IL-1β from M2 macrophages promotes migration and invasion of ESCC cells enhancing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and activating NF-κB signaling pathway

Citrullinated Histone H3, a Marker for Neutrophil Extracellular Traps, Is Associated with Poor Prognosis in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Developing in Patients with Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a rare severe hereditary skin disease characterized by skin and mucosa fragility, resulting in blister formation. The most severe complication in RDEB patients is the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), leading to premature death. There is a great deal of evidence suggesting a permissive tumor microenvironment (TME) as a driver of SCC development in RDEB patients. In a cohort of RDEB patients, we characterized the immune profiles of RDEB-SCCs and compared them with clinical, histopathological, and prognostic features. RDEB-SCCs were subdivided into four groups based on their occurrence (first onset or recurrences) and grading according to clinical, histopathological parameters of aggressiveness. Thirty-eight SCCs from 20 RDEB patients were analyzed. Five RDEB patients experienced an unfavorable course after the diagnosis of the first SCC, with early recurrence or metastasis, whereas 15 patients developed multiple SCCs without metastasis. High-risk primary RDEB-SCCs showed a higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in the tumor microenvironment and an increased proportion of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Additionally, citrullinated histone H3, a marker of NETs, was increased in the serum of RDEB patients with high-risk primary SCC, suggesting that this modified form of histone H3 may serve as a potential blood marker of unfavorable prognosis in RDEB-SCCs.

Therapeutic implications of signaling pathways and tumor microenvironment interactions in esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer (EC) is significantly influenced by the tumor microenvironment (TME) and altered signaling pathways. Downregulating these pathways in EC is essential for suppressing tumor development, preventing metastasis, and enhancing therapeutic outcomes. This approach can increase tumor sensitivity to treatments, enhance patient outcomes, and inhibit cancer cell proliferation and spread. The TME, comprising cellular and non-cellular elements surrounding the tumor, significantly influences EC's development, course, and treatment responsiveness. Understanding the complex relationships within the TME is crucial for developing successful EC treatments. Immunotherapy is a vital TME treatment for EC. However, the heterogeneity within the TME limits the application of anticancer drugs outside clinical settings. Therefore, identifying reliable microenvironmental biomarkers that can detect therapeutic responses before initiating therapy is crucial. Combining approaches focusing on EC signaling pathways with TME can enhance treatment outcomes. This integrated strategy aims to interfere with essential signaling pathways promoting cancer spread while disrupting factors encouraging tumor development. Unraveling aberrant signaling pathways and TME components can lead to more focused and efficient treatment approaches, identifying specific cellular targets for treatments. Targeting the TME and signaling pathways may reduce metastasis risk by interfering with mechanisms facilitating cancer cell invasion and dissemination. In conclusion, this integrative strategy has significant potential for improving patient outcomes and advancing EC research and therapy. This review discusses the altered signaling pathways and TME in EC, focusing on potential future therapeutics.

Exosome-Delivered EGFR Induced by Acidic Bile Salts Regulates Macrophage M2 Polarization to Promote Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Cell Proliferation

Purpose

Chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes the abnormal reflux of acid and bile salts, which would induce Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). EGFR, as one of main components of the exosome, plays an important role in cancer progression. Here, we investigated the role of acidic bile salts (ABS)-induced exosomal EGFR in EAC cell proliferation.

Methods

Electronic microscopic examination and Western blot were used to identify exosomes. Western blot, siRNA transfection, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, qRT-PCR, cell viability detection, mouse xenograft tumor models, and immunohistochemical staining were performed to study the function of ABS-induced exosomal EGFR in cell proliferation.

Results

We found that ABS improved the exosomal EGFR level of normal human esophageal epithelial cells, BE cells, and BE-associated adenocarcinoma cells. The results were confirmed in the serum-derived exosomes from healthy persons and patients suffering from GERD, BE with or without GERD, and EAC with or without GERD. Moreover, cell line-derived exosomal EGFR was found to promote macrophage M2 polarization through the PI3K-AKT pathway. The co-incubation medium of macrophages and exosomes improved cell proliferation and tumor growth, which depended on the exosomal EGFR level. CCL18 was identified as the most effective component of the co-incubation medium to promote EAC cell proliferation by binding to its receptor PITPNM3 in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that ABS-induced exosomal EGFR regulates macrophage M2 polarization to promote EAC proliferation. This study provides an important insight into the role of ABS in EAC development.

Macelignan prevents colorectal cancer metastasis by inhibiting M2 macrophage polarization

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis is a complicated process that not only involves tumor cells but also the effects of M2 type tumor-associated macrophages, a key component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), act a crucial role in cancer metastasis. Macelignan, an orally active lignan isolated from Myristica fragrans, possesses various beneficial biological activities, including anti-cancer effects, but its effect on macrophage polarization in the TME remains unknown.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the inhibitory potency and prospective mechanism of macelignan on M2 polarization of macrophages and CRC metastasis.

