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Roussos Torres ET, Ho WJ, Danilova L, Tandurella JA, Leatherman J, Rafie C, Wang C, Brufsky A, LoRusso P, Chung V, Yuan Y, Downs M, O'Connor A, Shin SM, Hernandez A, Engle EL, Piekarz R, Streicher H, Talebi Z, Rudek MA, Zhu Q, Anders RA, Cimino-Mathews A, Fertig EJ, Jaffee EM, Stearns V, Connolly RM. Entinostat, nivolumab and ipilimumab for women with advanced HER2-negative breast cancer: a phase Ib trial. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:866-879. [PMID: 38355777 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-024-00729-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
We report the results of 24 women, 50% (N = 12) with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer and 50% (N = 12) with advanced triple-negative breast cancer, treated with entinostat + nivolumab + ipilimumab from the dose escalation (N = 6) and expansion cohort (N = 18) of ETCTN-9844 ( NCT02453620 ). The primary endpoint was safety. Secondary endpoints were overall response rate, clinical benefit rate, progression-free survival and change in tumor CD8:FoxP3 ratio. There were no dose-limiting toxicities. Among evaluable participants (N = 20), the overall response rate was 25% (N = 5), with 40% (N = 4) in triple-negative breast cancer and 10% (N = 1) in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. The clinical benefit rate was 40% (N = 8), and progression-free survival at 6 months was 50%. Exploratory analyses revealed that changes in myeloid cells may contribute to responses; however, no correlation was noted between changes in CD8:FoxP3 ratio, PD-L1 status and tumor mutational burden and response. These findings support further investigation of this treatment in a phase II trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evanthia T Roussos Torres
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Won J Ho
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ludmila Danilova
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joseph A Tandurella
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - James Leatherman
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christine Rafie
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Chenguang Wang
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Adam Brufsky
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and UPMC Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Yuan Yuan
- Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Melinda Downs
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ashley O'Connor
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sarah M Shin
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alexei Hernandez
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Engle
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Richard Piekarz
- Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP), National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Howard Streicher
- Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP), National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Zahra Talebi
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Michelle A Rudek
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Qingfeng Zhu
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert A Anders
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ashley Cimino-Mathews
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elana J Fertig
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Jaffee
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vered Stearns
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Roisin M Connolly
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Cancer Research @UCC, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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Akinsipe T, Mohamedelhassan R, Akinpelu A, Pondugula SR, Mistriotis P, Avila LA, Suryawanshi A. Cellular interactions in tumor microenvironment during breast cancer progression: new frontiers and implications for novel therapeutics. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1302587. [PMID: 38533507 PMCID: PMC10963559 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1302587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The breast cancer tumor microenvironment (TME) is dynamic, with various immune and non-immune cells interacting to regulate tumor progression and anti-tumor immunity. It is now evident that the cells within the TME significantly contribute to breast cancer progression and resistance to various conventional and newly developed anti-tumor therapies. Both immune and non-immune cells in the TME play critical roles in tumor onset, uncontrolled proliferation, metastasis, immune evasion, and resistance to anti-tumor therapies. Consequently, molecular and cellular components of breast TME have emerged as promising therapeutic targets for developing novel treatments. The breast TME primarily comprises cancer cells, stromal cells, vasculature, and infiltrating immune cells. Currently, numerous clinical trials targeting specific TME components of breast cancer are underway. However, the complexity of the TME and its impact on the evasion of anti-tumor immunity necessitate further research to develop novel and improved breast cancer therapies. The multifaceted nature of breast TME cells arises from their phenotypic and functional plasticity, which endows them with both pro and anti-tumor roles during tumor progression. In this review, we discuss current understanding and recent advances in the pro and anti-tumoral functions of TME cells and their implications for developing safe and effective therapies to control breast cancer progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tosin Akinsipe
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Rania Mohamedelhassan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Ayuba Akinpelu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Satyanarayana R. Pondugula
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Panagiotis Mistriotis
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - L. Adriana Avila
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Amol Suryawanshi
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
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M.Saed S, Abbas S, El Ansary MS, Abdelfattah W, Maurice KK, Mohamed ME, Koptan DMT. Phenotypic Analysis of Circulating Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells and Their Subpopulations in Egyptian Females with Breast Cancer: A Single-Centre Case-Control Study. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2024; 25:257-263. [PMID: 38285792 PMCID: PMC10911743 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2024.25.1.257] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are immature myeloid cells with suppressive function that has been thoroughly documented in the setting of cancer. Our purpose was to evaluate levels of MDSC and their subsets in a cohort of Egyptian patients with breast cancer. METHODS Evaluation of peripheral blood total MDSC and its subset was done using multicolor flowcytometry in 30 malignant, 10 benign breast tumor patients and 10 healthy control females. RESULTS BC patients had higher total MDSC levels compared to controls (p= 0.01) particularly the Monocytic MDSC (M-MDSC) and abnormal MDSC subsets (p = 0.001 and p <0.001, respectively). A tumor size > 2 cm exhibited significantly higher granulocytic MDSCs (G-MDSCs) compared to tumor size < 2 cm (p= 0.02) whereas abnormal MDSCs were significantly higher in patients with a tumor size < 2 cm (p = 0.037). CONCLUSION MDSC and its subsets can be used as a prognostic marker of tumor size as well as a potential targets for treatment in breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma M.Saed
- Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
| | - Shimaa Abbas
- Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
| | - Mervat S. El Ansary
- Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
| | - Walaa Abdelfattah
- Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
| | - Karim K Maurice
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
| | | | - Dina M. Tawfik Koptan
- Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
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4
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Liu M, Yan G, Li Y, You R, Liu L, Zhang D, Yang G, Dong X, Ding Y, Yan S, You D, Li Z. Preoperative splenic area as a prognostic biomarker of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Imaging 2023; 23:116. [PMID: 38041154 PMCID: PMC10691021 DOI: 10.1186/s40644-023-00640-0] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The correlation between the preoperative splenic area measured on CT scans and the overall survival (OS) of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients remains unclear. METHODS A retrospective discovery cohort and validation cohort consisting of consecutive NSCLC patients who underwent resection and preoperative CT scans were created. The patients were divided into two groups based on the measurement of their preoperative splenic area: normal and abnormal. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyse the correlation between splenic area and OS. RESULTS The discovery and validation cohorts included 2532 patients (1374 (54.27%) males; median (IQR) age 59 (52-66) years) and 608 patients (403 (66.28%) males; age 69 (62-76) years), respectively. Patients with a normal splenic area had a 6% higher 5-year OS (n = 727 (80%)) than patients with an abnormal splenic area (n = 1805 (74%)) (p = 0.007) in the discovery cohort. A similar result was obtained in the validation cohort. In the univariable analysis, the OS hazard ratios (HRs) for the patients with abnormal splenic areas were 1.32 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08, 1.61) in the discovery cohort and 1.59 (95% CI: 1.01, 2.50) in the validation cohort. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that abnormal splenic area was independent of shorter OS in the discovery (HR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.63) and validation cohorts (HR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.12, 3.02). CONCLUSION Preoperative CT measurements of the splenic area serve as a prognostic indicator for early-stage NSCLC patients, offering a novel metric with potential implications for personalized therapeutic strategies in top-tier oncology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmei Liu
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Public Health and Biosafety, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Chenggong District, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, P. R. China
| | - Guanghong Yan
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Public Health and Biosafety, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Chenggong District, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, P. R. China
| | - Yanli Li
- Department of Radiology, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Center, Kunming, 650118, China
| | - Ruiming You
- Department of Radiology, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Center, Kunming, 650118, China
| | - Lizhu Liu
- Department of Radiology, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Center, Kunming, 650118, China
| | - Dafu Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Center, Kunming, 650118, China
| | - Guangjun Yang
- Department of Radiology, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Center, Kunming, 650118, China
| | - Xingxiang Dong
- Department of Radiology, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Center, Kunming, 650118, China
| | - Yingying Ding
- Department of Radiology, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Center, Kunming, 650118, China
| | - Shan Yan
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Chenggong District, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, P. R. China.
| | - Dingyun You
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Public Health and Biosafety, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Chenggong District, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, P. R. China.
- Department of Radiology, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Center, Kunming, 650118, China.
| | - Zhenhui Li
- Department of Radiology, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Center, Kunming, 650118, China.
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Al-Shamsi HO, Abdelwahed N, Abyad A, Abu-Gheida I, Afrit M, Abu ElFuol T, Alasas R, Lababidi B, Dash P, Ahmad M, Dreier NW, ul Haq U, Joshua TLA, Otsmane S, Al-Nouri A, Al-Awadhi A, Tirmazy SH, Alterkait F, Elsabae S, Khan N, Albastaki NK, Sonawane Y, Jouda M, Perdawood F, Iqbal F, Jaafar H. Breast Cancer in the Arabian Gulf Countries. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5398. [PMID: 38001658 PMCID: PMC10670541 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15225398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer stands as the prevailing malignancy across all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. In this literature review, we highlighted the incidence and trend of breast cancer in the GCC. Most of the studies reported a consistent increase in breast cancer incidence over the past decades, which was particularly attributed to the adoption of a Westernized lifestyle in the region and the implications of emerging risk factors and other environmental and societal factors, the increase in screening uptake, as well as the improvement in data collection and reporting in the GCC. The data on breast cancer risk factors in the GCC were limited. In this geographic region, breast cancer frequently manifests with distinctive characteristics, including an early onset, typically occurring before the age of 50; an advanced stage at presentation; and a higher pathological grade. Additionally, it often exhibits more aggressive features such as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positivity or the presence of triple-negative (TN) attributes, particularly among younger patients. Despite the growing body of literature on breast cancer in the GCC, data pertaining to survival rates are, regrettably, meager. Reports on breast cancer survival rates emanating from the GCC region are largely confined to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In the UAE, predictive modeling reveals 2-year and 5-year survival rates of 97% and 89%, respectively, for the same period under scrutiny. These rates, when compared to Western counterparts such as Australia (89.5%) and Canada (88.2%), fall within the expected range. Conversely, Saudi Arabia reports a notably lower 5-year survival rate, standing at 72%. This disparity in survival rates underscores the need for further research directed toward elucidating risk factors and barriers that hinder early detection and screening. Additionally, there is a pressing need for expanded data reporting on survival outcomes within the GCC. In sum, a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of breast cancer dynamics in this region is imperative to inform effective strategies for prevention, early detection, and improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humaid O. Al-Shamsi
- Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 92510, United Arab Emirates; (N.A.); (A.A.); (I.A.-G.); (M.A.); (T.A.E.); (R.A.); (B.L.); (P.D.); (M.A.); (N.W.D.); (U.u.H.); (T.L.A.J.); (S.O.); (S.E.); (N.K.); (N.K.A.); (Y.S.); (M.J.); (F.P.); (F.I.); (H.J.)
- Emirates Oncology Society, Dubai P.O. Box 6600, United Arab Emirates;
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman P.O. Box 4184, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nadia Abdelwahed
- Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 92510, United Arab Emirates; (N.A.); (A.A.); (I.A.-G.); (M.A.); (T.A.E.); (R.A.); (B.L.); (P.D.); (M.A.); (N.W.D.); (U.u.H.); (T.L.A.J.); (S.O.); (S.E.); (N.K.); (N.K.A.); (Y.S.); (M.J.); (F.P.); (F.I.); (H.J.)
- Emirates Oncology Society, Dubai P.O. Box 6600, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Amin Abyad
- Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 92510, United Arab Emirates; (N.A.); (A.A.); (I.A.-G.); (M.A.); (T.A.E.); (R.A.); (B.L.); (P.D.); (M.A.); (N.W.D.); (U.u.H.); (T.L.A.J.); (S.O.); (S.E.); (N.K.); (N.K.A.); (Y.S.); (M.J.); (F.P.); (F.I.); (H.J.)
- Emirates Oncology Society, Dubai P.O. Box 6600, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Ibrahim Abu-Gheida
- Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 92510, United Arab Emirates; (N.A.); (A.A.); (I.A.-G.); (M.A.); (T.A.E.); (R.A.); (B.L.); (P.D.); (M.A.); (N.W.D.); (U.u.H.); (T.L.A.J.); (S.O.); (S.E.); (N.K.); (N.K.A.); (Y.S.); (M.J.); (F.P.); (F.I.); (H.J.)
- Emirates Oncology Society, Dubai P.O. Box 6600, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Mehdi Afrit
- Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 92510, United Arab Emirates; (N.A.); (A.A.); (I.A.-G.); (M.A.); (T.A.E.); (R.A.); (B.L.); (P.D.); (M.A.); (N.W.D.); (U.u.H.); (T.L.A.J.); (S.O.); (S.E.); (N.K.); (N.K.A.); (Y.S.); (M.J.); (F.P.); (F.I.); (H.J.)
