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Broholm M, Mathiasen AS, Apol ÁD, Weis N. The Adaptive Immune Response in Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Is Characterized by Dysfunctional and Exhausted HBV-Specific T Cells. Viruses 2024; 16:707. [PMID: 38793588 PMCID: PMC11125979 DOI: 10.3390/v16050707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This systematic review investigates the immunosuppressive environment in HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), characterized by dysfunctional and exhausted HBV-specific T cells alongside an increased infiltration of HBV-specific CD4+ T cells, particularly regulatory T cells (Tregs). Heightened expression of checkpoint inhibitors, notably PD-1, is linked with disease progression and recurrence, indicating its potential as both a prognostic indicator and a target for immunotherapy. Nevertheless, using PD-1 inhibitors has shown limited effectiveness. In a future perspective, understanding the intricate interplay between innate and adaptive immune responses holds promise for pinpointing predictive biomarkers and crafting novel treatment approaches for HBV-associated HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malene Broholm
- Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Anne-Sofie Mathiasen
- Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Ása Didriksen Apol
- Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Nina Weis
- Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark
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2
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Kim J, Pena JV, McQueen HP, Kong L, Michael D, Lomashvili EM, Cook PR. Downstream STING pathways IRF3 and NF-κB differentially regulate CCL22 in response to cytosolic dsDNA. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:28-42. [PMID: 37990062 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00678-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells is abnormal and typically indicates the presence of pathogens or mislocalized self-DNA. Multiple sensors detect cytosolic dsDNA and trigger robust immune responses via activation of type I interferons. Several cancer immunotherapy treatments also activate cytosolic nucleic acid sensing pathways, including oncolytic viruses, nucleic acid-based cancer vaccines, and pharmacological agonists. We report here that cytosolic dsDNA introduced into malignant cells can robustly upregulate expression of CCL22, a chemokine responsible for the recruitment of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Tregs in the tumor microenvironment are thought to repress anti-tumor immune responses and contribute to tumor immune evasion. Surprisingly, we found that CCL22 upregulation by dsDNA was mediated primarily by interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), a key transcription factor that activates type I interferons. This finding was unexpected given previous reports that type I interferon alpha (IFN-α) inhibits CCL22 and that IRF3 is associated with strong anti-tumor immune responses, not Treg recruitment. We also found that CCL22 upregulation by dsDNA occurred concurrently with type I interferon beta (IFN-β) upregulation. IRF3 is one of two transcription factors downstream of the STimulator of INterferon Genes (STING), a hub adaptor protein through which multiple dsDNA sensors transmit their signals. The other transcription factor downstream of STING, NF-κB, has been reported to regulate CCL22 expression in other contexts, and NF-κB has also been associated with multiple pro-tumor functions, including Treg recruitment. However, we found that NF-κB in the context of activation by cytosolic dsDNA contributed minimally to CCL22 upregulation compared with IRF3. Lastly, we observed that two strains of the same cell line differed profoundly in their capacity to upregulate CCL22 and IFN-β in response to dsDNA, despite apparent STING activation in both cell lines. This finding suggests that during tumor evolution, cells can acquire, or lose, the ability to upregulate CCL22. This study adds to our understanding of factors that may modulate immune activation in response to cytosolic DNA and has implications for immunotherapy strategies that activate DNA sensing pathways in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihyun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Jocelyn V Pena
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Hannah P McQueen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Lingwei Kong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Dina Michael
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Elmira M Lomashvili
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Pamela R Cook
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA.