METHODS

The polarization and specific mechanism of M1 and M2 macrophage regulated by macelignan were determined by western blot, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and network pharmacology. In vitro and in vivo function assays were performed to investigate the roles of macelignan in CRC metastasis.

RESULTS

Macelignan efficiently inhibited IL-4/13-induced polarization of M2 macrophages by suppressing the PI3K/AKT pathway in a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent manner. The proportion of CD206+ M2 macrophages was elevated in patients with CRC liver metastasis. Furthermore, macelignan inhibited M2 macrophage-mediated metastasis of CRC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, macelignan reduced secretion of IL-1β from M2 macrophages, which in turn blocked NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation and inhibited metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Macelignan suppressed macrophage M2 polarization via ROS-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thus preventing IL-1β/NF-κB-dependent CRC metastasis. In the present study, we reveal a previously unrecognized mechanism of macelignan in the prevention of CRC metastasis and demonstrate its effectively and safely therapeutic potential in CRC treatment.

Atovaquone inhibits colorectal cancer metastasis by regulating PDGFRβ/NF-κB signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer is a common malignant tumour. Invasive growth and distant metastasis are the main characteristics of its malignant biological behaviour, and they are also the primary factors leading to death in colon cancer patients. Atovaquone is an antimalarial drug, and its anticancer effect has recently been demonstrated in several cancer models in vitro and in vivo, but it has not been examined in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

METHODS

To elucidate the effect of atovaquone on colorectal cancer. We used RNA transcriptome sequencing, RT‒PCR and Western blot experiments to examine the expression of NF-κB (p-P65), EMT-related proteins and related inflammatory factors (IL1B, IL6, CCL20, CCL2, CXCL8, CXCL6, IL6ST, FAS, IL10 and IL1A). The effect of atovaquone on colorectal cancer metastasis was validated using an animal model of lung metastases. We further used transcriptome sequencing, the GCBI bioinformatics database and the STRING database to predict relevant target proteins. Furthermore, pathological sections were collected from relevant cases for immunohistochemical verification.

RESULTS

This study showed that atovaquone could inhibit colorectal cancer metastasis and invasion in vivo and in vitro, inhibit the expression of E-cadherin protein, and promote the protein expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, ZEB1, Snail and Slug. Atovaquone could inhibit EMT by inhibiting NF-κB (p-P65) and related inflammatory factors. Further bioinformatics analysis and verification showed that PDGFRβ was one of the targets of atovaquone.

CONCLUSION

In summary, atovaquone can inhibit the expression of NF-κB (p-P65) and related inflammatory factors by inhibiting the protein expression of p-PDGFRβ, thereby inhibiting colorectal cancer metastasis. Atovaquone may be a promising drug for the treatment of colorectal cancer metastasis.

Tumor associated macrophages in esophageal squamous carcinoma: Promising therapeutic implications

Esophageal squamous carcinoma (ESCC) is a prevalent and highly lethal malignant tumor, with a five-year survival rate of approximately 20 %. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most prominent immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), comprising over 50 % of the tumor volume. TAMs can be polarized into two distinct phenotypes, M1-type and M2-type, through interactions with cancer cells. M2-type TAMs are more abundant than M1-type TAMs in the TME, contributing to tumor progression, such as tumor cell survival and the construction of an immunosuppressive environment. This review focuses on the role of TAMs in ESCC, including their polarization, impact on tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, migration, therapy resistance, and immunosuppression. In addition, we discuss the potential of targeting TAMs for clinical therapy in ESCC. A thorough comprehension of the molecular biology about TAMs is essential for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies to treat ESCC.

Impact of NLRP3 gene polymorphisms (rs10754558 and rs10733113) on HPV infection and cervical cancer in southern Chinese population

OBJECTIVE

Mutations in the NLRP3gene have previously been linked to certain forms of cancer, but there have not been any specific studies examining the association between NLRP3 polymorphisms and cervical cancer (CC). This study was therefore designed to investigate the effect of NLRP3 gene polymorphisms on HPV infection and cervical cancer in southern Chinese population.

METHODS

Multiplex PCR and next-generation sequencing approaches were used to assess the NLRP3 rs10754558 and rs10733113 polymorphisms in 404 cervical lesion patients, including 227 diagnosed with CC and 177 diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia(CIN), with 419 healthy female controls being included for comparison. Correlations between the rs10754558 and rs10733113 genotypes and alleles in these patients and CC and CIN were then analyzed.