- Emirates Oncology Society, Dubai P.O. Box 6600, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Tasneem Abu ElFuol
- Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 92510, United Arab Emirates; (N.A.); (A.A.); (I.A.-G.); (M.A.); (T.A.E.); (R.A.); (B.L.); (P.D.); (M.A.); (N.W.D.); (U.u.H.); (T.L.A.J.); (S.O.); (S.E.); (N.K.); (N.K.A.); (Y.S.); (M.J.); (F.P.); (F.I.); (H.J.)
| | - Ryad Alasas
- Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 92510, United Arab Emirates; (N.A.); (A.A.); (I.A.-G.); (M.A.); (T.A.E.); (R.A.); (B.L.); (P.D.); (M.A.); (N.W.D.); (U.u.H.); (T.L.A.J.); (S.O.); (S.E.); (N.K.); (N.K.A.); (Y.S.); (M.J.); (F.P.); (F.I.); (H.J.)
- Emirates Oncology Society, Dubai P.O. Box 6600, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Bilal Lababidi
- Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 92510, United Arab Emirates; (N.A.); (A.A.); (I.A.-G.); (M.A.); (T.A.E.); (R.A.); (B.L.); (P.D.); (M.A.); (N.W.D.); (U.u.H.); (T.L.A.J.); (S.O.); (S.E.); (N.K.); (N.K.A.); (Y.S.); (M.J.); (F.P.); (F.I.); (H.J.)
- Emirates Oncology Society, Dubai P.O. Box 6600, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Prasanta Dash
- Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 92510, United Arab Emirates; (N.A.); (A.A.); (I.A.-G.); (M.A.); (T.A.E.); (R.A.); (B.L.); (P.D.); (M.A.); (N.W.D.); (U.u.H.); (T.L.A.J.); (S.O.); (S.E.); (N.K.); (N.K.A.); (Y.S.); (M.J.); (F.P.); (F.I.); (H.J.)
- Emirates Oncology Society, Dubai P.O. Box 6600, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Mudhasir Ahmad
- Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 92510, United Arab Emirates; (N.A.); (A.A.); (I.A.-G.); (M.A.); (T.A.E.); (R.A.); (B.L.); (P.D.); (M.A.); (N.W.D.); (U.u.H.); (T.L.A.J.); (S.O.); (S.E.); (N.K.); (N.K.A.); (Y.S.); (M.J.); (F.P.); (F.I.); (H.J.)
- Emirates Oncology Society, Dubai P.O. Box 6600, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Norbert W. Dreier
- Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 92510, United Arab Emirates; (N.A.); (A.A.); (I.A.-G.); (M.A.); (T.A.E.); (R.A.); (B.L.); (P.D.); (M.A.); (N.W.D.); (U.u.H.); (T.L.A.J.); (S.O.); (S.E.); (N.K.); (N.K.A.); (Y.S.); (M.J.); (F.P.); (F.I.); (H.J.)
- Emirates Oncology Society, Dubai P.O. Box 6600, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Urfan ul Haq
- Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 92510, United Arab Emirates; (N.A.); (A.A.); (I.A.-G.); (M.A.); (T.A.E.); (R.A.); (B.L.); (P.D.); (M.A.); (N.W.D.); (U.u.H.); (T.L.A.J.); (S.O.); (S.E.); (N.K.); (N.K.A.); (Y.S.); (M.J.); (F.P.); (F.I.); (H.J.)
- Emirates Oncology Society, Dubai P.O. Box 6600, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Thanda Lucy Ann Joshua
- Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 92510, United Arab Emirates; (N.A.); (A.A.); (I.A.-G.); (M.A.); (T.A.E.); (R.A.); (B.L.); (P.D.); (M.A.); (N.W.D.); (U.u.H.); (T.L.A.J.); (S.O.); (S.E.); (N.K.); (N.K.A.); (Y.S.); (M.J.); (F.P.); (F.I.); (H.J.)
- Emirates Oncology Society, Dubai P.O. Box 6600, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Sonia Otsmane
- Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 92510, United Arab Emirates; (N.A.); (A.A.); (I.A.-G.); (M.A.); (T.A.E.); (R.A.); (B.L.); (P.D.); (M.A.); (N.W.D.); (U.u.H.); (T.L.A.J.); (S.O.); (S.E.); (N.K.); (N.K.A.); (Y.S.); (M.J.); (F.P.); (F.I.); (H.J.)
- Emirates Oncology Society, Dubai P.O. Box 6600, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Anwar Al-Nouri
- Kuwait Cancer Control Center, Kuwait City, Kuwait; (A.A.-N.); (F.A.)
| | - Aydah Al-Awadhi
- Emirates Oncology Society, Dubai P.O. Box 6600, United Arab Emirates;
| | | | - Faisal Alterkait
- Kuwait Cancer Control Center, Kuwait City, Kuwait; (A.A.-N.); (F.A.)
| | - Shimaa Elsabae
- Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 92510, United Arab Emirates; (N.A.); (A.A.); (I.A.-G.); (M.A.); (T.A.E.); (R.A.); (B.L.); (P.D.); (M.A.); (N.W.D.); (U.u.H.); (T.L.A.J.); (S.O.); (S.E.); (N.K.); (N.K.A.); (Y.S.); (M.J.); (F.P.); (F.I.); (H.J.)
| | - Nyla Khan
- Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 92510, United Arab Emirates; (N.A.); (A.A.); (I.A.-G.); (M.A.); (T.A.E.); (R.A.); (B.L.); (P.D.); (M.A.); (N.W.D.); (U.u.H.); (T.L.A.J.); (S.O.); (S.E.); (N.K.); (N.K.A.); (Y.S.); (M.J.); (F.P.); (F.I.); (H.J.)
| | - Nehad Kazim Albastaki
- Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 92510, United Arab Emirates; (N.A.); (A.A.); (I.A.-G.); (M.A.); (T.A.E.); (R.A.); (B.L.); (P.D.); (M.A.); (N.W.D.); (U.u.H.); (T.L.A.J.); (S.O.); (S.E.); (N.K.); (N.K.A.); (Y.S.); (M.J.); (F.P.); (F.I.); (H.J.)
| | - Yoginee Sonawane
- Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 92510, United Arab Emirates; (N.A.); (A.A.); (I.A.-G.); (M.A.); (T.A.E.); (R.A.); (B.L.); (P.D.); (M.A.); (N.W.D.); (U.u.H.); (T.L.A.J.); (S.O.); (S.E.); (N.K.); (N.K.A.); (Y.S.); (M.J.); (F.P.); (F.I.); (H.J.)
- Emirates Oncology Society, Dubai P.O. Box 6600, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Mohammed Jouda
- Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 92510, United Arab Emirates; (N.A.); (A.A.); (I.A.-G.); (M.A.); (T.A.E.); (R.A.); (B.L.); (P.D.); (M.A.); (N.W.D.); (U.u.H.); (T.L.A.J.); (S.O.); (S.E.); (N.K.); (N.K.A.); (Y.S.); (M.J.); (F.P.); (F.I.); (H.J.)
| | - Frea Perdawood
- Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 92510, United Arab Emirates; (N.A.); (A.A.); (I.A.-G.); (M.A.); (T.A.E.); (R.A.); (B.L.); (P.D.); (M.A.); (N.W.D.); (U.u.H.); (T.L.A.J.); (S.O.); (S.E.); (N.K.); (N.K.A.); (Y.S.); (M.J.); (F.P.); (F.I.); (H.J.)
| | - Faryal Iqbal
- Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 92510, United Arab Emirates; (N.A.); (A.A.); (I.A.-G.); (M.A.); (T.A.E.); (R.A.); (B.L.); (P.D.); (M.A.); (N.W.D.); (U.u.H.); (T.L.A.J.); (S.O.); (S.E.); (N.K.); (N.K.A.); (Y.S.); (M.J.); (F.P.); (F.I.); (H.J.)
| | - Hassan Jaafar
- Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 92510, United Arab Emirates; (N.A.); (A.A.); (I.A.-G.); (M.A.); (T.A.E.); (R.A.); (B.L.); (P.D.); (M.A.); (N.W.D.); (U.u.H.); (T.L.A.J.); (S.O.); (S.E.); (N.K.); (N.K.A.); (Y.S.); (M.J.); (F.P.); (F.I.); (H.J.)
- Emirates Oncology Society, Dubai P.O. Box 6600, United Arab Emirates;
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6
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Mehdizadeh R, Shariatpanahi SP, Goliaei B, Rüegg C. Targeting myeloid-derived suppressor cells in combination with tumor cell vaccination predicts anti-tumor immunity and breast cancer dormancy: an in silico experiment. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5875. [PMID: 37041172 PMCID: PMC10090155 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32554-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the different breast cancer subsets, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has the worst prognosis and limited options for targeted therapies. Immunotherapies are emerging as novel treatment opportunities for TNBC. However, the surging immune response elicited by immunotherapies to eradicate cancer cells can select resistant cancer cells, which may result in immune escape and tumor evolution and progression. Alternatively, maintaining the equilibrium phase of the immune response may be advantageous for keeping a long-term immune response in the presence of a small-size residual tumor. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are activated, expanded, and recruited to the tumor microenvironment by tumor-derived signals and can shape a pro-tumorigenic micro-environment by suppressing the innate and adaptive anti-tumor immune responses. We recently proposed a model describing immune-mediated breast cancer dormancy instigated by a vaccine consisting of dormant, immunogenic breast cancer cells derived from the murine 4T1 TNBC-like cell line. Strikingly, these 4T1-derived dormant cells recruited fewer MDSCs compared to aggressive 4T1 cells. Recent experimental studies demonstrated that inactivating MDSCs has a profound impact on reconstituting immune surveillance against the tumor. Here, we developed a deterministic mathematical model for simulating MDSCs depletion from mice bearing aggressive 4T1 tumors resulting in immunomodulation. Our computational simulations indicate that a vaccination strategy with a small number of tumor cells in combination with MDSC depletion can elicit an effective immune response suppressing the growth of a subsequent challenge with aggressive tumor cells, resulting in sustained tumor dormancy. The results predict a novel therapeutic opportunity based on the induction of effective anti-tumor immunity and tumor dormancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Mehdizadeh
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Bahram Goliaei
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Curzio Rüegg
- Laboratory of Experimental and Translational Oncology, Pathology, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Sciences and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.
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7
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Merhi M, Ahmad F, Taib N, Inchakalody V, Uddin S, Shablak A, Dermime S. The complex network of transcription factors, immune checkpoint inhibitors and stemness features in colorectal cancer: A recent update. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 89:1-17. [PMID: 36621515 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunity is regulated by several mechanisms that include co-stimulatory and/or co-inhibitory molecules known as immune checkpoints expressed by the immune cells. In colorectal cancer (CRC), CTLA-4, LAG3, TIM-3 and PD-1 are the major co-inhibitory checkpoints involved in tumor development and progression. On the other hand, the deregulation of transcription factors and cancer stem cells activity plays a major role in the development of drug resistance and in the spread of metastatic disease in CRC. In this review, we describe how the modulation of such transcription factors affects the response of CRC to therapies. We also focus on the role of cancer stem cells in tumor metastasis and chemoresistance and discuss both preclinical and clinical approaches for targeting stem cells to prevent their tumorigenic effect. Finally, we provide an update on the clinical applications of immune checkpoint inhibitors in CRC and discuss the regulatory effects of transcription factors on the expression of the immune inhibitory checkpoints with specific focus on the PD-1 and PD-L1 molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maysaloun Merhi
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fareed Ahmad
- Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nassiba Taib
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Varghese Inchakalody
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Alaaeldin Shablak
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Said Dermime
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
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8
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Chakraborty B, Byemerwa J, Krebs T, Lim F, Chang CY, McDonnell DP. Estrogen Receptor Signaling in the Immune System. Endocr Rev 2023; 44:117-141. [PMID: 35709009 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnac017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The immune system functions in a sexually dimorphic manner, with females exhibiting more robust immune responses than males. However, how female sex hormones affect immune function in normal homeostasis and in autoimmunity is poorly understood. In this review, we discuss how estrogens affect innate and adaptive immune cell activity and how dysregulation of estrogen signaling underlies the pathobiology of some autoimmune diseases and cancers. The potential roles of the major circulating estrogens, and each of the 3 estrogen receptors (ERα, ERβ, and G-protein coupled receptor) in the regulation of the activity of different immune cells are considered. This provides the framework for a discussion of the impact of ER modulators (aromatase inhibitors, selective estrogen receptor modulators, and selective estrogen receptor downregulators) on immunity. Synthesis of this information is timely given the considerable interest of late in defining the mechanistic basis of sex-biased responses/outcomes in patients with different cancers treated with immune checkpoint blockade. It will also be instructive with respect to the further development of ER modulators that modulate immunity in a therapeutically useful manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binita Chakraborty
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jovita Byemerwa
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Taylor Krebs
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA.,Known Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Felicia Lim
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Ching-Yi Chang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Donald P McDonnell
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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9
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PDX Models: A Versatile Tool for Studying the Role of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246153. [PMID: 36551639 PMCID: PMC9777315 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The pivotal role of myeloid-derived suppressive cells (MDSCs) in cancer has become increasingly apparent over the past few years. However, to fully understand how MDSCs can promote human tumor progression and to develop strategies to target this cell type, relevant models that closely resemble the clinical complexity of human tumors are needed. Here, we show that mouse MDSCs of both the monocytic (M-MDCS) and the granulocytic (PMN-MDSC) lineages are recruited to human breast cancer patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumors in mice. Transcriptomic analysis of FACS-sorted MDSC-subpopulations from the PDX tumors demonstrated the expression of several MDSC genes associated with both their mobilization and immunosuppressive function, including S100A8/9, Ptgs2, Stat3, and Cxcr2, confirming the functional identity of these cells. By combining FACS analysis, RNA sequencing, and immune florescence, we show that the extent and type of MDSC infiltration depend on PDX model intrinsic factors such as the expression of chemokines involved in mobilizing and recruiting tumor-promoting MDSCs. Interestingly, MDSCs have been shown to play a prominent role in breast cancer metastasis, and in this context, we demonstrate increased recruitment of MDSCs in spontaneous PDX lung metastases compared to the corresponding primary PDX tumors. We also demonstrate that T cell-induced inflammation enhances the recruitment of MDSC in experimental breast cancer metastases. In conclusion, breast cancer PDX models represent a versatile tool for studying molecular mechanisms that drive myeloid cell recruitment to primary and metastatic tumors and facilitate the development of innovative therapeutic strategies targeting these cells.
