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Li X, González-Maroto C, Tavassoli M. Crosstalk between CAFs and tumour cells in head and neck cancer. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:303. [PMID: 38926351 PMCID: PMC11208506 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02053-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are amongst the most aggressive, complex, and heterogeneous malignancies. The standard of care treatments for HNC patients include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or their combination. However, around 50% do not benefit while suffering severe toxic side effects, costing the individuals and society. Decades have been spent to improve HNSCC treatment outcomes with only limited success. Much of the research in HNSCC treatment has focused on understanding the genetics of the HNSCC malignant cells, but it has become clear that tumour microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in the progression as well as treatment response in HNSCC. Understanding the crosstalk between cancer cells and TME is crucial for inhibiting progression and treatment resistance. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the predominant component of stroma in HNSCC, serve as the primary source of extra-cellular matrix (ECM) and various pro-tumoral composites in TME. The activation of CAFs in HNSCC is primarily driven by cancer cell-secreted molecules, which in turn induce phenotypic changes, elevated secretive status, and altered ECM production profile. Concurrently, CAFs play a pivotal role in modulating the cell cycle, stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and resistance to targeted and chemoradiotherapy in HNSCC cells. This modulation occurs through interactions with secreted molecules or direct contact with the ECM or CAF. Co-culture and 3D models of tumour cells and other TME cell types allows to mimic the HNSCC tumour milieu and enable modulating tumour hypoxia and reprograming cancer stem cells (CSC). This review aims to provide an update on the development of HNSCC tumour models comprising CAFs to obtain better understanding of the interaction between CAFs and tumour cells, and for providing preclinical testing platforms of current and combination with emerging therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyang Li
- Head and Neck Oncology Group, Centre for Host Microbiome Interaction, King's College London, Hodgkin Building, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Celia González-Maroto
- Head and Neck Oncology Group, Centre for Host Microbiome Interaction, King's College London, Hodgkin Building, London, SE1 1UL, UK
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Mahvash Tavassoli
- Head and Neck Oncology Group, Centre for Host Microbiome Interaction, King's College London, Hodgkin Building, London, SE1 1UL, UK.
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Li R, Zhang R, Shi X, Jiao X, Li Y, Zhao Y, Liu T, Zhang C. Expression of FAP in Oral Leukoplakia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int Dent J 2024; 74:581-588. [PMID: 38278714 PMCID: PMC11123527 DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2023.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the potential of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) as a biomarker in the progression of oral leukoplakia (OLK) carcinogenesis. This was achieved by evaluating FAP expression at different levels of the organisation, namely oral normal mucosa (NM), OLK, and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Altogether, 88 paraffin-embedded tissue samples were examined, including 55 cases of OLK, 13 cases of OSCC, and 20 cases of NM (control group). An exhaustive investigation was performed to examine FAP expression in NM, OLK, and OSCC tissues via immunohistochemistry (IHC). The relationship between FAP expression and clinical pathologic characteristics was analysed. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot (WB) also proved the expression of FAP in NM, OLK, and OSCC cells. Aberrant FAP expression in OLK and OSCC was explored using in vitro experiments. RESULTS Immunohistochemical results showed that high FAP expression was significantly correlated with histopathologic grade (P = .038) but not correlated with age, sex, or region (P = .953, .622, and .108, respectively). The expression level of FAP in NM tissues (0.15 ± 0.01) was minimal, whereas it was observed in OLK (0.28 ± 0.04) and OSCC (0.39 ± 0.02) tissues with a noticeable increase in expression levels (P < .001). The expression level of FAP in OLK with severe abnormal hyperplasia (S-OLK) tissues (0.33 ± 0.04) was significantly higher than in OLK with mild abnormal hyperplasia (MI-OLK, 0.26 ± 0.02) and OLK with moderate abnormal hyperplasia (MO-OLK, 0.28 ± 0.03) tissues (P < .001 and P = .039, respectively). The results of RT-PCR illustrated that the relative expression of FAP mRNA in OLK cells (2.63 ± 0.62) was higher than in NM cells (0.87 ± 0.14), but lower than in OSCC cells (5.63 ± 1.06; P = .027 and .012, respectively). FAP expression was minimal in NM cells (0.78 ± 0.06), modest in OLK cells (1.04 ± 0.06), and significantly elevated in OSCC cells (1.61 ± 0.09) based on the results of WB (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Significant variations in FAP expression were observed in NM, OLK, and OSCC tissues and cells. These findings revealed that FAP may be a reliable biomarker for the early diagnosis and evaluation of OLK carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Li
- Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China; Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
| | - Rongrong Zhang
- Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China; Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaotong Shi
- Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China; Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaofeng Jiao
- Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China; Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yanwei Li
- Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China; Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yingjiao Zhao
- Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China; Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Tiantian Liu
- Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China; Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Chunye Zhang
- Department of Oral Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology; Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology.