RESULTS

No correlations were found between NLRP3 rs10754558 and rs10733113 and human papillomavirus(HPV) infection status. Relative to the healthy control group, the NLRP3 rs10754558 GG genotype, CG + GG genotype, and G allele frequencies were significantly increased among patients with cervical lesions (CC and CIN) (OR = 1.815,P = 0.013;OR = 1.383, P = 0.026; OR = 1.284, P = 0.014,respectively), whereas no such differences were observed for rs10733113. A higher cervical lesion risk was detected for patients over the age of 45 exhibiting the rs10754558 GG genotype (OR = 1.848, P = 0.040). Additionally, the risk of CC was elevated in patients with the rs10754558 GG genotype or the G allele relative to patients with the CC genotype or the C allele(OR = 1.830, P = 0.029; OR = 1.281, P = 0.039). The rs10733113 genotypes or alleles were not significantly associated with CC risk (P > 0.05). No association between rs10754558 and rs10733113 genotypes and CC patient clinicopathological features were observed (P > 0.05). Serum NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-18 levels were significantly elevated in CC patients relative to healthy controls(P < 0.05). Relative to the CC genotype, CC patients harboring the rs10754558 GG genotype exhibited significantly elevated IL-1β and IL-18 levels(P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The rs10754558 polymorphism in the NLRP3 gene may contribute to an elevated risk of CC, although it is not significantly correlated with HPV infection and CC progression.

IL-1β transgenic mouse model of inflammation driven esophageal and oral squamous cell carcinoma

Chronic inflammation is integral to the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), although the latter has not been associated with reflux esophagitis. The L2-IL-1β transgenic mice, expressing human interleukin (IL)-1β in the oral, esophageal and forestomach squamous epithelia feature chronic inflammation and a stepwise development of Barrett's esophagus-like metaplasia, dysplasia and adenocarcinoma at the squamo-columnar junction. However, the functional consequences of IL-1β-mediated chronic inflammation in the oral and esophageal squamous epithelia remain elusive. We report for the first time that in addition to the previously described Barrett's esophagus-like metaplasia, the L2-IL-1β mice also develop squamous epithelial dysplasia with progression to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the esophagus and the tongue. L2-IL-1β showed age-dependent progression of squamous dysplasia to SCC with approximately 40% (n = 49) and 23.5% (n = 17) incidence rates for esophageal and tongue invasive SCC respectively, by 12-15 months of age. Interestingly, SCC development and progression in L2-IL-1β was similar in both Germ Free (GF) and Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) conditions. Immunohistochemistry revealed a T cell predominant inflammatory profile with enhanced expression of Ki67, Sox2 and the DNA double-strand break marker, γ-H2AX, in the dysplastic squamous epithelia of L2-IL-1β mice. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, immunomodulatory players, chemoattractants for inflammatory cells (T cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, and macrophages) and oxidative damage marker, iNOS, were significantly increased in the esophageal and tongue tissues of L2-IL-1β mice. Our recent findings have expanded the translational utility of the IL-1β mouse model to aid in further characterization of the key pathways of inflammation driven BE and EAC as well as ESCC and Oral SCC.

Identification of the relationship between single-cell N6-methyladenosine regulators and the infiltrating immune cells in esophageal carcinoma

Background

N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) RNA methylation plays a crucial role in important genomic processes in a variety of malignancies. However, the characterization of m⁶A with infiltrating immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) in esophageal squamous carcinoma (ESCC) remains unknown.

Methods

The single-cell transcriptome data from five ESCC patients in our hospital were analyzed, and TME clusters associated with prognosis and immune checkpoint genes were investigated. Cell isolation and qPCR were conducted to validate the gene characterization in different cells.

Results

According to distinct biological processes and marker genes, macrophages, T cells, and B cells clustered into three to four different subgroups. In addition, we demonstrated that m⁶A RNA methylation regulators were strongly related to the clinical and biological features of ESCC. Analysis of transcriptome data revealed that m⁶A-mediated TME cell subsets had high predictive value and showed a close relationship with immune checkpoint genes. The validation results from qPCR demonstrated the characteristics of essential genes. CellChat analysis revealed that RNA from TME cells m⁶A methylation-associated cell subtypes had substantial and diversified interactions with cancer cells. Further investigation revealed that MIF- (CD74+CXCR4) and MIF- (CD74⁺CD44) ligand-receptor pairings facilitated communication between m⁶A-associated subtypes of TME cells and cancer cells.

Conclusion

Overall, our study demonstrated for the first time the function of m⁶A methylation-mediated intercellular communication in the microenvironment of tumors in controlling tumor development and anti-tumor immune regulation in ESCC.

Targeting reactive oxygen species and fat acid oxidation for the modulation of tumor-associated macrophages: a narrative review

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are significant immunocytes infiltrating the tumor microenvironment(TME). Recent research has shown that TAMs exhibit diversity in terms of their phenotype, function, time, and spatial distribution, which allows for further classification of TAM subtypes. The metabolic efficiency of fatty acid oxidation (FAO) varies among TAM subtypes. FAO is closely linked to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which play a role in processes such as oxidative stress. Current evidence demonstrates that FAO and ROS can influence TAMs' recruitment, polarization, and phagocytosis ability either individually or in combination, thereby impacting tumor progression. But the specific mechanisms associated with these relationships still require further investigation. We will review the current status of research on the relationship between TAMs and tumor development from three aspects: ROS and TAMs, FAO and TAMs, and the interconnectedness of FAO, ROS, and TAMs.

