critical role of nanoparticles in overcoming current challenges and driving the advancement of cancer immunotherapy and TME modification.

Targeting the lipid metabolic reprogramming of tumor-associated macrophages: A novel insight into cancer immunotherapy

BACKGROUND

Tumor-associated macrophages, as the major immunocytes in solid tumors, show divided loyalty and remarkable plasticity in tumorigenesis. Once the M2-to-M1 repolarization is achieved, they could be switched from the supporters for tumor development into the guardians for host immunity. Meanwhile, Lipid metabolic reprogramming is demonstrated to be one of the most important hallmarks of tumor-associated macrophages, which plays a decisive role in regulating their phenotypes and functions to promote tumorigenesis and immunotherapy resistance. Therefore, targeting the lipid metabolism of TAMs may provide a new direction for anti-tumor strategies.

CONCLUSION

In this review, we first summarized the origins, classifications and general lipid metabolic process of TAMs. Then we discussed the currently available drugs and interventions that target lipid metabolic disorders of TAMs, including those targeting lipid uptake, efflux, lipolysis, FAO and lipid peroxidation. Besides, based on the recent research status, we summarized the present challenges for this cancer immunotherapy, including the precise drug delivery system, the lipid metabolic heterogeneity, and the intricate lipid metabolic interactions in the TME, and we also proposed corresponding possible solutions. Collectively, we hope this review will give researchers a better understanding of the lipid metabolism of TAMs and lead to the development of corresponding anti-tumor therapies in the future.

Leveraging macrophage metabolism for anticancer therapy: opportunities and pitfalls

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) constitute an important part of the tumor microenvironment (TME) that regulates tumor progression. Tumor-derived signals, hypoxia, and competition for nutrients influence TAMs to reprogram their cellular metabolism. This altered metabolic profile creates a symbiotic communication between tumor and other immune cells to support tumor growth. In addition, the metabolic profile of TAMs regulates the expression of immune checkpoint molecules. The dynamic plasticity also allows TAMs to reshape their metabolism in response to modern therapeutic strategies. Therefore, over the years, a significant number of approaches have been implicated to reprogram cancer-promoting metabolism in TAMs. In this review, we discuss the current strategies and pitfalls, along with upcoming promising opportunities in leveraging TAM metabolism for developing better therapeutic approaches against cancer.

H3K18 lactylation-mediated VCAM1 expression promotes gastric cancer progression and metastasis via AKT-mTOR-CXCL1 axis

The role of the Immunoglobulin Superfamily (IgSF) as adhesion molecules in orchestrating inflammation is pivotal, yet its specific involvement in gastric cancer (GC) remains unknown. We analyzed IgSF components and discerned conspicuously elevated VCAM1 expression in GC, correlating with a poor prognosis. Remarkably, VCAM1 enhances GC cell proliferation and migration by activating AKT-mTOR signaling. Moreover, lactate in the tumor microenvironment (TME) promotes dynamic lactylation of H3K18 (H3K18la), leading to transcriptional activation of VCAM1 in GC cells. Furthermore, VCAM1 actively mediates intercellular communication in the TME. AKT-mTOR-mediated CXCL1 expression is increased by VCAM1, facilitating the recruitment of human GC-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hGC-MSCs), thereby fostering immunesuppression and accelerating cancer progression. In summary, H3K18 lactylation upregulated VCAM1 transcription, which activated AKT-mTOR signaling, and promoted tumor cell proliferation, EMT Transition and tumor metastasis. VCAM1 upregulated CXCL1 expression by AKT-mTOR pathway, so as to facilitate hGC-MSCs and M2 macrophage recruitment and infiltration. These findings provide novel therapeutic targets for GC.

Acid-base transporters in the context of tumor heterogeneity

The copious metabolic acid production and -extrusion by cancer cells render poorly vascularized regions of solid tumors highly acidic. A growing list of proton - and bicarbonate transporters has been suggested to contribute to net acid extrusion from cancer cells, and/or been shown to be dysregulated and favor malignant development in various cancers. The great majority of these roles have been studied at the level of the cancer cells. However, recent advances in understanding of the cellular and physicochemical heterogeneity of solid tumors both enable and necessitate a reexamination of the regulation and roles of acid-base transporters in such malignancies. This review will briefly summarize the state-of-the-art, with a focus on the SLC9A and SLC4A families, for which most evidence is available. This is followed by a discussion of key concepts and open questions arising from recent insights and of the challenges that need to be tackled to address them. Finally, opportunities and challenges in therapeutic targeting of the acid-base transportome in cancers will be addressed.

High-performance pyrite nano-catalyst driven photothermal/chemodynamic synergistic therapy for Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) is an aggressive bone tumor with strong invasiveness, rapid metastasis, and dreadful mortality. Chemotherapy is a commonly used approach for OS treatment but is limited by the development of drug resistance and long-term adverse effects. To date, OS still lacks the curative treatment. Herein, we fabricated pyrite-based nanoparticles (FeS2@CP NPs) as synergetic therapeutic platform by integrating photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemo-dynamic therapy (CDT) into one system. The synthetic FeS2@CP NPs showed superior Fenton reaction catalytic activity. FeS2@CP NPs-based CDT efficaciously eradicated the tumor cells by initiating dual-effect of killing of apoptosis and ferroptosis. Furthermore, the generated heat from FeS2@CP under near-infrared region II (NIR-II) laser irradiation could not only inhibit tumor's growth, but also promote tumor cell apoptosis and ferroptosis by accelerating •OH production and GSH depletion. Finally, the photothermal/NIR II-enhanced CDT synergistic therapy showed excellent osteosarcoma treatment effects both in vitro and in vivo with negligible side effects. Overall, this work provided a high-performance and multifunctional Fenton catalyst for osteosarcoma synergistic therapy, which provided a pathway for the clinical application of PTT augmented CDT.

The Uridylyl Transferase TUT7-Mediated Accumulation of Exosomal miR-1246 Reprograms TAMs to Support CRC Progression

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a crucial role in promoting tumor growth and dissemination, motivating a search for key targets to interfere with the activation of TAMs or reprogram TAMs into the tumor-suppressive type. To gain insight into the mechanisms of macrophage polarization, a designed co-culture system is established, allowing for the education of macrophages in a manner that closely mimics the intricacies of TAMs in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Through database mining, exosomal miR-1246 is identified and is then validated. Exosomal miR-1246-driven polarization of TAMs disrupts the infiltration and function of CD8+ T cells. Mechanically, the amassment of exosomal miR-1246 stems from TUT7-mediated degradation of small noncoding RNA, a process stabilized by SNRPB, but not the precursor of miR-1246. Moreover, an Exo-motif is present in the exosomal miR-1246 sequence, enabling it to bind with the exosomal sorting protein hnRNPA2B1. RNA-seq analysis reveals that exogenous miR-1246 modulates the polarization of TAMs at a post-transcriptional level, emphasizing the pivotal role of the NLRP3 in macrophage polarization. In conclusion, the findings underscore the importance of exosomal miR-1246 as a trigger of macrophage reprogramming and uncover a novel mechanism for its enhanced presence in the TIME.