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10
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Amer HT, Stein U, El Tayebi HM. The Monocyte, a Maestro in the Tumor Microenvironment (TME) of Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14215460. [PMID: 36358879 PMCID: PMC9658645 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, surpassing lung cancer as the leading cause of overall cancer incidence. Available possible treatments nowadays include chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and HER2-targeted therapy. Chemotherapy is notorious for its severe adverse effects. On the other hand, hormonal and HER2-targeted therapies only cover a narrow range of breast cancer subtypes. Accordingly, it is important to shed light on other therapy options. For this reason, immunotherapy nowadays is one of the most important research topics. It can be accomplished either by enhancing the pro-inflammatory immunity or suppressing the anti-inflammatory immunity. This review article aims to shed light on the importance of monocytes in the TME of breast cancer. The review also aims to highlight the behavior of the monocyte-derived populations, especially the anti-inflammatory populations. Thus, suppressing this anti-inflammatory activity might have a remarkable impact on future immunotherapy research. Abstract Breast cancer (BC) is well-known for being a leading cause of death worldwide. It is classified molecularly into luminal A, luminal B HER2−, luminal B HER2+, HER2+, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). These subtypes differ in their prognosis; thus, understanding the tumor microenvironment (TME) makes new treatment strategies possible. The TME contains populations that exhibit anti-tumorigenic actions such as tumor-associated eosinophils. Moreover, it contains pro-tumorigenic populations such as tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs), or monocyte-derived populations. The monocyte-derived populations are tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and MDSCs. Thus, a monocyte can be considered a maestro within the TME. Moreover, the expansion of monocytes in the TME depends on many factors such as the BC stage, the presence of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), and the presence of some chemoattractants. After expansion, monocytes can differentiate into pro-inflammatory populations such as M1 macrophages or anti-inflammatory populations such as M2 macrophages according to the nature of cytokines present in the TME. Differentiation to TAMs depends on various factors such as the BC subtype, the presence of anti-inflammatory cytokines, and epigenetic factors. Furthermore, TAMs and MDSCs not only have a role in tumor progression but also are key players in metastasis. Thus, understanding the monocytes further can introduce new target therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoda T. Amer
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11865, Egypt
| | - Ulrike Stein
- Translational Oncology of Solid Tumors, Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité—Universitäsmedizin Berlin and Max-Delbrük-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hend M. El Tayebi
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11865, Egypt
- Correspondence:
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Gianni C, Palleschi M, Schepisi G, Casadei C, Bleve S, Merloni F, Sirico M, Sarti S, Cecconetto L, Di Menna G, Schettini F, De Giorgi U. Circulating inflammatory cells in patients with metastatic breast cancer: Implications for treatment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:882896. [PMID: 36003772 PMCID: PMC9393759 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.882896] [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] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptive and innate immune cells play a crucial role as regulators of cancer development. Inflammatory cells in blood flow seem to be involved in pro-tumor activities and contribute to breast cancer progression. Circulating lymphocyte ratios such as the platelet-lymphocytes ratio (PLR), the monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are new reproducible, routinely feasible and cheap biomarkers of immune response. These indexes have been correlated to prognosis in many solid tumors and there is growing evidence on their clinical applicability as independent prognostic markers also for breast cancer. In this review we give an overview of the possible value of lymphocytic indexes in advanced breast cancer prognosis and prediction of outcome. Furthermore, targeting the immune system appear to be a promising therapeutic strategy for breast cancer, especially macrophage-targeted therapies. Herein we present an overview of the ongoing clinical trials testing systemic inflammatory cells as therapeutic targets in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Gianni
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
- *Correspondence: Caterina Gianni,
| | - Michela Palleschi
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Schepisi
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Chiara Casadei
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Sara Bleve
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Filippo Merloni
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Marianna Sirico
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Samanta Sarti
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Cecconetto
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Giandomenico Di Menna
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Francesco Schettini
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors Group, August Pi I Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ugo De Giorgi
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
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12
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Giuli MV, Mancusi A, Giuliani E, Screpanti I, Checquolo S. Notch signaling in female cancers: a multifaceted node to overcome drug resistance. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2022; 4:805-836. [PMID: 35582386 PMCID: PMC8992449 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2021.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Drug resistance is one of the main challenges in cancer therapy, including in the treatment of female-specific malignancies, which account for more than 60% of cancer cases among women. Therefore, elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms is an urgent need in gynecological cancers to foster novel therapeutic approaches. Notably, Notch signaling, including either receptors or ligands, has emerged as a promising candidate given its multifaceted role in almost all of the hallmarks of cancer. Concerning the connection between Notch pathway and drug resistance in the afore-mentioned tumor contexts, several studies focused on the Notch-dependent regulation of the cancer stem cell (CSC) subpopulation or the induction of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), both features implicated in either intrinsic or acquired resistance. Indeed, the present review provides an up-to-date overview of the published results on Notch signaling and EMT- or CSC-driven drug resistance. Moreover, other drug resistance-related mechanisms are examined such as the involvement of the Notch pathway in drug efflux and tumor microenvironment. Collectively, there is a long way to go before every facet will be fully understood; nevertheless, some small pieces are falling neatly into place. Overall, the main aim of this review is to provide strong evidence in support of Notch signaling inhibition as an effective strategy to evade or reverse resistance in female-specific cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria V Giuli
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Angelica Mancusi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Eugenia Giuliani
- Scientific Direction, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Saula Checquolo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnology, Sapienza University, Latina 04100, Italy.,Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome 00161, Italy
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13
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Blaye C, Boyer T, Peyraud F, Domblides C, Larmonier N. Beyond Immunosuppression: The Multifaceted Functions of Tumor-Promoting Myeloid Cells in Breast Cancers. Front Immunol 2022; 13:838040. [PMID: 35309358 PMCID: PMC8927658 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.838040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancers are commonly associated with an immunosuppressive microenvironment responsible for tumor escape from anti-cancer immunity. Cells of the myeloid lineage account for a major part of this tumor-promoting landscape. These myeloid cells are composed of heterogeneous subsets at different stages of differentiation and have traditionally been described by their cardinal ability to suppress innate and adaptive anticancer immunity. However, evidence has accumulated that, beyond their immunosuppressive properties, breast cancer-induced myeloid cells are also equipped with a broad array of “non-immunological” tumor-promoting functions. They therefore represent major impediments for anticancer therapies, particularly for immune-based interventions. We herein analyze and discuss current literature related to the versatile properties of the different myeloid cell subsets engaged in breast cancer development. We critically assess persisting difficulties and challenges in unequivocally discriminate dedicated subsets, which has so far prevented both the selective targeting of these immunosuppressive cells and their use as potential biomarkers. In this context, we propose the concept of IMCGL, “pro-tumoral immunosuppressive myeloid cells of the granulocytic lineage”, to more accurately reflect the contentious nature and origin of granulocytic cells in the breast tumor microenvironment. Future research prospects related to the role of this myeloid landscape in breast cancer are further considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Blaye
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientific (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 5164, ImmunoConcEpT, Bordeaux, France.,Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
| | - Thomas Boyer
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientific (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 5164, ImmunoConcEpT, Bordeaux, France
| | - Florent Peyraud
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientific (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 5164, ImmunoConcEpT, Bordeaux, France
| | - Charlotte Domblides
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientific (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 5164, ImmunoConcEpT, Bordeaux, France.,Service d'Oncologie Médicale, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire (CHU) Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Nicolas Larmonier
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientific (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 5164, ImmunoConcEpT, Bordeaux, France.,Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
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14
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Daily caloric restriction limits tumor growth more effectively than caloric cycling regardless of dietary composition. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6201. [PMID: 34707136 PMCID: PMC8551193 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26431-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer incidence increases with age and is a leading cause of death. Caloric restriction (CR) confers benefits on health and survival and delays cancer. However, due to CR's stringency, dietary alternatives offering the same cancer protection have become increasingly attractive. Short cycles of a plant-based diet designed to mimic fasting (FMD) are protective against tumorigenesis without the chronic restriction of calories. Yet, it is unclear whether the fasting time, level of dietary restriction, or nutrient composition is the primary driver behind cancer protection. Using a breast cancer model in mice, we compare the potency of daily CR to that of periodic caloric cycling on FMD or an isocaloric standard laboratory chow against primary tumor growth and metastatic burden. Here, we report that daily CR provides greater protection against tumor growth and metastasis to the lung, which may be in part due to the unique immune signature observed with daily CR.
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15
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He J, Gao R, Meng M, Yu M, Liu C, Li J, Song Y, Wang H. Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptor 6 (LPAR6) Is a Potential Biomarker Associated with Lung Adenocarcinoma. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111038. [PMID: 34769557 PMCID: PMC8583018 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
LPAR6 is the most recently determined G-protein-coupled receptor of the lysophosphatidic acid receptor, and very few of studies have demonstrated the performance of LPAR6 in cancers. Moreover, the relationship of LPAR6 to the potential of prognosis and tumor infiltration immune cells in different types of cancer are still unclarified. In this study, the mRNA expression of LPAR6 and its clinical characteristics were evaluated on various databases. The association between LPAR6 and immune infiltrates of various types of cancer were investigated via TIMER. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for LPAR6 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) tissue microarray with patients’ information was detected. We constructed a systematic prognostic landscape in a variety of types of cancer base on the expression level of mRNA. We enclosed that higher LPAR6 mRNA expression level was associated with better overall survival in some types of malignancy. Moreover, LPAR6 significantly affects the prognostic potential of various cancers in The Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA), especially in lung cancer. Tissue microarrays of lung cancer patient cohorts demonstrated that a higher protein level of LPAR6 was correlated to better overall survival of LUAD rather than LUSC cohorts. Further research indicated that the underlying mechanism of this phenome might be the mRNA expression level of LPAR6 was positively associated to infiltrating statuses of devious immunocytes in LUAD rather than in LUSC, that is, LPAR6 expression potentially contributes to the activation and recruiting of T cells (CD8+ T, naive T, effector T cell) and NK cells and inactivates Tregs, decreases T cell exhaustion and regulates T-helper (Th) cells in LUAD. Our discovery implies that LPAR6 is associated with prognostic potential and immune-infiltrating levels in LUAD. These discoveries imply that LPAR6 could be a promising novel biomarker for indicating the prognosis potential of LUAD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; (R.G.); (M.M.); (J.L.)
- Correspondence: (J.H.); (Y.S.); (H.W.)
| | - Rui Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; (R.G.); (M.M.); (J.L.)
| | - Mei Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; (R.G.); (M.M.); (J.L.)
| | - Miao Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-Medical Diagnostics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China;
| | - Chengrong Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China;
| | - Jingquan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; (R.G.); (M.M.); (J.L.)
| | - Yizhi Song
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-Medical Diagnostics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China;
- Correspondence: (J.H.); (Y.S.); (H.W.)
| | - Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; (R.G.); (M.M.); (J.L.)
- Correspondence: (J.H.); (Y.S.); (H.W.)