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3
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Liu Q, Wang C, Zhu M, Liu J, Duan Q, Midgley AC, Liu R, Jiang B, Kong D, Chen Q, Zhuang J, Huang X. Self-Assembly of Heterogeneous Ferritin Nanocages for Tumor Uptake and Penetration. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2309271. [PMID: 38368258 PMCID: PMC11077646 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Well-defined nanostructures are crucial for precisely understanding nano-bio interactions. However, nanoparticles (NPs) fabricated through conventional synthesis approaches often lack poor controllability and reproducibility. Herein, a synthetic biology-based strategy is introduced to fabricate uniformly reproducible protein-based NPs, achieving precise control over heterogeneous components of the NPs. Specifically, a ferritin assembly toolbox system is developed that enables intracellular assembly of ferritin subunits/variants in Escherichia coli. Using this strategy, a proof-of-concept study is provided to explore the interplay between ligand density of NPs and their tumor targets/penetration. Various ferritin hybrid nanocages (FHn) containing human ferritin heavy chains (FH) and light chains are accurately assembled, leveraging their intrinsic binding with tumor cells and prolonged circulation time in blood, respectively. Further studies reveal that tumor cell uptake is FH density-dependent through active binding with transferrin receptor 1, whereas in vivo tumor accumulation and tissue penetration are found to be correlated to heterogeneous assembly of FHn and vascular permeability of tumors. Densities of 3.7 FH/100 nm2 on the nanoparticle surface exhibit the highest degree of tumor accumulation and penetration, particularly in tumors with high permeability compared to those with low permeability. This study underscores the significance of nanoparticle heterogeneity in determining particle fate in biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical BiologyKey Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for the Ministry of EducationCollege of Life Sciencesand Frontier of Science Center for Cell ResponseNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
| | - Chunyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical BiologyKey Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for the Ministry of EducationCollege of Life Sciencesand Frontier of Science Center for Cell ResponseNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
| | - Mingsheng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical BiologyKey Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for the Ministry of EducationCollege of Life Sciencesand Frontier of Science Center for Cell ResponseNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
| | - Jinming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical BiologyKey Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for the Ministry of EducationCollege of Life Sciencesand Frontier of Science Center for Cell ResponseNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
| | - Qiannan Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical BiologyKey Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for the Ministry of EducationCollege of Life Sciencesand Frontier of Science Center for Cell ResponseNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
| | - Adam C. Midgley
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical BiologyKey Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for the Ministry of EducationCollege of Life Sciencesand Frontier of Science Center for Cell ResponseNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
| | - Ruming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical BiologyKey Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for the Ministry of EducationCollege of Life Sciencesand Frontier of Science Center for Cell ResponseNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
| | - Bing Jiang
- Nanozyme Medical CenterSchool of Basic Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou450001China
| | - Deling Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical BiologyKey Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for the Ministry of EducationCollege of Life Sciencesand Frontier of Science Center for Cell ResponseNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
| | - Quan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical BiologyKey Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for the Ministry of EducationCollege of Life Sciencesand Frontier of Science Center for Cell ResponseNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
| | - Jie Zhuang
- School of MedicineNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
| | - Xinglu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical BiologyKey Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for the Ministry of EducationCollege of Life Sciencesand Frontier of Science Center for Cell ResponseNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
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Theivendran S, Xian H, Qu J, Song Y, Sun B, Song H, Yu C. A Pioglitazone Nanoformulation Designed for Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Reprogramming and Cancer Treatment. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:4354-4361. [PMID: 38563599 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c04706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The recent focus of cancer therapeutics research revolves around modulating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) to enhance efficacy. The tumor stroma, primarily composed of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), poses significant obstacles to therapeutic penetration, influencing resistance and tumor progression. Reprogramming CAFs into an inactivated state has emerged as a promising strategy, necessitating innovative approaches. This study pioneers the design of a nanoformulation using pioglitazone, a Food and Drug Administration-approved anti-diabetic drug, to reprogram CAFs in the breast cancer TME. Glutathione (GSH)-responsive dendritic mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles loaded with pioglitazone (DMON-P) are designed for the delivery of cargo to the GSH-rich cytosol of CAFs. DMON-P facilitates pioglitazone-mediated CAF reprogramming, enhancing the penetration of doxorubicin (Dox), a therapeutic drug. Treatment with DMON-P results in the downregulation of CAF biomarkers and inhibits tumor growth through the effective delivery of Dox. This innovative approach holds promise as an alternative strategy for enhancing therapeutic outcomes in CAF-abundant tumors, particularly in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shevanuja Theivendran
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - He Xian
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Jingjing Qu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Yaping Song
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Bing Sun
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Hao Song
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Chengzhong Yu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane 4072, Australia
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Huang Q, Ge Y, He Y, Wu J, Tong Y, Shang H, Liu X, Ba X, Xia D, Peng E, Chen Z, Tang K. The Application of Nanoparticles Targeting Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:3333-3365. [PMID: 38617796 PMCID: PMC11012801 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s447350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are the most abundant stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), especially in solid tumors. It has been confirmed that it can not only interact with tumor cells to promote cancer progression and metastasis, but also affect the infiltration and function of immune cells to induce chemotherapy and immunotherapy resistance. So, targeting CAF has been considered an important method in cancer treatment. The rapid development of nanotechnology provides a good perspective to improve the efficiency of targeting CAF. At present, more and more researches have focused on the application of nanoparticles (NPs) in targeting CAF. These studies explored the effects of different types of NPs on CAF and the multifunctional nanomedicines that can eliminate CAF are able to enhance the EPR effect which facilitate the anti-tumor effect of themselves. There also exist amounts of studies focusing on using NPs to inhibit the activation and function of CAF to improve the therapeutic efficacy. The application of NPs targeting CAF needs to be based on an understanding of CAF biology. Therefore, in this review, we first summarized the latest progress of CAF biology, then discussed the types of CAF-targeting NPs and the main strategies in the current. The aim is to elucidate the application of NPs in targeting CAF and provide new insights for engineering nanomedicine to enhance immune response in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Huang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Ge
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu He
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yonghua Tong
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haojie Shang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaozhuo Ba
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ding Xia
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ejun Peng
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Chen
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kun Tang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
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Lu Q, Kou D, Lou S, Ashrafizadeh M, Aref AR, Canadas I, Tian Y, Niu X, Wang Y, Torabian P, Wang L, Sethi G, Tergaonkar V, Tay F, Yuan Z, Han P. Nanoparticles in tumor microenvironment remodeling and cancer immunotherapy. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:16. [PMID: 38566199 PMCID: PMC10986145 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01535-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Lu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Dongquan Kou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Shenghan Lou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250000, Shandong, China
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Xsphera Biosciences, Translational Medicine Group, 6 Tide Street, Boston, MA, 02210, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Israel Canadas
- Blood Cell Development and Function Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yu Tian
- School of Public Health, Benedictine University, Lisle, USA
| | - Xiaojia Niu
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Yuzhuo Wang
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Pedram Torabian
- Cumming School of Medicine, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Gautam Sethi
- NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore.
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117600, Singapore.
| | - Vinay Tergaonkar
- Laboratory of NF-κB Signalling, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, 138673, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Franklin Tay
- The Graduate School, Augusta University, 30912, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Zhennan Yuan
- Department of Oncology Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China.
| | - Peng Han
- Department of Oncology Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology in Heilongjiang, Harbin, China.