Selective Manipulation of the Mitochondria Oxidative Stress in Different Cells Using Intelligent Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles to Activate On-Demand Immunotherapy for Cancer Treatment

Herein, the vitamin K2 (VK2)/maleimide (MA) coloaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), functional molecules including folic acid (FA)/triphenylphosphine (TPP)/tetrapotassium hexacyanoferrate trihydrate (THT), as well as CaCO3 are explored to fabricate a core-shell-corona nanoparticle (VMMFTTC) for on-demand anti-tumor immunotherapy. After application, the tumor-specific acidic environment first decomposed CaCO3 corona, which significantly levitates the pH value of tumor tissue to convert M2 type macrophage to the antitumor M1 type. The resulting VMMFTT would then internalize in both tumor cells and macrophages via FA-assisted endocytosis and free endocytosis, respectively. These distinct processes generate different amount of VMMFTT in above two cells followed by 1) TPP-induced accumulation in the mitochondria, 2) THT-mediated effective capture of various signal ions to cut off signal transmission and further inhibit glutathione (GSH) generation, 3) ions catalyzed reactive oxygen species (ROS) production through Fenton reaction, 4) sustained release of VK2 and MA to further enhance the ROS production and GSH depletion, which caused significant apoptosis of tumor cells and additional M2-to-M1 macrophage polarization via different processes of oxidative stress. Moreover, the primary tumor apoptosis further matures surrounding immature dendritic cells and activates T cells to continuously promote the antitumor immunotherapy.

An On-Demand Collaborative Innate-Adaptive Immune Response to Infection Treatment

Deep tissue infection is a common clinical issue and therapeutic difficulty caused by the disruption of the host antibacterial immune function, resulting in treatment failure and infection relapse. Intracellular pathogens are refractory to elimination and can manipulate host cell biology even after appropriate treatment, resulting in a locoregional immunosuppressive state that leads to an inadequate response to conventional anti-infective therapies. Here, a novel antibacterial strategy involving autogenous immunity using a biomimetic nanoparticle (NP)-based regulating system is reported to induce in situ collaborative innate-adaptive immune responses. It is observed that a macrophage membrane coating facilitates NP enrichment at the infection site, followed by active NP accumulation in macrophages in a mannose-dependent manner. These NP-armed macrophages exhibit considerably improved innate capabilities, including more efficient intracellular ROS generation and pro-inflammatory factor secretion, M1 phenotype promotion, and effective eradication of invasive bacteria. Furthermore, the reprogrammed macrophages direct T cell activation at infectious sites, resulting in a robust adaptive antimicrobial immune response to ultimately achieve bacterial clearance and prevent infection relapse. Overall, these results provide a conceptual framework for a novel macrophage-based strategy for infection treatment via the regulation of autogenous immunity.

Regulator of G protein signaling 1 is a potential target in gastric cancer and impacts tumor-associated macrophages

Regulator of G protein signaling 1 (RGS1) is closely associated with the tumor immune microenvironment and is highly expressed in various tumors and immune cells. The specific effects of RGS1 in the dynamic progression from chronic gastritis to gastric cancer have not been reported, and the role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is also unclear. In the present study, RGS1 was identified as an upregulated gene in different pathological stages ranging from chronic gastritis to gastric cancer by using Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) screening together with pancancer analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas and clinical prognostic analysis. The results indicated that RGS1 is highly expressed in gastric cancer and has potential prognostic value. We confirmed through in vivo experiments that RGS1 inhibited the proliferation of gastric cancer cells and promoted apoptosis, which was further corroborated by in vitro experiments. Additionally, RGS1 influenced cell migration and invasion. In our subsequent investigation of RGS1, we discovered its role in the immune response. Through analyses of single-cell and GEO database data, we confirmed its involvement in immune cell regulation, specifically TAM activation. Subsequently, we conducted in vivo and in vitro experiments to confirm the involvement of RGS1 in polarizing M1 macrophages while indirectly regulating M2 macrophages through tumor cells. In conclusion, RGS1 could be a potential target for the transformation of chronic gastritis into gastric cancer and has a measurable impact on TAMs, which warrants further in-depth research.

Metabolism-associated molecular classification and prognosis signature of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Although the fundamental processes and chemical changes in metabolic programs have been elucidated in many cancers, the expression patterns of metabolism-related genes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain unclear. The mRNA expression profiles from the Cancer Genome Atlas included 502 tumour and 44 normal samples were extracted. We explored the biological functions and prognosis roles of metabolism-associated genes in patients with HNSCC. The results indicated that patients with HNSCC could be divided into three molecular subtypes (C1, C2 and C3) based on 249 metabolism-related genes. There were markedly different clinical characteristics, prognosis outcomes, and biological functions among the three subtypes. Different molecular subtypes also have different tumour microenvironments and immune infiltration levels. The established prognosis model with 17 signature genes could predict the prognosis of patients with HNSCC and was validated using an independent cohort dataset. An individual risk scoring tool was developed using the risk score and clinical parameters; the risk score was an independent prognostic factor for patients with HNSCC. Different risk stratifications have different clinical characteristics, biological features, tumour microenvironments and immune infiltration levels. Our study could be used for clinical risk management and to help conduct precision medicine for patients with HNSCC.

A review of obstructive sleep apnea and lung cancer: epidemiology, pathogenesis, and therapeutic options

Despite undeniable advances in modern medicine, lung cancer still has high morbidity and mortality rates. Lung cancer is preventable and treatable, and it is important to identify new risk factors for lung cancer, especially those that can be treated or reversed. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a very common sleep-breathing disorder that is grossly underestimated in clinical practice. It can cause, exacerbate, and worsen adverse outcomes, including death and various diseases, but its relationship with lung cancer is unclear. A possible causal relationship between OSA and the onset and progression of lung cancer has been established biologically. The pathophysiological processes associated with OSA, such as sleep fragmentation, intermittent hypoxia, and increased sympathetic nervous excitation, may affect normal neuroendocrine regulation, impair immune function (especially innate and cellular immunity), and ultimately contribute to the occurrence of lung cancer, accelerate progression, and induce treatment resistance. OSA may be a contributor to but a preventable cause of the progression of lung cancer. However, whether this effect exists independently of other risk factors is unclear. Therefore, by reviewing the literature on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of lung cancer and OSA, we hope to understand the relationships between the two and promote the interdisciplinary exchange of ideas between basic medicine, clinical medicine, respiratory medicine, sleep medicine, and oncology.

PAD4 controls tumor immunity via restraining the MHC class II machinery in macrophages

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) shape tumor immunity and therapeutic efficacy. However, it is poorly understood whether and how post-translational modifications (PTMs) intrinsically affect the phenotype and function of TAMs. Here, we reveal that peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) exhibits the highest expression among common PTM enzymes in TAMs and negatively correlates with the clinical response to immune checkpoint blockade. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of PAD4 in macrophages prevents tumor progression in tumor-bearing mouse models, accompanied by an increase in macrophage major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II expression and T cell effector function. Mechanistically, PAD4 citrullinates STAT1 at arginine 121, thereby promoting the interaction between STAT1 and protein inhibitor of activated STAT1 (PIAS1), and the loss of PAD4 abolishes this interaction, ablating the inhibitory role of PIAS1 in the expression of MHC class II machinery in macrophages and enhancing T cell activation. Thus, the PAD4-STAT1-PIAS1 axis is an immune restriction mechanism in macrophages and may serve as a cancer immunotherapy target.

