1
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Ito S, Koshino A, Wang C, Otani T, Komura M, Ueki A, Kato S, Takahashi H, Ebi M, Ogasawara N, Tsuzuki T, Kasai K, Kasugai K, Takiguchi S, Takahashi S, Inaguma S. Characterisation of colorectal cancer by hierarchical clustering analyses for five stroma-related markers. J Pathol Clin Res 2024; 10:e12386. [PMID: 38890810 PMCID: PMC11187867 DOI: 10.1002/2056-4538.12386] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Evidence for the tumour-supporting capacities of the tumour stroma has accumulated rapidly in colorectal cancer (CRC). Tumour stroma is composed of heterogeneous cells and components including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), small vessels, immune cells, and extracellular matrix proteins. The present study examined the characteristics of CAFs and collagen, major components of cancer stroma, by immunohistochemistry and Sirius red staining. The expression status of five independent CAF-related or stromal markers, decorin (DCN), fibroblast activation protein (FAP), podoplanin (PDPN), alpha-smooth muscle actin (ACTA2), and collagen, and their association with clinicopathological features and clinical outcomes were analysed. Patients with DCN-high tumours had a significantly worse 5-year survival rate (57.3% versus 79.0%; p = 0.044). Furthermore, hierarchical clustering analyses for these five markers identified three groups that showed specific characteristics: a solid group (cancer cell-rich, DCNLowPDPNLow); a PDPN-dominant group (DCNMidPDPNHigh); and a DCN-dominant group (DCNHighPDPNLow), with a significant association with patient survival (p = 0.0085). Cox proportional hazards model identified the PDPN-dominant group (hazard ratio = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.26-0.96, p = 0.037) as a potential favourable factor compared with the DCN-dominant group. Of note, DCN-dominant tumours showed the most advanced pT stage and contained the lowest number of CD8+ and FOXP3+ immune cells. This study has revealed that immunohistochemistry and special staining of five stromal factors with hierarchical clustering analyses could be used for the prognostication of patients with CRC. Cancer stroma-targeting therapies may be candidate treatments for patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunao Ito
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaJapan
| | - Akira Koshino
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal MedicineAichi Medical University School of MedicineNagakuteJapan
| | - Chengbo Wang
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor BiologyNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaJapan
| | - Takahiro Otani
- Department of Public HealthNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaJapan
| | - Masayuki Komura
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor BiologyNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaJapan
| | - Akane Ueki
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor BiologyNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaJapan
| | - Shunsuke Kato
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal MedicineAichi Medical University School of MedicineNagakuteJapan
| | - Hiroki Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaJapan
| | - Masahide Ebi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal MedicineAichi Medical University School of MedicineNagakuteJapan
| | - Naotaka Ogasawara
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal MedicineAichi Medical University School of MedicineNagakuteJapan
| | - Toyonori Tsuzuki
- Surgical PathologyAichi Medical University School of MedicineNagakuteJapan
| | - Kenji Kasai
- Department of PathologyAichi Medical University School of MedicineNagakuteJapan
| | - Kunio Kasugai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal MedicineAichi Medical University School of MedicineNagakuteJapan
| | - Shuji Takiguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaJapan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor BiologyNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaJapan
| | - Shingo Inaguma
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor BiologyNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaJapan
- Department of PathologyAichi Medical University School of MedicineNagakuteJapan
- Department of PathologyNagoya City University East Medical CenterNagoyaJapan
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2
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Komura M, Wang C, Ito S, Kato S, Ueki A, Ebi M, Ogasawara N, Tsuzuki T, Kasai K, Kasugai K, Takiguchi S, Takahashi S, Inaguma S. Simultaneous Expression of CD70 and POSTN in Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Predicts Worse Survival of Colorectal Cancer Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2537. [PMID: 38473788 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal cancers worldwide, with high morbidity and mortality rates. The evidence for the tumor-supporting capacities of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that modulate cancer cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and tumor immunity, including in CRC, has been attracting attention. The present study examined the expression status of CD70 and POSTN in CRC and analyzed their association with clinicopathological features and clinical outcomes. In the present study, in total 15% (40/269) and 44% (119/269) of cases exhibited CD70 and POSTN expression on CAFs, respectively. Co-expression of CD70 and POSTN was detected in 8% (21/269) of patients. Fluorescent immunohistochemistry identified the co-expression of CD70 and POSTN with FAP and PDPN, respectively. ACTA2 was not co-expressed with CD70 or POSTN in CRC CAFs. CRC with CD70+/POSTN+ status in CAFs was significantly associated with distant organ metastasis (p = 0.0020) or incomplete resection status (p = 0.0011). CD70+/POSTN+ status tended to associate with advanced pT stage (p = 0.032) or peritoneal metastasis (p = 0.0059). Multivariate Cox hazards regression analysis identified CD70+/POSTN+ status in CAFs [hazard ratio (HR) = 3.78] as a potential independent risk factor. In vitro experiments revealed the activated phenotypes of colonic fibroblasts induced by CD70 and POSTN, while migration and invasion assays identified enhanced migration and invasion of CRC cells co-cultured with CD70- and POSTN-expressing colonic fibroblasts. On the basis of our observations, CD70 and POSTN immunohistochemistry can be used in the prognostication of CRC patients. CRC CAFs may be a promising target in the treatment of CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Komura
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Chengbo Wang
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Sunao Ito
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Kato
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute 480-1195, Japan
| | - Akane Ueki
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Masahide Ebi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute 480-1195, Japan