Establishment and Characterization of Free-Floating 3D Macrophage Programming Model in the Presence of Cancer Cell Spheroids

Reprogramming of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy. Several studies have shown that cancer cells induce/support the formation of immunosuppressive TAMs phenotypes. However, the specific factors that orchestrate this immunosuppressive process are unknown or poorly studied. In vivo studies are expensive, complex, and ethically constrained. Therefore, 3D cell interaction models could become a unique framework for the identification of important TAMs programming factors. In this study, we have established and characterized a new in vitro 3D model for macrophage programming in the presence of cancer cell spheroids. First, it was demonstrated that the profile of cytokines, chemokines, and surface markers of 3D-cultured macrophages did not differ conceptually from monolayer-cultured M1 and M2-programmed macrophages. Second, the possibility of reprogramming macrophages in 3D conditions was investigated. In total, the dynamic changes in 6 surface markers, 11 cytokines, and 22 chemokines were analyzed upon macrophage programming (M1 and M2) and reprogramming (M1→M2 and M2→M1). According to the findings, the reprogramming resulted in a mixed macrophage phenotype that expressed both immunosuppressive and anti-cancer immunostimulatory features. Third, cancer cell spheroids were shown to stimulate the production of immunosuppressive M2 markers as well as pro-tumor cytokines and chemokines. In summary, the newly developed 3D model of cancer cell spheroid/macrophage co-culture under free-floating conditions can be used for studies on macrophage plasticity and for the development of targeted cancer immunotherapy.

Mechanisms of esophageal cancer metastasis and treatment progress

Esophageal cancer is a prevalent tumor of the digestive tract worldwide. The detection rate of early-stage esophageal cancer is very low, and most patients are diagnosed with metastasis. Metastasis of esophageal cancer mainly includes direct diffusion metastasis, hematogenous metastasis, and lymphatic metastasis. This article reviews the metabolic process of esophageal cancer metastasis and the mechanisms by which M2 macrophages, CAF, regulatory T cells, and their released cytokines, including chemokines, interleukins, and growth factors, form an immune barrier to the anti-tumor immune response mediated by CD8+ T cells, impeding their ability to kill tumor cells during tumor immune escape. The effect of Ferroptosis on the metastasis of esophageal cancer is briefly mentioned. Moreover, the paper also summarizes common drugs and research directions in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy for advanced metastatic esophageal cancer. This review aims to serve as a foundation for further investigations into the mechanism and management of esophageal cancer metastasis.

Roles of IL-7R Induced by Interactions between Cancer Cells and Macrophages in the Progression of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

High infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which contribute to the progression of several cancer types, is correlated with poor prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In addition to the previously reported increase in migration and invasion, ESCC cells co-cultured directly with macrophages exhibited enhanced survival and growth. Furthermore, interleukin-related molecules are associated with ESCC; however, the precise mechanism underlying this association is unclear. Therefore, we explored the role of interleukin-related molecules in ESCC progression. A cDNA microarray analysis of monocultured and co-cultured ESCC cells revealed that the interleukin 7 receptor (IL-7R) was upregulated in ESCC cells co-cultured with macrophages. Overexpression of IL-7R promoted the survival and growth of ESCC cells by activating the Akt and Erk1/2 signaling pathways. The IL-7/IL-7R axis also contributed to the promotion of ESCC cell migration via the Akt and Erk1/2 signaling pathways. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry showed that ESCC patients with high IL-7R expression in cancer nests exhibited a trend toward poor prognosis in terms of disease-free survival, and showed significant correlation with increased numbers of infiltrating macrophages and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Therefore, IL-7R, which is upregulated when directly co-cultured with macrophages, may contribute to ESCC progression by promoting the development of various malignant phenotypes in cancer cells.

MXD1 is a Potential Prognostic Biomarker and Correlated With Specific Molecular Change and Tumor Microenvironment Feature in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background: Identification of novel biomarkers is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study aimed to reveal the clinical significance and molecular characteristics of MYC-associated factor X dimerization protein 1 (MXD1) in ESCC. Patients and methods: We collected 3 ESCC cohorts to investigate the effect of MXD1 on clinical outcomes. In addition, we compared and analyzed the possible transcription changes between MXD1-low and MXD1-high ESCC patients using bioinformatics. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis was conducted to confirm the potential impact of MXD1 on the prognosis and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Results: MXD1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was significantly lower in tumors than in normal tissues. Low expression of MXD1 in ESCC was associated with a more aggressive tumor stage and worse prognosis at both the mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, MXD1-low ESCC showed upregulation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition and extracellular matrix-related gene sets, and significantly higher NFE2L2 and KIAA1324L mutation frequencies. In contrast, MXD1-high ESCC showed upregulation of tumor differentiation and immune-related gene sets. Furthermore, the CIBERSORT approach showed that high expression of MXD1 was associated with a higher proportion of neutrophils but a lower proportion of M2 macrophages. At the protein level, MXD1 expression was positively correlated with programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PDL1) and CD8 expression. In silico analysis predicted that MXD1-high ESCC was more likely to benefit from immunotherapy. Conclusion: This study suggests that MXD1 is a crucial prognostic factor in ESCC patients and is closely associated with specific transcriptional changes and TIME features.