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Wu J, Pu K. Leveraging Semiconducting Polymer Nanoparticles for Combination Cancer Immunotherapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2308924. [PMID: 37864513 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202308924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has become a promising method for cancer treatment, bringing hope to advanced cancer patients. However, immune-related adverse events caused by immunotherapy also bring heavy burden to patients. Semiconducting polymer nanoparticles (SPNs) as an emerging nanomaterial with high biocompatibility, can eliminate tumors and induce tumor immunogenic cell death through different therapeutic modalities, including photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, and sonodynamic therapy. In addition, SPNs can work as a functional nanocarrier to synergize with a variety of immunomodulators to amplify anti-tumor immune responses. In this review, SPNs-based combination cancer immunotherapy is comprehensively summarized according to the SPNs' therapeutic modalities and the type of loaded immunomodulators. The in-depth understanding of existing SPNs-based therapeutic modalities will hopefully inspire the design of more novel nanomaterials with potent anti-tumor immune effects, and ultimately promote their clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayan Wu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637457, Singapore
| | - Kanyi Pu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637457, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 636921, Singapore
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Huang X, Li L, Ou C, Shen M, Li X, Zhang M, Wu R, Kou X, Gao L, Liu F, Luo R, Wu Q, Gong C. Tumor Environment Regression Therapy Implemented by Switchable Prune-to-Essence Nanoplatform Unleashed Systemic Immune Responses. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2303715. [PMID: 37875395 PMCID: PMC10724435 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Coevolution of tumor cells and surrounding stroma results in protective protumoral environment, in which abundant vessel, stiff structure and immunosuppression promote each other, cooperatively incurring deterioration and treatment compromise. Reversing suchenvironment may transform tumors from treatment-resistant to treatment-vulnerable. However, effective reversion requires synergistic comprehensive regression of such environment under precise control. Here, the first attempt to collaboratively retrograde coevolutionary tumor environment to pre-oncogenesis status, defined as tumor environment regression therapy, is made for vigorous immune response eruption by a switchable prune-to-essence nanoplatform (Pres) with simplified composition and fabrication process. Through magnetic targeting and multimodal imaging of Pres, tumor environment regression therapy is guided, optimized and accomplished in a trinity way: Antiangiogenesis is executed to rarefy vessels to impede tumor progression. By seizing the time, cancer associated fibroblasts are eliminated to diminish collagen and loosen the stiff structure for deep penetration of Pres, which alternately functioned in deeper tumors, forming a positive feedback loop. Through this loop, immune cell infiltration, immunosuppression mitigation and immunogenic cells death induction are all fulfilled and further escalated in the regressed environment. These transformations consequently unleashed systemic immune responses and generated immune memory against carcinoma. This study provides new insights intotreatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianzhou Huang
- Department of BiotherapyCancer center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Lu Li
- Department of BiotherapyCancer center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Chunqing Ou
- Department of BiotherapyCancer center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Meiling Shen
- Department of BiotherapyCancer center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Xinchao Li
- Department of BiotherapyCancer center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Miaomiao Zhang
- Department of BiotherapyCancer center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Rui Wu
- Department of BiotherapyCancer center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Xiaorong Kou
- Department of BiotherapyCancer center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Ling Gao
- Department of Medical OncologyCancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Furong Liu
- Department of BiotherapyCancer center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Rui Luo
- Department of BiotherapyCancer center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Qinjie Wu
- Department of BiotherapyCancer center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Changyang Gong
- Department of BiotherapyCancer center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
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9
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Zefferino R, Conese M. A Vaccine against Cancer: Can There Be a Possible Strategy to Face the Challenge? Possible Targets and Paradoxical Effects. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1701. [PMID: 38006033 PMCID: PMC10674257 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11111701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Is it possible to have an available vaccine that eradicates cancer? Starting from this question, this article tries to verify the state of the art, proposing a different approach to the issue. The variety of cancers and different and often unknown causes of cancer impede, except in some cited cases, the creation of a classical vaccine directed at the causative agent. The efforts of the scientific community are oriented toward stimulating the immune systems of patients, thereby preventing immune evasion, and heightening chemotherapeutic agents effects against cancer. However, the results are not decisive, because without any warning signs, metastasis often occurs. The purpose of this paper is to elaborate on a vaccine that must be administered to a patient in order to prevent metastasis; metastasis is an event that leads to death, and thus, preventing it could transform cancer into a chronic disease. We underline the fact that the field has not been studied in depth, and that the complexity of metastatic processes should not be underestimated. Then, with the aim of identifying the target of a cancer vaccine, we draw attention to the presence of the paradoxical actions of different mechanisms, pathways, molecules, and immune and non-immune cells characteristic of the tumor microenvironment at the primary site and pre-metastatic niche in order to exclude possible vaccine candidates that have opposite effects/behaviors; after a meticulous evaluation, we propose possible targets to develop a metastasis-targeting vaccine. We conclude that a change in the current concept of a cancer vaccine is needed, and the efforts of the scientific community should be redirected toward a metastasis-targeting vaccine, with the increasing hope of eradicating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Zefferino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Massimo Conese
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
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10
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Liang T, Tao T, Wu K, Liu L, Xu W, Zhou D, Fang H, Ding Q, Huang G, Wu S. Cancer-Associated Fibroblast-Induced Remodeling of Tumor Microenvironment in Recurrent Bladder Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2303230. [PMID: 37743226 PMCID: PMC10625065 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Bladder carcinoma (BC) recurrence is a major clinical challenge, and targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a promising therapy. However, the relationship between individual TME components, particularly cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and tumor recurrence is unclear. Here, TME heterogeneity in primary and recurrent BC is investigated using single-cell RNA sequence profiling of 62 460 cells. Two cancer stem cell (CSC) subtypes are identified in recurrent BC. An inflammatory CAF subtype, ICAM1+ iCAFs, specifically associated with BC recurrence is also identified. iCAFs are found to secrete FGF2, which acts on the CD44 receptor of rCSC-M, thereby maintaining tumor stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Additionally, THBS1+ monocytes, a group of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), are enriched in recurrent BC and interacted with CAFs. ICAM1+ iCAFs are found to secrete CCL2, which binds to CCR2 in MDSCs. Moreover, elevated STAT3, NFKB2, VEGFA, and CTGF levels in iCAFs reshape the TME in recurrent tumors. CCL2 inhibition in an in situ BC mouse model suppressed tumor growth, decreased MDSCs and Tregs, and fostered tumor immune suppression. The study results highlight the role of iCAFs in TME cell-cell crosstalk during recurrent BC. The identification of pivotal signaling factors driving BC relapse is promising for the development of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liang
- Institute of UrologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518116China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research InstituteLuohu Hospital GroupShenzhen518000China
| | - Tao Tao
- Institute of UrologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518116China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research InstituteLuohu Hospital GroupShenzhen518000China
| | - Kai Wu
- Institute of UrologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518116China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research InstituteLuohu Hospital GroupShenzhen518000China
| | - Lisha Liu
- Institute of UrologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518116China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research InstituteLuohu Hospital GroupShenzhen518000China
| | - Wuwu Xu