| | - Naotaka Ogasawara
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute 480-1195, Japan
| | - Toyonori Tsuzuki
- Surgical Pathology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute 480-1195, Japan
| | - Kenji Kasai
- Department of Pathology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute 480-1195, Japan
| | - Kunio Kasugai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute 480-1195, Japan
| | - Shuji Takiguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Shingo Inaguma
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute 480-1195, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya City University East Medical Center, Nagoya 464-8547, Japan
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3
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Van den Eynde A, Gehrcken L, Verhezen T, Lau HW, Hermans C, Lambrechts H, Flieswasser T, Quatannens D, Roex G, Zwaenepoel K, Marcq E, Joye P, Cardenas De La Hoz E, Deben C, Gasparini A, Montay-Gruel P, Le Compte M, Lion E, Lardon F, Van Laere S, Siozopoulou V, Campillo-Davo D, De Waele J, Pauwels P, Jacobs J, Smits E, Van Audenaerde JRM. IL-15-secreting CAR natural killer cells directed toward the pan-cancer target CD70 eliminate both cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:8. [PMID: 38331849 PMCID: PMC10854128 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01525-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It remains challenging to obtain positive outcomes with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered cell therapies in solid malignancies, like colorectal cancer (CRC) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). A major obstacle is the lack of targetable surface antigens that are not shared by healthy tissues. CD70 emerges as interesting target, due to its stringent expression pattern in healthy tissue and its apparent role in tumor progression in a considerable amount of malignancies. Moreover, CD70 is also expressed on cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), another roadblock for treatment efficacy in CRC and PDAC. We explored the therapeutic potential of CD70 as target for CAR natural killer (NK) cell therapy in CRC, PDAC, focusing on tumor cells and CAFs, and lymphoma. METHODS RNA-seq data and immunohistochemical analysis of patient samples were used to explore CD70 expression in CRC and PDAC patients. In addition, CD70-targeting CAR NK cells were developed to assess cytotoxic activity against CD70+ tumor cells and CAFs, and the effect of cytokine stimulation on their efficacy was evaluated. The in vitro functionality of CD70-CAR NK cells was investigated against a panel of tumor and CAF cell lines with varying CD70 expression. Lymphoma-bearing mice were used to validate in vivo potency of CD70-CAR NK cells. Lastly, to consider patient variability, CD70-CAR NK cells were tested on patient-derived organoids containing CAFs. RESULTS In this study, we identified CD70 as a target for tumor cells and CAFs in CRC and PDAC patients. Functional evaluation of CD70-directed CAR NK cells indicated that IL-15 stimulation is essential to obtain effective elimination of CD70+ tumor cells and CAFs, and to improve tumor burden and survival of mice bearing CD70+ tumors. Mechanistically, IL-15 stimulation resulted in improved potency of CD70-CAR NK cells by upregulating CAR expression and increasing secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, in a mainly autocrine or intracellular manner. CONCLUSIONS We disclose CD70 as an attractive target both in hematological and solid tumors. IL-15 armored CAR NK cells act as potent effectors to eliminate these CD70+ cells. They can target both tumor cells and CAFs in patients with CRC and PDAC, and potentially other desmoplastic solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Van den Eynde
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Laura Gehrcken
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Tias Verhezen
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Ho Wa Lau
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Christophe Hermans
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Hilde Lambrechts
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Tal Flieswasser
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Delphine Quatannens
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Gils Roex
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Karen Zwaenepoel
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Elly Marcq
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Lab of Dendritic Cell Biology and Cancer Immunotherapy, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
- Brussels Center for Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Joye
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | | | - Christophe Deben
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Alessia Gasparini
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Iridium Netwerk, Radiation Oncology, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Pierre Montay-Gruel
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Iridium Netwerk, Radiation Oncology, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Maxim Le Compte
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Eva Lion
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine (CCRG), Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Filip Lardon
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Steven Van Laere
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Vasiliki Siozopoulou
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- University Hospital Saint-Luc, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Diana Campillo-Davo
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Jorrit De Waele
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Patrick Pauwels
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Julie Jacobs
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Evelien Smits
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Jonas R M Van Audenaerde
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
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Ito S, Koshino A, Komura M, Kato S, Otani T, Wang C, Ueki A, Takahashi H, Ebi M, Ogasawara N, Tsuzuki T, Kasai K, Kasugai K, Takiguchi S, Takahashi S, Inaguma S. Characterization of colorectal cancer by hierarchical clustering analyses of five immune cell markers. Pathol Int 2024; 74:13-25. [PMID: 38050808 DOI: 10.1111/pin.13391] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