A Promising Esophageal Cancer Prognostic Signature of Ferroptosis-Related LncRNA to Predict Immune Scenery and Immunotherapy Response

Purpose

Ferroptosis and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression signatures have been associated with the clinical progression and immune-contexture of different solid tumors. The study aimed to identify a prognostic signature of ferroptosis-related lncRNAs (falncRNAs) to forecast the immune scenery and immunotherapy response in esophageal cancer (EC).

Patients and Methods

Gene expression profiles of EC were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and ferroptosis-related genes were downloaded from the FerrDb database, which identified differentially expressed falncRNAs (DEfalncRNAs) via differential analysis. DEfalncRNA pairs associated with prognosis were identified by constructing a matrix, univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis. The prognostic signature was constructed by multivariate analysis. We appraised the forecasting capability of prognostic signature in survival, clinicopathological features, immune landscape, efficacy of immunotherapy, and drug sensitivity. The potential molecular mechanism of signature was investigated by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA).

Results

We obtained 18 DEfalncRNA pairs to define a novel prognostic signature that was determined on a discovery cohort of 158 tumor samples and 11 adjacent normal tissues from TCGA and internally validated, with the definition of high- vs low-risk groups based on 3 years overall survival. We demonstrated that the high- vs low-risk groups differed for clinical parameters and computationally predicted drug sensitivity and tumor immune contexture, with the high-risk group having worse survival, more aggressive disease (node involvement, metastasis), reduced drug sensitivity, higher tumor mutation load, and gene signatures of infiltration of pro-tumoral immune cell subsets. The GSEA results revealed that ferroptosis and immunoregulatory pathways were significantly enriched in the high-risk group.

Conclusion

The prognostic signature based on falncRNAs has the potential to forecast the survival, immune scenery, efficacy of immunotherapy, and drug sensitivity of EC, which is helpful for clinical prediction and individualized treatment.

IL-1β augments TGF-β inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition of epithelial cells and associates with poor pulmonary function improvement in neutrophilic asthmatics

Background

Neutrophilic asthmatics (NA) have less response to inhaled corticosteroids. We aimed to find out the predictor of treatment response in NA.

Methods

Asthmatics (n = 115) and healthy controls (n = 28) underwent clinical assessment during 6-month follow-up with standardized therapy. Asthmatics were categorized by sputum differential cell count. The mRNA expressions were measured by RT-qPCR for sputum cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-27, FOXP3, IL-17A, and IL-5). The protein of IL-1β in sputum supernatant was detected by ELISA. Reticular basement membranes (RBM) were measured in the biopsy samples. The role and signaling pathways of IL-1β mediating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process were explored through A549 cells.

Results

NA had increased baseline sputum cell IL-1β expression compared to eosinophilic asthmatics (EA). After follow-up, NA had less improvement in FEV₁ compared to EA. For all asthmatics, sputum IL-1β mRNA was positively correlated with protein expression. Sputum IL-1β mRNA and protein levels were negatively correlated to FEV₁ improvement. After subgrouping, the correlation between IL-1β mRNA and FEV₁ improvement was significant in NA but not in EA. Thickness of RBM in asthmatics was greater than that of healthy controls and positively correlated with neutrophil percentage in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In vitro experiments, the process of IL-1β augmenting TGF-β1-induced EMT cannot be abrogated by glucocorticoid or montelukast sodium, but can be reversed by MAPK inhibitors.

Conclusions

IL-1β level in baseline sputum predicts the poor lung function improvement in NA. The potential mechanism may be related to IL-1β augmenting TGF-β1-induced steroid-resistant EMT through MAPK signaling pathways.

Trial registration: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (IRB ID: 20150406).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-021-01808-7.

CD11b+CTLA4+ myeloid cells are a key driver of tumor evasion in colorectal cancer

Background

Tumor metastasis is the major cause of death of colorectal cancer (CRC), and metastatic CRC remains incurable in many cases despite great advances in genetic and molecular profiling, and clinical development of numerous drugs, including immune checkpoint inhibitors. Thus, more effective treatments are urgently needed for the patients in clinical settings.

Methods

We used mouse CRC metastasis models that murine Colon26 cells were subcutaneously and intravenously implanted and attempted to elucidate the tumor biological and immunological mechanisms underlying cancer metastasis. Then, we evaluated in vivo antitumor efficacy induced by agents targeting the identified molecular mechanisms using the mouse models. We validated the clinical relevancy of the findings using peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from stage IV metastatic CRC patients.

