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Gootjes C, Zwaginga JJ, Roep BO, Nikolic T. Defining Human Regulatory T Cells beyond FOXP3: The Need to Combine Phenotype with Function. Cells 2024; 13:941. [PMID: 38891073 PMCID: PMC11172350 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110941] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential to maintain immune homeostasis by promoting self-tolerance. Reduced Treg numbers or functionality can lead to a loss of tolerance, increasing the risk of developing autoimmune diseases. An overwhelming variety of human Tregs has been described, based on either specific phenotype, tissue compartment, or pathological condition, yet the bulk of the literature only addresses CD25-positive and CD127-negative cells, coined by naturally occurring Tregs (nTregs), most of which express the transcription factor Forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3). While the discovery of FOXP3 was seminal to understanding the origin and biology of nTregs, there is evidence in humans that not all T cells expressing FOXP3 are regulatory, and that not all Tregs express FOXP3. Namely, the activation of human T cells induces the transient expression of FOXP3, irrespective of whether they are regulatory or inflammatory effectors, while some induced T cells that may be broadly defined as Tregs (e.g., Tr1 cells) typically lack demethylation and do not express FOXP3. Furthermore, it is unknown whether and how many nTregs exist without FOXP3 expression. Several other candidate regulatory molecules, such as GITR, Lag-3, GARP, GPA33, Helios, and Neuropilin, have been identified but subsequently discarded as Treg-specific markers. Multiparametric analyses have uncovered a plethora of Treg phenotypes, and neither single markers nor combinations thereof can define all and only Tregs. To date, only the functional capacity to inhibit immune responses defines a Treg and distinguishes Tregs from inflammatory T cells (Teffs) in humans. This review revisits current knowledge of the Treg universe with respect to their heterogeneity in phenotype and function. We propose that it is unavoidable to characterize human Tregs by their phenotype in combination with their function, since phenotype alone does not unambiguously define Tregs. There is an unmet need to align the expression of specific markers or combinations thereof with a particular suppressive function to coin functional Treg entities and categorize Treg diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Gootjes
- Laboratory of Immunomodulation and Regenerative Cell Therapy, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (J.J.Z.); (T.N.)
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Kim CG, Hong MH, Kim D, Lee BH, Kim H, Ock CY, Kelly G, Bang YJ, Kim G, Lee JE, Kim C, Kim SH, Hong HJ, Park YM, Sim NS, Park H, Park JW, Lee CG, Kim KH, Park G, Jung I, Han D, Kim JH, Cha J, Lee I, Kang M, Song H, Oum C, Kim S, Kim S, Lim Y, Kim-Schulze S, Merad M, Yoon SO, Kim HJ, Koh YW, Kim HR. A Phase II Open-Label Randomized Clinical Trial of Preoperative Durvalumab or Durvalumab plus Tremelimumab in Resectable Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:2097-2110. [PMID: 38457288 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-3249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Clinical implications of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in patients with locally advanced but resectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain largely unexplored. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with resectable HNSCC were randomized to receive a single dose of preoperative durvalumab (D) with or without tremelimumab (T) before resection, followed by postoperative (chemo)radiotherapy based on multidisciplinary discretion and 1-year D treatment. Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered spatial distribution analysis of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and high-dimensional profiling of circulating immune cells tracked dynamic intratumoral and systemic immune responses. RESULTS Of the 48 patients enrolled (D, 24 patients; D+T, 24 patients), 45 underwent surgical resection per protocol (D, 21 patients; D+T, 24 patients). D±T had a favorable safety profile and did not delay surgery. Distant recurrence-free survival (DRFS) was significantly better in patients treated with D+T than in those treated with D monotherapy. AI-powered whole-slide image analysis demonstrated that D+T significantly reshaped the tumor microenvironment toward immune-inflamed phenotypes, in contrast with the D monotherapy or cytotoxic chemotherapy. High-dimensional profiling of circulating immune cells revealed a significant expansion of T-cell subsets characterized by proliferation and activation in response to D+T therapy, which was rare following D monotherapy. Importantly, expansion of specific clusters in CD8+ T cells and non-regulatory CD4+ T cells with activation and exhaustion programs was associated with prolonged DRFS in patients treated with D+T. CONCLUSIONS Preoperative D±T is feasible and may benefit patients with resectable HNSCC. Distinct changes in the tumor microenvironment and circulating immune cells were induced by each treatment regimen, warranting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Gon Kim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Hee Hong
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dahee Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Brian Hyohyoung Lee
- Human Immune Monitoring Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
- Department of Biomedical Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunwook Kim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Geoffrey Kelly
- Human Immune Monitoring Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Yoon Ji Bang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gamin Kim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Eun Lee
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chaeyeon Kim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Heon Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jun Hong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Min Park
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam Suk Sim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Heejung Park
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Woo Park
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Geol Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Yonsei Cancer Center, Heavy Ion Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Hwan Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Yonsei Cancer Center, Heavy Ion Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Goeun Park
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Biomedical Systems Informatics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Inkyung Jung
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Biomedical Systems Informatics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dawoon Han
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Hoon Kim