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16
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Lower Survival and Increased Circulating Suppressor Cells in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma with Deficit of Vitamin D Levels Using R-GDP Plus Lenalidomide (R2-GDP): Results from the R2-GDP-GOTEL Trial. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184622. [PMID: 34572849 PMCID: PMC8471526 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The search of prognostic factors is a priority in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) due to its aggressiveness. We have recently found that the level of circulating MDSCs is a good marker of survival in a translational study based on a trial (EudraCT Number: 2014-001620-29), using lenalidomide combined with R-GDP (rituximab plus gemcitabine, cisplatin, and dexamethasone). Since Vitamin D is a known immunomodulator, we have studied blood levels of these cell populations comparing patients with deficit of vitamin D levels (<15 ng/mL with those with normal levels >15 ng/mL. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare cells distributions between groups, Wilcoxon test to compare cells distribution at different times and Spearman test to measure the association between cell populations. Patients with vitamin D deficit maintained the increased level of immune suppressor cells, whereas we observed a depletion of all immune suppressor cells in patients with normal vitamin D levels. In conclusion, we have confirmed the importance of vitamin D in the response to treatment in R/R DLBCL, suggesting that vitamin D deficit may be involved in the immune deficit of these patients, and thus, vitamin D supplementation in these patients may help to obtain a better response, warranting further investigation.
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17
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Palazón-Carrión N, Jiménez-Cortegana C, Sánchez-León ML, Henao-Carrasco F, Nogales-Fernández E, Chiesa M, Caballero R, Rojo F, Nieto-García MA, Sánchez-Margalet V, de la Cruz-Merino L. Circulating immune biomarkers in peripheral blood correlate with clinical outcomes in advanced breast cancer. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14426. [PMID: 34257359 PMCID: PMC8277895 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93838-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of the different elements intervening at the tumor microenvironment seems key to explain clinical evolution in several tumor types. In this study, a set of immune biomarkers (myeloid derived suppressor cells, regulatory T cells, and OX40 + and PD-1 + T lymphocytes counts) in peripheral blood of patients diagnosed with advanced breast cancer were analyzed along of first line antineoplastic therapy. Subsequently, a comparison between groups with clinical benefit versus progression of disease and with a healthy women cohort was executed. Results reflected that patients showed higher basal levels of myeloid derived suppressor cells (35.43, IR = 180.73 vs 17.53, IR = 16.96 cells/μl; p = 0.001) and regulatory T cells (32.05, IR = 29.84 vs 22.61, IR = 13.57 cells/μl; p = 0.001) in comparison with healthy women. Furthermore, an increase in the number of activated T lymphocytes (expressing OX40), a decrease of immune inhibitory cells (MDSCs and Tregs) and inhibited T lymphocytes (expressing PD-1) were observed along the treatment in patients with clinical benefit (p ≤ 0.001). The opposite trend was observed in the case of disease progression. These findings suggest that some critical immune elements can be easily detected and measured in peripheral blood, which open a new opportunity for translational research, as they seem to be correlated with clinical evolution, at least in ABC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlos Jiménez-Cortegana
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - M Luisa Sánchez-León
- Clinical Oncology Department, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, Seville, Spain
| | | | | | - Massimo Chiesa
- GEICAM (Spanish Breast Cancer Research Group), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Federico Rojo
- Pathology Department, IIS-Fundación Jimenez Diaz-CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Víctor Sánchez-Margalet
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, Seville, Spain.
| | - Luis de la Cruz-Merino
- Clinical Oncology Department, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, Seville, Spain.
- GEICAM (Spanish Breast Cancer Research Group), Madrid, Spain.
- Medicine Department, University of Seville, Seville, Spain.
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18
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Vanhaver C, van der Bruggen P, Bruger AM. MDSC in Mice and Men: Mechanisms of Immunosuppression in Cancer. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10132872. [PMID: 34203451 PMCID: PMC8268873 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10132872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) expand during pathological conditions in both humans and mice and their presence is linked to poor clinical outcomes for cancer patients. Studying MDSC immunosuppression is restricted by MDSCs’ rarity, short lifespan, heterogeneity, poor viability after freezing and the lack of MDSC-specific markers. In this review, we will compare identification and isolation strategies for human and murine MDSCs. We will also assess what direct and indirect immunosuppressive mechanisms have been attributed to MDSCs. While some immunosuppressive mechanisms are well-documented in mice, e.g., generation of ROS, direct evidence is still lacking in humans. In future, bulk or single-cell genomics could elucidate which phenotypic and functional phenotypes MDSCs adopt in particular microenvironments and help to identify potential targets for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Vanhaver
- De Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 74, 1200 Brussels, Belgium;
- Correspondence: (C.V.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Pierre van der Bruggen
- De Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 74, 1200 Brussels, Belgium;
- WELBIO, Avenue Hippocrate 74, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Annika M. Bruger
- De Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 74, 1200 Brussels, Belgium;
- Correspondence: (C.V.); (A.M.B.)
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19
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Galland L, Lecuelle J, Favier L, Fraisse C, Lagrange A, Kaderbhai C, Truntzer C, Ghiringhelli F. Splenic Volume as a Surrogate Marker of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Efficacy in Metastatic Non Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13123020. [PMID: 34208673 PMCID: PMC8234633 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13123020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Monoclonal antibodies targeting PD1/PD-L1 are game changers in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but biomarkers are lacking. We previously reported the prognostic role of splenic volume in digestive cancer and its correlation with the presence of immunosuppressive cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic role of splenic volume in NSCLC patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Abstract Monoclonal antibodies targeting PD1/PD-L1 are game changers in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but biomarkers are lacking. We previously reported the prognostic role of splenic volume in digestive cancer and its correlation with the presence of immunosuppressive cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic role of splenic volume in NSCLC patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). We conducted a retrospective study of 276 patients receiving ICIs for advanced NSCLC in the Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center. The association between splenic volume at baseline and at two months of therapy and progression-free survival (PFS) during ICI treatment or overall survival (OS) from ICI initiation was evaluated using univariate and multivariable Cox analyses. Splenic volume during treatment and the change in splenic volume were associated with poor PFS (respectively p = 0.02 and p = 0.001) and with OS (respectively p < 1.10−3 and p < 1.10−3). Baseline splenic volume at the first evaluation was also associated with poor OS (p = 0.001). LDH rate and dNLR were positively correlated with splenic volume, as well as with its evolution. After the adjustment of clinical variables, splenic volumes remained a predictive marker of immunotherapy efficacy. Splenic volume is a prognostic biomarker in patients with advanced NSCLC treated with ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loïck Galland
- Platform of Transfer in Biological Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center—UNICANCER, 21000 Dijon, France; (L.G.); (J.L.); (C.T.)
- University of Burgundy-Franche Comté, Maison de l’université Esplanade Erasme, 21000 Dijon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center—UNICANCER, 21000 Dijon, France; (L.F.); (C.F.); (A.L.); (C.K.)
| | - Julie Lecuelle
- Platform of Transfer in Biological Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center—UNICANCER, 21000 Dijon, France; (L.G.); (J.L.); (C.T.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center—UNICANCER, 21000 Dijon, France; (L.F.); (C.F.); (A.L.); (C.K.)
| | - Laure Favier
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center—UNICANCER, 21000 Dijon, France; (L.F.); (C.F.); (A.L.); (C.K.)
| | - Cléa Fraisse
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center—UNICANCER, 21000 Dijon, France; (L.F.); (C.F.); (A.L.); (C.K.)
| | - Aurélie Lagrange
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center—UNICANCER, 21000 Dijon, France; (L.F.); (C.F.); (A.L.); (C.K.)
| | - Courèche Kaderbhai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center—UNICANCER, 21000 Dijon, France; (L.F.); (C.F.); (A.L.); (C.K.)
| | - Caroline Truntzer
- Platform of Transfer in Biological Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center—UNICANCER, 21000 Dijon, France; (L.G.); (J.L.); (C.T.)
- Genomic and Immunotherapy Medical Institute, Dijon University Hospital, 21000 Dijon, France
- UMR INSERM 1231, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - François Ghiringhelli
- Platform of Transfer in Biological Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center—UNICANCER, 21000 Dijon, France; (L.G.); (J.L.); (C.T.)
- University of Burgundy-Franche Comté, Maison de l’université Esplanade Erasme, 21000 Dijon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center—UNICANCER, 21000 Dijon, France; (L.F.); (C.F.); (A.L.); (C.K.)
- Genomic and Immunotherapy Medical Institute, Dijon University Hospital, 21000 Dijon, France
- UMR INSERM 1231, 21000 Dijon, France
- Correspondence:
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20
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Croce M, Damonte P, Morini M, Pigozzi S, Chiossone L, Vacca P, Bronte V, Barbieri O, Astigiano S. Increased Arginase1 expression in tumor microenvironment promotes mammary carcinogenesis via multiple mechanisms. Carcinogenesis 2021; 41:1695-1702. [PMID: 32614387 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgaa063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Arginine metabolism plays a significant role in regulating cell function, affecting tumor growth and metastatization. To study the effect of the arginine-catabolizing enzyme Arginase1 (ARG1) on tumor microenvironment, we generated a mouse model of mammary carcinogenesis by crossbreeding a transgenic mouse line overexpressing ARG1 in macrophages (FVBArg+/+) with the MMTV-Neu mouse line (FVBNeu+/+). This double transgenic line (FVBArg+/-;Neu+/+) showed a significant shortening in mammary tumor latency, and an increase in the number of mammary nodules. Transfer of tumor cells from FVBNeu+/+ into either FVB wild type or FVBArg+/+ mice resulted in increase regulatory T cells in the tumor infiltrate, suggestive of an impaired antitumor immune response. However, we also found increased frequency of tumor stem cells in tumors from FVBArg+/-;Neu+/+ transgenic compared with FVBNeu+/+ mice, suggesting that increased arginine metabolism in mammary tumor microenvironment may supports the cancer stem cells niche. We provide in vivo evidence of a novel, yet unexploited, mechanism through which ARG1 may contribute to tumor development.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Apoptosis
- Arginase/genetics
- Arginase/metabolism
- Cell Proliferation
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/immunology
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology
- Female
- Humans
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/genetics
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/immunology
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/metabolism
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Croce
- Department of Scientific Direction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, L.go Rosanna Benzi 10, Genova, Italy
| | - Patrizia Damonte
- University of Genova, Department of Experimental Medicine, Via L.B. Alberti, Genova, Italy
| | - Monica Morini
- University of Genova, Department of Experimental Medicine, Via L.B. Alberti, Genova, Italy
| | - Simona Pigozzi
- University of Genova, Department of Surgical Science and Integrated Diagnostics, Genova, Italy
| | - Laura Chiossone
- University of Genova, Department of Experimental Medicine, Via L.B. Alberti, Genova, Italy
| | - Paola Vacca
- University of Genova, Department of Experimental Medicine, Via L.B. Alberti, Genova, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Bronte
- Verona University Hospital, Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, Verona, Italy
| | - Ottavia Barbieri
- University of Genova, Department of Experimental Medicine, Via L.B. Alberti, Genova, Italy
| | - Simonetta Astigiano
- Department of Scientific Direction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, L.go Rosanna Benzi 10, Genova, Italy
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21
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Ward MP, E Kane L, A Norris L, Mohamed BM, Kelly T, Bates M, Clarke A, Brady N, Martin CM, Brooks RD, Brooks DA, Selemidis S, Hanniffy S, Dixon EP, A O'Toole S, J O'Leary J. Platelets, immune cells and the coagulation cascade; friend or foe of the circulating tumour cell? Mol Cancer 2021; 20:59. [PMID: 33789677 PMCID: PMC8011144 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01347-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells that transit from primary tumours into the circulatory system are known as circulating tumour cells (CTCs). These cancer cells have unique phenotypic and genotypic characteristics which allow them to survive within the circulation, subsequently extravasate and metastasise. CTCs have emerged as a useful diagnostic tool using "liquid biopsies" to report on the metastatic potential of cancers. However, CTCs by their nature interact with components of the blood circulatory system on a constant basis, influencing both their physical and morphological characteristics as well as metastatic capabilities. These properties and the associated molecular profile may provide critical diagnostic and prognostic capabilities in the clinic. Platelets interact with CTCs within minutes of their dissemination and are crucial in the formation of the initial metastatic niche. Platelets and coagulation proteins also alter the fate of a CTC by influencing EMT, promoting pro-survival signalling and aiding in evading immune cell destruction. CTCs have the capacity to directly hijack immune cells and utilise them to aid in CTC metastatic seeding processes. The disruption of CTC clusters may also offer a strategy for the treatment of advance staged cancers. Therapeutic disruption of these heterotypical interactions as well as direct CTC targeting hold great promise, especially with the advent of new immunotherapies and personalised medicines. Understanding the molecular role that platelets, immune cells and the coagulation cascade play in CTC biology will allow us to identify and characterise the most clinically relevant CTCs from patients. This will subsequently advance the clinical utility of CTCs in cancer diagnosis/prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark P Ward
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland.
- Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland.
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland.
| | - Laura E Kane
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Lucy A Norris
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Bashir M Mohamed
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Tanya Kelly
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Mark Bates
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Andres Clarke
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Nathan Brady
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Cara M Martin
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Robert D Brooks
- Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, 5001, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Doug A Brooks
- Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, 5001, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Stavros Selemidis
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Victoria, 3083, Bundoora, Australia
| | | | - Eric P Dixon
- BD Technologies and Innovation, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Sharon A O'Toole
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - John J O'Leary
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
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22
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Karadas AK, Dilmac S, Aytac G, Tanriover G. Melatonin decreases metastasis, primary tumor growth and angiogenesis in a mice model of breast cancer. Hum Exp Toxicol 2021; 40:1545-1557. [PMID: 33754875 DOI: 10.1177/09603271211002883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to mechanistically analyze the effects of pre-treatment or post-treatment melatonin on the metastatic spread in a mice model. Consequently, the effects on the tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastasis were evaluated with immunohistochemical and western blot analysis. 8-10 weeks-old female BALB/c mice (n = 60, 10/group) were used. Liver metastatic cells (4TLM) from 4T1 murine breast carcinoma were previously isolated. Melatonin was administrated either before or after the injection of 4TLM cells into the mammary pad. Tumor and vehicle (%6 ethanol) injections were given to vehicle groups. Tumor group consisted of the mice injected with only 4TLM cells injected to tumor group and no intervention to control group. Necropsies were performed 27 days after injection of 4TLM. Primary tumors and metastatic tissues were removed. Furthermore, changes in lung and liver metastasis and primary tumor growth and angiogenesis were evaluated. In our study neutrophil levels were noted to be increased in peripheral blood of the tumor-bearing mice. Melatonin exerted inhibitory effects on the 4TLM-induced leukocytosis. Melatonin significantly decreased lung and liver metastasis, primary tumor growth and angiogenesis. The results demonstrated that melatonin might have a therapeutic role through reducing systemic inflammatory responses, metastasis, tumor growth and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asiye Kubra Karadas
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Sayra Dilmac
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Gunes Aytac
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Yuksek Ihtisas University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gamze Tanriover
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
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23
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Moaaz M, Lotfy H, Motawea MA, Fadali G. The interplay of interleukin-17A and breast cancer tumor microenvironment as a novel immunotherapeutic approach to increase tumor immunogenicity. Immunobiology 2021; 226:152068. [PMID: 33556742 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2021.152068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Based on its known role in mediating tumor progression and the correlation with poor response to chemotherapy, we hypothesized that blocking interleukin-17A (IL-17A) by anti-IL-17 monoclonal antibodies might have the ability to suppress programmed death-ligand-1 (PD-L1) and to modulate the expression and function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in BC microenvironment. We also compared the apoptotic activity of anti-IL-17 with those acquired from our previous work on monoclonal antibodies against IL-6. The influence of anti-IL-17 was investigated in two doses on localized freshly resected tissues from 50 patients with BC. Results revealed increased IL-17A in BC tumor tissues versus surrounding tissues. Additionally, PD-L1 expression was inhibited in cultures treated with both doses of anti-IL-17. Frequencies of MDSCs were reduced in those cultures with anti-IL-17 with reduced suppressive activity. The induced apoptosis in the tumor cells was significantly increased. Anti-IL-17 antibodies effect was related to late stages, vascular metastasis, and hormonal status. Results of the current work suggest a promising role for anti-IL-17 monoclonal antibodies in enhancement of anti-tumor immunological activity in BC, potentially involving suppression of immune checkpoint PD-L1 and MDSCs inhibition with a marked response in aggressive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Moaaz
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Hassan Lotfy
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Surgery Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Atef Motawea
- Department of Surgery, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Gaylan Fadali
- Department of Pathology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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24
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He J, Yang X, Wang H. Construction of a risk map to understand the vulnerability of various types of cancer patients to COVID-19 infection. MedComm (Beijing) 2021; 2:69-81. [PMID: 33821252 PMCID: PMC8014155 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID‐19 is leading to a global pandemic and invades human cells via ACE2. ACE2 was found to be abundantly expressed in many organs and cells. However, there is no evidence about the potential risk of various types of cancer patients vulnerable to the infection of COVID‐19. To obtain a risk map that indicates the novel coronavirus vulnerability of different types of cancer, we analyzed in this work the RNA sequencing datasets of cancer patients. By interrogating the datasets, we not only identified the cancer types vulnerable to COVID‐19 attacks, but also we reported that variations in the mRNA expression level of ACE2 correlate to various prognosis phenomenon in different types of cancer cohorts, and illustrated the underlying mechanism involved or may be related to lymphocytes infiltration. From these discoveries, we constructed an infection risk map, which indicates the vulnerability of different types of cancer to COVID‐19 infection, also elucidated the correlationship between ACE2 and the prognosis of cancer. We found that high ACE2 expression levels lead to high risk of COVID‐19 infection and poor prognosis of breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA), while better prognosis in ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma (OV) patient cohorts. Moreover, our study demonstrated that this different pattern may correlate with the immune infiltration level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes Center for Single-Cell Omics School of Public Health Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Xufang Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology Mudanjiang Medical University Mudanjiang Heilongjiang China
| | - Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes Center for Single-Cell Omics School of Public Health Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
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25
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High-Dimensional Analysis of Circulating and Tissue-Derived Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells from Patients with Glioblastoma. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2236:157-175. [PMID: 33237547 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1060-2_13] [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] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We will first describe analysis of MDSC subsets from patient tumors with multicolor flow cytometry. The key components of this methodology are to obtain viable single cell suspensions and eliminate red blood cell contamination.
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26
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Moaaz M, Lotfy H, Elsherbini B, Motawea MA, Fadali G. TGF-β Enhances the Anti-inflammatory Effect of Tumor- Infiltrating CD33+11b+HLA-DR Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Gastric Cancer: A Possible Relation to MicroRNA-494. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2020; 21:3393-3403. [PMID: 33247701 PMCID: PMC8033108 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2020.21.11.3393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) constitutes a key mechanism of tumor immune evasion in gastric cancer (GC). Therefore, searching for more accurate prognostic factors affecting their immunosuppressive role has become a growing interest in cancer immunotherapy research. Increased expression of microRNA-494 was noticed in MDSCs from tumor-bearing mice, suggesting another new therapeutic objective for cancer treatment. It was also discovered that tumor-derived transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is responsible for the up-regulation of microRNA-494 in MDSCs. The purpose of this study was to address the effect of recombinant (rTGF-β) on the anti-inflammatory activity of MDSCs in GC and its possible association with micro-RNA-494 expression in tumor tissue. METHODS Freshly obtained GC tumor tissue samples and peripheral blood were used for isolation of CD33+11b+HLADR- MDSCs cells from 40 GC patients and 31 corresponding controls using flow cytometry. MDSCs were co-cultured with isolated autologous T cells to assess proliferation and cytokine production in the presence and absence of rTGF-β. Real-time PCR and Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay were used to evaluate tumor expression of miRNA-494 and TGF-β respectively. RESULTS Results showed that rTGF-β markedly increased the suppressive ability of tumor MDSCs on proliferation of autologous T cells and interferon gamma production. However, no inhibitory effect was observed for MDSCs from circulation. In addition, infiltration of MDSCs in tumors is associated with the prognosis of GC. MiRNA-494 was also extensively expressed in tumor samples with a significant correlation to MDSCs. CONCLUSION These results indicate that tumor-derived MDSCs but not circulatory MDSCs have an immunosuppressive effect on T cells, potentially involving TGF-β mediated stimulation. Results also suggest a role for miRNA-494 in GC progression. Therefore, control of TGF-β and miRNA-494 may be used as a treatment strategy to downregulate the immunosuppressive effect of MDSCs. .
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Moaaz
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Hassan Lotfy
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Surgery Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Bassem Elsherbini
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed A. Motawea
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Geylan Fadali
- Department of Pathology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
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Inhibitory effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on cancer stemness and mesenchymal transition in breast cancer via regulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240533. [PMID: 33091036 PMCID: PMC7580975 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) has been studied in several cancer models and is suggested to act through various pharmacological effects. We investigated the anticancer properties of Rg3 through myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) modulation in FM3A mouse mammary carcinoma cells. The effects of Rg3 on MDSCs and consequent changes in cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were evaluated by diverse methods. MDSCs promoted cancer by enhancing breast cancer stemness and promoting EMT. Rg3 at a dose without obvious cytotoxicity downregulated MDSCs and repressed MDSC-induced cancer stemness and EMT. Mechanistic investigations suggested that these inhibitory effects of Rg3 on MDSCs and corresponding cancer progression depend upon suppression of the STAT3-dependent pathway, tumor-derived cytokines, and the NOTCH signaling pathway. In a mouse model, MDSCs accelerated tumor progression, and Rg3 delayed tumor growth, which is consistent with the results of in vitro experiments. These results indicated that Rg3 could effectively inhibit the progression of breast cancer. The anticancer effect of Rg3 might be partially due to its downregulation of MDSCs and consequent repression of cancer stemness and EMT in breast cancer. Hence, we suggest the regulation of MDSCs through Rg3 treatment as an effective therapeutic strategy for breast cancer patients.