- Institute of UrologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518116China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research InstituteLuohu Hospital GroupShenzhen518000China
| | - Dewang Zhou
- Institute of UrologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518116China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research InstituteLuohu Hospital GroupShenzhen518000China
| | - Hu Fang
- Department of UrologySouth China Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518000China
| | - Qiuxia Ding
- Institute of UrologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518116China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research InstituteLuohu Hospital GroupShenzhen518000China
| | - Guixiao Huang
- Institute of UrologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518116China
| | - Song Wu
- Institute of UrologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518116China
- Shenzhen Following Precision Medical Research InstituteLuohu Hospital GroupShenzhen518000China
- Department of UrologySouth China Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518000China
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11
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Guo D, Ji X, Xie H, Ma J, Xu C, Zhou Y, Chen N, Wang H, Fan C, Song H. Targeted Reprogramming of Vitamin B 3 Metabolism as a Nanotherapeutic Strategy towards Chemoresistant Cancers. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2301257. [PMID: 37262365 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202301257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) promote cancer stem cell (CSC)-mediated chemoresistance and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. However, direct depletion of CAFs may increase cancer invasiveness and metastasis. As a generalized strategy against chemoresistant cancers, Gemini-like homotypic targeting nanoparticles (NPs) are designed for two-pronged CAF transformation and cancer cell elimination. The CAF-targeted NPs couple vitamin B3 metabolic reprogramming to epigenetic modulation of secreted pro-stemness and immunosuppressive factors, thereby diminishing CSC and suppressive immune cell populations to enhance cancer cell drug susceptibility and cytotoxic T cell infiltration. In mouse models of breast, liver, pancreatic and colorectal cancers that are resistant to their respective first-line chemotherapeutics, a single dose of hydrogel co-delivering the Gemini-like NPs can rehabilitate chemosensitivity, induce immune activation, and achieve tumor regression. Moreover, it stimulates robust T cell memory for long-term protection against tumor rechallenge. This study thus represents an innovative approach with broad applicability for overcoming cancer chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daoxia Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Hui Xie
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, The Education Ministry Key Lab of Resource Chemistry, Joint International Research Laboratory of Resource Chemistry of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Functional Materials, and Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Biomimetic Catalysis, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, 200234, China
| | - Jia Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Chunchen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yanfeng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Nan Chen
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, The Education Ministry Key Lab of Resource Chemistry, Joint International Research Laboratory of Resource Chemistry of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Functional Materials, and Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Biomimetic Catalysis, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, 200234, China
| | - Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Chunhai Fan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Haiyun Song
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
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12
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Dorst D, Smeets EMM, Klein C, Frielink C, Geijs D, Trajkovic-Arsic M, Cheung PFY, Stommel MWJ, Gotthardt M, Siveke JT, Aarntzen EHJG, van Lith SAM. Fibroblast Activation Protein-Targeted Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Murine Models for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:4319-4330. [PMID: 37485886 PMCID: PMC10410663 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have a dismal 5 year survival of 9%. One important limiting factor for treatment efficacy is the dense tumor-supporting stroma. The cancer-associated fibroblasts in this stroma deposit excessive amounts of extracellular matrix components and anti-inflammatory mediators, which hampers the efficacy of chemo- and immunotherapies. Systemic depletion of all activated fibroblasts is, however, not feasible nor desirable and therefore a local approach should be pursued. Here, we provide a proof-of-principle of using fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-targeted photodynamic therapy (tPDT) to treat PDAC. FAP-targeting antibody 28H1 and irrelevant control antibody DP47GS were conjugated to the photosensitizer IRDye700DX (700DX) and the chelator diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid. In vitro binding and cytotoxicity were evaluated using the fibroblast cell-line NIH-3T3 stably transfected with FAP. Biodistribution of 111In-labeled antibody-700DX constructs was determined in mice carrying syngeneic tumors of the murine PDAC cell line PDAC299, and in a genetically engineered PDAC mouse model (CKP). Then, tPDT was performed by exposing the subcutaneous or the spontaneous PDAC tumors to 690 nm light. Induction of apoptosis after treatment was assessed using automated analyses of immunohistochemistry for cleaved caspase-3. 28H1-700DX effectively bound to 3T3-FAP cells and induced cytotoxicity upon exposure to 690 nm light, whereas no binding or cytotoxic effects were observed for DP47GS-700DX. Although both 28H1-700DX and DP47GS-700DX accumulated in subcutaneous PDAC299 tumors, autoradiography demonstrated that only 28H1-700DX reached the tumor core. On the contrary, control antibody DP47GS-700DX was only present at the tumor rim. In CKP mice, both antibodies accumulated in the tumor, but tumor-to-blood ratios of 28H1-700DX were higher than that of the control. Notably, in vivo FAP-tPDT caused upregulation of cleaved caspase-3 staining in both subcutaneous and in spontaneous tumors. In conclusion, we have shown that tPDT is a feasible approach for local depletion of FAP-expressing stromal cells in murine models for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne
N. Dorst
- Department
of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Esther M. M. Smeets
- Department
of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Klein
- Roche
Pharma Research and Early Development, Innovation
Center Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Cathelijne Frielink
- Department
of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Daan Geijs
- Department
of Pathology, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marija Trajkovic-Arsic
- Bridge
Institute of Experimental Tumour Therapy, West German Cancer Center,
University Hospital Essen, University of
Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
- Division
of Solid Tumour Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partner Site Essen) and German Cancer
Research Center, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Phyllis F. Y. Cheung
- Bridge
Institute of Experimental Tumour Therapy, West German Cancer Center,
University Hospital Essen, University of
Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
- Division
of Solid Tumour Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partner Site Essen) and German Cancer
Research Center, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martijn W. J. Stommel
- Department
of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Gotthardt
- Department
of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jens T. Siveke
- Bridge
Institute of Experimental Tumour Therapy, West German Cancer Center,
University Hospital Essen, University of
Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
- Division
of Solid Tumour Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partner Site Essen) and German Cancer
Research Center, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Erik H. J. G. Aarntzen
- Department
of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne A. M. van Lith
- Department
of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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13
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Moloudi K, Sarbadhikary P, Abrahamse H, George BP. Understanding the Photodynamic Therapy Induced Bystander and Abscopal Effects: A Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1434. [PMID: 37507972 PMCID: PMC10376621 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12071434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a clinically approved minimally/non-invasive treatment modality that has been used to treat various conditions, including cancer. The bystander and abscopal effects are two well-documented significant reactions involved in imparting long-term systemic effects in the field of radiobiology. The PDT-induced generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and immune responses is majorly involved in eliciting the bystander and abscopal effects. However, the results in this regard are unsatisfactory and unpredictable due to several poorly elucidated underlying mechanisms and other factors such as the type of cancer being treated, the irradiation dose applied, the treatment regimen employed, and many others. Therefore, in this review, we attempted to summarize the current knowledge regarding the non-targeted effects of PDT. The review is based on research published in the Web of Science, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, and Google Scholar databases up to June 2023. We have highlighted the current challenges and prospects in relation to obtaining clinically relevant robust, reproducible, and long-lasting antitumor effects, which may offer a clinically viable treatment against tumor recurrence and metastasis. The effectiveness of both targeted and untargeted PDT responses and their outcomes in clinics could be improved with more research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kave Moloudi