Tumor Microenvironment-Activatable Nanosystem Capable of Overcoming Multiple Therapeutic Obstacles for Augmenting Immuno/Metal-Ion Therapy

Abnormal tumor microenvironment (TME) imposes barriers to nanomedicine penetration into tumors and evolves tumor-supportive nature to provide tumor cell protection, seriously weakening the action of antitumor nanomedicines and posing significant challenges to their development. Here, we engineer a TME-activatable size-switchable core-satellite nanosystem (Mn-TI-Ag@HA) capable of increasing the effective dose of therapeutic agents in deep-seated tumors while reversing tumor-supportive microenvironment for augmenting immuno/metal-ion therapy. When activated by TME, the nanosystem disintegrates, allowing ultrasmall-sized Ag nanoparticles to become unbound and penetrate deep into solid tumors. Simultaneously, the nanosystem produces O2 and releases TGF-β inhibitors in situ to drive macrophage M2-to-M1 polarization, increasing intratumoral H2O2 concentration, and ultimately augmenting metal-ion therapy by accelerating hypertoxic Ag+ production. The nanosystem can overcome multiple obstacles that aid in tumor resistance to nanomedicine, demonstrating effective tumor penetration, TME regulation, and tumor inhibition effects. It can provoke long-term immunological memory effects against tumor rechallenge when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitor anti-PD-1. This work provides a paradigm for designing efficient antitumor nanomedicines.

Integrated analysis of disulfidptosis-related immune genes signature to boost the efficacy of prognostic prediction in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) remains a malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality, accounting for approximately 1,080,000 diagnosed cases and 770,000 deaths worldwide annually. Disulfidptosis, characterized by the stress-induced abnormal accumulation of disulfide, is a recently identified form of programmed cell death. Substantial studies have demonstrated the significant influence of immune clearance on tumor progression. Therefore, we aimed to explore the intrinsic correlations between disulfidptosis and immune-related genes (IRGs) in GC, as well as the potential value of disulfidptosis-related immune genes (DRIGs) as biomarkers.

METHODS

This study incorporated the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) dataset GSE183904 and transcriptome RNA sequencing of GC from the TCGA database. Disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs) and IRGs were derived from the representative literature on both cell disulfidptosis and immunity. The expression and distribution of DRGs were investigated at the single-cell level in different GC cell types. Pearson correlation analysis was used to identify the IRGs closely related to disulfidptosis. The prognostic signature of DRIGs was established using Cox and LASSO analyses. We then analyzed and evaluated the differences in long-term prognosis, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), immune infiltration, mutation profile, CD274 expression, and response to chemotherapeutic drugs between the two groups. A tissue array containing 63 paired GC specimens was used to verify the expression of 4 DRIGs and disulfidptosis regulator SLC7A11 through immunohistochemistry staining.

RESULTS

The scRNA-seq analysis found that SLC7A11, SLC3A2, RPN1 and NCKAP1 were enriched in specific cell types and closely related to immune infiltration. Four DIRGs (GLA, HIF-1α, VPS35 and CDC37) were successfully identified to establish a signature to potently predict the survival time of GC patients. Patients with high risk scores generally experienced worse prognoses and exhibited greater resistant to classical chemotherapy drugs. Furthermore, the expression of GLA, HIF-1α, VPS35, CDC37 and SLC7A11 were elevated in GC tissues. A high expression of GLA, HIF-1α, VPS35 or CDC37 was associated with more advanced clinical stage of GC and increased SLC7A11 expression.

CONCLUSION

Current study first highlights the potential value of DRIGs as biomarkers in GC. We successfully constructed a robust model incorporating four DRIGs to accurately predict the survival time and clinicopathological characteristics of GC patients.

Harnessing innate immune pathways for therapeutic advancement in cancer

The innate immune pathway is receiving increasing attention in cancer therapy. This pathway is ubiquitous across various cell types, not only in innate immune cells but also in adaptive immune cells, tumor cells, and stromal cells. Agonists targeting the innate immune pathway have shown profound changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and improved tumor prognosis in preclinical studies. However, to date, the clinical success of drugs targeting the innate immune pathway remains limited. Interestingly, recent studies have shown that activation of the innate immune pathway can paradoxically promote tumor progression. The uncertainty surrounding the therapeutic effectiveness of targeted drugs for the innate immune pathway is a critical issue that needs immediate investigation. In this review, we observe that the role of the innate immune pathway demonstrates heterogeneity, linked to the tumor development stage, pathway status, and specific cell types. We propose that within the TME, the innate immune pathway exhibits multidimensional diversity. This diversity is fundamentally rooted in cellular heterogeneity and is manifested as a variety of signaling networks. The pro-tumor effect of innate immune pathway activation essentially reflects the suppression of classical pathways and the activation of potential pro-tumor alternative pathways. Refining our understanding of the tumor's innate immune pathway network and employing appropriate targeting strategies can enhance our ability to harness the anti-tumor potential of the innate immune pathway and ultimately bridge the gap from preclinical to clinical application.

Nanocatalytic Anti-Tumor Immune Regulation

Immunotherapy has brought a new dawn for human being to defeat cancer. Although existing immunotherapy regimens (CAR-T, etc.) have made breakthroughs in the treatments of hematological cancer and few solid tumors such as melanoma, the therapeutic efficacy on most solid tumors is still far from being satisfactory. In recent years, the researches on tumor immunotherapy based on nanocatalytic materials are under rapid development, and significant progresses have been made. Nanocatalytic medicine has been demonstrated to be capable of overcoming the limitations of current clinicnal treatments by using toxic chemodrugs, and exhibits highly attractive advantages over traditional therapies, such as the enhanced and sustained therapeutic efficacy based on the durable catalytic activity, remarkably reduced harmful side-effects without using traditional toxic chemodrugs, and so on. Most recently, nanocatalytic medicine has been introduced in the immune-regulation for disease treatments, especially, in the immunoactivation for tumor therapies. This article presents the most recent progresses in immune-response activations by nanocatalytic medicine-initiated chemical reactions for tumor immunotherapy, and elucidates the mechanism of nanocatalytic medicines in regulating anti-tumor immunity. By reviewing the current research progress in the emerging field, this review will further highlight the great potential and broad prospects of nanocatalysis-based anti-tumor immune-therapeutics.