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Song N, Paust HJ, Asada N, Peters A, Kaffke A, Krebs CF, Panzer U, Riedel JH. Targeting Monocyte Derived CCL17 Attenuates Murine Crescentic Glomerulonephritis by Affecting Renal CCR4+ Regulatory T-Cell Recruitment. Am J Nephrol 2023; 55:214-224. [PMID: 37742620 DOI: 10.1159/000534151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The chemokine receptor CCR4 is expressed by diverse CD4+ T cell subsets including regulatory T cells (Tregs) but its functional importance for leukocyte recruitment and the relevance of its two corresponding chemokines CCL17 and CCL22 have not been studied in immune-mediated crescentic glomerulonephritis (cGN). METHODS Utilizing the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) data in analyzing leukocytes isolated from both human and murine nephritic kidneys, we identified CCL17 as a potential therapeutic target in immune-mediated renal disease. Using a mouse model of murine cGN, we then delineated the effects of targeting CCL17 by neutralizing antibodies and in Ccl17 gene-deficient mice. RESULTS Unsupervised scRNAseq analyses identified the CCL17-CCR4 axis as a mechanism potentially involved in renal T-cell migration. Analyses of functional kidney impairment and histopathological kidney damage revealed an attenuation of crescentic GN in anti-CCL17 antibody-treated mice which was corroborated using in Ccl17 gene-deficient mice. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that these changes were accompanied by an affected renal Treg recruitment in both experimental approaches. CONCLUSION The chemokine receptor CCR4 and its corresponding chemokine CCL17 are expressed in human and murine cGN and targeting the CCR4-CCL17 axis by neutralizing antibodies as well as Ccl17 gene deficiency led to increased renal Treg recruitment and reduced histological and functional kidney damage in murine cGN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Song
- Division of Translational Immunology, III Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Joachim Paust
- Division of Translational Immunology, III Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nariaki Asada
- Division of Translational Immunology, III Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anett Peters
- Division of Translational Immunology, III Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anna Kaffke
- Division of Translational Immunology, III Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian F Krebs
- Division of Translational Immunology, III Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ulf Panzer
- Division of Translational Immunology, III Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Hendrik Riedel
- Division of Translational Immunology, III Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Zhang MH, Yuan YF, Liu LJ, Wei YX, Yin WY, Zheng LZY, Tang YY, Lv Z, Zhu F. Dysregulated microRNAs as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:4706-4735. [PMID: 37664153 PMCID: PMC10473924 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i31.4706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignancy with a high incidence and fatality rate worldwide. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the most important risk factors for its occurrence and development. Early detection of HBV-associated HCC (HBV-HCC) can improve clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. Biomarkers are extremely helpful, not only for early diagnosis, but also for the development of therapeutics. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a subset of non-coding RNAs approximately 22 nucleotides in length, have increasingly attracted scientists' attention due to their potential utility as biomarkers for cancer detection and therapy. HBV profoundly impacts the expression of miRNAs potentially involved in the development of hepatocarcinogenesis. In this review, we summarize the current progress on the role of miRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of HBV-HCC. From a molecular standpoint, we discuss the mechanism by which HBV regulates miRNAs and investigate the exact effect of miRNAs on the promotion of HCC. In the near future, miRNA-based diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic applications will make their way into the clinical routine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-He Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yu-Feng Yuan
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Li-Juan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yu-Xin Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wan-Yue Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Lan-Zhuo-Yin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ying-Ying Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhao Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Fan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy & Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
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Khanam A, Ghosh A, Chua JV, Kottilil S. Blockade of CCR4 breaks immune tolerance in chronic hepatitis B patients by modulating regulatory pathways. J Transl Med 2023; 21:271. [PMID: 37081509 PMCID: PMC10120209 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04104-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotargets including checkpoint inhibitors and toll-like receptor 8 agonists have recently gained attention for the recovery of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific T cell exhaustion in chronic hepatitis B(CHB). Chemokine receptors have a similar significant role during viral infections; however, their role in CHB remains poorly understood. Therefore, in this study we evaluated the role of chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) in deriving immunosuppression during CHB. METHODS We characterized CCR4+CD8+ T cells in CHB and identified their involvement in immunosuppression. Further, we examined if CCR4 blockade with mogamulizumab antibody can recover the functional exhaustion in HBsAg-specific T cells. RESULTS CHB patients exhibit higher frequency of CCR4+CD8+ T cells that increase with higher HBsAg levels and fibrosis scores. In vitro, HBs antigen triggers