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Junha Cha
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Insuk Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Heon Song
- Lunit Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | | - Seunghee Kim-Schulze
- Human Immune Monitoring Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
- Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Miriam Merad
- Human Immune Monitoring Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
- Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
- Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Sun Och Yoon
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Je Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Genome Medicine Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Woo Koh
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Ryun Kim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Moldenhauer LM, Foyle KL, Wilson JJ, Wong YY, Sharkey DJ, Green ES, Barry SC, Hull ML, Robertson SA. A disrupted FOXP3 transcriptional signature underpins systemic regulatory T cell insufficiency in early pregnancy failure. iScience 2024; 27:108994. [PMID: 38327801 PMCID: PMC10847744 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cell defects are implicated in disorders of embryo implantation and placental development, but the origins of Treg cell dysfunction are unknown. Here, we comprehensively analyzed the phenotypes and transcriptional profile of peripheral blood Treg cells in individuals with early pregnancy failure (EPF). Compared to fertile subjects, EPF subjects had 32% fewer total Treg cells and 54% fewer CD45RA+CCR7+ naive Treg cells among CD4+ T cells, an altered Treg cell phenotype with reduced transcription factor FOXP3 and suppressive marker CTLA4 expression, and lower Treg:Th1 and Treg:Th17 ratios. RNA sequencing demonstrated an aberrant gene expression profile, with upregulation of pro-inflammatory genes including CSF2, IL4, IL17A, IL21, and IFNG in EPF Treg cells. In silico analysis revealed 25% of the Treg cell dysregulated genes are targets of FOXP3. We conclude that EPF is associated with systemic Treg cell defects arising due to disrupted FOXP3 transcriptional control and loss of lineage fidelity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lachlan M. Moldenhauer
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Kerrie L. Foyle
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jasmine J. Wilson
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Ying Y. Wong
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - David J. Sharkey
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Ella S. Green
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Simon C. Barry
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - M. Louise Hull
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sarah A. Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Santosh Nirmala S, Kayani K, Gliwiński M, Hu Y, Iwaszkiewicz-Grześ D, Piotrowska-Mieczkowska M, Sakowska J, Tomaszewicz M, Marín Morales JM, Lakshmi K, Marek-Trzonkowska NM, Trzonkowski P, Oo YH, Fuchs A. Beyond FOXP3: a 20-year journey unravelling human regulatory T-cell heterogeneity. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1321228. [PMID: 38283365 PMCID: PMC10811018 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1321228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The initial idea of a distinct group of T-cells responsible for suppressing immune responses was first postulated half a century ago. However, it is only in the last three decades that we have identified what we now term regulatory T-cells (Tregs), and subsequently elucidated and crystallized our understanding of them. Human Tregs have emerged as essential to immune tolerance and the prevention of autoimmune diseases and are typically contemporaneously characterized by their CD3+CD4+CD25high CD127lowFOXP3+ phenotype. It is important to note that FOXP3+ Tregs exhibit substantial diversity in their origin, phenotypic characteristics, and function. Identifying reliable markers is crucial to the accurate identification, quantification, and assessment of Tregs in health and disease, as well as the enrichment and expansion of viable cells for adoptive cell therapy. In our comprehensive review, we address the contributions of various markers identified in the last two decades since the master transcriptional factor FOXP3 was identified in establishing and enriching purity, lineage stability, tissue homing and suppressive proficiency in CD4+ Tregs. Additionally, our review delves into recent breakthroughs in innovative Treg-based therapies, underscoring the significance of distinct markers in their therapeutic utilization. Understanding Treg subsets holds the key to effectively harnessing human Tregs for immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kayani Kayani
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Academic Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Renal Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Mateusz Gliwiński
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Yueyuan Hu
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | | | - Justyna Sakowska
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Martyna Tomaszewicz
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Kavitha Lakshmi
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Piotr Trzonkowski
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Ye Htun Oo
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Birmingham Advanced Cellular Therapy Facility, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Rare Diseases, European Reference Network - Rare Liver Centre, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Anke Fuchs
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Khalil AW, Iqbal Z, Adhikari A, Khan H, Nishan U, Iqbal A, Bangash JA, Tarar OM, Bilal A, Khan SA, Hoessli DC, Assiri MA, Wu Z, Afridi S. Spectroscopic characterization of eupalitin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside from Boerhavia procumbens: In vivo hepato-protective potential in rat model. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2024; 304:123369. [PMID: 37738764 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2023.123369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