The Role and Mechanism of Paeoniae Radix Alba in Tumor Therapy

Tumors have a huge impact on human life and are now the main cause of disease-related deaths. The main means of treatment are surgery and radiotherapy, but they are more damaging to the organism and have a poor postoperative prognosis. Therefore, we urgently need safe and effective drugs to treat tumors. In recent years, Chinese herbal medicines have been widely used in tumor therapy as complementary and alternative therapies. Medicinal and edible herbs are popular and have become a hot topic of research, which not only have excellent pharmacological effects and activities, but also have almost no side effects. Therefore, as a typical medicine and food homology, some components of Paeoniae Radix Alba (PRA, called Baishao in China) have been shown to have good efficacy and safety against cancer. Numerous studies have also shown that Paeoniae Radix Alba and its active ingredients treat cancer through various pathways and are also one of the important components of many antitumor herbal compound formulas. In this paper, we reviewed the literature on the intervention of Paeoniae Radix Alba in tumors and its mechanism of action in recent years and found that there is a large amount of literature on its effect on total glucosides of paeony (TGP) and paeoniflorin (PF), as well as an in-depth discussion of the mechanism of action of Paeoniae Radix Alba and its main constituents, with a view to promote the clinical development and application of Paeoniae Radix Alba in the field of antitumor management.

Metabolic targeting of cancer associated fibroblasts overcomes T-cell exclusion and chemoresistance in soft-tissue sarcomas

T cell-based immunotherapies have exhibited promising outcomes in tumor control; however, their efficacy is limited in immune-excluded tumors. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a pivotal role in shaping the tumor microenvironment and modulating immune infiltration. Despite the identification of distinct CAF subtypes using single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq), their functional impact on hindering T-cell infiltration remains unclear, particularly in soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) characterized by low response rates to T cell-based therapies. In this study, we characterize the STS microenvironment using murine models (in female mice) with distinct immune composition by scRNA-seq, and identify a subset of CAFs we termed glycolytic cancer-associated fibroblasts (glyCAF). GlyCAF rely on GLUT1-dependent expression of CXCL16 to impede cytotoxic T-cell infiltration into the tumor parenchyma. Targeting glycolysis decreases T-cell restrictive glyCAF accumulation at the tumor margin, thereby enhancing T-cell infiltration and augmenting the efficacy of chemotherapy. These findings highlight avenues for combinatorial therapeutic interventions in sarcomas and possibly other solid tumors. Further investigations and clinical trials are needed to validate these potential strategies and translate them into clinical practice.

Exercise potentially prevents colorectal cancer liver metastases by suppressing tumor epithelial cell stemness via RPS4X downregulation

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent tumor globally. The liver is the most common site for CRC metastasis, and the involvement of the liver is a common cause of death in patients with late-stage CRC. Consequently, mitigating CRC liver metastasis (CRLM) is key to improving CRC prognosis and increasing survival. Exercise has been shown to be an effective method of improving the prognosis of many tumor types. However, the ability of exercise to inhibit CRLM is yet to be thoroughly investigated.

Methods

The GSE157600 and GSE97084 datasets were used for analysis. A pan-cancer dataset which was uniformly normalized was downloaded and analyzed from the UCSC database: TCGA, TARGET, GTEx (PANCAN, n = 19,131, G = 60,499). Several advanced bioinformatics analyses were conducted, including single-cell sequencing analysis, correlation algorithm, and prognostic screen. CRC tumor microarray (TMA) as well as cell/animal experiments are used to further validate the results of the analysis.

Results

The greatest variability was found in epithelial cells from the tumor group. RPS4X was generally upregulated in all types of CRC, while exercise downregulated RPS4X expression. A lowered expression of RPS4X may prolong tumor survival and reduce CRC metastasis. RPS4X and tumor stemness marker-CD44 were highly positively correlated and knockdown of RPS4X expression reduced tumor stemness both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

RPS4X upregulation may enhance CRC stemness and increase the odds of metastasis. Exercise may reduce CRC metastasis through the regulation of RPS4X.

Bioinformatics analysis of MMP14+ myeloid cells affecting endothelial-mesenchymal transformation and immune microenvironment in glioma

Background

Gliomas, known for their complex and aggressive characteristics, are deeply influenced by the tumor microenvironment. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a vital role in shaping this environment, presenting an opportunity for novel treatment strategies.

Methods

We collected six bulk RNA datasets, one single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) dataset, and gene sets related to Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs), Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transformation (EndMT), and sprouting angiogenesis. We computed enrichment scores using Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) and Single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA). To analyze immune infiltration, we employed the CIBERSORT method. Data analysis techniques included the log-rank test, Cox regression, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Pearson correlation. For single-cell data, we utilized tools such as Seurat and CellChat for dimensionality reduction, clustering, and cell communication analysis.

Results

1. MMP14 was identified as an independent prognostic marker, highly expressed in myeloid cells in recurrent glioblastoma, highlighting these cells as functionally significant. 2. C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand (CCL) signaling from MMP14+ myeloid cells was identified as a critical immune regulatory pathway, with high C-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 1 (CCR1) expression correlating with increased M2 macrophage infiltration and PD-L1 expression. 3. Patients with high MMP14 expression showed better responses to bevacizumab combined chemotherapy. 4. Signaling pathways involving Visfatin, VEGF, and TGFb, emanating from myeloid cells, significantly impact endothelial cells. These pathways facilitate EndMT and angiogenesis in gliomas. 5. Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) showed a strong link with angiogenesis and EndMT, and its association with chemotherapy resistance and differential sensitivity to bevacizumab was evident.

Conclusions

MMP14+ myeloid cells are critical in promoting tumor angiogenesis via EndMT and in mediating immunosuppression through CCL signaling in glioblastoma. MMP14 and NAMPT serve as vital clinical indicators for selecting treatment regimens in recurrent glioma. The study suggests that a combined blockade of CCR1 and CD274 could be a promising therapeutic strategy.

TGF-β-driven LIF expression influences neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and contributes to peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC), notorious for its poor prognosis, often advances to peritoneal dissemination, a crucial determinant of detrimental outcomes. This study intricately explores the role of the TGFβ-Smad-LIF axis within the tumor microenvironment in propagating peritoneal metastasis, with a specific emphasis on its molecular mechanism in instigating Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) formation and encouraging GC cellular functions. Through a blend of bioinformatics analyses, utilizing TCGA and GEO databases, and meticulous in vivo and in vitro experiments, LIF was identified as pivotally associated with GC metastasis, notably, enhancing the NETs formation through neutrophil stimulation. Mechanistically, TGF-β was substantiated to elevate LIF expression via the activation of the Smad2/3 complex, culminating in NETs formation and consequently, propelling peritoneal metastasis of GC. This revelation uncovers a novel potential therapeutic target, promising a new avenue in managing GC and mitigating its metastatic propensities.

Innate immune cells: Key players of orchestra in modulating tumor microenvironment (TME)

The tumor microenvironment (TME) with vital role in cancer progression is composed of various cells such as endothelial cells, immune cells, and mesenchymal stem cells. In particular, innate immune cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, neutrophils, innate lymphoid cells, γδT lymphocytes, and natural killer cells can either promote or suppress tumor progression when present in the TME. An increase in research on the cross-talk between the TME and innate immune cells will lead to new approaches for anti-tumoral therapeutic interventions. This review primarily focuses on the biology of innate immune cells and their main functions in the TME. In addition, it summarizes several innate immune-based immunotherapies that are currently tested in clinical trials.