CCR4 expression. These cells express multiple inhibitory receptors and exhibit immunosuppressive functions by producing excessive immunoregulatory cytokines IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and TGF-β1. CCR4 Blockade significantly boosted HBsAg-specific antiviral-cytokine production(IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-21) in T cells through enhancing their proliferation capacity and polarizing these cells towards T helper 1(Th1) and T follicular helper cells(TFH) in case of CD4 cells, and cytotoxic T cell 1(TC1) and cytotoxic T follicular(TCF) cells in case of CD8. Cytotoxic potential was improved, while no induction of immunosuppressive-cytokines was seen after anti-CCR4 treatment thereby eliminating the risk of treatment-induced immunosuppression. CCR4 blockade inhibited the development and effector function of Tregs by controlling their expansion and TGF-β1 production preventing Tregs-induced immunotolearance. CONCLUSIONS CCR4 blockade reconstitutes antiviral immune response in T cells and limits the immunosuppressive functions of Tregs, representing them as a promising immunotherapeutic target for functional cure of CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshi Khanam
- Division of Clinical Care and Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Alip Ghosh
- Division of Clinical Care and Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joel V Chua
- Division of Clinical Care and Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shyam Kottilil
- Division of Clinical Care and Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Zhao W, Huang G, Ye J. LINC00707 inhibits myocardial fibrosis and immune disorder in rheumatic heart disease by regulating miR-145-5p/S1PR1. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev 2023:1-14. [PMID: 37083109 DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2023.2204598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
LINC00707 is a lncRNA that can regulate a variety of diseases. This study mainly investigated that the expression of LINC00707 in rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and LINC00707 regulates S1PR1 by targeting miR-145-5p to inhibit myocardial fibrosis and immune disorder in RHD. A rat model of RHD induced by inactivated group A β-hemolytic streptococcus (GSA) was established. Sixty female Lewis rats (8 weeks of age) were randomly divided into six groups, including control (Con), RHD, RHD+NC, RHD+LINC00707, RHD+miR-145-5p and RHD+LINC00707+miR-145-5p. The mRNA expression was detected by Quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Protein expression of S1PR1 was detected by western blot. The levels of myocardial damage markers (CK-MB, cTnl) and inflammatory immune markers (IL-6, IL-17 and IL-21) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The Collagen III/I(COLIII/I) ratio, mRNA expression of COLIIIα1 and FSP1 of rat heart valve tissue in the RHD group was observably higher by comparison with the CON group. The expression of LINC00707 was observably lower in the RHD group. LINC00707 inhibited myocardial fibrosis and immune disorder in RHD. MiR-145-5p was the target gene of LINC00707 via Targetscan prediction. Luciferase reporter experiment confirmed that miR-145-5p was directly regulated by LINC00707. The expression of miR-145-5p in the RHD group was observably higher by comparison with the CON group and LINC00707 observably decreased the expression of miR-145-5p. miR-145-5p mimic reversed the inhibiting effect of LINC00707 on myocardial fibrosis and immune disorder. Furthermore, S1PR1 was confirmed to be downstream gene of miR-145-5p and low expressed in the RHD model. LINC00707 could inhibit myocardial fibrosis and immune disorder in RHD by regulating miR-145-5p/S1PR1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zhao
- Department of Thoracic cardiovascular surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Guoxiong Huang
- Department of Thoracic cardiovascular surgery, The People's Hospital of Wuzhou, Wuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Jiemei Ye
- The Center for Clinical Research, Wuzhou Red Cross Hospital, Wuzhou, Guangxi, China
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Jiang T, Sun L, Zhu J, Li N, Gu H, Zhang Y, Li M, Xu J. MicroRNA-23a-3p promotes macrophage M1 polarization and aggravates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by regulating PLK1/STAT1/STAT3 signalling. Int J Exp Pathol 2022; 103:198-207. [PMID: 35739646 PMCID: PMC9482356 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophage polarization is an important effector process in acute lung injury (ALI) induced by sepsis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important players in regulating ALI process. Here, we showed that elevated microRNA-23a-3p (miR-23a-3p) promoted LPS-induced macrophage polarization and ALI in mice, while inhibition of miR-23a-3p led to reduced macrophage response and ameliorated ALI inflammation. Mechanically, miR-23a-3p regulated macrophage M1 polarization through targeting polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1). PLK1 was downregulated in LPS-treated macrophages and ALI mouse lung tissues. Knockdown of PLK1 increased macrophage M1 polarization through promoting STAT1/STAT3 activation, while overexpression of PLK1 reduced macrophage immune response. Collectively, our results reveal a key miRNA regulon that regulates macrophage polarization for LPS-induced immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Jiang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityYiwuChina
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityYiwuChina
| | - Jun Zhu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityYiwuChina
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityYiwuChina
| | - Haibo Gu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityYiwuChina
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityYiwuChina
| | - Miaomiao Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityYiwuChina
| | - Jiayao Xu
- Department of EmergencyTiantai Hospital of Hangzhou Medical CollegeTiantaiChina