The present study analyzed the expression of five independent immunohistochemical markers, CD4, CD8, CD66b, CD68, and CD163, on immune cells within the colorectal cancer (CRC) tumor microenvironment (TME). Using hierarchical clustering, patients were successfully classified according to significant associations with clinicopathological features and/or survival. Patients with mismatch repair-proficient (pMMR) CRC were categorized into four groups with survival differences (p = 0.0084): CD4Low , CD4High , MΦHigh , and CD8Low . MΦHigh tumors showed significantly higher expression of CD47 (p < 0.0001), a phagocytosis checkpoint molecule. These tumors contained significantly greater numbers of PD-1+ (p < 0.0001), TIM-3+ (p < 0.0001), and SIRPA+ (p < 0.0001) immune cells. Notably, 10% of the patients with pMMR CRC expressed PD-L1 (CD274) on tumor cells with significantly worse survival (p = 0.00064). The Cox proportional hazards model identified MΦ High (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.02, 95%, p = 0.032), CD8Low (HR = 2.45, p = 0.011), and tumor PD-L1 expression (HR = 2.74, p = 0.0061) as potential risk factors. PD-L1-PD-1 and/or CD47-SIRPA axes targeting immune checkpoint therapies might be considered for patients with pMMR CRC according to their tumor cells and tumor immune microenvironment characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunao Ito
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akira Koshino
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Masayuki Komura
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Kato
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Takahiro Otani
- Department of Public Health, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Chengbo Wang
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akane Ueki
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroki Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masahide Ebi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Naotaka Ogasawara
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Toyonori Tsuzuki
- Surgical Pathology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Kenji Kasai
- Department of Pathology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Kunio Kasugai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Shuji Takiguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shingo Inaguma
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya City University East Medical Center, Nagoya, Japan
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5
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Gao X, Hong C, Xie Y, Zeng X. Immunotherapy or targeted therapy: What will be the future treatment for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma? Front Oncol 2023; 13:1103147. [PMID: 37007127 PMCID: PMC10063970 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1103147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare and aggressive form of thyroid carcinoma (TC). Currently, there are no effective treatments for this condition. In the past few years, targeted therapy and immunotherapy have made significant progress in ATC treatment. Several common genetic mutations have been found in ATC cells, involving different molecular pathways related to tumor progression, and new therapies that act on these molecular pathways have been studied to improve the quality of life of these patients. In 2018, the FDA approved dabrafenib combined with trametinib to treat BRAF-positive ATC, confirming its therapeutic potential. At the same time, the recent emergence of immunotherapy has also attracted wide attention from researchers. While immunotherapy for ATC is still in the experimental stage, numerous studies have shown that immunotherapy is a potential therapy for ATC. In addition, it has also been found that the combination of immunotherapy and targeted therapy may enhance the anti-tumor effect of targeted therapy. In recent years, there has been some progress in the study of targeted therapy or immunotherapy combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy, showing the prospect of combined therapy in ATC. In this review, we analyze the response mechanism and potential effects of targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and combination therapy in ATC treatment and explore the future of treatment for ATC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoni Gao
- Department of Thyroid and Hernia Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Thyroid Cancer, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Chengcheng Hong
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Thyroid Cancer, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yang Xie
- Department of Thyroid and Hernia Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Thyroid Cancer, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiangtai Zeng
- Department of Thyroid and Hernia Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Institute of Thyroid Diseases, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- *Correspondence: Xiangtai Zeng,
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Liang Q, Zhou XH. Role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in colorectal cancer. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2023; 31:134-142. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v31.i4.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignancy that has a high incidence in all countries around the world. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a vital component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), playing an important role in the development of CRC. CAFs can release multiple cytokines and exosomes, activating a variety of related signaling pathways and boosting the processes of the invasion, metastasis, metabolism, drug resistance, and immunosuppression in CRC. Thus, CAFs are a prognostic marker and therapeutic target for CRC. Understanding the role and mechanism of CAFs can provide new insights for the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Liang
- Graduate School of Youjiang Medical College for Nationalities, Baise 533000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xi-Han Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical College Nationalities, Baise 533000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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7
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Liang Q, Zhou XH, Shen GF, Zhu F, Lian HF, Li X, Zheng JY, Li JP, Deng SM, Huang R. Role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in colorectal cancer. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2023; 31:129-137. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v31.i4.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignancy that has a high incidence in all countries around the world. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a vital component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), playing an important role in the development of CRC. CAFs can release multiple cytokines and exosomes, activating a variety of related signaling pathways and boosting the processes of the invasion, metastasis, metabolism, drug resistance, and immunosuppression in CRC. Thus, CAFs are a prognostic marker and therapeutic target for CRC. Understanding the role and mechanism of CAFs can provide new insights for the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Liang