Theranostic Fluorescent Probes

The ability to gain spatiotemporal information, and in some cases achieve spatiotemporal control, in the context of drug delivery makes theranostic fluorescent probes an attractive and intensely investigated research topic. This interest is reflected in the steep rise in publications on the topic that have appeared over the past decade. Theranostic fluorescent probes, in their various incarnations, generally comprise a fluorophore linked to a masked drug, in which the drug is released as the result of certain stimuli, with both intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli being reported. This release is then signaled by the emergence of a fluorescent signal. Importantly, the use of appropriate fluorophores has enabled not only this emerging fluorescence as a spatiotemporal marker for drug delivery but also has provided modalities useful in photodynamic, photothermal, and sonodynamic therapeutic applications. In this review we highlight recent work on theranostic fluorescent probes with a particular focus on probes that are activated in tumor microenvironments. We also summarize efforts to develop probes for other applications, such as neurodegenerative diseases and antibacterials. This review celebrates the diversity of designs reported to date, from discrete small-molecule systems to nanomaterials. Our aim is to provide insights into the potential clinical impact of this still-emerging research direction.

The cuproptosis-related gene glutaminase promotes alveolar macrophage copper ion accumulation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Cuproptosis, a novel mode of cell death, is strongly associated with a variety of diseases. However, the contribution of cuproptosis to the onset or progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the third most common chronic cause of mortality, is not yet clear. To investigate the potential role of cuproptosis in COPD, raw datasets from multiple public clinical COPD databases (including RNA-seq, phenotype, and lung function data) were used. For further validation, mice exposed to cigarette smoke for three months were used as in vivo models, and iBMDMs (immortalized bone marrow-derived macrophages) and RAW264.7 cells stimulated with cigarette smoke extract were used as in vitro models. For the first time, the expression of the cuproptosis-related gene glutaminase (GLS) was found to be decreased in COPD, and the low expression of GLS was significantly associated with the grade of pulmonary function. In vivo experiments confirmed the decreased expression of GLS in COPD, particularly in alveolar macrophages. Furthermore, in vitro studies revealed that copper ions accumulated in alveolar macrophages, leading to a substantially decreased amount of cell activity of macrophages when stimulated with cigarette extract. In summary, we demonstrate the high potential of GLS as an avenue for diagnosis and therapy in COPD.

Exosome circATP8A1 induces macrophage M2 polarization by regulating the miR-1-3p/STAT6 axis to promote gastric cancer progression

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play important roles in gastric cancer progression but the regulatory role of circRNAs in controlling macrophage function remains elusive. Exosomes serve as cargo for circRNAs and play a crucial role as mediators in facilitating communication between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment. In this study, we found that circATP8A1, a previously unreported circular RNA, is highly expressed in both gastric cancer tissues and exosomes derived from plasma. Increased circATP8A1 was associated with advanced TNM stage and worse prognosis in patients with gastric cancer. We showed that  the circATP8A1 knockdown significantly inhibited gastric cancer proliferation and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Functionally, exosome circATP8A1 induced the M2 polarization of macrophages through the STAT6 pathway instead of the STAT3 pathway. Mechanistically, circATP8A1 was shown to activate the STAT6 pathway through competitive binding to miR-1-3p, as confirmed by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH), RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pulldown, and Luciferase reporter assays. The reversal of circATP8A1-induced STAT6 pathway activation and macrophage polarization was observed upon blocking miR-1-3p. Macrophages treated with exosomes from gastric cancer cells overexpressing circATP8A1 were able to promote gastric cancer migration, while knockdown of circATP8A1 reversed these effects in vivo. In summary, exosome-derived circATP8A1 from gastric cancer cells induce macrophages M2 polarization via the circATP8A1/miR-1-3p/STAT6 axis, and tumor progression. Our results highlight circATP8A1 as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in gastric cancer.

Bioinformatic Analysis of m6A Regulator-Mediated RNA Methylation Modification Patterns and Immune Microenvironment Characterization in Endometriosis

Epigenetic regulation plays an essential role in immunity and inflammation in endometriosis. In this study, we aimed to explore differences in m6A regulators between endometriosis patients and normal women and analyze the effect of m6A modification on immune and inflammatory microenvironment. The samples for analysis were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, including ectopic endometrium (EC), eutopic endometrium (EU), and normal eutopic endometrium (NM) samples from non-endometriosis women. The validation process involved utilizing our previous RNA-sequencing data. Subsequently, a correlation analysis was performed to ascertain the relationship between m6A and the inflammatory microenvironment profile, encompassing infiltrating immunocytes, immune-inflammation reaction gene sets, and human leukocyte antigen genes. LASSO analyses were used to develop risk signature. The findings of this study indicate that the m6A regulators FTO were observed to be significantly up-regulated, while YTHDF2, CBLL1, and METTL3 were down-regulated in endometriosis tissues. The CIBERSORT analysis revealed that the local inflammatory microenvironment of ectopic lesions plays a crucial role in the development of endometriosis. Notably, M2 macrophages exhibited a significant difference between the EC and NM groups. Moreover, M2 macrophages demonstrated a positive correlation with FTO (0.39) and a negative correlation with CBLL1 (- 0.35). Furthermore, consistent clustering of EC and EU samples resulted in the identification of three distinct cell subtypes. Among different cell subtypes, significant differences were in immunoinfiltrating cells, plasma cells, naive CD4 T cells, memory activated CD4 T cells, gamma delta T cells, resting NK cells and activated NK cells but not in macrophages. Furthermore, the identification of various compounds capable of targeting these m6A genes was achieved. In conclusions, our integrated bioinformatics analysis results demonstrated that m6A-related genes METTL3, CBLL1 and YTHDF2 may be useful biomarkers for endometriosis in ectopic endometrium. The potential therapeutic approach of targeting m6A regulators holds promise for the treatment of endometriosis.

Fabrication of a Coculture Organoid Model in the Biomimetic Matrix of Alginate to Investigate Breast Cancer Progression in a TAMs-Leading Immune Microenvironment

The current research models of breast cancer are usually limited in their capacity to recapitulate the tumor microenvironment in vitro. The lack of an extracellular matrix (ECM) oversimplifies cell-cell or cell-ECM cross-talks. Moreover, the lack of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), that can comprise up to 50% of some solid neoplasms, poses a major problem for recognizing various hallmarks of cancer. To address these concerns, a type of direct breast cancer cells (BCCs)-TAMs coculture organoid model was well developed by a sequential culture method in this study. Alginate cryogels were fabricated with appropriate physical and mechanical properties to serve as an alternative ECM. Then, our previous experience was leveraged to polarize TAMs inside of the cryogels for creating an in vitro immune microenvironment. The direct coculture significantly enhanced BCCs organoid growth and cancer aggressive phenotypes, including the stemness, migration, ECM remodeling, and cytokine secretion. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis and protein-protein interaction networks implied certain pathways (PI3K-Akt pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, etc.) and targets (TNF, PPARG, TLR2, etc.) during breast cancer progression in a TAM-leading immune microenvironment. Future studies to advance treatment strategies for BCC patients may benefit from using this facile model to reveal and target the interactions between cancer signaling and the immune microenvironment.