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, Doornfontein Campus, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa
| | - Paromita Sarbadhikary
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, Doornfontein Campus, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa
| | - Heidi Abrahamse
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, Doornfontein Campus, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa
| | - Blassan P George
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, Doornfontein Campus, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa
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14
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Smeets EMM, Dorst DN, Franssen GM, van Essen MS, Frielink C, Stommel MWJ, Trajkovic-Arsic M, Cheung PF, Siveke JT, Wilson I, Mascioni A, Aarntzen EHJG, van Lith SAM. Fibroblast Activation Protein-Targeting Minibody-IRDye700DX for Ablation of the Cancer-Associated Fibroblast with Photodynamic Therapy. Cells 2023; 12:1420. [PMID: 37408254 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP), expressed on cancer-associated fibroblasts, is a target for diagnosis and therapy in multiple tumour types. Strategies to systemically deplete FAP-expressing cells show efficacy; however, these induce toxicities, as FAP-expressing cells are found in normal tissues. FAP-targeted photodynamic therapy offers a solution, as it acts only locally and upon activation. Here, a FAP-binding minibody was conjugated to the chelator diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and the photosensitizer IRDye700DX (DTPA-700DX-MB). DTPA-700DX-MB showed efficient binding to FAP-overexpressing 3T3 murine fibroblasts (3T3-FAP) and induced the protein's dose-dependent cytotoxicity upon light exposure. Biodistribution of DTPA-700DX-MB in mice carrying either subcutaneous or orthotopic tumours of murine pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells (PDAC299) showed maximal tumour uptake of 111In-labelled DTPA-700DX-MB at 24 h post injection. Co-injection with an excess DTPA-700DX-MB reduced uptake, and autoradiography correlated with FAP expression in the stromal tumour region. Finally, in vivo therapeutic efficacy was determined in two simultaneous subcutaneous PDAC299 tumours; only one was treated with 690 nm light. Upregulation of an apoptosis marker was only observed in the treated tumours. In conclusion, DTPA-700DX-MB binds to FAP-expressing cells and targets PDAC299 tumours in mice with good signal-to-background ratios. Furthermore, the induced apoptosis indicates the feasibility of targeted depletion of FAP-expressing cells with photodynamic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther M M Smeets
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Daphne N Dorst
- Department of Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerben M Franssen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Merijn S van Essen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Cathelijne Frielink
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn W J Stommel
- Department of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marija Trajkovic-Arsic
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumour Therapy, West German Cancer Centre, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
- Division of Solid Tumour Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partner Site Essen) and German Cancer Research Centre, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Phyllis F Cheung
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumour Therapy, West German Cancer Centre, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
- Division of Solid Tumour Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partner Site Essen) and German Cancer Research Centre, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jens T Siveke
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumour Therapy, West German Cancer Centre, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
- Division of Solid Tumour Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partner Site Essen) and German Cancer Research Centre, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Erik H J G Aarntzen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne A M van Lith
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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15
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Li W, Li F, Li T, Zhang W, Li B, Liu K, Lun X, Guo Y. Self-actuated biomimetic nanocomposites for photothermal therapy and PD-L1 immunosuppression. Front Chem 2023; 11:1167586. [PMID: 37007061 PMCID: PMC10063802 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1167586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomimetic nanocomposites are widely used in the biomedical field because they can effectively solve the problems existing in the current cancer treatment by realizing multi-mode collaborative treatment. In this study, we designed and synthesized a multifunctional therapeutic platform (PB/PM/HRP/Apt) with unique working mechanism and good tumor treatment effect. Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBs) with good photothermal conversion efficiency were used as nuclei and coated with platelet membrane (PM). The ability of platelets (PLTs) to specifically target cancer cells and inflammatory sites can effectively enhance PB accumulation at tumor sites. The surface of the synthesized nanocomposites was modified with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) to enhance the deep penetration of the nanocomposites in cancer cells. In addition, PD-L1 aptamer and 4T1 cell aptamer AS1411 were modified on the nanocomposite to achieve immunotherapy and enhance targeting. The particle size, UV absorption spectrum and Zeta potential of the biomimetic nanocomposite were determined by transmission electron microscope (TEM), Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer and nano-particle size meter, and the successful preparation was proved. In addition, the biomimetic nanocomposites were proved to have good photothermal properties by infrared thermography. The cytotoxicity test showed that it had a good killing ability of cancer cells. Finally, thermal imaging, tumor volume detection, immune factor detection and Haematoxilin-Eosin (HE) staining of mice showed that the biomimetic nanocomposites had good anti-tumor effect and could trigger immune response in vivo. Therefore, this biomimetic nanoplatform as a promising therapeutic strategy provides new inspiration for the current diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Linyi University, Linyi, China
| | - Fen Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Tao Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Wenyue Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Binglin Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Kunrui Liu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoli Lun
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Yingshu Guo
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Yingshu Guo,
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16
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Geng S, Xiang T, Zhang Y, Guo P, Zhang H, Zhang Z, Gu M, Zhang K, Song H, Shi J, Liu J. Safe engineering of cancer-associated fibroblasts enhances checkpoint blockade immunotherapy. J Control Release 2023; 356:272-287. [PMID: 36870541 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.02.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Abundant cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in highly fibrotic breast cancer constitute an immunosuppressive barrier for T cell activity and are closely related to the failure of immune checkpoint blockade therapy (ICB). Inspired by the similar antigen-processing capacity of CAFs to professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), a "turning foes to friends" strategy is proposed by in situ engineering immune-suppressed CAFs into immune-activated APCs for improving response rates of ICB. To achieve safe and specific CAFs engineering in vivo, a thermochromic spatiotemporal photo-controlled gene expression nanosystem was developed by self-assembly of molten eutectic mixture, chitosan andfusion plasmid. After photoactivatable gene expression, CAFs could be engineered as APCs via co-stimulatory molecule (CD86) expression, which effectively induced activation and proliferation of antigen-specific CD8 + T cells. Meanwhile, engineered CAFs could also secrete PD-L1 trap protein in situ for ICB, avoiding potential autoimmune-like disorders caused by "off-target" effects of clinically applied PD-L1 antibody. The study demonstrated that the designed nanosystem could efficiently engineer CAFs, significantly enhance the percentages of CD8+ T cells (4-folds), result in about 85% tumor inhibition rate and 83.3% survival rate at 60 days in highly fibrotic breast cancer, further inducing long-term immune memory effects and effectively inhibiting lung metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizhen Geng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Tingting Xiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yunya Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Pengke Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Hongling Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Henan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Zhenzhong Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Henan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou 450001, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Mengchao Gu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Kaixiang Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Henan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Haiwei Song
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138673, Singapore.