The liver is one of the most important organs responsible for detoxifying biomolecules and xenobiotics. Herein, we report the isolation, characterization, and hepatoprotective effect of the Boerhavia procumbens-derived eupalitin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside (EGP) compound. The structure of the EGP compound was deduced by using NMR spectroscopic techniques and mass spectrometry. The EGP hepatoprotective activities were evaluated with HepG2 cell viability and LDH assays in vitro, and CCl4-induced toxicity was investigated in vivo in the rat model. Compared to the CCl4-treated group, cells exposed to the EGP compound at 200 µg/ml showed increased cell viability (60.52 ± 1.22 %) and decreased LDH levels (23.81 ± 1.89 U/ml). The serum levels of SGPT, SGOT, ALP, and total bilirubin in the CCl4-treated group were substantially higher than those in the control group (64 ± 1.89 U/ml, 86 ± 1.47 U/ml, 252.6 ± 2.96 U/ml, and 5.45 ± 0.32 mg/dl, respectively). When compared to animals treated with CCl4 alone, the EGP compound's in vivo hepatoprotective effect at 60 mg/kg with CCl4 significantly (p < 0.01) decreased the levels of SGPT and SGOT (26 ± 1.34 U/ml and 42.92 ± 1.6 U/ml) respectively. Furthermore, our histological study showed a significant response in restoring and maintaining the normal morphological appearance of the liver. Thus, our results show that the EGP compound is a promising and novel lead molecule for better hepatotoxicity control and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Wajid Khalil
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, University of Agriculture, Peshawar 25120, Pakistan; Pakistan Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (PCSIR) Laboratories Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Zafar Iqbal
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, University of Agriculture, Peshawar 25120, Pakistan
| | - Achyut Adhikari
- HEJ Research Institute, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - Hamayun Khan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, M. Islam College of Pharmacy, Gujranwala, Pakistan
| | - Umar Nishan
- Department of Chemistry, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat 26000, KPK, Pakistan
| | - Anwar Iqbal
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Lakki Marwat, Lakki Marwat, KPK, Pakistan
| | - Javed Abbas Bangash
- Pakistan Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (PCSIR) Laboratories Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Omer Mukhtar Tarar
- Pakistan Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (PCSIR) Laboratories Complex, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - Ahmad Bilal
- Pakistan Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (PCSIR) Laboratories Complex, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Shahid Ali Khan
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Science and Technology, (NUST), Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Daniel C Hoessli
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - Mohammed A Assiri
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zhiyuan Wu
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Science and Technology, (NUST), Islamabad 44000, Pakistan.
| | - Saifullah Afridi
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Joint Center for Infection and Immunity, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China; Department of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Sarhad University of Science & Information Technology (SUIT), Mardan Campus, Mardan 23200, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
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6
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Rutkowska-Zapała M, Grabowska A, Lenart M, Kluczewska A, Szaflarska A, Kobylarz K, Pituch-Noworolska A, Siedlar M. Transcriptome profiling of regulatory T cells from children with transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy. Clin Exp Immunol 2023; 214:275-288. [PMID: 37936298 PMCID: PMC10719223 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxad116] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy (THI) is one of the most common forms of hypogammaglobulinemia in the early childhood. THI is usually associated with chronic, recurrent bacterial and viral infections, life-threatening in some cases, yet its pathogenesis is still largely unknown. As our previous findings indicated the possible role of Treg cells in the pathomechanism of THI, the aim of the current study was to investigate gene expression profile of Treg cells isolated from THI patients. The transcriptome-wide gene profiling was performed using microarray technology on THI patients in two time-points: during (THI-1), and in resolution phase (THI-2) of hypogammaglobulinemia. As a result, a total of 1086 genes were differentially expressed in THI-1 patients, when compared to THI-2 as well as control group. Among them, 931 were up- and 155 downregulated, and part of them encodes genes important for Treg lymphocyte biology and function, i.e. transcription factors/cofactors that regulate FOXP3 expression. Thus, we postulate that Treg cells isolated from THI patients during hypogammaglobulinemia display enhanced suppressor transcriptome signature. Treg expression profile of THI children after normalization of Ig levels largely resembles the results obtained in healthy control group, suggesting THI Treg transcriptome seems to return to that observed in healthy children. Taken together, we suggest that THI pathomechanism is associated not only with transiently elevated Treg cell numbers, but also with their enhanced regulatory/inhibitory functions. These findings expand our knowledge of human Treg cells and may be useful for the future diagnosis or management of THI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Rutkowska-Zapała
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Paediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Wielicka, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Grabowska
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Paediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Wielicka, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marzena Lenart
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Paediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Wielicka, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Kluczewska
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Paediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Wielicka, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Szaflarska
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Paediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Wielicka, Krakow, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kobylarz
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Institute of Paediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Wielicka, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Pituch-Noworolska
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Paediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Wielicka, Krakow, Poland
| | - Maciej Siedlar
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Paediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Wielicka, Krakow, Poland
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7