Metabolic collaboration between cells in the tumor microenvironment has a negligible effect on tumor growth

The tumor microenvironment is composed of a complex mixture of different cell types interacting under conditions of nutrient deprivation, but the metabolism therein is not fully understood due to difficulties in measuring metabolic fluxes and exchange of metabolites between different cell types in vivo. Genome-scale metabolic modeling enables estimation of such exchange fluxes as well as an opportunity to gain insight into the metabolic behavior of individual cell types. Here, we estimated the availability of nutrients and oxygen within the tumor microenvironment using concentration measurements from blood together with a metabolite diffusion model. In addition, we developed an approach to efficiently apply enzyme usage constraints in a comprehensive metabolic model of human cells. The combined modeling reproduced severe hypoxic conditions and the Warburg effect, and we found that limitations in enzymatic capacity contribute to cancer cells' preferential use of glutamine as a substrate to the citric acid cycle. Furthermore, we investigated the common hypothesis that some stromal cells are exploited by cancer cells to produce metabolites useful for the cancer cells. We identified over 200 potential metabolites that could support collaboration between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts, but when limiting to metabolites previously identified to participate in such collaboration, no growth advantage was observed. Our work highlights the importance of enzymatic capacity limitations for cell behaviors and exemplifies the utility of enzyme-constrained models for accurate prediction of metabolism in cells and tumor microenvironments.

Isolation and high-dimensional flow cytometric analysis of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes in a mouse model of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a complex and heterogeneous disease characterized by dysregulated interactions between tumor cells and the immune system. The tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in cancer initiation as well as progression, with myeloid immune cells such as dendritic cell and macrophage subsets playing diverse roles in cancer immunity. On one hand, they exert anti-tumor effects, but they can also contribute to tumor growth. The AOM/DSS colitis-associated cancer mouse model has emerged as a valuable tool to investigate inflammation-driven CRC. To understand the role of different leukocyte populations in tumor development, the preparation of single cell suspensions from tumors has become standard procedure for many types of cancer in recent years. However, in the case of AOM/DSS-induced colorectal tumors, this is still challenging and rarely described. For one, to be able to properly distinguish tumor-associated immune cells, separate processing of cancerous and surrounding colon tissue is essential. In addition, cell yield, due to the low tumor mass, viability, as well as preservation of cell surface epitopes are important for successful flow cytometric profiling of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes. Here we present a fast, simple, and economical step-by-step protocol for isolating colorectal tumor-associated leukocytes from AOM/DSS-treated mice. Furthermore, we demonstrate the feasibility of this protocol for high-dimensional flow cytometric identification of the different tumor-infiltrating leukocyte populations, with a specific focus on myeloid cell subsets.

Riboflavin-LSD1 axis participates in the in vivo tumor-associated macrophage morphology in human colorectal liver metastases

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are key components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). In colorectal liver metastasis (CLM), TAM morphology correlates with prognosis, with smaller TAMs (S-TAMs) conferring a more favorable prognosis than larger TAMs (L-TAMs). However, the metabolic profile of in vivo human TAM populations remains unknown. Multiparametric flow cytometry was used to freshly isolate S- and L-TAMs from surgically resected CLM patients (n = 14S-, 14L-TAMs). Mass spectrometry-based metabolomics analyses were implemented for the metabolic characterization of TAM populations. Gene expression analysis and protein activity were used to support the biochemical effects of the enzyme-substrate link between riboflavin and (lysine-specific demethylase 1A, LSD1) with TAM morphologies. L-TAMs were characterized by a positive correlation and a strong association between riboflavin and TAM morphologies. Riboflavin in both L-TAMs and in-vitro M2 polarized macrophages modulates LSD1 protein expression and activity. The inflammatory stimuli promoted by TNFα induced the increased expression of riboflavin transporter SLC52A3 and LSD1 in M2 macrophages. The modulation of the riboflavin-LSD1 axis represents a potential target for reprogramming TAM subtypes, paving the way for promising anti-tumor therapeutic strategies.

Single-cell sequencing reveals the immune landscape of breast cancer patients with brain metastasis

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer has the highest incidence rate of cancer worldwide, and brain metastases (BrM) are among the most malignant cases. While some patients have benefited from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), the complex anatomical structure of the brain and the heterogeneity of metastatic tumors have made it difficult to characterize the tumor immune microenvironment (TME) of metastatic tumors.

METHODS

To address this, we used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to analyze immune cells in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of BrM patients with breast cancer, thereby providing a comprehensive view of the immune microenvironment landscape of BrM.

RESULTS

Based on canonical marker genes, we identified nine cell types, and further identified their subtypes through differential expression gene (DEG) analysis. We compared the changes in cells and functions in the immune microenvironment of patients with different prognoses. Our analysis revealed a series of genes that promote tumor immune function (CCR5, LYZ, IGKC, MS4A1, etc.) and inhibit tumor immune function (SCGB2A2, CD24, etc.).

CONCLUSIONS

The scRNA-seq in CSF provides a noninvasive method to describe the TME of breast cancer patients and guide immunotherapy.

The Prognostic Value of CD39 as a Marker of Tumor-Specific T Cells in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in Asian Women

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a poor prognosis with limited therapeutic options available for affected patients. Efforts are ongoing to identify surrogate markers for tumor-specific CD8+ T cells that can predict the response to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapies, such as programmed cell death protein 1 or programmed cell death ligand-1 blockade. We have previously identified tumor-specific CD39+CD8+ T cells in non-small cell lung cancer that might help predict patient responses to programmed cell death protein 1 or programmed cell death ligand-1 blockade. Based on this finding, we conducted a comparative interrogation of TNBC in an Asian cohort to evaluate the potential of CD39 as a surrogate marker of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells. Using ICI-treated TNBC mouse models (n = 24), flow cytometric analyses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes revealed that >99% of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells also expressed CD39. To investigate the relationship between CD39+CD8+ T-cell density and CD39 expression with disease prognosis, we performed multiplex immunohistochemistry staining on treatment-naive human TNBC tissues (n = 315). We saw that the proportion of CD39+CD8+ T cells in human TNBC tumors correlated with improved overall survival, as did the densities of other CD39+ immune cell infiltrates, such as CD39+CD68+ macrophages. Finally, increased CD39 expression on CD8+ T cells was also found to predict the response to ICI therapy (pembrolizumab) in a separate cohort of 11 TNBC patients. These findings support the potential of CD39+CD8+ T-cell density as a prognostic factor in Asian TNBC patients.

Multifunctional nanoparticles inhibit tumor and tumor-associated macrophages for triple-negative breast cancer therapy

HYPOTHESIS

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) are the mainstay of immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment, and elimination of M2-type macrophages (M2-TAM) is considered as a potential immunotherapy. However, the interaction of breast cancer cells with macrophages hinders the effectiveness of immunotherapy. In order to improve the efficacy of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) therapy, strategies that simultaneously target the elimination of M2-TAM and breast cancer cells may be able to achieve a better therapy.