- Graduate School of Youjiang Medical College for Nationalities, Baise 533000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xi-Han Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical College Nationalities, Baise 533000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Gao-Fei Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Xi'an 710000, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Fei Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Xi'an 710000, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hui-Fen Lian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Xi'an 710000, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Xi'an 710000, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jun-Yi Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Xi'an 710000, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jin-Peng Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Xi'an 710000, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Shui-Miao Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Xi'an 710000, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Xi'an 710000, Shaanxi Province, China
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8
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Ephraim R, Feehan J, Fraser S, Nurgali K, Apostolopoulos V. Cancer Immunotherapy: The Checkpoint between Chronic Colitis and Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246131. [PMID: 36551617 PMCID: PMC9776998 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a group of diseases that cause intestinal inflammation and lesions because of an abnormal immune response to host gut microflora. Corticosteroids, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics are often used to reduce non-specific inflammation and relapse rates; however, such treatments are ineffective over time. Patients with chronic colitis are more susceptible to developing colorectal cancer, especially those with a longer duration of colitis. There is often a limit in using chemotherapy due to side effects, leading to reduced efficacy, leaving an urgent need to improve treatments and identify new therapeutic targets. Cancer immunotherapy has made significant advances in recent years and is mainly categorized as cancer vaccines, adoptive cellular immunotherapy, or immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Checkpoint markers are expressed on cancer cells to evade the immune system, and as a result checkpoint inhibitors have transformed cancer treatment in the last 5-10 years. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have produced long-lasting clinical responses in both single and combination therapies. Winnie mice are a viable model of spontaneous chronic colitis with immune responses like human IBD. Determining the expression levels of checkpoint markers in tissues from these mice will provide insights into disease initiation, progression, and cancer. Such information will lead to identification of novel checkpoint markers and the development of treatments with or without immune checkpoint inhibitors or vaccines to slow or stop disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Ephraim
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Jack Feehan
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science, Melbourne, VIC 3021, Australia
| | - Sarah Fraser
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Kulmira Nurgali
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science, Melbourne, VIC 3021, Australia
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science, Melbourne, VIC 3021, Australia
- Correspondence:
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9
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Efficacy of bivalent CEACAM6/4-1BBL genetic vaccine combined with anti-PD1 antibody in MC38 tumor model of mice. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10775. [PMID: 36212004 PMCID: PMC9535276 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We used mouse CRC cell line (MC38) to establish a heterotopic mouse model, and applied [89Zr]-labeled PD-L1 antibody KN035 for PET imaging. Attenuated Salmonella typhimurium 3261 was used as an anti-tumor vaccine, and the combined anti-tumor immunotherapy with bivalent genetic vaccine and anti-PD1 antibody Nivolumab was conducted. MicroPET was performed to observe the changes of tumor tissues and expression of PD-L1. We found that the recombinant double-gene plasmids were stably expressed in COS7 cells. Study results showed the combined immunotherapy improved the effectiveness over genetic vaccine alone. This study supports that combination of genetic vaccines and anti-immunocheckpoint immunotherapy can inhibit MC38 tumor growth.
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10
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Fotsitzoudis C, Koulouridi A, Messaritakis I, Konstantinidis T, Gouvas N, Tsiaoussis J, Souglakos J. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: The Origin, Biological Characteristics and Role in Cancer-A Glance on Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184394. [PMID: 36139552 PMCID: PMC9497276 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumor microenvironment is a major contributor to tumor growth, metastasis and resistance to therapy. It consists of many cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which derive from different types of cells. CAFs detected in different tumor types are linked to poor prognosis, as in the case of colorectal cancer. Although their functions differ according to their subtype, their detection is not easy, and there are no established markers for such detection. They are possible targets for therapeutic treatment. Many trials are ongoing for their use as a prognostic factor and as a treatment target. More research remains to be carried out to establish their role in prognosis and treatment. Abstract The therapeutic approaches to cancer remain a considerable target for all scientists around the world. Although new cancer treatments are an everyday phenomenon, cancer still remains one of the leading mortality causes. Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains in this category, although patients with CRC may have better survival compared with other malignancies. Not only the tumor but also its environment, what we call the tumor microenvironment (TME), seem to contribute to cancer progression and resistance to therapy. TME consists of different molecules and cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts are a major component. They arise from normal fibroblasts and other normal cells through various pathways. Their role seems to contribute to cancer promotion, participating in tumorigenesis, proliferation, growth, invasion, metastasis and resistance to treatment. Different markers, such as a-SMA, FAP, PDGFR-β, periostin, have been used for the detection of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Their detection is important for two main reasons; research has shown that their existence is correlated with prognosis, and they are already under evaluation as a possible target for treatment. However, extensive research is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Fotsitzoudis