Results

CD11b⁺CTLA4⁺ myeloid cells were systemically expanded in the metastatic settings and facilitated tumor progression and metastasis directly via generating lipid droplets in tumor cells and indirectly via inducing immune exhaustion. These events were mediated by IL1B produced via the CTLA4 signaling from the increased myeloid cells. Blocking CTLA4 and IL1B with the specific mAbs significantly suppressed tumor progression and metastasis in the mouse models resistant to anti-PD1 therapy, and the therapeutic efficacy was optimized by blocking cyclooxygenases with aspirin.

Conclusions

The CD11b⁺CTLA4⁺ cells are a key driver of tumor evasion, and targeting the CTLA4-IL1B axis could be a promising strategy for treating metastatic CRC. The triple combination regimen with anti-CTLA4/IL1B mAbs and aspirin may be useful in clinical settings.

Innate Immune Cells in the Esophageal Tumor Microenvironment

Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most common mucosa-associated tumors, and is characterized by aggressiveness, poor prognosis, and unfavorable patient survival rates. As an organ directly exposed to the risk of foodborne infection, the esophageal mucosa harbors distinct populations of innate immune cells, which play vital roles in both maintenance of esophageal homeostasis and immune defense and surveillance during mucosal anti-infection and anti-tumor responses. In this review, we highlight recent progress in research into innate immune cells in the microenvironment of EC, including lymphatic lineages, such as natural killer and γδT cells, and myeloid lineages, including macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, mast cells and eosinophils. Further, putative innate immune cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in tumor occurrence and progression are discussed, to highlight potential directions for the development of new biomarkers and effective intervention targets, which can hopefully be applied in long-term multilevel clinical EC treatment. Fully understanding the innate immunological mechanisms involved in esophageal mucosa carcinogenesis is of great significance for clinical immunotherapy and prognosis prediction for patients with EC.

Development of a prognostic signature for esophageal cancer based on nine immune related genes

Background

Function of the immune system is correlated with the prognosis of the tumor. The effect of immune microenvironment on esophageal cancer (EC) development has not been fully investigated.

Methods

This study aimed to explore a prognostic model based on immune-related genes (IRGs) for EC. We obtained the RNA-seq dataset and clinical information of EC from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).

Results

We identified 247 upregulated IRGs and 56 downregulated IRGs. Pathway analysis revealed that the most differentially expressed IRGs were enriched in Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. We further screened 13 survival-related IRGs and constructed regulatory networks involving related transcription factors (TFs). Finally, a prognostic model was constructed with 9 IRGs (HSPA6, S100A12, CACYBP, NOS2, DKK1, OSM, STC2, NGPTL3 and NR2F2) by multivariate Cox regression analysis. The patients were classified into two subgroups with different outcomes. When adjusted with clinical factors, this model was verified as an independent predictor, which performed accurately in prognostic prediction. Next, M0 and M2 macrophages and activated mast cells were significantly enriched in high-risk group, while CD8 T cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) were significantly enriched in low-risk group.

Conclusions

Prognosis related IRGs were identified and a prognostic signature for esophageal cancer based on nine IRGs was developed.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-07813-9.

Cytokine-chemokine network driven metastasis in esophageal cancer; promising avenue for targeted therapy

Esophageal cancer (EC) is a disease often marked by aggressive growth and poor prognosis. Lack of targeted therapies, resistance to chemoradiation therapy, and distant metastases among patients with advanced disease account for the high mortality rate. The tumor microenvironment (TME) contains several cell types, including fibroblasts, immune cells, adipocytes, stromal proteins, and growth factors, which play a significant role in supporting the growth and aggressive behavior of cancer cells. The complex and dynamic interactions of the secreted cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and their receptors mediate chronic inflammation and immunosuppressive TME favoring tumor progression, metastasis, and decreased response to therapy. The molecular changes in the TME are used as biological markers for diagnosis, prognosis, and response to treatment in patients. This review highlighted the novel insights into the understanding and functional impact of deregulated cytokines and chemokines in imparting aggressive EC, stressing the nature and therapeutic consequences of the cytokine-chemokine network. We also discuss cytokine-chemokine oncogenic potential by contributing to the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), angiogenesis, immunosuppression, metastatic niche, and therapeutic resistance development. In addition, it discusses the wide range of changes and intracellular signaling pathways that occur in the TME. Overall, this is a relatively unexplored field that could provide crucial insights into tumor immunology and encourage the effective application of modulatory cytokine-chemokine therapy to EC.