| | - Jinjin Shi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Henan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Junjie Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Henan Province, China; Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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17
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Proteins and their functionalization for finding therapeutic avenues in cancer: Current status and future prospective. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188862. [PMID: 36791920 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite the remarkable advancement in the health care sector, cancer remains the second most fatal disease globally. The existing conventional cancer treatments primarily include chemotherapy, which has been associated with little to severe side effects, and radiotherapy, which is usually expensive. To overcome these problems, target-specific nanocarriers have been explored for delivering chemo drugs. However, recent reports on using a few proteins having anticancer activity and further use of them as drug carriers have generated tremendous attention for furthering the research towards cancer therapy. Biomolecules, especially proteins, have emerged as suitable alternatives in cancer treatment due to multiple favourable properties including biocompatibility, biodegradability, and structural flexibility for easy surface functionalization. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have reported that various proteins derived from animal, plant, and bacterial species, demonstrated strong cytotoxic and antiproliferative properties against malignant cells in native and their different structural conformations. Moreover, surface tunable properties of these proteins help to bind a range of anticancer drugs and target ligands, thus making them efficient delivery agents in cancer therapy. Here, we discuss various proteins obtained from common exogenous sources and how they transform into effective anticancer agents. We also comprehensively discuss the tumor-killing mechanisms of different dietary proteins such as bovine α-lactalbumin, hen egg-white lysozyme, and their conjugates. We also articulate how protein nanostructures can be used as carriers for delivering cancer drugs and theranostics, and strategies to be adopted for improving their in vivo delivery and targeting. We further discuss the FDA-approved protein-based anticancer formulations along with those in different phases of clinical trials.
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Mohanty A, Park IK. Protein-Caged Nanoparticles: A Promising Nanomedicine Against Cancer. Chonnam Med J 2023; 59:1-12. [PMID: 36794248 PMCID: PMC9900222 DOI: 10.4068/cmj.2023.59.1.1] [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: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a severe threat to human wellness. A broad range of nanoparticles (NPs) have been developed to treat cancer. Given their safety profile, natural biomolecules such as protein-based NPs (PNPs) are promising substitutes for synthetic NPs that are currently used in drug delivery systems. In particular, PNPs have diverse characteristics and are monodisperse, chemically and genetically changeable, biodegradable, and biocompatible. To promote their application in clinical settings, PNPs must be precisely fabricated to fully exploit their advantages. This review highlights the different types of proteins that can be used to produce PNPs. Additionally, the recent applications of these nanomedicines and their therapeutic benefits against cancer are explored. Several future research directions that can facilitate the clinical application of PNPs are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayeskanta Mohanty
- Department of Biomedical Science, BK21 PLUS Center for Creative Biomedical Scientists, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - In-Kyu Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, BK21 PLUS Center for Creative Biomedical Scientists, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
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Ju Y, Liao H, Richardson JJ, Guo J, Caruso F. Nanostructured particles assembled from natural building blocks for advanced therapies. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:4287-4336. [PMID: 35471996 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00343g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Advanced treatments based on immune system manipulation, gene transcription and regulation, specific organ and cell targeting, and/or photon energy conversion have emerged as promising therapeutic strategies against a range of challenging diseases. Naturally derived macromolecules (e.g., proteins, lipids, polysaccharides, and polyphenols) have increasingly found use as fundamental building blocks for nanostructured particles as their advantageous properties, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, inherent bioactivity, and diverse chemical properties make them suitable for advanced therapeutic applications. This review provides a timely and comprehensive summary of the use of a broad range of natural building blocks in the rapidly developing field of advanced therapeutics with insights specific to nanostructured particles. We focus on an up-to-date overview of the assembly of nanostructured particles using natural building blocks and summarize their key scientific and preclinical milestones for advanced therapies, including adoptive cell therapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, active targeted drug delivery, photoacoustic therapy and imaging, photothermal therapy, and combinational therapy. A cross-comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of different natural building blocks are highlighted to elucidate the key design principles for such bio-derived nanoparticles toward improving their performance and adoption. Current challenges and future research directions are also discussed, which will accelerate our understanding of designing, engineering, and applying nanostructured particles for advanced therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ju
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia. .,School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - Haotian Liao
- BMI Center for Biomass Materials and Nanointerfaces, College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China. .,Department of Liver Surgery & Liver Transplantation, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Joseph J Richardson
- Department of Materials Engineering, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Junling Guo
- BMI Center for Biomass Materials and Nanointerfaces, College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China. .,Bioproducts Institute, Departments of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Frank Caruso
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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20
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Xu X, Tian K, Lou X, Du Y. Potential of Ferritin-Based Platforms for Tumor Immunotherapy. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27092716. [PMID: 35566065 PMCID: PMC9104857 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27092716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferritin is an iron storage protein that plays a key role in iron homeostasis and cellular antioxidant activity. Ferritin has many advantages as a tumor immunotherapy platform, including a small particle size that allows for penetration into tumor-draining lymph nodes or tumor tissue, a unique structure consisting of 24 self-assembled subunits, cavities that can encapsulate drugs, natural targeting functions, and a modifiable outer surface. In this review, we summarize related research applying ferritin as a tumor immune vaccine or a nanocarrier for immunomodulator drugs based on different targeting mechanisms (including dendritic cells, tumor-associated macrophages, tumor-associated fibroblasts, and tumor cells). In addition, a ferritin-based tumor vaccine expected to protect against a wide range of coronaviruses by targeting multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2 has entered phase I clinical trials, and its efficacy is described in this review. Although ferritin is already on the road to transformation, there are still many difficulties to overcome. Therefore, three barriers (drug loading, modification sites, and animal models) are also discussed in this paper. Notwithstanding, the ferritin-based nanoplatform has great potential for tumor immunotherapy, with greater possibility of clinical transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Xu
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China; (X.X.); (K.T.)