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Asimina Koulouridi
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ippokratis Messaritakis
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2810-394926
| | | | | | - John Tsiaoussis
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - John Souglakos
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Greece
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11
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Nagao K, Koshino A, Sugimura-Nagata A, Nagano A, Komura M, Ueki A, Ebi M, Ogasawara N, Tsuzuki T, Kasai K, Takahashi S, Kasugai K, Inaguma S. The Complete Loss of p53 Expression Uniquely Predicts Worse Prognosis in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063252. [PMID: 35328677 PMCID: PMC8948732 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
p53 immunohistochemistry is considered an accurate surrogate marker reflecting the underlying TP53 mutation status and has utility in tumor diagnostics. In the present study, 269 primary CRCs were immunohistochemically evaluated for p53 expression to assess its utility in diagnostic pathology and prognostication. p53 expression was wild-type in 59 cases (23%), overexpressed in 143 cases (55%), completely lost in 50 cases (19%), and cytoplasmic in 10 cases (4%). p53 immunoreactivity was associated with tumor size (p = 0.0056), mucus production (p = 0.0015), and mismatch repair (MMR) system status (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, among CRCs with wild-type p53 expression, a significantly higher number of cases had decreased CDX2 than those with p53 overexpression (p = 0.012) or complete p53 loss (p = 0.043). In contrast, among CRCs with p53 overexpression, there were significantly fewer ALCAM-positive cases than p53 wild-type cases (p = 0.0045). However, no significant association was detected between p53 immunoreactivity and the “stem-like” immunophenotype defined by CDX2 downregulation and ALCAM-positivity. Multivariate Cox hazards regression analysis identified tubular-forming histology (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.17, p < 0.0001), younger age (HR = 0.52, p = 0.021), and female sex (HR = 0.55, p = 0.046) as potential favorable factors. The analysis also revealed complete p53 loss (HR = 2.16, p = 0.0087), incomplete resection (HR = 2.65, p = 0.0068), and peritoneal metastasis (HR = 5.32, p < 0.0001) as potential independent risk factors for patients with CRC. The sub-cohort survival analyses classified according to chemotherapy after surgery revealed that CRC patients with wild-type p53 expression tended to have better survival than those with overexpression or complete loss after chemotherapy. Thus, immunohistochemistry for p53 could be used for the prognostication and chemotherapy target selection of patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Nagao
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute 480-1195, Japan; (K.N.); (A.K.); (A.S.-N.); (M.E.); (N.O.); (K.K.)
| | - Akira Koshino
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute 480-1195, Japan; (K.N.); (A.K.); (A.S.-N.); (M.E.); (N.O.); (K.K.)
| | - Akane Sugimura-Nagata
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute 480-1195, Japan; (K.N.); (A.K.); (A.S.-N.); (M.E.); (N.O.); (K.K.)
| | - Aya Nagano
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan; (A.N.); (M.K.); (A.U.); (S.T.)
| | - Masayuki Komura
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan; (A.N.); (M.K.); (A.U.); (S.T.)
| | - Akane Ueki
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan; (A.N.); (M.K.); (A.U.); (S.T.)
| | - Masahide Ebi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute 480-1195, Japan; (K.N.); (A.K.); (A.S.-N.); (M.E.); (N.O.); (K.K.)
| | - Naotaka Ogasawara
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute 480-1195, Japan; (K.N.); (A.K.); (A.S.-N.); (M.E.); (N.O.); (K.K.)
| | - Toyonori Tsuzuki
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute 480-1195, Japan;
| | - Kenji Kasai
- Department of Pathology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute 480-1195, Japan;
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan; (A.N.); (M.K.); (A.U.); (S.T.)
| | - Kunio Kasugai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute 480-1195, Japan; (K.N.); (A.K.); (A.S.-N.); (M.E.); (N.O.); (K.K.)
| | - Shingo Inaguma
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan; (A.N.); (M.K.); (A.U.); (S.T.)
- Department of Pathology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute 480-1195, Japan;
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya City University East Medical Center, Nagoya 464-8547, Japan
- Correspondence:
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12
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SPATA18 Expression Predicts Favorable Clinical Outcome in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052753. [PMID: 35269894 PMCID: PMC8910917 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of mitochondrial quality control has been reported to be associated with cancer and degenerative diseases. SPATA18 (spermatogenesis-associated 18, also known as Mieap) encodes a p53-inducible protein that can induce lysosome-like organelles within mitochondria that eliminate oxidized mitochondrial proteins and has tumor suppressor functions in mitochondrial quality control. In the present study, 268 primary colorectal cancers (CRCs) were evaluated immunohistochemically for SPATA18 expression to assess its predictive utility and its association with cellular proliferation activity. Furthermore, the association with p53 immunoreactivity, a surrogate marker for TP53 mutation, was analyzed. Non-neoplastic colonic mucosa showed cytoplasmic SPATA18 expression. Seventy-two percent of the lesions (193/268) displayed high SPATA18 expression in the cytoplasm of CRC cells. Univariate analyses revealed significant associations between SPATA18 expression and tumor size (p < 0.0001), histological differentiation (p = 0.0017), and lymph node metastasis (p = 0.00039). The log-rank test revealed that patients with SPATA18-high CRCs had significantly better survival than SPATA18-low patients (p < 0.0001). Multivariate Cox hazards regression analysis identified tubular-forming histology (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.25), age < 70 years (HR = 0.50), and SPATA18-high (HR = 0.55) as potential favorable factors. Lymph node metastasis (HR = 1.98) and peritoneal metastasis (HR = 5.45) were cited as potential independent risk factors. Cellular proliferation activity was significantly higher in SPATA18-high tumors. However, no significant correlation was detected between SPATA18 expression and p53 immunoreactivity or KRAS/BRAF mutation status. On the basis of our observations, SPATA18 immunohistochemistry can be used in the prognostication of CRC patients.