EXPERIMENTS

LyP-SA/AgNP@Dox multifunctional nanoparticles were synthesized by electrostatic adsorption. They were characterized by particle size, potential and spectroscopy. And the efficacy of multifunctional nanoparticles was evaluated in 4 T1 cell lines and M2 macrophages, including their cell uptake intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the therapeutic effect. Furthermore, based on the orthotopic xenotransplantation model of triple negative breast cancer, the biological distribution, fluorescence imaging, biosafety evaluation and combined efficacy evaluation of the nanoplatform were performed.

FINDINGS

We have successfully prepared LyP-SA/AgNP@Dox and characterized. Administering the nanosystem to 4 T1 tumor cells or M2 macrophages in culture induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species, destruction of mitochondria and apoptosis, and inhibited replication and transcription. Animal experiments demonstrated the nanoparticle had favorable targeting and antitumor activity. Our nanosystem may be useful for simultaneously inhibiting tumor and tumor-associated macrophages in breast cancer and, potentially, other malignancies.

Ca & Mn dual-ion hybrid nanostimulator boosting anti-tumor immunity via ferroptosis and innate immunity awakening

Limited by low tumor immunogenicity and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has been poorly responsive to immunotherapy so far. Herein, a Ca & Mn dual-ion hybrid nanostimulator (CMS) is constructed to enhance anti-tumor immunity through ferroptosis inducing and innate immunity awakening, which can serve as a ferroptosis inducer and immunoadjuvant for TNBC concurrently. On one hand, glutathione (GSH) depletion and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation can be achieved due to the mixed valence state of Mn in CMS. On the other hand, as an exotic Ca2+ supplier, CMS causes mitochondrial Ca2+ overload, which further amplifies the oxidative stress. Significantly, tumor cells undergo ferroptosis because of the inactivation of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and accumulation of lipid peroxidation (LPO). More impressively, CMS can act as an immunoadjuvant to awaken innate immunity by alleviating intra-tumor hypoxia and Mn2+-induced activation of the STING signaling pathway, which promotes polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and activation of dendritic cells (DCs) for antigen presentation and subsequent infiltration of tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) into tumor tissues. Taken together, this work demonstrates a novel strategy of simultaneously inducing ferroptosis and awakening innate immunity, offering a new perspective for effective tumor immunotherapy of TNBC.

The regulatory role of autophagy between TAMs and tumor cells

Cancer has become a global public health problem and its harmful effects have received widespread attention. Conventional treatments such as surgical resection, radiotherapy and other techniques are applicable to clinical practice, but new drugs are constantly being developed and other therapeutic approaches, such as immunotherapy are being applied. In addition to studying the effects on individual tumor cells, it is important to explore the role of tumor microenvironment on tumor cell development since tumor cells do not exist alone but in the tumor microenvironment. In the tumor microenvironment, tumor cells are interconnected with other stromal cells and influence each other, among which tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most numerous immune cells. At the same time, it was found that cancer cells have different levels of autophagy from normal cells. In cancer therapy, the occurrence of autophagy plays an important role in promoting tumor cell death or inhibiting tumor cell death, and is closely related to the environment. Therefore, elucidating the regulatory role of autophagy between TAMs and tumor cells may be an important breakthrough, providing new perspectives for further research on antitumor immune mechanisms and improving the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.

HMGB1 in exosomes derived from gastric cancer cells induces M2-like macrophage polarization by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway

Gastric cancer (GC) seriously threatens human health. High mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) and M2-like macrophages are closely associated with core events about human cancers, such as invasion, and metastasis, and cancer microenvironment. This study mainly determined the regulatory effect of HMGB1 in GC cell-derived exosomes on M2-like macrophage polarization as well as the underlying mechanism. HMGB1 was found to be highly expressed in gastric tissue specimens, which might lead to the poor prognosis of GC. High levels of HMGB1 were also observed in the plasma of GC patients, indicating the possibility that it regulates the immune microenvironment via exosomes. Further study revealed and confirmed the regulatory effect of exosomes derived from GC cells with high HMGB1 level on inducing M2-like macrophage polarization. Mechanistically, by interacting with the transcription factor POU2F1, exosomal HMGB1 inhibited the transcriptional activity of p50, resulting in the inactivation of NF-κB signaling pathway and thereby inducing M2-like macrophage polarization. Moreover, instead of promoting the proliferation of GC cells, exosomes with high HMGB1 levels induced M2-like macrophage polarization and promoted GC progression. This study reveals a novel mechanism by which HMGB1 promotes GC progression, which may provide new insights for improving the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.

Bulk and single-cell sequencing identified a prognostic model based on the macrophage and lipid metabolism related signatures for osteosarcoma patients

The introduction of multidrug combination chemotherapy has significantly advanced the long-term survival prospects for osteosarcoma (OS) patients over the past decades. However, the escalating prevalence of chemoresistance has emerged as a substantial impediment to further advancements, necessitating the formulation of innovative strategies. Our present study leveraged sophisticated bulk and single-cell sequencing techniques to scrutinize the OS immune microenvironment, unveiling a potential association between the differentiation state of macrophages and the efficacy of OS chemotherapy. Notably, we observed that a heightened presence of lipid metabolism genes and pathways in predifferentiated macrophages, constituting the major cluster of OS patients exhibiting a less favorable response to chemotherapy. Subsequently, we developed a robust Macrophage and Lipid Metabolism (MLMR) risk model and a nomogram, both of which demonstrated commendable prognostic predictive performance. Furthermore, a comprehensive investigation into the underlying mechanisms of the risk model revealed intricate associations with variations in the immune response among OS patients. Finally, our meticulous drug sensitivity analysis identified a spectrum of potential therapeutic agents for OS, including AZD2014, Sapitinib, Buparlisib, Afuresertib, MIRA-1, and BIBR-1532. These findings significantly augment the therapeutic arsenal available to clinicians managing OS, presenting a promising avenue for elevating treatment outcomes.

An integrative pan-cancer bioinformatics analysis of MSRB1 and its association with tumor immune microenvironment, prognosis, and immunotherapy

Methionine sulfoxide reductase B1 (MSRB1) is involved in the development and immune regulation of multiple tumors. However, the role of MSRB1 in the tumor microenvironment and its potential as a therapeutic target remain largely unknown. In this study, MSRB1 expression patterns were evaluated using pan-cancer RNA sequencing data from multiple cell lines, tissues, and single cells. The pan-cancer prognostic role of MSRB1 was assessed and the association between MSRB1 expression and certain cancer characteristics was analyzed. We showed that MSRB1 expression levels were increased in several types of cancer (P < 0.05) and in certain cell types (macrophages, dendritic cells, and malignant tumor cells). The upregulation of MSRB1 expression was due to DNA copy number amplification. Furthermore, MSRB1 was significantly associated with the activation of immune pathways (P < 0.05, NES > 0), immune cell infiltration, and expression of immune checkpoint molecules. In addition, high expression of MSRB1 was found in a series of in vivo and in vitro immunotherapy response models (P < 0.05), and showed resistance to most targeted drugs. Our results indicated that MSRB1 may regulate the tumor immune microenvironment through an immunoresponse and potentially influence cancer development. This could make it a promising predictive biomarker and therapeutic target for precise tumor immunotherapy.