CXCL6 fuels the growth and metastases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells both in vitro and in vivo through upregulation of PD-L1 via activation of STAT3 pathway

CXCL6, contraction of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 6, whose biological roles have been rarely described in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). To understand the clinicopathological and biological roles played by CXCL6 in the growth and metastasis of ESCC, immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of CXCL6 in ESCC tissues, totaling 105 cases; and the correlation was statistically analyzed between CXCL6 expression and clinicopathological parameters. The role mediated in migration and invasion was evaluated using wound-healing and Transwell assays. MTT and flow cytometry were used to assay the proliferative variation. In vivo, tail vein injection model was established in nude mice xenografted with human ESCC cell lines whose CXCL6 were artificially manipulated. It was found that relative to normal control, CXCL6 was profoundly higher in ESCC; upregulated CXCL6 only significantly correlated with differentiation degree. In vitro, CXCL6 was found to promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ESCC cells; which was fully corroborated by nude mice experiment that CXCL6 can promote the growth and metastases of ESCC cells in vivo. Mechanistically, CXCL6 was discovered to be capable of promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition and upregulating PD-L1 expression through activation of the STAT3 pathway. Collectively, all the data we showed here demonstrate that CXCL6 can enhance the growth and metastases of ESCC cells both in vivo and in vitro.

Targeting of CD163+ Macrophages in Inflammatory and Malignant Diseases

The macrophage is a key cell in the pro- and anti-inflammatory response including that of the inflammatory microenvironment of malignant tumors. Much current drug development in chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer therefore focuses on the macrophage as a target for immunotherapy. However, this strategy is complicated by the pleiotropic phenotype of the macrophage that is highly responsive to its microenvironment. The plasticity leads to numerous types of macrophages with rather different and, to some extent, opposing functionalities, as evident by the existence of macrophages with either stimulating or down-regulating effect on inflammation and tumor growth. The phenotypes are characterized by different surface markers and the present review describes recent progress in drug-targeting of the surface marker CD163 expressed in a subpopulation of macrophages. CD163 is an abundant endocytic receptor for multiple ligands, quantitatively important being the haptoglobin-hemoglobin complex. The microenvironment of inflammation and tumorigenesis is particular rich in CD163+ macrophages. The use of antibodies for directing anti-inflammatory (e.g., glucocorticoids) or tumoricidal (e.g., doxorubicin) drugs to CD163+ macrophages in animal models of inflammation and cancer has demonstrated a high efficacy of the conjugate drugs. This macrophage-targeting approach has a low toxicity profile that may highly improve the therapeutic window of many current drugs and drug candidates.

The Prognostic Significance of Metabolic Syndrome and a Related Six-lncRNA Signature in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with the development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in a variety of mechanisms of MetS and tumor. This study will explore the prognostic effect of MetS and the associated lncRNA signature on ESCC.

Methods: Our previous RNA-chip data (GSE53624, GSE53622) for 179 ESCC patients were reanalyzed according to MetS. The recurrence-free survival (RFS) was collected for these patients. The status of the MetS-related tumor microenvironment was analyzed with the CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE algorithms. A lncRNA signature was established with univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression (PHR) analysis and verified using the Kaplan–Meier survival curve analysis and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. A clinical predictive model was constructed based on multiple risk factors, evaluated using C-indexes and calibration curves, and verified using data from the GEO and TCGA databases.

Results: The results showed that MetS was an independent risk factor for ESCC patients conferring low OS and RFS. Tumor microenvironment analysis indicated that patients with MetS have high stromal scores and M2 macrophage infiltration. A six-lncRNA signature was established by 60 ESCC patients randomly selected from GSE53624 and identified with an effective predictive ability in validation cohorts (59 patients from GSE53624 and 60 patients from GSE53622), subgroup analysis, and ESCC patients from TCGA. MetS and the six-lncRNA signature could be regarded as independent risk factors and enhanced predictive ability in the clinical predictive model.

Conclusions: Our results indicated that MetS was associated with poor prognosis in ESCC patients, and the possible mechanism was related to changes in the tumor microenvironment. MetS and the six-lncRNA signature could also serve as independent risk factors with available clinical application value.

CCL3-CCR5 axis contributes to progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by promoting cell migration and invasion via Akt and ERK pathways

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) contribute to the progression and mortality of various malignancies. We reported that high numbers of infiltrating TAMs were significantly associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In our previous investigation of TAMs' actions in ESCC, we compared gene expression profiles between peripheral blood monocyte (PBMo)-derived macrophages and TAM-like macrophages stimulated with conditioned media of ESCC cell lines. Among the upregulated genes in the TAM-like macrophages, we focused on CC chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3), which was reported to contribute to tumor progression in several malignancies. Herein, we observed that not only TAMs but also ESCC cell lines expressed CCL3. A CCL3 receptor, CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) was expressed in the ESCC cell lines. Treating the ESCC cell lines with recombinant human (rh)CCL3 induced the phosphorylations of Akt and ERK, which were suppressed by CCR5 knockdown. Migration and invasion of ESCC cells were promoted by treatment with rhCCL3 and co-culture with TAMs. TAMs/rhCCL3-promoted cell migration and invasion were suppressed by inhibition of the CCL3-CCR5 axis, PI3K/Akt, and MEK/ERK pathways. Treatment with rhCCL3 upregulated MMP2 and VEGFA expressions in ESCC cell lines. Our immunohistochemical analysis of 68 resected ESCC cases showed that high expression of CCL3 and/or CCR5 in ESCC tissues was associated with poor prognosis. High CCR5 expression was associated with deeper invasion, presence of vascular invasion, higher pathological stage, higher numbers of infiltrating CD204⁺ TAMs, and higher microvascular density. High expression of both CCL3 and CCR5 was an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival. These results suggest that CCL3 derived from both TAMs and cancer cells contributes to the progression and poor prognosis of ESCC by promoting cell migration and invasion via the binding of CCR5 and the phosphorylations of Akt and ERK. The CCL3-CCR5 axis could become the target of new therapies against ESCC.