| | - Kewei Tian
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China; (X.X.); (K.T.)
| | - Xuefang Lou
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou 310015, China
- Correspondence: (X.L.); (Y.D.); Tel.: +86-571-88208435 (Y.D.); Fax: +86-571-88208435 (Y.D.)
| | - Yongzhong Du
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Correspondence: (X.L.); (Y.D.); Tel.: +86-571-88208435 (Y.D.); Fax: +86-571-88208435 (Y.D.)
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21
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Juan A, del Mar Noblejas-López M, Arenas-Moreira M, Alonso-Moreno C, Ocaña A. Options to Improve the Action of PROTACs in Cancer: Development of Controlled Delivery Nanoparticles. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:805336. [PMID: 35186955 PMCID: PMC8851355 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.805336] [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: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Classical targeting in cancer focuses on the development of chemical structures able to bind to protein pockets with enzymatic activity. Some of these molecules are designed to bind the ATP side of the kinase domain avoiding protein activation and the subsequent oncogenic activity. A further improvement of these agents relies on the generation of non-allosteric inhibitors that once bound are able to limit the kinase function by producing a conformational change at the protein and, therefore, augmenting the antitumoural potency. Unfortunately, not all oncogenic proteins have enzymatic activity and cannot be chemically targeted with these types of molecular entities. Very recently, exploiting the protein degradation pathway through the ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation of key target proteins has gained momentum. With this approach, non-enzymatic proteins such as Transcription Factors can be degraded. In this regard, we provide an overview of current applications of the PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) compounds for the treatment of solid tumours and ways to overcome their limitations for clinical development. Among the different constraints for their development, improvements in bioavailability and safety, due to an optimized delivery, seem to be relevant. In this context, it is anticipated that those targeting pan-essential genes will have a narrow therapeutic index. In this article, we review the advantages and disadvantages of the potential use of drug delivery systems to improve the activity and safety of PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Juan
- Unidad NanoCRIB, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Albacete, Spain
| | - María del Mar Noblejas-López
- Oncología Traslacional, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Albacete, Spain
- Unidad de Investigación del Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, Oncología Traslacional, Albacete, Spain
| | | | - Carlos Alonso-Moreno
- Unidad NanoCRIB, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Albacete, Spain
- Facultad de Farmacia de Albacete Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
- *Correspondence: Carlos Alonso-Moreno, ; Alberto Ocaña,
| | - Alberto Ocaña
- Unidad de Investigación del Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, Oncología Traslacional, Albacete, Spain
- Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, IdISSC and CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Carlos Alonso-Moreno, ; Alberto Ocaña,
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22
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Luo Q, Duan Z, Li X, Gu L, Ren L, Zhu H, Tian X, Chen R, Zhang H, Gong Q, Gu Z, Luo K. Branched Polymer‐Based Redox/Enzyme‐Activatable Photodynamic Nanoagent to Trigger STING‐Dependent Immune Responses for Enhanced Therapeutic Effect. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202110408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Luo
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) Department of Radiology National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Zhenyu Duan
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) Department of Radiology National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Xiaoling Li
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) Department of Radiology National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Lei Gu
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) Department of Radiology National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Long Ren
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) Department of Radiology National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Hongyan Zhu
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) Department of Radiology National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Xiaohe Tian
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) Department of Radiology National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
- Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province and Research Unit of Psychoradiology Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Rongjun Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering Imperial College London South Kensington Campus London SW7 2AZ UK
| | - Hu Zhang
- Amgen Bioprocessing Centre Keck Graduate Institute Claremont CA 91711 USA
| | - Qiyong Gong
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) Department of Radiology National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
- Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province and Research Unit of Psychoradiology Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Zhongwei Gu
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) Department of Radiology National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Kui Luo
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) Department of Radiology National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
- Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province and Research Unit of Psychoradiology Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Chengdu 610041 China
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23
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Zhao Y, Ouyang X, Peng Y, Peng S. Stimuli Responsive Nitric Oxide-Based Nanomedicine for Synergistic Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1917. [PMID: 34834332 PMCID: PMC8622285 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gas therapy has received widespread attention from the medical community as an emerging and promising therapeutic approach to cancer treatment. Among all gas molecules, nitric oxide (NO) was the first one to be applied in the biomedical field for its intriguing properties and unique anti-tumor mechanisms which have become a research hotspot in recent years. Despite the great progress of NO in cancer therapy, the non-specific distribution of NO in vivo and its side effects on normal tissue at high concentrations have impaired its clinical application. Therefore, it is important to develop facile NO-based nanomedicines to achieve the on-demand release of NO in tumor tissue while avoiding the leakage of NO in normal tissue, which could enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce side effects at the same time. In recent years, numerous studies have reported the design and development of NO-based nanomedicines which were triggered by exogenous stimulus (light, ultrasound, X-ray) or tumor endogenous signals (glutathione, weak acid, glucose). In this review, we summarized the design principles and release behaviors of NO-based nanomedicines upon various stimuli and their applications in synergistic cancer therapy. We also discuss the anti-tumor mechanisms of NO-based nanomedicines in vivo for enhanced cancer therapy. Moreover, we discuss the existing challenges and further perspectives in this field in the aim of furthering its development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijun Zhao
- Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, China; (Y.Z.); (X.O.)
| | - Xumei Ouyang
- Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, China; (Y.Z.); (X.O.)
| | - Yongjun Peng
- The Department of Medical Imaging, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Shaojun Peng
- Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, China; (Y.Z.); (X.O.)