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Feng S, Zhao J, Yang T, Li L. TMPRSS11D/ALR-mediated ER stress regulates the function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the cervical cancer microenvironment. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:110869. [PMID: 37666068 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110869] [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: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) contribute to tumor immune evasion, and have been identified as immunosuppressive cells in cervical cancer. The effect of TMPRSS11D (transmembrane serine protease 11D) in some cancers has been reported, but its role in immune escape of cervical cancer is still unclear. This study aims to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of TMPRSS11D on the immunosuppressive function of MDSCs in cervical cancer. Our data showed that the proportion of polymorphonucleoid MDSCs (PMN-MDSCs), the contents of immunosuppressive factors (including INOS, IDO, and ARG-1) secreted by MDSCs, and TMPRSS11D mRNA level in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of malignant cervical cancer patients was significantly higher than that of benign tumor patients. Next, CD3+ T cells from PBMCs of cervical cancer patients were stimulated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28, and then co-cultured with PMN-MDSCs from the same donors at a ratio of 1:2 for 3 days. PMN-MDSCs from malignant tumors produced more ROS, while TMPRSS11D knockdown blocked ROS production. PMN-MDSCs inhibited T cell proliferation and IFN-γ production, while silencing TMPRSS11D in PMN-MDSCs hindered the immunosuppressive effect of PMN-MDSCs. Mechanistically, TMPRSS11D bound to ALR (Augmenter of liver regeneration) and negatively regulated ALR expression, inducing ER stress in PMN-MDSCs, thereby enhancing the immunosuppressive effect of PMN-MDSCs on T cells. Additionally, mouse xenograft tumor assay was conducted to assess the role of TMPRSS11D in tumor growth and MDSC accumulation in vivo. Silencing TMPRSS11D impeded the growth of cervical cancer xenografts and reduced the accumulation of MDSCs in tumor tissues. In conclusion, TMPRSS11D induced ER stress in MDSCs through negative regulation of ALR, thus enhancing the immunosuppressive effect of MDSCs on T cells, so as to promote the growth of cervical cancer tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sifang Feng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Juan Zhao
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Long Li
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
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8
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Liu P, Kong L, Liu Y, Li G, Xie J, Lu X. A key driver to promote HCC: Cellular crosstalk in tumor microenvironment. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1135122. [PMID: 37007125 PMCID: PMC10050394 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1135122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the third greatest cause of cancer-related mortality, which of the major pathological type is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounting for more than 90%. HCC is characterized by high mortality and is predisposed to metastasis and relapse, leading to a low five-year survival rate and poor clinical prognosis. Numerous crosstalk among tumor parenchymal cells, anti-tumor cells, stroma cells, and immunosuppressive cells contributes to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), in which the function and frequency of anti-tumor cells are reduced with that of associated pro-tumor cells increasing, accordingly resulting in tumor malignant progression. Indeed, sorting out and understanding the signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms of cellular crosstalk in TME is crucial to discover more key targets and specific biomarkers, so that develop more efficient methods for early diagnosis and individualized treatment of liver cancer. This piece of writing offers insight into the recent advances in HCC-TME and reviews various mechanisms that promote HCC malignant progression from the perspective of mutual crosstalk among different types of cells in TME, aiming to assist in identifying the possible research directions and methods in the future for discovering new targets that could prevent HCC malignant progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyue Liu
- Clinical Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Lingyu Kong
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Clinical Skills Training Center, Tangshan Gongren Hospital, Tangshan, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tangshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Tangshan, China
| | - Jianjia Xie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tangshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Tangshan, China
| | - Xin Lu
- Clinical Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tangshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Tangshan, China
- *Correspondence: Xin Lu,
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9
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Suthen S, Lim CJ, Nguyen PHD, Dutertre CA, Lai HLH, Wasser M, Chua C, Lim TKH, Leow WQ, Loh TJ, Wan WK, Pang YH, Soon G, Cheow PC, Kam JH, Iyer S, Kow A, Tam WL, Shuen TWH, Toh HC, Dan YY, Bonney GK, Chan CY, Chung A, Goh BKP, Zhai W, Ginhoux F, Chow PKH, Albani S, Chew V. Hypoxia-driven immunosuppression by Treg and type-2 conventional dendritic cells in HCC. Hepatology 2022; 76:1329-1344. [PMID: 35184329 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hypoxia is one of the central players in shaping the immune context of the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, the complex interplay between immune cell infiltrates within the hypoxic TME of HCC remains to be elucidated. APPROACH AND RESULTS We analyzed the immune landscapes of hypoxia-low and hypoxia-high tumor regions using cytometry by time of light, immunohistochemistry, and transcriptomic analyses. The mechanisms of immunosuppression in immune subsets of interest were further explored using in vitro hypoxia assays. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and a number of immunosuppressive myeloid subsets, including M2 macrophages and human leukocyte antigen-DR isotype (HLA-DRlo ) type 2 conventional dendritic cell (cDC2), were found to be significantly enriched in hypoxia-high tumor regions. On the other hand, the abundance of active granzyme Bhi PD-1lo CD8+ T cells in hypoxia-low tumor regions implied a relatively active immune landscape compared with hypoxia-high regions. The up-regulation of cancer-associated genes in the tumor tissues and immunosuppressive genes in the tumor-infiltrating leukocytes supported a highly pro-tumorigenic network in hypoxic HCC. Chemokine genes such as CCL20 (C-C motif chemokine ligand 20) and CXCL5 (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 5) were associated with recruitment of both Tregs and HLA-DRlo cDC2 to hypoxia-high microenvironments. The interaction between Tregs and cDC2 under a hypoxic TME resulted in a loss of antigen-presenting HLA-DR on cDC2. CONCLUSIONS We uncovered the unique immunosuppressive landscapes and identified key immune subsets enriched in hypoxic HCC. In particular, we identified a potential Treg-mediated immunosuppression through interaction with a cDC2 subset in HCC that could be exploited for immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheena Suthen