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13
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Koshino A, Nagano A, Ota A, Hyodo T, Ueki A, Komura M, Sugimura-Nagata A, Ebi M, Ogasawara N, Kasai K, Hosokawa Y, Kasugai K, Takahashi S, Inaguma S. PBK Enhances Cellular Proliferation With Histone H3 Phosphorylation and Suppresses Migration and Invasion With CDH1 Stabilization in Colorectal Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:772926. [PMID: 35115926 PMCID: PMC8804381 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.772926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal malignancies with high morbidity and mortality rates. Several biological markers for the prognostication of patient outcome of CRCs are available. Recently, our group identified two favorable factors for the survival of CRC patients: PDZ-binding kinase (PBK) and phospho-histone H3 (PHH3). Both showed a significant inverse association to pT stage. The aim of this study was to uncover the mechanism through which these cellular proliferation–associated protein expressions lead to favorable clinical outcome in CRC patients. We first confirmed co-expression of PBK and PHH3 in CRC cells. Further investigation showed that aberrantly expressed PBK up-regulated the cellular proliferation of CRC cells with accumulation of PHH3. The PBK inhibitor OTS514 suppressed cellular proliferation of CRC cells through down-regulation of PHH3 and induction of apoptosis. In vitro studies revealed that PBK suppressed the migration and invasion of CRC cells with suppression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and CDH1 stabilization. Exogeneous PBK up-regulated the phosphorylated CDH1 at S840, S846, and S847 residues in cultured cells. Recombinant PBK directly phosphorylated HH3; however, it failed to phosphorylate CDH1 directly in vitro. The present study demonstrated the association of two markers PBK and PHH3 in CRC. We further identified one of the potential mechanisms by which higher expression of these cellular proliferation–associated proteins leads to the better survival of CRC patients, which likely involves PBK-mediated suppression of the migration and invasion of CRC cells. Our findings suggest that PBK-targeting therapeutics may be useful for the treatment of CRC patients with PBK-expressing tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Koshino
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Aya Nagano
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akinobu Ota
- Department of Biochemistry, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Toshinori Hyodo
- Department of Biochemistry, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Akane Ueki
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masayuki Komura
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akane Sugimura-Nagata
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Masahide Ebi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Naotaka Ogasawara
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Kenji Kasai
- Department of Pathology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Hosokawa
- Department of Biochemistry, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Kunio Kasugai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shingo Inaguma
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya City University East Medical Center, Nagoya, Japan
- *Correspondence: Shingo Inaguma,
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14
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Flieswasser T, Van den Eynde A, Van Audenaerde J, De Waele J, Lardon F, Riether C, de Haard H, Smits E, Pauwels P, Jacobs J. The CD70-CD27 axis in oncology: the new kids on the block. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:12. [PMID: 34991665 PMCID: PMC8734249 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02215-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The immune checkpoint molecule CD70 and its receptor CD27 are aberrantly expressed in many hematological and solid malignancies. Dysregulation of the CD70-CD27 axis within the tumor and its microenvironment is associated with tumor progression and immunosuppression. This is in contrast to physiological conditions, where tightly controlled expression of CD70 and CD27 plays a role in co-stimulation in immune responses. In hematological malignancies, cancer cells co-express CD70 and CD27 promoting stemness, proliferation and survival of malignancy. In solid tumors, only expression of CD70 is present on the tumor cells which can facilitate immune evasion through CD27 expression in the tumor microenvironment. The discovery of these tumor promoting and immunosuppressive effects of the CD70-CD27 axis has unfolded a novel target in the field of oncology, CD70. In this review, we thoroughly discuss current insights into expression patterns and the role of the CD70-CD27 axis in hematological and solid malignancies, its effect on the tumor microenvironment and (pre)clinical therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Flieswasser
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Wilrijk, Belgium. .,Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium.