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24
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Mu J, Gao S, Yang J, Wu F, Zhou H. Fundamental and Clinical Applications of Materials Based on Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11671. [PMID: 34769102 PMCID: PMC8583912 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stromal cells play a role in promoting tumor relapse and therapeutic resistance. Therefore, the current treatment paradigms for cancers are usually insufficient to eradicate cancer cells, and anti-cancer therapeutic strategies targeting stromal cells have been developed. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are perpetually activated fibroblasts in the tumor stroma. CAFs are the most abundant and highly heterogeneous stromal cells, and they are critically involved in cancer occurrence and progression. These effects are due to their various roles in the remodeling of the extracellular matrix, maintenance of cancer stemness, modulation of tumor metabolism, and promotion of therapy resistance. Recently, biomaterials and nanomaterials based on CAFs have been increasingly developed to perform gene or protein expression analysis, three-dimensional (3D) co-cultivation, and targeted drug delivery in cancer treatment. In this review, we systematically summarize the current research to fully understand the relevant materials and their functional diversity in CAFs, and we highlight the potential clinical applications of CAFs-oriented biomaterials and nanomaterials in anti-cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingtian Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Frontier Innovation Center for Dental Medicine Plus, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (J.M.); (J.Y.)
| | - Shengtao Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China College of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Jin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Frontier Innovation Center for Dental Medicine Plus, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (J.M.); (J.Y.)
| | - Fanglong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Frontier Innovation Center for Dental Medicine Plus, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (J.M.); (J.Y.)
| | - Hongmei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Frontier Innovation Center for Dental Medicine Plus, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (J.M.); (J.Y.)
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25
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Zhang B, Tang G, He J, Yan X, Fan K. Ferritin nanocage: A promising and designable multi-module platform for constructing dynamic nanoassembly-based drug nanocarrier. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 176:113892. [PMID: 34331986 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Ferritin has been widely recognized as an ideal drug delivery vehicle owing to its unique cage-like structure. Coupled with intrinsic targeting ability and excellent biosafety, ferritin-based drug delivery system, recently coined as ferritin drug carrier (FDC), has sparked great interest among researchers and shown promising application potential in the biomedical field. However, the flexibility and accuracy of traditional FDCs are limited when facing with complex disease microenvironments. To meet the fast-growing requirements for precision medicine, ferritin can serve as a designable multi-module platform to fabricate smarter FDC, which we introduce here as dynamic nanoassembly-based ferritin drug carrier (DNFDC). Compared to conventional FDC, DNFDCs directly integrate required functions into their nanostructure, which can achieve dynamic transformation upon stimuli to specifically activate and exert therapeutic functions at targeted sites. In this review, we summarize the superior characteristics of ferritin that contribute to the on-demand design of DNFDC and outline the current advances in DNFDC. Moreover, the potential research directions and challenges are also discussed here. Hopefully, this review may inspire the future development of DNFDC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoli Zhang
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceutical, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Guoheng Tang
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceutical, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Jiuyang He
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceutical, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiyun Yan
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceutical, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China; Nanozyme Medical Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Kelong Fan
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceutical, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China; Nanozyme Medical Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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26
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Sun X, Hong Y, Gong Y, Zheng S, Xie D. Bioengineered Ferritin Nanocarriers for Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7023. [PMID: 34209892 PMCID: PMC8268655 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferritin naturally exists in most organisms and can specifically recognize the transferrin 1 receptor (TfR1), which is generally highly expressed on various types of tumor cells. The pH dependent reversible assembling and disassembling property of ferritin renders it as a suitable candidate for encapsulating a variety of anticancer drugs and imaging probes. Ferritins external surface is chemically and genetically modifiable which can serve as attachment site for tumor specific targeting peptides or moieties. Moreover, the biological origin of these protein cages makes it a biocompatible nanocarrier that stabilizes and protects the enclosed particles from the external environment without provoking any toxic or immunogenic responses. Recent studies, further establish ferritin as a multifunctional nanocarrier for targeted cancer chemotherapy and phototherapy. In this review, we introduce the favorable characteristics of ferritin drug carriers, the specific targeted surface modification and a multifunctional nanocarriers combined chemotherapy with phototherapy for tumor treatment. Taken together, ferritin is a potential ideal base of engineered nanoparticles for tumor therapy and still needs to explore more on its way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanrong Sun
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; (Y.H.); (Y.G.); (S.Z.); (D.X.)
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27
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Wu F, Yang J, Liu J, Wang Y, Mu J, Zeng Q, Deng S, Zhou H. Signaling pathways in cancer-associated fibroblasts and targeted therapy for cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:218. [PMID: 34108441 PMCID: PMC8190181 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00641-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
To flourish, cancers greatly depend on their surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in TME are critical for cancer occurrence and progression because of their versatile roles in extracellular matrix remodeling, maintenance of stemness, blood vessel formation, modulation of tumor metabolism, immune response, and promotion of cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and therapeutic resistance. CAFs are highly heterogeneous stromal cells and their crosstalk with cancer cells is mediated by a complex and intricate signaling network consisting of transforming growth factor-beta, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin, mitogen-activated protein kinase, Wnt, Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription, epidermal growth factor receptor, Hippo, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, etc., signaling pathways. These signals in CAFs exhibit their own special characteristics during the cancer progression and have the potential to be targeted for anticancer therapy. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of these signaling cascades in interactions between cancer cells and CAFs is necessary to fully realize the pivotal roles of CAFs in cancers. Herein, in this review, we will summarize the enormous amounts of findings on the signals mediating crosstalk of CAFs with cancer cells and its related targets or trials. Further, we hypothesize three potential targeting strategies, including, namely, epithelial-mesenchymal common targets, sequential target perturbation, and crosstalk-directed signaling targets, paving the way for CAF-directed or host cell-directed antitumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanglong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingtian Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingxiang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuzhi Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongmei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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