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Interplays between non-coding RNAs and chemokines in digestive system cancers. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 152:113237. [PMID: 35716438 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113237] [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: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Within tumors, chemokines and their cognate receptors are expressed by infiltrated leukocytes, cancerous cells, and related cells of stroma, like tumor-associated fibroblasts and tumor-associated macrophages. In malignancies, the altered expression of chemokines/chemokine receptors governs leukocyte infiltration and activation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) contribute to multiple physiological and pathophysiological processes. Some miRNAs can exert anti-tumorigenic activity in digestive system malignancies by repressing the expression of tumor-promoting chemokines/chemokine receptors or by upregulating tumor-suppressing chemokines/chemokine receptors. However, many miRNAs exert pro-tumorigenic activity by suppressing the expression of chemokines/chemokine receptors or by upregulating tumor-promoting chemokines/chemokine receptors. LncRNA and circRNAs also exert pro- and anti-tumorigenic effects by targeting downstream miRNAs influencing the expression of tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressor chemokines/chemokine receptors. On the other side, some chemokines influence the expression of ncRNAs affecting tumor formation. The current review explains the communications between ncRNAs and chemokines/chemokine receptors in certain digestive system malignancies, such as gastric, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers and hepatocellular carcinoma to gain better insights into their basic crosstalk as well as possible therapeutic modalities.
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Zhao J, Wang Y, Su H, Su L. Non-coding RNAs as biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma-A systematic review. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2021; 45:101736. [PMID: 34146723 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2021.101736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common malignancy in the world and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death, and its incidence is increasing globally. Despite significant advances in treatment strategies for HCC, the prognosis is still poor due to its high recurrence rate. Therefore, there is an urgent need to understand the pathogenesis of HCC and further develop new therapies to improve the prognosis and quality of life of HCC patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are small non-coding RNAs involved in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression that is abnormally expressed in cancer-associated genomic regions or vulnerable sites. More and more findings have shown that miRNAs are important regulatory factors of mRNA expression in HCC, and they are receiving more and more attention as a possible key biomarker of HCC. This review mainly summarizes the potential applied value on miRNAs as diagnostic, drug resistant, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarkers in the diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis of HCC. Also, we summarize the research value of long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and miRNAs network in HCC as novel biomarkers, aiming at providing some references for the therapy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinying Zhao
- The Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine (Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine), China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Yanhua Wang
- Department of Morphology, Medical College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.
| | - Huahua Su
- The Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine (Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine), China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Lijia Su
- The Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine (Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine), China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
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10
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Wang N, Wang S, Wang X, Zheng Y, Yang B, Zhang J, Pan B, Gao J, Wang Z. Research trends in pharmacological modulation of tumor-associated macrophages. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e288. [PMID: 33463063 PMCID: PMC7805405 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As one of the most abundant immune cell populations in the tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play important roles in multiple solid malignancies, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer. TAMs could contribute to carcinogenesis, neoangiogenesis, immune-suppressive TME remodeling, cancer chemoresistance, recurrence, and metastasis. Therefore, reprogramming of the immune-suppressive TAMs by pharmacological approaches has attracted considerable research attention in recent years. In this review, the promising pharmaceutical targets, as well as the existing modulatory strategies of TAMs were summarized. The chemokine-chemokine receptor signaling, tyrosine kinase receptor signaling, metabolic signaling, and exosomal signaling have been highlighted in determining the biological functions of TAMs. Besides, both preclinical research and clinical trials have suggested the chemokine-chemokine receptor blockers, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, bisphosphonates, as well as the exosomal or nanoparticle-based targeting delivery systems as the promising pharmacological approaches for TAMs deletion or reprogramming. Lastly, the combined therapies of TAMs-targeting strategies with traditional treatments or immunotherapies as well as the exosome-like nanovesicles for cancer therapy are prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neng Wang
- The Research Center for Integrative MedicineSchool of Basic Medical SciencesGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- The Research Center of Integrative Cancer MedicineDiscipline of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineThe Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease ResearchGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Shengqi Wang