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Ma L, Wang L, Nelson AT, Han C, He S, Henn MA, Menon K, Chen JJ, Baek AE, Vardanyan A, Shahoei SH, Park S, Shapiro DJ, Nanjappa SG, Nelson ER. 27-Hydroxycholesterol acts on myeloid immune cells to induce T cell dysfunction, promoting breast cancer progression. Cancer Lett 2020; 493:266-283. [PMID: 32861706 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer mortality in the US. Elevated cholesterol is a major risk factor for breast cancer onset and recurrence, while cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as statins, are associated with a good prognosis. Previous work in murine models showed that cholesterol increases breast cancer metastasis, and the pro-metastatic effects of cholesterol were due to its primary metabolite, 27-hydroxycholesterol (27HC). In our prior work, myeloid cells were found to be required for the pro-metastatic effects of 27HC, but their precise contribution remains unclear. Here we report that 27HC impairs T cell expansion and cytotoxic function through its actions on myeloid cells, including macrophages, in a Liver X receptor (LXR) dependent manner. Many oxysterols and LXR ligands had similar effects on T cell expansion. Moreover, their ability to induce the LXR target gene ABCA1 was associated with their effectiveness in impairing T cell expansion. Induction of T cell apoptosis was likely one mediator of this impairment. Interestingly, the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of 27HC, CYP27A1, is highly expressed in myeloid cells, suggesting that 27HC may have important autocrine or paracrine functions in these cells, a hypothesis supported by our finding that breast cancer metastasis was reduced in mice with a myeloid specific knockout of CYP27A1. Importantly, pharmacologic inhibition of CYP27A1 reduced metastatic growth and improved the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitor, anti-PD-L1. Taken together, our work suggests that targeting the CYP27A1 axis in myeloid cells may present therapeutic benefits and improve the response rate to immune therapies in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqian Ma
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Lawrence Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; University of Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Adam T Nelson
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Chaeyeon Han
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Sisi He
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Madeline A Henn
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Karan Menon
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Joy J Chen
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Amy E Baek
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Anna Vardanyan
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Sayyed Hamed Shahoei
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Sunghee Park
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - David J Shapiro
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Som G Nanjappa
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Erik R Nelson
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Anticancer Discovery from Pets to People Theme, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
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De Cicco P, Ercolano G, Ianaro A. The New Era of Cancer Immunotherapy: Targeting Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells to Overcome Immune Evasion. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1680. [PMID: 32849585 PMCID: PMC7406792 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Suppression of antitumor immune responses is one of the main mechanisms by which tumor cells escape from destruction by the immune system. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) represent the main immunosuppressive cells present in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that sustain cancer progression. MDSCs are a heterogeneous group of immature myeloid cells with a potent activity against T-cell. Studies in mice have demonstrated that MDSCs accumulate in several types of cancer where they promote invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis formation and inhibit antitumor immunity. In addition, different clinical studies have shown that MDSCs levels in the peripheral blood of cancer patients correlates with tumor burden, stage and with poor prognosis in multiple malignancies. Thus, MDSCs are the major obstacle to many cancer immunotherapies and their targeting may be a beneficial strategy for improvement the efficiency of immunotherapeutic interventions. However, the great heterogeneity of these cells makes their identification in human cancer very challenging. Since both the phenotype and mechanisms of action of MDSCs appear to be tumor-dependent, it is important to accurately characterized the precise MDSC subsets that have clinical relevance in each tumor environment to more efficiently target them. In this review we summarize the phenotype and the suppressive mechanisms of MDSCs populations expanded within different tumor contexts. Further, we discuss about their clinical relevance for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola De Cicco
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ercolano
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Angela Ianaro
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Saleh R, Toor SM, Taha RZ, Al-Ali D, Sasidharan Nair V, Elkord E. DNA methylation in the promoters of PD-L1, MMP9, ARG1, galectin-9, TIM-3, VISTA and TGF-β genes in HLA-DR - myeloid cells, compared with HLA-DR + antigen-presenting cells. Epigenetics 2020; 15:1275-1288. [PMID: 32419601 PMCID: PMC7678924 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1767373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid cells, including antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play opposing roles to orchestrate innate and adaptive immune responses during physiological and pathological conditions. We investigated the role of DNA methylation in regulating the transcription of inhibitory/suppressive molecules in myeloid suppressive cells (identified as CD33+HLA-DR-) in comparison to APCs. We selected a number of immune checkpoints (ICs), IC ligands, and immunosuppressive molecules that have been implicated in MDSC function, including PD-L1, TIM-3, VISTA, galectin-9, TGF-β, ARG1 and MMP9. We examined their mRNA expression levels, and investigated whether DNA methylation regulates their transcription in sorted myeloid cell subpopulations. We found that mRNA levels of PD-L1, TIM-3, TGF-β, ARG1 and MMP9 in CD33+HLA-DR- cells were higher than APCs. However, VISTA and galectin-9 mRNA levels were relatively similar in both myeloid subpopulations. CpG islands in the promoter regions of TGF-β1, TIM-3 and ARG1 were highly unmethylated in CD33+HLA-DR-cells, compared with APCs, suggesting that DNA methylation is one of the key mechanisms, which regulate their expression. However, we did not find differences in the methylation status of PD-L1 and MMP9 between CD33+HLA-DR- and APCs, suggesting that their transcription could be regulated via other genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. The promoter methylation status of VISTA was relatively similar in both myeloid subpopulations. This study provides novel insights into the epigenetic mechanisms, which control the expression of inhibitory/suppressive molecules in circulating CD33+HLA-DR- cells in a steady-state condition, possibly to maintain immune tolerance and haemostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Saleh
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF) , Doha, Qatar
| | - Salman M Toor
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF) , Doha, Qatar
| | - Rowaida Z Taha
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF) , Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Varun Sasidharan Nair
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF) , Doha, Qatar
| | - Eyad Elkord
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF) , Doha, Qatar
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31
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Ren W, Zhang X, Li W, Feng Q, Feng H, Tong Y, Rong H, Wang W, Zhang D, Zhang Z, Tu S. Circulating and tumor-infiltrating arginase 1-expressing cells in gastric adenocarcinoma patients were mainly immature and monocytic Myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8056. [PMID: 32415175 PMCID: PMC7229115 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64841-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a group of heterogeneous cells derived from immature myeloid cells (IMCs). MDSCs are known to play important roles in tumor immune evasion. While we know that there are a large number of circulating and tumor-infiltrating MDSCs existing in gastric cancer (GC) patients, the phenotypic characteristics and arginase 1 (ARG1) expression levels of these MDSCs remain very unclear. In our study, flow cytometric analysis of circulating MDSCs from 20 gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) patients found that ≥80% ARG1-expressing MDSCs were mainly early-stage MDSCs (HLA-DR-CD33+CD14-CD15-MDSCs). In addition, our investigation showed that tumor-infiltrating MDSCs from 6 GAC patients consisted of >35% ARG1-expressing naïve MDSCs (HLA-DR-CD33-CD11b-CD14-CD15-MDSCs), >15% early-stage MDSCs and >40% monocytic MDSCs (HLA-DR-CD14+MDSCs). This preliminary study describes the phenotypic characteristics and ARG1 expression levels of MDSCs from GAC patients and shows that circulating and tumor-infiltrating ARG1-expressing cells were mainly immature and monocytic MDSCs, which provides information to better understand the mechanisms that allow gastric cancer cells to evade the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- WeiHong Ren
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No.19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China.
| | - XuRan Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No.19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - WenBo Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No.19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Qian Feng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No.19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - HuiJie Feng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No.19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Yan Tong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No.19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Hao Rong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No.19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No.19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Dai Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No.19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - ZhenQiang Zhang
- Immunology Laboratory of Chinese Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No.156 Jinshui East Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - ShiChun Tu
- Neurodegenerative Disease Center, Scintillon Institute, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
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Khalaf S, Toor SM, Murshed K, Kurer MA, Ahmed AA, Abu Nada M, Elkord E. Differential expression of TIM-3 in circulation and tumor microenvironment of colorectal cancer patients. Clin Immunol 2020; 215:108429. [PMID: 32320745 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2020.108429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3) is an inhibitory immune checkpoint, which suppresses anti-tumor immune responses. TIM-3 expression on different immune cells in periphery and tumor microenvironment (TME) of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients has not been fully investigated. We found that TIM-3 was mainly expressed on monocytic myeloid cells (MMCs) and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in circulation but was mainly expressed on T cells and APCs in the TME. Additionally, TIM-3- T cells co-expressed higher levels of PD-1 than TIM-3+ T cells in normal tissue. In contrast, TIM-3+ T cells in the TME showed significantly higher PD-1 expression. Interestingly, there was a trend towards increased levels of TIM-3+ APCs with disease stages; however, levels of TIM-3+ T cells were decreased with disease stages in the TME. This study shows the differential expression of TIM-3 on different immune cells in circulation and TME of CRC patients, and their associations with disease stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Khalaf
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Salman M Toor
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar
| | - Khaled Murshed
- Department of Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohamed A Kurer
- Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ayman A Ahmed
- Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Eyad Elkord
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar; Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar.
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Oral Capecitabine-Vinorelbine is Associated with Longer Overall Survival When Compared to Single-Agent Capecitabine in Patients with Hormone Receptor-Positive Advanced Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030617. [PMID: 32155941 PMCID: PMC7139362 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Single-agent capecitabine (C) is a moderately effective chemotherapeutic compound in the treatment of patients with HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (mBC). The capecitabine-vinorelbine (CV) combination is also used due to a good tolerability profile, but no studies have demonstrated its superiority over single-agent C. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis to compare overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and incidence of adverse events (AEs) in patients with HER2-negative mBC treated with CV vs. single-agent C. Results: Out of 290 patients included in this study, 127 (43.8%) received single-agent C, while 163 (56.2%) patients were treated with CV. Median PFS was similar in patients treated with single-agent C or CV, while CV was associated with significantly longer OS in patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) BC. This OS advantage was confirmed at multivariable analysis also after propensity score-based matching of patients according to relevant clinical or tumor characteristics. When compared with single-agent C, CV was associated with higher incidence of G3/G4 and any-grade nausea/vomiting, diarrhea and increased transaminases. Conclusions: While prospective studies are needed to confirm our findings, the potential OS advantage of CV over single-agent C in HR+ mBC patients must be weighed against a significantly higher incidence of AEs.
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Galliverti G, Wullschleger S, Tichet M, Murugan D, Zangger N, Horton W, Korman AJ, Coussens LM, Swartz MA, Hanahan D. Myeloid Cells Orchestrate Systemic Immunosuppression, Impairing the Efficacy of Immunotherapy against HPV + Cancers. Cancer Immunol Res 2020; 8:131-145. [PMID: 31771984 PMCID: PMC7485376 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-19-0315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cancers induced by human papillomaviruses (HPV) should be responsive to immunotherapy by virtue of expressing the immunogenic oncoproteins E6/E7. However, advanced forms of cervical cancer, driven by HPV, are poorly responsive to immune response-enhancing treatments involving therapeutic vaccination against these viral neoantigens. Leveraging a transgenic mouse model of HPV-derived cancers, K14HPV16/H2b, we demonstrated that a potent nanoparticle-based E7 vaccine, but not a conventional "liquid" vaccine, induced E7 tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells in cervical tumor-bearing mice. Vaccination alone or in combination with anti-PD-1/anti-CTLA4 did not elicit tumor regression nor increase CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), suggesting the presence of immune-suppressive barriers. Patients with cervical cancer have poor dendritic cell functions, have weak cytotoxic lymphocyte responses, and demonstrate an accumulation of myeloid cells in the periphery. Here, we illustrated that myeloid cells in K14HPV16/H2b mice possess potent immunosuppressive activity toward antigen-presenting cells and CD8+ T cells, dampening antitumor immunity. These immune-inhibitory effects inhibited synergistic effects of combining our oncoprotein vaccine with immune checkpoint-blocking antibodies. Our data highlighted a link between HPV-induced cancers, systemic amplification of myeloid cells, and the detrimental effects of myeloid cells on CD8+ T-cell activation and recruitment into the TME. These results established immunosuppressive myeloid cells in lymphoid organs as an HPV+ cancer-induced means of circumventing tumor immunity that will require targeted abrogation to enable the induction of efficacious antitumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Galliverti
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Bioengineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Wullschleger
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Cancer Center Leman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mélanie Tichet
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dhaarini Murugan
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Nadine Zangger
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Translational Bioinformatics and Statistics, Swiss Cancer Center Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Wesley Horton
- Computational Biology Program, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Alan J Korman
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Immuno-oncology Research, Redwood City, California
| | - Lisa M Coussens
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Melody A Swartz
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- The Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Douglas Hanahan
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Swiss Cancer Center Leman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland
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Barriga V, Kuol N, Nurgali K, Apostolopoulos V. The Complex Interaction between the Tumor Micro-Environment and Immune Checkpoints in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11081205. [PMID: 31430935 PMCID: PMC6721629 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The progression of breast cancer and its association with clinical outcome and treatment remain largely unexplored. Accumulating data has highlighted the interaction between cells of the immune system and the tumor microenvironment in cancer progression, and although studies have identified multiple facets of cancer progression within the development of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and its constituents, there is lack of research into the associations between breast cancer subtype and staging. Current literature has provided insight into the cells and pathways associated with breast cancer progression through expression analysis. However, there is lack of co-expression studies between immune pathways and cells of the TME that form pro-tumorigenic relationships contributing to immune-evasion. We focus on the immune checkpoint and TME elements that influence cancer progression, particularly studies in molecular subtypes of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Barriga
- College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne 3030, Australia
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne 3030, Australia
| | - Nyanbol Kuol
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne 3030, Australia
| | - Kulmira Nurgali
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne 3030, Australia
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Naik A, Monjazeb AM, Decock J. The Obesity Paradox in Cancer, Tumor Immunology, and Immunotherapy: Potential Therapeutic Implications in Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1940. [PMID: 31475003 PMCID: PMC6703078 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has been heralded as a breakthrough cancer treatment demonstrating tremendous success in improving tumor responses and survival of patients with hematological cancers and solid tumors. This novel promising treatment approach has in particular triggered optimism for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatment, a subtype of breast cancer with distinct clinical features and poor clinical outcome. In early 2019, the FDA granted the first approval of immune checkpoint therapy, targeting PD-L1 (Atezolizumab) in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic PD-L1 positive TNBC. The efficacy of immuno-based interventions varies across cancer types and patient cohorts, which is attributed to a variety of lifestyle, clinical, and pathological factors. For instance, obesity has emerged as a risk factor for a dampened anti-tumor immune response and increased risk of immunotherapy-induced immune-related adverse events (irAEs) but has also been linked to improved outcomes with checkpoint blockade. Given the breadth of the rising global obesity epidemic, it is imperative to gain insight into the immunomodulatory effects of obesity in the peripheral circulation and within the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we resolve the impact of obesity on breast tumorigenesis and progression on the one hand, and on the immune contexture on the other hand. Finally, we speculate on the potential implications of obesity on immunotherapy response in breast cancer. This review clearly highlights the need for in vivo obese cancer models and representative clinical cohorts for evaluation of immunotherapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adviti Naik
- Qatar Foundation (QF), Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, Qatar
| | - Arta Monir Monjazeb
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Sacramento, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Julie Decock
- Qatar Foundation (QF), Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, Qatar
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Lafrenie RM, Speigl L, Buckner CA, Pawelec G, Conlon MS, Shipp C. Frequency of Immune Cell Subtypes in Peripheral Blood Correlates With Outcome for Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer Treated With High-Dose Chemotherapy. Clin Breast Cancer 2019; 19:433-442. [PMID: 31383605 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The frequency of circulating leukocytes has been shown to be a prognostic factor in patients being treated for different types of cancer. In breast cancer, tumor-infiltrating leukocytes may predict patient outcome, but few studies have investigated such associations for circulating leukocytes. PATIENTS AND METHODS Multiparametric flow cytometry was used to examine the immunophenotypes of circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells for 88 patients with metastatic breast cancer, which was then correlated to breast cancer-specific survival. Patients had been treated either with high-dose cyclophosphamide-containing regimens (group 1, n = 51 patients) or high-dose paclitaxel-containing regimens (group 2, n = 37 patients). RESULTS The frequency of peripheral blood CD14+ monocytes indicated prognosis for patients in group 1 (but not group 2), while higher levels of CD11c+ dendritic cells indicated a better prognosis for patients in group 2 (but not group 1). The frequency of a number of different CD4+ or CD8+ T cell subtypes also predicted prognosis for patients in group 2. For example, patients in group 2 with a higher frequency of circulating CD4+ or CD8+ naive T cells (CD45RA+CD95-CD27+CD28+) showed a poorer prognosis. In contrast, T cells were not associated with prognosis for patients in group 1. CONCLUSION Circulating leukocytes can predict clinical outcome for patients with breast cancer. Prediction of clinical outcome in this cohort of metastatic breast cancer patients was specific to the type of chemotherapy, and this finding is likely to apply to other therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Lafrenie
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada; Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada; Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Lisa Speigl
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Carly A Buckner
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada; Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
| | - Graham Pawelec
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada; Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michael S Conlon
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher Shipp
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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38
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Chrétien S, Zerdes I, Bergh J, Matikas A, Foukakis T. Beyond PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibition: What the Future Holds for Breast Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E628. [PMID: 31060337 PMCID: PMC6562626 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11050628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has altered the management of human malignancies, improving outcomes in an expanding list of diseases. Breast cancer - presumably due to its perceived low immunogenicity - is a late addition to this list. Furthermore, most of the focus has been on the triple negative subtype because of its higher tumor mutational load and lymphocyte-enriched stroma, although emerging data show promise on the other breast cancer subtypes as well. To this point the clinical use of immunotherapy is limited to the inhibition of two immune checkpoints, Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 (PD-1) and Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated Protein 4 (CTLA-4). Consistent with the complexity of the regulation of the tumor - host interactions and their lack of reliance on a single regulatory pathway, combinatory approaches have shown improved efficacy albeit at the cost of increased toxicity. Beyond those two checkpoints though, a large number of co-stimulatory or co-inhibitory molecules play major roles on tumor evasion from immunosurveillance. These molecules likely represent future targets of immunotherapy provided that the promise shown in early data is translated into improved patient survival in randomized trials. The biological role, prognostic and predictive implications regarding breast cancer and early clinical efforts on exploiting these immune-related therapeutic targets are herein reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Chrétien
- Department of Oncology - Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 76, Sweden.