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Center, Singapore
| | - Chun Jye Lim
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Center, Singapore
| | - Phuong H D Nguyen
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Center, Singapore
| | - Charles-Antoine Dutertre
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France.,Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1015, Equipe Labellisée-Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Villejuif, France
| | - Hannah L H Lai
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Martin Wasser
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Center, Singapore
| | - Camillus Chua
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Center, Singapore
| | - Tony K H Lim
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Department of Anatomical Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Wei Qiang Leow
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Department of Anatomical Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Tracy Jiezhen Loh
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Department of Anatomical Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Wei Keat Wan
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Department of Anatomical Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Yin Huei Pang
- Department of Pathology, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Gwyneth Soon
- Department of Pathology, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Peng Chung Cheow
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Division of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, Singapore General Hospital and National Cancer Center Singapore, Singapore
| | - Juinn Huar Kam
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Division of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, Singapore General Hospital and National Cancer Center Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shridhar Iyer
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Surgical Cluster, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Alfred Kow
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Surgical Cluster, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Wai Leong Tam
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore.,School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.,Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Timothy W H Shuen
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Singapore, Singapore
| | - Han Chong Toh
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yock Young Dan
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Glenn K Bonney
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Surgical Cluster, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Chung Yip Chan
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Division of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, Singapore General Hospital and National Cancer Center Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alexander Chung
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Division of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, Singapore General Hospital and National Cancer Center Singapore, Singapore
| | - Brian K P Goh
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Division of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, Singapore General Hospital and National Cancer Center Singapore, Singapore
| | - Weiwei Zhai
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France.,Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Florent Ginhoux
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France.,Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1015, Equipe Labellisée-Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Villejuif, France
| | - Pierce K H Chow
- Division of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, Singapore General Hospital and National Cancer Center Singapore, Singapore.,Academic Clinical Programme for Surgery, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore
| | - Salvatore Albani
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Center, Singapore
| | - Valerie Chew
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Center, Singapore
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10
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Wei M, Mo Y, Liu J, Zhai J, Li H, Xu Y, Peng Y, Tang Z, Wei T, Yang X, Huang L, Shao X, Li J, Zhou L, Zhong H, Wei C, Xie Q, Min M, Wu F. Ubiquitin ligase RNF125 targets PD-L1 for ubiquitination and degradation. Front Oncol 2022; 12:835603. [PMID: 35965501 PMCID: PMC9374197 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.835603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As a critical immune checkpoint molecule, PD-L1 is expressed at significantly higher levels in multiple neoplastic tissues compared to normal ones. PD-L1/PD-1 axis is a critical target for tumor immunotherapy, blocking the PD-L1/PD-1 axis is recognized and has achieved unprecedented success in clinical applications. However, the clinical efficacy of therapies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway remains limited, emphasizing the need for the mechanistic elucidation of PD-1/PD-L1 expression. In this study, we found that RNF125 interacted with PD-L1 and regulated PD-L1 protein expression. Mechanistically, RNF125 promoted K48-linked polyubiquitination of PD-L1 and mediated its degradation. Notably, MC-38 and H22 cell lines with RNF125 knockout, transplanted in C57BL/6 mice, exhibited a higher PD-L1 level and faster tumor growth than their parental cell lines. In contrast, overexpression of RNF125 in MC-38 and H22 cells had the opposite effect, resulting in lower PD-L1 levels and delayed tumor growth compared with parental cell lines. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis of MC-38 tumors with RNF125 overexpression showed significantly increased infiltration of CD4+, CD8+ T cells and macrophages. Consistent with these findings, analyses using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) public database revealed a positive correlation of RNF125 expression with CD4+, CD8+ T cell and macrophage tumor infiltration. Moreover, RNF125 expression was significantly downregulated in several human cancer tissues, and was negatively correlated with the clinical stage of these tumors, and patients with higher RNF125 expression had better clinical outcomes. Our findings identify a novel mechanism for regulating PD-L1 expression and may provide a new strategy to increase the efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention and Treatment (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, China
| | - Yunhai Mo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention and Treatment (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, China
| | - Jialong Liu
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Jingtong Zhai