| | - Astrid Van den Eynde
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Wilrijk, Belgium.,Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Jonas Van Audenaerde
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Jorrit De Waele
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Filip Lardon
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Carsten Riether
- Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Evelien Smits
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Wilrijk, Belgium.,Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Patrick Pauwels
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Wilrijk, Belgium.,Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Julie Jacobs
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Wilrijk, Belgium.,Argenx, Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium
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15
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Deng L, Jiang N, Zeng J, Wang Y, Cui H. The Versatile Roles of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Colorectal Cancer and Therapeutic Implications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:733270. [PMID: 34660589 PMCID: PMC8517274 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.733270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is populated by abundant cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that radically influence the disease progression across many cancers, including the colorectal cancer (CRC). In theory, targeting CAFs holds great potential in optimizing CRC treatment. However, attempts to translate the therapeutic benefit of CAFs into clinic practice face many obstacles, largely due to our limited understanding of the heterogeneity in their origins, functions, and mechanisms. In recent years, accumulating evidence has uncovered some cellular precursors and molecular markers of CAFs and also revealed their versatility in impacting various hallmarks of CRC, together helping us to better define the population of CAFs and also paving the way toward their future therapeutic targeting for CRC treatment. In this review, we outline the emerging concept of CAFs in CRC, with an emphasis on their origins, biomarkers, prognostic significance, as well as their functional roles and underlying mechanisms in CRC biology. At last, we discuss the prospect of harnessing CAFs as promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Deng
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Nianfen Jiang
- Health Management Center, Southwest University Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Zeng
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Ninth People's Hospital of Chongqing, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Department of General Surgery, The Ninth People's Hospital of Chongqing, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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16
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Zhou C, Cheng X, Tu S. Current status and future perspective of immune checkpoint inhibitors in colorectal cancer. Cancer Lett 2021; 521:119-129. [PMID: 34464671 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), as a subverter of immunotherapy in oncology, are changing all aspects of therapy for malignant tumors, especially their remarkable effects on melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). For colorectal cancer (CRC), only a small number of patients with high immunogenicity (microsatellite instability-high/mismatch-repair deficient (MSI-H/dMMR)) benefit greatly from ICIs treatment, and most CRC patients with low immunogenicity (microsatellite instability-low/mismatch-repair proficient (MSI-L/pMMR)) do not. Currently, numerous clinical trials are ongoing to improve CRC patients' response to ICIs immunotherapy through better patient selection and novel combination strategies. Thus, this review discusses the current status and latest progress of ICIs treatment in CRC. We expect that these studies can change the pattern of CRC immunotherapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojiao Cheng
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Oncogenesis and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuiping Tu
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Oncogenesis and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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17
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Wu F, Yang J, Liu J, Wang Y, Mu J, Zeng Q, Deng S, Zhou H. Signaling pathways in cancer-associated fibroblasts and targeted therapy for cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:218. [PMID: 34108441 PMCID: PMC8190181 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00641-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
To flourish, cancers greatly depend on their surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in TME are critical for cancer occurrence and progression because of their versatile roles in extracellular matrix remodeling, maintenance of stemness, blood vessel formation, modulation of tumor metabolism, immune response, and promotion of cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and therapeutic resistance. CAFs are highly heterogeneous stromal cells and their crosstalk with cancer cells is mediated by a complex and intricate signaling network consisting of transforming growth factor-beta, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin, mitogen-activated protein kinase, Wnt, Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription, epidermal growth factor receptor, Hippo, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, etc., signaling pathways. These signals in CAFs exhibit their own special characteristics during the cancer progression and have the potential to be targeted for anticancer therapy. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of these signaling cascades in interactions between cancer cells and CAFs is necessary to fully realize the pivotal roles of CAFs in cancers. Herein, in this review, we will summarize the enormous amounts of findings on the signals mediating crosstalk of CAFs with cancer cells and its related targets or trials. Further, we hypothesize three potential targeting strategies, including, namely, epithelial-mesenchymal common targets, sequential target perturbation, and crosstalk-directed signaling targets, paving the way for CAF-directed or host cell-directed antitumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanglong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingtian Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingxiang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuzhi Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongmei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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18