| | - Ioannis Zerdes
- Department of Oncology - Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 76, Sweden.
| | - Jonas Bergh
- Department of Oncology - Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 76, Sweden.
| | - Alexios Matikas
- Department of Oncology - Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 76, Sweden.
| | - Theodoros Foukakis
- Department of Oncology - Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 76, Sweden.
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39
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Basu A, Ramamoorthi G, Jia Y, Faughn J, Wiener D, Awshah S, Kodumudi K, Czerniecki BJ. Immunotherapy in breast cancer: Current status and future directions. Adv Cancer Res 2019; 143:295-349. [PMID: 31202361 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2019.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer, one of the leading causes of death in women in the United States, challenges therapeutic success in patients due to tumor heterogeneity, treatment resistance, metastasis and disease recurrence. Knowledge of immune system involvement in normal breast development and breast cancer has led to extensive research into the immune landscape of breast cancer and multiple immunotherapy clinical trials in breast cancer patients. However, poor immunogenicity and T-cell infiltration along with heightened immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment have been identified as potential challenges to the success of immunotherapy in breast cancer. Oncodrivers, owing to their enhanced expression and stimulation of tumor cell proliferation and survival, present an excellent choice for targeted immunotherapy development in breast cancer. Loss of anti-tumor immune response specific to oncodrivers has been reported in breast cancer patients as well. Dendritic cell vaccines have been tested for their efficacy in generating anti-tumor T-cell response against specific tumor-associated antigens and oncodrivers and have shown improved survival outcome in patients. Here, we review the current status of immunotherapy in breast cancer, focusing on dendritic cell vaccines and their therapeutic application in breast cancer. We further discuss future directions of breast cancer immunotherapy and potential combination strategies involving dendritic cell vaccines and existing chemotherapeutics for improved efficacy and better survival outcome in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Basu
- Clinical Science Division, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | | | - Yongsheng Jia
- Clinical Science Division, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States; Department of Breast Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Jon Faughn
- Clinical Science Division, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Doris Wiener
- Clinical Science Division, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Sabrina Awshah
- Clinical Science Division, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States; University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Krithika Kodumudi
- Clinical Science Division, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States; University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States.
| | - Brian J Czerniecki
- Clinical Science Division, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States; Department of Breast Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States; University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States.
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40
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Bruger AM, Dorhoi A, Esendagli G, Barczyk-Kahlert K, van der Bruggen P, Lipoldova M, Perecko T, Santibanez J, Saraiva M, Van Ginderachter JA, Brandau S. How to measure the immunosuppressive activity of MDSC: assays, problems and potential solutions. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2019; 68:631-644. [PMID: 29785656 PMCID: PMC11028070 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-018-2170-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are a heterogeneous group of mononuclear and polymorphonuclear myeloid cells, which are present at very low numbers in healthy subjects, but can expand substantially under disease conditions. Depending on disease type and stage, MDSC comprise varying amounts of immature and mature differentiation stages of myeloid cells. Validated unique phenotypic markers for MDSC are still lacking. Therefore, the functional analysis of these cells is of central importance for their identification and characterization. Various disease-promoting and immunosuppressive functions of MDSC are reported in the literature. Among those, the capacity to modulate the activity of T cells is by far the most often used and best-established read-out system. In this review, we critically evaluate the assays available for the functional analysis of human and murine MDSC under in vitro and in vivo conditions. We also discuss critical issues and controls associated with those assays. We aim at providing suggestions and recommendations useful for the contemporary biological characterization of MDSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika M Bruger
- de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 74, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anca Dorhoi
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany and Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Gunes Esendagli
- Department of Basic Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Pierre van der Bruggen
- de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 74, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie Lipoldova
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Genetics AS CR, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Perecko
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 841 04, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Juan Santibanez
- Molecular Oncology group, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
- Centro Integrativo de Biología y Química Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago, Chile
| | - Margarida Saraiva
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jo A Van Ginderachter
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sven Brandau
- Research Division, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122, Essen, Germany.
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41
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Basudhar D, Bharadwaj G, Somasundaram V, Cheng RYS, Ridnour LA, Fujita M, Lockett SJ, Anderson SK, McVicar DW, Wink DA. Understanding the tumour micro-environment communication network from an NOS2/COX2 perspective. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:155-176. [PMID: 30152521 PMCID: PMC6295414 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent findings suggest that co-expression of NOS2 and COX2 is a strong prognostic indicator in triple-negative breast cancer patients. These two key inflammation-associated enzymes are responsible for the biosynthesis of NO and PGE2 , respectively, and can exert their effect in both an autocrine and paracrine manner. Impairment of their physiological regulation leads to critical changes in both intra-tumoural and intercellular communication with the immune system and their adaptation to the hypoxic tumour micro-environment. Recent studies have also established a key role of NOS2-COX2 in causing metabolic shift. This review provides an extensive overview of the role of NO and PGE2 in shaping communication between the tumour micro-environment composed of tumour and immune cells that in turn favours tumour progression and metastasis. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Nitric Oxide 20 Years from the 1998 Nobel Prize. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.2/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debashree Basudhar
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of HealthFrederickMDUSA
| | - Gaurav Bharadwaj
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of HealthFrederickMDUSA
| | - Veena Somasundaram
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of HealthFrederickMDUSA
| | - Robert Y S Cheng
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of HealthFrederickMDUSA
| | - Lisa A Ridnour
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of HealthFrederickMDUSA
| | - Mayumi Fujita
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of HealthFrederickMDUSA
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences for Radiation Damages, National Institute of Radiological SciencesNational Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and TechnologyChiba‐kenJapan
| | - Stephen J Lockett
- Optical Microscopy and Analysis Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc. for the National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of HealthFrederickMDUSA
| | - Stephen K Anderson
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of HealthFrederickMDUSA
| | - Daniel W McVicar
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of HealthFrederickMDUSA
| | - David A Wink
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of HealthFrederickMDUSA
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42
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Safarzadeh E, Hashemzadeh S, Duijf PH, Mansoori B, Khaze V, Mohammadi A, Kazemi T, Yousefi M, Asadi M, Mohammadi H, Babaie F, Baradaran B. Circulating myeloid‐derived suppressor cells: An independent prognostic factor in patients with breast cancer. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:3515-3525. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elham Safarzadeh
- Immunology Research Center Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Ardabil University of Medical Sciences Ardabil Iran
| | - Shahryar Hashemzadeh
- General and Vascular Surgery Department Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Pascal H.G. Duijf
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute Brisbane Australia
| | - Behzad Mansoori
- Immunology Research Center Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Vahid Khaze
- Immunology Research Center Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Ali Mohammadi
- Immunology Research Center Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Tohid Kazemi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Milad Asadi
- Immunology Research Center Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Hamed Mohammadi
- Immunology Research Center Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Farhad Babaie
- Immunology Research Center Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
- Stem Cell And Regenerative Medicine Institute (SCARM), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
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43
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Ravindranathan S, Nguyen KG, Kurtz SL, Frazier HN, Smith SG, Koppolu BP, Rajaram N, Zaharoff DA. Tumor-derived granulocyte colony-stimulating factor diminishes efficacy of breast tumor cell vaccines. Breast Cancer Res 2018; 20:126. [PMID: 30348199 PMCID: PMC6198508 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-018-1054-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although metastasis is ultimately responsible for about 90% of breast cancer mortality, the vast majority of breast-cancer-related deaths are due to progressive recurrences from non-metastatic disease. Current adjuvant therapies are unable to prevent progressive recurrences for a significant fraction of patients with breast cancer. Autologous tumor cell vaccines (ATCVs) are a safe and potentially useful strategy to prevent breast cancer recurrence, in a personalized and patient-specific manner, following standard-of-care tumor resection. Given the high intra-patient and inter-patient heterogeneity in breast cancer, it is important to understand which factors influence the immunogenicity of breast tumor cells in order to maximize ATCV effectiveness. METHODS The relative immunogenicity of two murine breast carcinomas, 4T1 and EMT6, were compared in a prophylactic vaccination-tumor challenge model. Differences in cell surface expression of antigen-presentation-related and costimulatory molecules were compared along with immunosuppressive cytokine production. CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to modulate tumor-derived cytokine secretion. The impacts of cytokine deletion on splenomegaly, myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) accumulation and ATCV immunogenicity were assessed. RESULTS Mice vaccinated with an EMT6 vaccine exhibited significantly greater protective immunity than mice vaccinated with a 4T1 vaccine. Hybrid vaccination studies revealed that the 4T1 vaccination induced both local and systemic immune impairments. Although there were significant differences between EMT6 and 4T1 in the expression of costimulatory molecules, major disparities in the secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines likely accounts for differences in immunogenicity between the cell lines. Ablation of one cytokine in particular, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), reversed MDSC accumulation and splenomegaly in the 4T1 model. Furthermore, G-CSF inhibition enhanced the immunogenicity of a 4T1-based vaccine to the extent that all vaccinated mice developed complete protective immunity. CONCLUSIONS Breast cancer cells that express high levels of G-CSF have the potential to diminish or abrogate the efficacy of breast cancer ATCVs. Fortunately, this study demonstrates that genetic ablation of immunosuppressive cytokines, such as G-CSF, can enhance the immunogenicity of breast cancer cell-based vaccines. Strategies that combine inhibition of immunosuppressive factors with immune stimulatory co-formulations already under development may help ATCVs reach their full potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Khue G Nguyen
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Samantha L Kurtz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Haven N Frazier
- Honors College, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Sean G Smith
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA.,Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Bhanu Prasanth Koppolu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA.,Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Narasimhan Rajaram
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - David A Zaharoff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA. .,Cell and Molecular Biology Program, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA. .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. .,Honors College, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA. .,Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
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44
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Tan W, Yang M, Yang H, Zhou F, Shen W. Predicting the response to neoadjuvant therapy for early-stage breast cancer: tumor-, blood-, and imaging-related biomarkers. Cancer Manag Res 2018; 10:4333-4347. [PMID: 30349367 PMCID: PMC6188192 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s174435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) has been used increasingly in patients with locally advanced or early-stage breast cancer. However, the accurate evaluation and prediction of response to NAT remain the great challenge. Biomarkers could prove useful to identify responders or nonresponders, or even to distinguish between early and delayed responses. These biomarkers could include markers from the tumor itself, such as versatile proteins, genes, and ribonucleic acids, various biological factors or peripheral blood cells, and clinical and pathological features. Possible predictive markers could also include multiple features from functional imaging, such as standard uptake values in positron emission tomography, apparent diffusion coefficient in magnetic resonance, or radiomics imaging biomarkers. In addition, cells that indirectly present the immune status of tumor cells and/or their host could also potentially be used as biomarkers, eg, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, tumor-associated macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Though numerous biomarkers have been widely investigated, only estrogen and/or progesterone receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor have been proven to be reliable biomarkers to predict the response to NAT. They are the only biomarkers recommended in several international guidelines. The other aforementioned biomarkers warrant further validation studies. Some multigene profiling assays that are commercially available, eg, Oncotype DX and MammaPrint, should be used with caution when extrapolated to NAT settings. A panel of combined multilevel biomarkers might be able to predict the response to NAT more robustly than individual biomarkers. To establish such a panel and its prediction model, reliable methods and extensive clinical validation are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyong Tan