- Department of Medical Oncology and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/ Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Huilong Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention and Treatment (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, China
| | - Yixin Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention and Treatment (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, China
| | - Yumeng Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention and Treatment (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, China
| | - Zhihong Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention and Treatment (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, China
| | - Tao Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention and Treatment (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaopan Yang
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Linfei Huang
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Shao
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jingfei Li
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Zhong
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Congwen Wei
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Qiaosheng Xie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Qiaosheng Xie, ; Min Min, ; Feixiang Wu,
| | - Min Min
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Qiaosheng Xie, ; Min Min, ; Feixiang Wu,
| | - Feixiang Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention and Treatment (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, China
- *Correspondence: Qiaosheng Xie, ; Min Min, ; Feixiang Wu,
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11
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Wang YM, Qiu JJ, Qu XY, Peng J, Lu C, Zhang M, Zhang MX, Qi XL, Lv B, Guo JJ, Guo CY, Li GL, Hua KQ. Accumulation of dysfunctional tumor-infiltrating PD-1+ DCs links PD-1/PD-L1 blockade immunotherapeutic response in cervical cancer. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2034257. [PMID: 35154907 PMCID: PMC8837238 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2034257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Various predictive biomarkers are needed to select candidates for optimal and individualized treatments. Tumor‐infiltrating immune cells have gained increasing interest in cancer research for the prediction of therapeutic response and survival. However, the role of dendritic cells (DCs) in PD-1 blockade immunotherapy remains unclear. In this study, we identified a population of PD-1+ DCs in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of cervical cancer (CC). The accumulation of PD-1+ DCs in cervical tumors was correlated with advanced stages, elevated preoperative squamous cell carcinoma antigen levels and lymph-vascular space invasion. PD-1 expression was induced on activated tumor-associated DCs (TADCs) in vitro compared with their resting counterparts. This PD-1+ DC population was characterized by reduced secretion of cytokines (IL-12, TNF-α, and IL-1β) and dysfunctional induction of T cell proliferation and cytotoxic reaction. PD-1 blockade significantly reinvigorated PD-1+ DCs to release IL-12, TNF-α, and IL-1β compared with PD-1- DCs. TILs from samples with higher PD-1+ DC infiltration could be induced to achieve a greater killing effect of PD-1 blockade treatment. Our findings suggested a role for PD-1+ DCs in immune surveillance dysfunction and CC progression. PD-1+ DC density in the TME may serve as a diagnostic factor for predicting the optimal beneficiaries of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy in CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-meng Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun-jun Qiu
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin-yu Qu
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Integration of Western and Traditional Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chong Lu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Integration of Western and Traditional Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Integration of Western and Traditional Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming-Xing Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Integration of Western and Traditional Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing-ling Qi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Integration of Western and Traditional Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Lv
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Jing Guo
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen-yan Guo
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gui-ling Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Integration of Western and Traditional Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke-qin Hua
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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12
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Role of FoxP3-positive regulatory T-cells in regressive and progressive cervical dysplasia. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2021; 148:377-386. [PMID: 34739585 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-021-03838-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Forkhead Box Protein 3 (FoxP3) is known as a key mediator in the immunosuppressive function of regulatory T-cells (Tregs). The aim of our study was to investigate whether FoxP3-positive Tregs have the potential to act as an independent predictor in progression as well as in regression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, especially in patients with intermediate cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN II). METHODS Nuclear FoxP3 expression was immunohistochemically analysed in 169 patient samples (CIN I, CIN II with regressive course, CIN II with progressive course, CIN III). The median numbers were calculated for each slide and correlated with the histological CIN grade. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 26 (Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman's rank correlation). RESULTS An increased FoxP3 expression in CIN II with progression could be detected in comparison to CIN II with regression (p = 0.003). Total FoxP3 expression (epithelium and dysplasia-connected stroma) was higher in more advanced CIN grades (p < 0.001 for CIN I vs. CIN II; p = 0.227 for CIN II vs. CIN III). A positive correlation could be detected between FoxP3-positive cells in epithelium and total FoxP3 expression (Spearman's Rho: 0,565; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Expression of FoxP3 could be a helpful predictive factor to assess the risks of CIN II progression. As a prognosticator for regression and progression in cervical intraepithelial lesions it might thereby help in the decision process regarding surgical treatment vs. watchful waiting strategy to prevent conisation-associated risks for patients in child-bearing age. In addition, the findings support the potential of Tregs as a target for immune therapy in cervical cancer patients.