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Koshino A, Inoue S, Sugimura-Nagata A, Nishiyama T, Murakami H, Ito H, Riku M, Inoko A, Ebi M, Ogasawara N, Tsuzuki T, Kasugai K, Kasai K, Inaguma S. High phospho-histone H3 expression uniquely predicts favorable survival among four markers of cellular proliferation in colorectal cancer. Pathol Int 2021; 71:316-324. [PMID: 33631042 DOI: 10.1111/pin.13084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal cancers worldwide, with high morbidity and mortality rates. Despite numerous attempts to identify prognostic markers for the CRC patients, the significance of the association of cellular proliferation markers with survival is controversial. Here we used immunohistochemistry to detect four markers of cellular proliferation expressed in primary CRC tissue specimens (n = 269) to assess their potential to serve as prognostic factors. CRC cells variably expressed phospho-histone H3 (PHH3) (range, 0-76 per high-powered field (HPF); median, 7 per HPF), cyclin A (CCNA) (range, 11.3-73.7%; median, 32%), geminin (GMNN) (range, 7.8-82.0%; median, 37.1%), and marker of proliferation Ki-67 (MKI67) (range, 4.9-96.6%; median, 49.6%). Among them, patients with PHH3-high (≥7 per HPF) tumors uniquely experienced significantly longer 5-year survival than those with PHH3-low (≤6 per HPF) (81.8% vs. 65.5%; P = 0.0047). Multivariable Cox hazards regression analysis identified PHH3-high (hazard ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.31-0.92; P = 0.025) as potential favorable factors. PHH3 levels inversely associated with pT stage (P < 0.0001) and were significantly and inversely associated with tumor diameter (ρ = -0.314, P < 0.0001). These findings support the use of PHH3 immunohistochemistry for predicting the prognoses of patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Koshino
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan
| | - Satoshi Inoue
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan
| | - Akane Sugimura-Nagata
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nishiyama
- Department of Public Health, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hideki Murakami
- Department of Pathology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hideaki Ito
- Department of Pathology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan
| | - Miho Riku
- Department of Pathology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan
| | - Akihito Inoko
- Department of Pathology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan
| | - Masahide Ebi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan
| | - Naotaka Ogasawara
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan
| | - Toyonori Tsuzuki
- Surgical Pathology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kunio Kasugai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kenji Kasai
- Department of Pathology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shingo Inaguma
- Department of Pathology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan.,Department of Pathology, Nagoya City East Medical Center, Aichi, Japan.,Educational Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Aichi, Japan
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19
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Fibroblast Subsets in Intestinal Homeostasis, Carcinogenesis, Tumor Progression, and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020183. [PMID: 33430285 PMCID: PMC7825703 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Colorectal cancer often develops via the adenoma–carcinoma sequence, a process which is accompanied by (epi) genetic alterations in epithelial cells and gradual phenotypic changes in fibroblast populations. Recent studies have made it clear that these fibroblast populations which, in the context of invasive cancers are termed cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), play an important role in intestinal tumor progression. This review provides an overview on the emerging role of fibroblasts in various stages of colorectal cancer development, ranging from adenoma initiation to metastatic spread of tumor cells. As fibroblasts show considerable heterogeneity in subsets and phenotypes during cancer development, a better functional understanding of stage-specific (alterations in) fibroblast/CAF populations is key to increase the effectiveness of fibroblast-based prognosticators and therapies. Abstract In intestinal homeostasis, continuous renewal of the epithelium is crucial to withstand the plethora of stimuli which can damage the structural integrity of the intestines. Fibroblasts contribute to this renewal by facilitating epithelial cell differentiation as well as providing the structural framework in which epithelial cells can regenerate. Upon dysregulation of intestinal homeostasis, (pre-) malignant neoplasms develop, a process which is accompanied by (epi) genetic alterations in epithelial cells as well as phenotypic changes in fibroblast populations. In the context of invasive carcinomas, these fibroblast populations are termed cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). CAFs are the most abundant cell type in the tumor microenvironment of colorectal cancer (CRC) and consist of various functionally heterogeneous subsets which can promote or restrain cancer progression. Although most previous research has focused on the biology of epithelial cells, accumulating evidence shows that certain fibroblast subsets can also importantly contribute to tumor initiation and progression, thereby possibly providing avenues for improvement of clinical care for CRC patients. In this review, we summarized the current literature on the emerging role of fibroblasts in various stages of CRC development, ranging from adenoma initiation to the metastatic spread of cancer cells. In addition, we highlighted translational and therapeutic perspectives of fibroblasts in the different stages of intestinal tumor progression.
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20
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Shan TT, Zhao X, Zhang Z, Wang JP, Zhang Y, Yang Y, Zhao S. Clinical Significance of Down-Regulated CD70 and CD27 Expression in Poor Prognosis of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:6909-6920. [PMID: 33204151 PMCID: PMC7660989 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s241377] [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: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction CD27 is a co-stimulatory immune checkpoint molecule in the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily. CD27 regulates the generation and maintenance of T cell immunity by binding to CD70 and regulating B-cell activation and immunoglobulin synthesis. Materials and Methods CD27 and CD70 expression were assessed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) compared to normal tissue samples in the GSE53625 dataset of 179 paired cases and in 153 Chinese cases using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry. The correlation was also investigated between CD27 and CD70 expression and immune-related pathways, including CD8+ T cell recruitment, function, and other inhibitory immune checkpoints. Results Levels of both CD27 and CD70 expression were down-regulated in ESCC compared to the paired normal tissues. CD27 and CD70 expression was mainly present in lymphocytes surrounding and infiltrating the tumor lesions but rarely expressed in tumor cells. Lost expression of CD27 and CD70 was associated with clinicopathological features, including depth of tumor invasion and better patient survival. Furthermore, CD27 expression was significantly associated with levels of CD8A, GZMB, IFNG, the CD8+ T cell recruitment-associated chemokines (CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11), and CD8 receptors (CCR5, CXCR6, and CXCR3), while CD70 expression was inversely associated with levels of immunosuppressive checkpoints (PD-L1, PD-L2, and HHLA2). Conclusion Detection of CD70/CD27 expression could be further verified as a biomarker for ESCC early detection and prognosis prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ting Shan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuan Zhao
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Pu Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Song Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, People's Republic of China.,School of Medical Sciences, The Key Laboratory of Thoracic Tumor of Zhengzhou City, Zhengzhou 450052, People's Republic of China
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