- Department of Oncology, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China, ;
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People Hospital), Jinan University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China,
| | - Ming Yang
- Shenzhen Jingmai Medical Scientific and Technique Company, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongli Yang
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People Hospital), Jinan University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China,
| | - Fangbin Zhou
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People Hospital), Jinan University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China,
| | - Weixi Shen
- Department of Oncology, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China, ;
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45
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Seo EH, Namgung JH, Oh CS, Kim SH, Lee SH. Association of Chemokines and Chemokine Receptor Expression with Monocytic-Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells during Tumor Progression. Immune Netw 2018; 18:e23. [PMID: 29984041 PMCID: PMC6026688 DOI: 10.4110/in.2018.18.e23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are highly immunosuppressive myeloid cells that show increased expression in cancer patients; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying their generation and function are unclear. Whereas granulocytic-MDSCs correlate with poor overall survival in breast cancer (BC), the presence and relevance of monocytic (Mo)-MDSCs are unknown. Here, we report for the first time increased chemokine and chemokine receptor production by Mo-MDSCs in BC patients. A clear population of Mo-MDSCs with the typical cell surface phenotype (human leukocyte antigen-antigen D related [HLA-DR]low/− CD11b+ CD33+ CD14+) increased significantly during disease progression. In addition, the chemokine receptor expression level on Mo-MDSCs in patients with invasive BC was the highest. Furthermore, different chemokine receptor expression patterns were noted in Mo-MDSCs between healthy controls (HC) and BC patients. Additionally, CD4 T cells proliferations were significantly decreased in the invasive BC groups compared with the HC group. However, the ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) group had no significantly compared with the HC group. Our data suggest that monitoring chemokine and chemokine receptor production by Mo-MDSCs may represent a novel and simple biomarker for assessing disease progression in BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Hye Seo
- BK21 Plus, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 05030, Korea
| | - Ji Hyeon Namgung
- Department of Microbiology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 05030, Korea
| | - Chung-Sik Oh
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 05030, Korea
| | - Seong-Hyop Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 05030, Korea.,Department of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 05030, Korea.,Department of Infection and Immunology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 05030, Korea
| | - Seung Hyun Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 05030, Korea.,Department of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 05030, Korea.,Department of Infection and Immunology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 05030, Korea
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Aarnink A, Richard C, Truntzer C, Vincent J, Bengrine L, Vienot A, Borg C, Ghiringhelli F. Baseline splenic volume as a surrogate marker of FOLFIRINOX efficacy in advanced pancreatic carcinoma. Oncotarget 2018; 9:25617-25629. [PMID: 29876012 PMCID: PMC5986639 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The FOLFIRINOX regimen is the standard first-line treatment for advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma (aPDAC). However, because of its potential toxicity, predictive biomarkers could help clinical decision-making. Methods A cohort of 97 aPDAC patients treated with first-line FOLFIRINOX were studied. The association between splenic volume and progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was evaluated using univariate and multivariable Cox analyses. The external validation cohort was composed of 117 patients treated with Gemcitabine and 52 patients treated with FOLFIRINOX. Results In the training cohort, the splenic volume of 97 patients was measured at baseline and at the end of therapy. The spleen size increased in 81% of patients, with at least a 50% increase in 27% of patients. Baseline splenomegaly predicted PFS (HR 1.812, 95% CI = [1.036–3.169]; p = 0.03) and OS (HR 1.983, 95% CI = [1.085–3.624]; p = 0.02) in the training cohort. These results were then validated in an external cohort of patients who were treated with FOLFIRINOX excluding those in the control cohort who were treated with gemcitabine. In a multivariate model based on the CoxBoost method, the following were selected as predictive markers of FOLFIRINOX efficacy (AUC = 0.81): performance status, liver metastasis, baseline Ca199 and CEA levels and baseline splenomegaly. The predictive ability of the model was validated in the external cohort that was also treated with FOLFIRINOX. Conclusions Baseline splenomegaly is a predictive marker of a poor response to FOLFIRINOX in aPDAC and remained predictive when associated with other clinical variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Aarnink
- Department of Medical Oncology, Center Georges Francois Leclerc, Dijon, France
| | - Corentin Richard
- Platform of Transfer in Oncology, Besançon University Hospital, Besançon, France
| | - Caroline Truntzer
- Platform of Transfer in Oncology, Besançon University Hospital, Besançon, France
| | - Julie Vincent
- Department of Medical Oncology, Center Georges Francois Leclerc, Dijon, France
| | - Leila Bengrine
- Department of Medical Oncology, Center Georges Francois Leclerc, Dijon, France
| | - Angélique Vienot
- Department of Medical Oncology, Besançon University Hospital, Besançon, France
| | - Christophe Borg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Besançon University Hospital, Besançon, France.,University of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Francois Ghiringhelli
- Department of Medical Oncology, Center Georges Francois Leclerc, Dijon, France.,Platform of Transfer in Oncology, Besançon University Hospital, Besançon, France.,INSERM, Unit 1231, Besançon, France.,University of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
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47
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Toor SM, Elkord E. Therapeutic prospects of targeting myeloid-derived suppressor cells and immune checkpoints in cancer. Immunol Cell Biol 2018; 96:888-897. [PMID: 29635843 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Immune evasion is a characteristic of most human malignancies and is induced via various mechanisms. Immunosuppressive cells, including myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and regulatory T cells (Treg), are key mediators in assisting tumors to escape immune surveillance. Expansion of MDSC, Treg and elevated levels of immune checkpoints (IC) are frequently detected in the tumor microenvironment and periphery of cancer patients. Various therapeutic agents have been shown to target MDSC and to block IC for inducing anti-tumor immunity and reversal of tumor immune escape. Importantly, some recent studies have shown that MDSC targeting improves the efficacy of IC blockade in cancer therapy. However, there is a pressing need to improve our understanding of the distinct role of these cells to develop combination therapy that attacks tumor cells from all frontiers to improve cancer therapeutics. Herein, we discuss the role of MDSC in cancer progression, interactions with IC in the context of anti-cancer immunity and the current therapeutic strategies to target MDSC and block IC in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salman M Toor
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Eyad Elkord
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar.,Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Li X, Singh K, Luo Z, Mejia-Cordova M, Jamalpour M, Lindahl B, Zhang G, Sandler S, Welsh M. Pro-tumoral immune cell alterations in wild type and Shb-deficient mice in response to 4T1 breast carcinomas. Oncotarget 2018; 9:18720-18733. [PMID: 29721156 PMCID: PMC5922350 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
To assess mechanisms responsible for breast carcinoma metastasis, 4T1 breast carcinomas were grown orthotopically in wild type or Shb knockout mice. Tumor growth, metastasis, vascular characteristics and immune cell properties were analyzed. Absence of Shb did not affect tumor growth although it increased lung metastasis. Shb knockout mouse tumors showed decreased redness and less developed vascular plexa located at the periphery of the tumors. No difference in overall tumor vascular density, leakage or pericyte coverage was noted between the genotypes although the average vessel size was smaller in the knockout. Tumors induced an increase of CD11b+ cells in spleen, lymph node, thymus, bone marrow and blood. Numbers of Shb knockout CD11b/CD8+ cells were decreased in lymph nodes and bone marrow of tumor bearing mice. Mice with tumors had reduced numbers of CD4+ lymphocytes in blood/lymphoid organs, whereas in most of these locations the proportion of CD4+ cells co-expressing FoxP3 was increased, suggesting a relative increase in Treg cells. This finding was reinforced by increased blood interleukin-35 (IL-35) in wild type tumor bearing mice. Shb knockout blood showed in addition an increased proportion of IL-35 expressing Treg cells, supporting the notion that absence of Shb further promotes tumor evasion from immune cell recognition. This could explain the increased number of lung metastases observed under these conditions. In conclusion, 4T1 tumors alter immune cell responses that promote tumor expansion, metastasis and escape from T cell recognition in an Shb dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujuan Li
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75123, Sweden.,Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Kailash Singh
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75123, Sweden
| | - Zhengkang Luo
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75123, Sweden
| | | | - Maria Jamalpour
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75123, Sweden
| | - Björn Lindahl
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75123, Sweden
| | - Ganlin Zhang
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75123, Sweden
| | - Stellan Sandler
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75123, Sweden
| | - Michael Welsh
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75123, Sweden
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Stovgaard ES, Nielsen D, Hogdall E, Balslev E. Triple negative breast cancer - prognostic role of immune-related factors: a systematic review. Acta Oncol 2018; 57:74-82. [PMID: 29168430 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2017.1400180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Treatment of breast cancer has been increasingly successful in recent years with the advent of HER2-receptor targeted treatment and endocrine treatment. However, the triple negative subgroup of breast cancer (TNBC) (estrogen-, progesterone- and HER2-receptor negative) still lacks targeted treatment options. TNBC is a type of breast cancer that often affects younger women, and generally has a worse prognosis than other types of breast cancer. Recently, the complex role of the immune system in cancer growth, elimination and metastasis has been the object of increased attention. There is hope that a more detailed understanding of the intricate roles of the constituents of the immune system, will hold potential both as prognostic or predictive markers of cancer progression, but also as treatment targets for a wide range of tumors, including TNBC. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the cellular immune microenvironment in TNBC, and to highlight areas in which TNBC may differ from other types of breast cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS A search of PubMed was made using the terms 'triple negative breast cancer' and 'tumor infiltrating lymphocytes', 'CD8', 'CD4', 'B cells', 'natural killer cells', 'macrophages', myeloid derived suppressor cells', 'dendritic cells', 'immune check point inhibitor', 'CTLA-4' and 'PD-L1'. RESULTS We find that whilst factors such as TILs and certain subgroups of TILs (e.g., CD8 + and regulator T-cells) have been extensively researched, none of these markers are currently applicable to routine clinical practice. Also, TNBC differs from other types of breast cancer with regards to cellular composition of the immune infiltrate and PD-L1 expression, and the prognostic significance of these. CONCLUSIONS Immune-related factors have the potential as both prognostic and predictive biomarkers for new treatments targeting the immune system in breast cancer. However, multivariate analyses, taking other well-known factors into account, are required to determine the true value of these biomarkers. Also, differences between TNBC and other types of breast cancer may have implications for treatment and use of immune-related factors as biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dorte Nielsen
- Department of Oncology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Estrid Hogdall
- Department of Pathology, Molecular Unit, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Eva Balslev
- Deparment of Pathology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
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CD14+ HLA-DR-/low MDSCs are elevated in the periphery of early-stage breast cancer patients and suppress autologous T cell proliferation. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2017; 168:401-411. [PMID: 29230664 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-017-4594-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite the recent expansion in the use of immunotherapy for many cancer types, it is still not a standard treatment for breast cancer. Identifying differences in the immune systems of breast cancer patients compared to healthy women might provide insight into potential targets for immunotherapy and thus may assist its clinical implementation. METHODS Multi-colour flow cytometry was used to investigate myeloid and lymphoid populations in the peripheral blood of breast cancer patients (n = 40) and in the blood of healthy age-matched women (n = 25). We additionally performed functional testing to identify immune suppressive mechanisms used by circulating CD14+ myeloid cells from breast cancer patients. RESULTS Our results show that breast cancer patients have significantly elevated frequencies of cells with the monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cell (mMDSC) phenotype CD14+ HLA-DR-/low compared with healthy women (p < 0.01). We also observed higher levels of earlier differentiated T cells and correspondingly lower levels of T cells in later stages of differentiation (p < 0.05). These disease-associated differences could already be detected in early-stage breast cancer patients in stages 1 and 2 (n = 33 of 40) (p < 0.05). Levels of circulating T cells correlated with certain clinical features and with patient age (p < 0.05). Functional tests showed that CD14+ myeloid cells from breast cancer patients more potently suppressed autologous T cell proliferation than CD14+ cells from healthy women (p < 0.01). Subsequent investigation determined that suppression was mediated in part by reactive oxygen species, because inhibiting this pathway partially restored T cell proliferation (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Our results highlight the potential importance of cells with mMDSC phenotypes in breast cancer, identifiable already at early stages of disease. This may provide a basis for identifying possible new therapeutic targets to enhance anti-cancer immunity.
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