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13
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Chen W, Ye S, Wu Y, Pei X, Xiang L, Ping B, Shan B, Yang H. Changes in peripheral lymphocyte populations in patients with advanced/recurrent ovarian cancer undergoing splenectomy during cytoreductive surgery. J Ovarian Res 2021; 14:113. [PMID: 34461965 PMCID: PMC8404261 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-021-00860-7] [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: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate changes in peripheral lymphocyte subsets after splenectomy during cytoreductive surgery for advanced or recurrent ovarian cancers. METHODS We enrolled 83 patients with advanced or recurrent ovarian cancer who underwent cytoreductive surgery. Twenty patients who also underwent splenectomy were assigned to the splenectomy cohort and the rest were assigned to the non-splenectomy cohort. Flow cytometry was used to measure peripheral lymphocyte subsets consisting of T cells, regulatory T cells, natural killer cells, B cells, and activation antigens before and after surgery. RESULTS There was no difference in the number and distribution of peripheral lymphocyte subsets between the two cohorts before surgery. After surgery, we observed elevated levels of T cells (CD3+, CD3+CD8+) in the splenectomy cohort compared to those in the non-splenectomy cohort, and the difference was statistically significant. CD8+CD28+ T cells had a significant decreasing tendency (P = 0.011) while CD3+/HLA-DR+ T cells showed the opposite trend (P = 0.001) in the splenectomy cohort. The proportion of Tregs (P = 0.005) and B cells (P < 0.001) including CD3-/HLA-DR+ B cells (P = 0.007) increased after surgery, and the absolute number of T cells and NK cells decreased to different extents (P < 0.001) in the non-splenectomy cohort. The post-operative percentage of CD8+CD28+ T cells was less than the pre-operative percentage (P = 0.022), which was similar to the splenectomy cohort. There was no significant difference in progression-free survival or overall survival between the groups after a median follow-up time of 41 months. CONCLUSIONS The changes in peripheral lymphocyte populations were different between patients with and those without splenectomy during cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancers. T cells were increased and activated in the splenectomy cohort, whereas, B cells were increased and activated in the non-splenectomy cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, The Central Hospital of Minhang District, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuang Ye
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yutuan Wu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xuan Pei
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Libing Xiang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Bo Ping
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Boer Shan
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Huijuan Yang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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14
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Small organic molecules accelerate the expansion of regulatory T cells. Bioorg Chem 2021; 111:104908. [PMID: 33895604 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The regulatory T cells (Treg cells) expressing CD4 + CD25 + FOXP3 + markers are indispensable for the initiation of immune homeostasis and tolerance to self-antigens in both mice and humans. A decrease in regulatory T cells leads to various autoimmune pathologies. Herein, we report three low molecular weight, small organic molecules as a new series of Treg proliferators TRP-1-3. These small molecules were tested for their proliferative effect on regulatory T cells. It was found that TRP-1 (Oleracein E) strongly accelerates the Treg proliferation in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner. The effect was evident for all subsets of Treg cells tested, including naturally occurring, thymus-derived and peripherally-induced or adaptive Treg, indicating an effect independent of the maturation site. Importantly, increased Treg cells numbers by TRP-1 correlated with improved CD4 + CD25 + FOXP3 + expression in vitro, while propidium iodide-based staining showed low TRP-1-induced cytotoxicity. Molecular docking plus simulation studies of these TRP-1-3 with IL-2R, mTOR and TCR receptors suggest a TCR-based Treg cells activation mechanism. Because of its high Treg cells activities and low cellular cytotoxicity, TRP-1-3 may be useful in stimulating ex-vivo/in-vivo, Treg cell-specific responses for therapeutic applications.
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15
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McEachern E, Carroll AM, Fribourg M, Schiano TD, Hartzell S, Bin S, Cravedi P, Levitsky J. Erythropoietin administration expands regulatory T cells in patients with autoimmune hepatitis. J Autoimmun 2021; 119:102629. [PMID: 33721837 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2021.102629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic liver disease associated with impaired regulatory T cell (Treg) number and function. Erythropoietin (EPO) is a kidney-produced erythropoietic hormone that has known immune-modulating effects, including Treg induction. Whether EPO administration increases Treg in patients with AIH is unknown. METHODS We treated six stable AIH patients with a single 1000 IU dose of EPO and comprehensively characterized changes in Treg overall and in Treg subsets before and at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment using mass cytometry (CyTOF) combined with an unbiased clustering approach (Phenograph) based on 22 Treg-relevant cell-surface markers. RESULTS EPO was well-tolerated and no patients showed significant changes in hematological parameters, liver enzymes, or IgG levels from baseline to 12 weeks following EPO administration. Total Treg and Treg/CD8+ T cell ratios significantly increased at 4 weeks and returned to baseline levels at 12 weeks after EPO injection. We identified 17 Treg subsets of which CD4+CD25HICD127NEG HLADR+ Treg had the highest increase and the most favorable Treg/CD8+ ratio upon EPO treatment. At 12 weeks after EPO administration, the HLADR+ Treg subset also returned to values comparable to those at baseline. Ex vivo assays documented that Treg were functional and the ones isolated at 12 weeks after EPO injection were significantly more suppressive than the ones isolated at baseline. In Treg-depleted assays, EPO did not show a significant effect on IFN-γ+, IL-2+, and IL-17+ CD4+ T cells. CONCLUSION In stable AIH patients, EPO increases overall Treg and particularly those expressing the high function marker HLA-DR. These results provide the rationale for future studies testing the hypothesis that EPO or EPO analogues improve outcomes of AIH patients by increasing Treg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa McEachern
- Department of Internal Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Miguel Fribourg
- Department of Medicine, Translational Transplant Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas D Schiano
- Division of Liver Diseases and Recanati-Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Susan Hartzell
- Department of Medicine, Translational Transplant Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sofia Bin