- The Research Center of Integrative Cancer MedicineDiscipline of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineThe Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease ResearchGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine SyndromeGuangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese MedicineGuangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical SciencesGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Xuan Wang
- The Research Center of Integrative Cancer MedicineDiscipline of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineThe Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease ResearchGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine SyndromeGuangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese MedicineGuangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical SciencesGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Yifeng Zheng
- The Research Center of Integrative Cancer MedicineDiscipline of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineThe Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease ResearchGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine SyndromeGuangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese MedicineGuangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical SciencesGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Bowen Yang
- The Research Center of Integrative Cancer MedicineDiscipline of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineThe Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease ResearchGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine SyndromeGuangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese MedicineGuangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical SciencesGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Juping Zhang
- The Research Center of Integrative Cancer MedicineDiscipline of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineThe Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease ResearchGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine SyndromeGuangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese MedicineGuangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical SciencesGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Bo Pan
- The Research Center of Integrative Cancer MedicineDiscipline of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineThe Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease ResearchGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine SyndromeGuangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese MedicineGuangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical SciencesGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Jianli Gao
- Academy of Traditional Chinese MedicineZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Zhiyu Wang
- The Research Center for Integrative MedicineSchool of Basic Medical SciencesGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- The Research Center of Integrative Cancer MedicineDiscipline of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineThe Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease ResearchGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine SyndromeGuangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese MedicineGuangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical SciencesGuangzhouGuangdongChina
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Li ZQ, Wang HY, Zeng QL, Yan JY, Hu YS, Li H, Yu ZJ. p65/miR-23a/CCL22 axis regulated regulatory T cells recruitment in hepatitis B virus positive hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Med 2019; 9:711-723. [PMID: 31769216 PMCID: PMC6970059 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CCL22 played critical roles in Tregs recruitment. The upstream regulators modulating CCL22 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were not clearly understood. METHODS MiR-23a, p-p65, p65, CCL22, and Foxp3 levels were monitored by RT-qPCR and western blotting. Immunofluorescence assay was used to perform the costaining of Foxp3 and CD4 on liver tissues. Transwell assay was applied to evaluate the migration ability of Tregs. Dual-luciferase assay was performed to determine relationship of miR-23a/CCL22 and p65/miR-23a. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) was applied to detect the direct binding of p65 to miR-23a promoter. Xenograft tumor models were developed to investigate the functions of p65 and miR-23a in vivo. RESULTS HBV infection was associated with reduced survival and increased Tregs recruitment in HCC patients. MiR-23a was decreased, whereas p65, CCL22, and Foxp3 were increased in HBV+ tumors. MiR-23a was inversely correlated with CCL22 and Foxp3 expression in HCC. MiR-23a directly targeted CCL22 3'UTR, leading to CCL22 reduction and attenuated Tregs recruitment. Meanwhile, p65 functioned as a transcription repressor of miR-23a by directly binding to its promoter. Inhibition of p65 induced miR-23 expression, leading to less CCL22 expression and Tregs recruitment in vitro. CCL22 was the indispensable effector underlying p65/miR-23a axis and Tregs recruitment. MiR-23a inhibitor promoted xenografted tumor growth accompanying with upregulation of CCL22, whereas p65 inhibition exerted opposite effects. CONCLUSION Blockage of p65 disinhibited miR-23a expression, leading to CCL22 reduction and repress Tregs recruitment. Targeting p65/miR-23a/CCL22 axis was a novel approach for HBV+ HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Qin Li
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Yan Wang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, P.R. China
| | - Qing-Lei Zeng
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, P.R. China
| | - Jing-Ya Yan
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Shu Hu
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, P.R. China
| | - Hua Li
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, P.R. China
| | - Zu-Jiang Yu
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, P.R. China
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