Targeting lipid metabolism of macrophages: A new strategy for tumor therapy

BACKGROUND

Lipid metabolism has been implicated in a variety of normal cellular processes and strongly related to the development of multiple diseases, including tumor. Tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) has emerged as a crucial regulator in tumorigenesis and promising target for tumor treatment.

AIM OF REVIEW

A thorough understanding of TAM lipid metabolism and its value in tumorigenesis may provide new ideas for TAM-based anti-tumor therapy. Key scientific concepts of review: TAMs can be divided into two main types, M1-like TAMs and M2-like TAMs, which play anti-tumor and pro-tumor functions in tumor occurrence and development, respectively. Accumulating evidence has shown that lipid metabolic reprogramming, including fatty acid uptake and utilization, cholesterol expulsion, controls the polarization of TAMs and affects the tumorgenesis. These advances in uncovering the intricacies of lipid metabolism and TAMs have yielded new insights on tumor development and treatment. In this review, we aim to provide an update on the current understanding of the lipid metabolic reprogramming made by TAMs to adapt to the harsh tumor microenvironment (TME). In particular, we emphasize that there is complex lipid metabolism connections between TAMs and distinct tumors, which influences TAM to bias from M1 to M2 phenotype in tumor progression, and ultimately promotes tumor occurrence and development. Finally, we discuss the existing issues on therapeutic strategies by reprogramming TAMs based on lipid metabolism regulation (or increasing the ratio of M1/M2-like TAMs) that could be applied in the future to clinical tumor treatment.

The role of differentially expressed genes and immune cell infiltration in the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): a new exploration based on bioinformatics analysis

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a spectrum of chronic liver disease characterized. The condition ranges from isolated excessive hepatocyte triglyceride accumulation and steatosis (nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL), to hepatic triglyceride accumulation plus inflammation and hepatocyte injury (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)) and finally to hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanism driving this process is not yet clear. Obtain sample microarray from the GEO database. Extract 6 healthy liver samples, 74 nonalcoholic hepatitis samples, 8 liver cirrhosis samples, and 53 liver cancer samples from the GSE164760 dataset. We used the GEO2R tool for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis of disease progression (nonalcoholic hepatitis healthy group, cirrhosis nonalcoholic hepatitis group, and liver cancer cirrhosis group) and necroptosis gene set. Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) is used to evaluate the association between biological pathways and gene features. The STRING database and Cytoscape software were used to establish and visualize protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and identify the key functional modules of DEGs, drawn factor-target genes regulatory network. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses of DEGs were also performed. Additionally, immune infiltration patterns were analyzed using the cibersort, and the correlation between immune cell-type abundance and DEGs expression was investigated. We further screened and obtained a total of 152 intersecting DEGs from three groups. 23 key genes were obtained through the MCODE plugin. Transcription factors regulating common differentially expressed genes were obtained in the hTFtarget database, and a TF target network diagram was drawn. There are 118 nodes, 251 edges, and 4 clusters in the PPI network. The key genes of the four modules include METAP2, RPL14, SERBP1, EEF2; HR4A1; CANX; ARID1A, UBE2K. METAP2, RPL14, SERBP1 and EEF2 was identified as the key hub genes. CREB1 was identified as the hub TF interacting with those gens by taking the intersection of potential TFs. The types of key gene changes were genetic mutations. It can be seen that the incidence of key gene mutations is 1.7% in EEF2, 0.8% in METAP2, and 0.3% in RPL14, respectively. Finally, We found that the most significant expression differences of the immune infiltrating cells among the three groups, were Tregs and M2, M0 type macrophages. We identified four hub genes METAP2, RPL14, SERBP1 and EEF2 being the most closely with the process from NASH to cirrhosis to HCC. It is beneficial to examine and understand the interaction between hub DEGs and potential regulatory molecules in the process. This knowledge may provide a novel theoretical foundation for the development of diagnostic biomarkers and gene-related therapy targets in the process.

Assessment of Tumor-Associated Tissue Eosinophilia (TATE) and Tumor-Associated Macrophages (TAMs) in Canine Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder

Transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder is a significant neoplasm in dogs, characterized by a poor prognosis and a high metastatic potential. These canine spontaneous tumors share many characteristics with human transitional cell carcinoma, making them an excellent comparative model. The role of inflammatory infiltration in tumor development and progression is frequently contradictory, especially concerning tumor-associated tissue eosinophils (TATE) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). This study aims to analyze TATE and TAMs in canine transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. Congo Red staining was used to identify TATE, and immunohistochemistry was performed to detect TAMs in 34 cases of canine transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder carcinomas, categorized into low and high grades. Statistically significant differences were observed between the number of eosinophils and macrophages in the two groups of tumors. The number of TATE was higher in low-grade malignant tumors, but the number of TAMs was higher in high-grade tumors. Our findings suggest the importance of TATEs and TAMs in the aggressiveness of canine transitional cell carcinoma and propose their potential use as therapeutic targets.

T-cell infiltration and its regulatory mechanisms in cancers: insights at single-cell resolution

Tumor-infiltrating T cells recognize, attack, and clear tumor cells, playing a central role in antitumor immune response. However, certain immune cells can impair this response and help tumor immune escape. Therefore, exploring the factors that influence T-cell infiltration is crucial to understand tumor immunity and improve therapeutic effect of cancer immunotherapy. The use of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) allows the high-resolution analysis of the precise composition of immune cells with different phenotypes and other microenvironmental factors, including non-immune stromal cells and the related molecules in the tumor microenvironment of various cancer types. In this review, we summarized the research progress on T-cell infiltration and the crosstalk of other stromal cells and cytokines during T-cell infiltration using scRNA-seq to provide insights into the mechanisms regulating T-cell infiltration and contribute new perspectives on tumor immunotherapy.

Comprehensive Proteomics Analysis Reveals Dynamic Phenotypes of Tumor-Associated Macrophages and Their Precursor Cells in Tumor Progression

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are key regulators in tumor progression, but the precise role of bone marrow-derived monocytes (Mons) as TAM precursors and their dynamic phenotypes regulated by the tumor microenvironment (TME) remain unclear. Here, we developed an optimized microproteomics workflow to analyze low-cell-number mouse myeloid cells. We sorted TAMs and their corresponding Mons (1 × 105 per sample) from individual melanoma mouse models at both the early and late stages. We established the protein expression profiles for these cells by mass spectrometry. Subsequently, we analyzed the dynamics phenotypes of TAMs and identified a characteristic protein expression profile characterized by upregulated cholesterol metabolism and downregulated immune responses during tumor progression. Moreover, we found the downregulation of both STAT5 and PYCARD expression not only in late-stage TAMs but also in late-stage Mons, indicating a loss of the ability to induce inflammatory responses prior to Mons infiltration into TME. Taken together, our study provides valuable insights into the progression-dependent transitions between TAMs and their precursor cells, as well as the cross-organ communications of tumor and bone marrow.