An independent poor-prognosis subtype of breast cancer defined by a distinct tumor immune microenvironment

How mixtures of immune cells associate with cancer cell phenotype and affect pathogenesis is still unclear. In 15 breast cancer gene expression datasets, we invariably identify three clusters of patients with gradual levels of immune infiltration. The intermediate immune infiltration cluster (Cluster B) is associated with a worse prognosis independently of known clinicopathological features. Furthermore, immune clusters are associated with response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In silico dissection of the immune contexture of the clusters identified Cluster A as immune cold, Cluster C as immune hot while Cluster B has a pro-tumorigenic immune infiltration. Through phenotypical analysis, we find epithelial mesenchymal transition and proliferation associated with the immune clusters and mutually exclusive in breast cancers. Here, we describe immune clusters which improve the prognostic accuracy of immune contexture in breast cancer. Our discovery of a novel independent prognostic factor in breast cancer highlights a correlation between tumor phenotype and immune contexture.

In breast cancer, the immune infiltration of the tumour associates with clinical outcome. Here, the authors infer immune context based on gene expression data and identify a new independent subtype linked to pro-tumorigenic immune infiltration.

Visualization of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in an inflammatory microenvironment-colorectal cancer network

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological process by which epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal characteristics. In malignant tumors, EMT is crucial for acquisition of a mesenchymal phenotype with invasive and metastatic properties, leading to tumor progression. An inflammatory microenvironment is thought to be responsible for the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC); however, the precise role of inflammatory microenvironments in EMT-related CRC progression remains unclear. Here, we show the spatiotemporal visualization of CRC cells undergoing EMT using a fluorescence-guided EMT imaging system in which the mesenchymal vimentin promoter drives red fluorescent protein (RFP) expression. An inflammatory microenvironment including TNF-α, IL-1β, and cytokine-secreting inflammatory macrophages induced RFP expression in association with the EMT phenotype in CRC cells. In vivo experiments further demonstrated the distribution of RFP-positive CRC cells in rectal and metastatic tumors. Our data suggest that the EMT imaging system described here is a powerful tool for monitoring EMT in inflammatory microenvironment-CRC networks.

The Multifaceted Roles of Pyroptotic Cell Death Pathways in Cancer

Cancer is a category of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade other parts of the body. Chemotherapy is the most widely used first-line treatment for multiple forms of cancer. Chemotherapeutic agents act via targeting the cellular apoptotic pathway. However, cancer cells usually acquire chemoresistance, leading to poor outcomes in cancer patients. For that reason, it is imperative to discover other cell death pathways for improved cancer intervention. Pyroptosis is a new form of programmed cell death that commonly occurs upon pathogen invasion. Pyroptosis is marked by cell swelling and plasma membrane rupture, which results in the release of cytosolic contents into the extracellular space. Currently, pyroptosis is proposed to be an alternative mode of cell death in cancer treatment. Accumulating evidence shows that the key components of pyroptotic cell death pathways, including inflammasomes, gasdermins and pro-inflammatory cytokines, are involved in the initiation and progression of cancer. Interfering with pyroptotic cell death pathways may represent a promising therapeutic option for cancer management. In this review, we describe the current knowledge regarding the biological significance of pyroptotic cell death pathways in cancer pathogenesis and also discuss their potential therapeutic utility.

Absent in melanoma 2 suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition via Akt and inflammasome pathways in human colorectal cancer cells

Absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) is a critical component in natural immunity system and is closely related to cancer initiation and development. It has been shown that AIM2 inhibited colorectal cancer (CRC) development and cell proliferation. It remains unresolved how AIM2 acts on CRC metastasis. In this study, we assessed migration, invasion ability, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program upon AIM2 overexpression or knockdown in human CRC cells. Transwell assay demonstrated that upregulation of AIM2 reduced cell migration and invasion. Epithelial marker E-cadherin was augmented and mesenchymal markers vimentin, as well as Snail, were examined decreased by Western blot, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence. Correspondingly, knockdown of AIM2 led to a reverse consequence. In addition, AIM2 regulated Akt phosphorylation and effects of AIM2 on cell invasion and EMT were recovered after administration of Akt inhibitor, suggesting that AIM2 suppressed EMT dependent on Akt pathway. In addition, caspase-1 inhibitor exposure indicated that AIM2 abrogated EMT through the inflammasome pathway as well. In summary, AIM2 suppressed EMT via Akt and inflammasome pathways in human CRC cells.