- Department of Medicine, Translational Transplant Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paolo Cravedi
- Department of Medicine, Translational Transplant Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Josh Levitsky
- Department of Internal Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology and Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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16
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Lu Z, Zhu M, Marley JL, Bi K, Wang K, Zhai M, Hu H, Guo P, Li C, Xu Y, Chen Y, Zhou P, Wei Z, Jiang H, Cao Y. The combined action of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells and mucosal-associated invariant T cells promotes the progression of cervical cancer. Int J Cancer 2020; 148:1499-1507. [PMID: 33245569 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
One of the most common promoters of the initiation and growth of the tumor is an immune disturbance. Numerous immune cells and inflammatory factors play a role in the tumor-immune microenvironment. However, few studies have investigated the correlation between these immunological events and clinical consequences in cervical cancer. We measured the levels of numerous inflammatory mediators and frequencies of regulatory T cells (Tregs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells in peripheral blood (PB) of cervical cancer patients. Cervical cancer patients showed elevated production of interleukin (IL)-18 and plasma C-C chemokine ligand (CCL) 3/5. Meanwhile, an accumulation of C-C chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) monocytic (Mo)-MDSCs and Tregs was observed. The cervical cancer group displayed increased frequencies of CD8+ , CD4+ and highly activated CD38+ CD8+ MAIT cells, and reduction of double-negative (DN) and PD1(CD279+ ) DN MAIT cells. Importantly, it was demonstrated that MAIT cells were positively related to Mo-MDSCs. Furthermore, an elevated concentration of PD1(CD279+ ) DN MAIT cells was significantly related to increased progression-free survival of patients with cervical cancer. In conclusion, our study suggests that the combined action of Mo-MDSCs and MAIT cells might be associated with the progression of cervical cancer, and the frequency of DN MAIT cells in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells was associated with the survival benefit of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Lu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Mengting Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jordan Lee Marley
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Kaihuan Bi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Kangxia Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Muxin Zhai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hui Hu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Peipei Guo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Caihua Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuping Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ya Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huanhuan Jiang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
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17
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Guo L, Hua K. Cervical Cancer: Emerging Immune Landscape and Treatment. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:8037-8047. [PMID: 32884290 PMCID: PMC7434518 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s264312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune cells are essential for defending the body’s balance and have increasingly been implicated in controlling tumor growth. In cervical cancer (CC), the immune landscape is extensively connected with human papillomavirus (HPV) status. Recent insights from studies have revealed that as a result of infection with HPV, immune cell populations such as lymphocytes or monocytes change during carcinogenesis. Immune therapy, in particular checkpoint inhibitors, those targeting PD-1 or PD-L1, has shown promising efficacy. This article reviews the immune landscape and immunotherapy of CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luopei Guo
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Keqin Hua
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
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18
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Wu Y, Ye S, Goswami S, Pei X, Xiang L, Zhang X, Yang H. Clinical significance of peripheral blood and tumor tissue lymphocyte subsets in cervical cancer patients. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:173. [PMID: 32131750 PMCID: PMC7057584 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-6633-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Alterations in peripheral blood lymphocytes in cervical cancer have been reported, although conflicting views exist. The present study investigated the distributions of lymphocyte subsets in tumor tissue and peripheral blood samples from cervical cancer patients and precancerous lesion patients, and evaluated the correlations of lymphocyte subsets with clinicopathological and prognostic variables. Methods A total of 44 patients with stage IB1-IIA2 cervical cancer and 13 precancerous lesion patients were included. Lymphocytes were collected from the tumor tissue and the peripheral blood, and isolated by Lymphoprep density gradient centrifugation. The percentages of lymphocyte subsets were quantified by flow cytometry analysis, and the differences between lymphocyte subsets in the tumor tissue and peripheral blood were compared by SPSS. In addition, the relationships between lymphocyte subsets and clinicopathological and prognostic variables were analyzed. Results Our results revealed that the amount of total T lymphocytes, CD8+ T cells, granulocytes, pDCs, CD16+ monocytes and CD56high NK cells were significantly higher in the tumor tissue than in the peripheral blood in the cervical cancer patients, while those of CD4+ T cells, CD4+/CD8+ cell ratio, rdT cells, BDCA1+ mDCs, total monocytes, CD14+ monocytes, NK cells and CD56low NK cells exhibited the opposite trend (p < 0.05). The levels of total pDCs and BDCA1+ mDCs in the peripheral blood were significantly lower in the cervical cancer patients than in the precancerous lesion patients, while the proportion of CD16+ monocytes was elevated (p < 0.05). In addition, some lymphocyte subsets, especially CD4+ cells and CD8+ cells, and the CD4+/CD8+ cell ratio were closely associated with clinicopathological and prognostic parameters. Conclusions These results suggested that distinct alterations in infiltrating lymphocyte subsets occurred in the tumor and were associated with clinicopathological and prognostic parameters. Systemic impairment of the immune system may occur in the antitumor response of cervical cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutuan Wu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shuang Ye
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shyamal Goswami
- Unit of Innate Defense and Immune Modulation, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuan Pei
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Libing Xiang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaoming Zhang
- Unit of Innate Defense and Immune Modulation, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Huijuan Yang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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