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Li L, Ye R, Li Y, Pan H, Han S, Lu Y. Targeting TNFR2 for cancer immunotherapy: recent advances and future directions. J Transl Med 2024; 22:812. [PMID: 39223671 PMCID: PMC11367783 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05620-x] [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: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths every year. Immune checkpoint blockade approaches have changed the therapeutic landscape for many tumor types. However, current immune checkpoint inhibitors PD-1 or CTLA-4 are far from satisfactory, due to high immune-related adverse event incident (up to 60%) and the inefficiency in cases of "cold" tumor microenvironment. TNFR2, a novel hopeful tumor immune target, was initially proposed in 2017. It not only promotes tumor cell proliferation, but also correlates with the suppressive function of Treg cells, implicating in the development of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In preclinical studies, TNFR2 antibody therapy has demonstrated efficacy alone or a potential synergistic effect when combined with classical PD-1/ CTLA-4 antibodies. The focus of this review is on the characteristics, functions, and recent advancements in TNFR2 therapy, providing a new direction for the next generation of anti-tumor alternative therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linxue Li
- Shanghai Baoshan Luodian Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 201908, China
| | - Ruiwei Ye
- Shanghai Baoshan Luodian Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 201908, China
| | - Yingying Li
- Shanghai Baoshan Luodian Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 201908, China
| | - Hanyu Pan
- Shanghai Baoshan Luodian Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 201908, China
| | - Sheng Han
- Shanghai Baoshan Luodian Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 201908, China.
| | - Yiming Lu
- Shanghai Baoshan Luodian Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 201908, China.
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Alim LF, Keane C, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes F. Molecular mechanisms of tumour necrosis factor signalling via TNF receptor 1 and TNF receptor 2 in the tumour microenvironment. Curr Opin Immunol 2024; 86:102409. [PMID: 38154421 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2023.102409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) is a primary mediator of inflammatory processes by facilitating cell death, immune cell activation and triggering of inflammation. In the cancer context, research has revealed TNF as a multifaceted cytokine that can be both pro- or anti-tumorigenic depending on what context is observed. We explore the plethora of ways that TNF and its receptors manipulate the functional and phenotypic characteristics in the tumour microenvironment (TME) on both tumour cells and immune cells, promoting either tumour elimination or progression. Here, we discuss the latest cutting-edge TNF-focused biologics currently in clinical translation that modifies the TME to derive greater immune responses and therapeutic outcomes, and further give perspectives on the future of targeting TNF in the context of cancer by emerging technological approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa F Alim
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Colm Keane
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
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Park EJ, Lee CW. Soluble receptors in cancer: mechanisms, clinical significance, and therapeutic strategies. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:100-109. [PMID: 38182653 PMCID: PMC10834419 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01150-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Soluble receptors are soluble forms of receptors found in the extracellular space. They have emerged as pivotal regulators of cellular signaling and disease pathogenesis. This review emphasizes their significance in cancer as diagnostic/prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets. We provide an overview of the mechanisms by which soluble receptors are generated along with their functions. By exploring their involvement in cancer progression, metastasis, and immune evasion, we highlight the importance of soluble receptors, particularly soluble cytokine receptors and immune checkpoints, in the tumor microenvironment. Although current research has illustrated the emerging clinical relevance of soluble receptors, their therapeutic applications remain underexplored. As the landscape of cancer treatment evolves, understanding and targeting soluble receptors might pave the way for novel strategies for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Ji Park
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Woo Lee
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
- SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
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Ma X, Cui Y, Shi C, Han Z. The causal relationship between ankylosing spondylitis and the risk of ovarian cancer. Hum Immunol 2024; 85:110738. [PMID: 38040544 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2023.110738] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the potential causal relationship between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and ovarian cancer. METHODS We conducted analyses utilizing publicly available pooled statistical data sets from genomewide association studies (GWAS) involving individuals of European ancestry. Our objective was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with AS and use them as instrumental variables to assess the causal relationship between AS and ovarian cancer. We employed three statistical methods for two-sample Mendelian randomization: inverse variance weighting (IVW), weighted median, and MR-Egger regression. Network MR Analysis revealed the mediating role of tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 21 between ankylosing spondylitis and ovarian cancer. RESULTS From the GWAS on AS, we selected 23 instrumental SNPs that exhibited genome-wide significance. Our findings consistently demonstrated an association between AS and ovarian cancer using multiple statistical methods (IVW: odds ratio (OR) 1.147, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.022-1.287; weighted median estimator: OR 1.177, 95% CI 1.009-1.373; MR-Egger regression: OR 1.166, 95% CI 0.958-1.418). These results indicate a positive correlation, suggesting that AS is associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Furthermore, there was no evidence to suggest that the observed causal effect between AS and the risk of osteoarthritis was influenced by genetic pleiotropy (MR-Egger intercept = -0.0010644, P = 0.8433359). In addition, tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 21 mediated 10.2% of the total effect size in the development of ankylosing spondylitis on ovarian cancer risk. CONCLUSION Our Mendelian randomization analysis provides strong evidence supporting a potential causal relationship between AS and ovarian cancer risk, with ankylosing spondylitis clearly associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 21 as a mediator involved in the occurrence and development of these two diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Ma
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221000, China.
| | - Yongzheng Cui
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221000, China
| | - Congcong Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221000, China
| | - Zhengxiang Han
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221000, China
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Lima CAD, Jammal MP, Etchebehere RM, Murta EFC, Nomelini RS. Immunostaining of stromal CD56 cells in ovarian malignancies. REVISTA DA ASSOCIACAO MEDICA BRASILEIRA (1992) 2023; 69:e20220992. [PMID: 37194901 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.20220992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate CD56 immunostaining in the stroma of benign and malignant ovarian epithelial neoplasms and associate the CD56 immunostaining with prognostic factors and survival in ovarian cancer. METHODS Patients with ovarian epithelial neoplasia (n=77) were studied with a prospective cohort. The CD56 immunostaining was evaluated in the peritumoral stroma. Two groups were evaluated: benign ovarian neoplasms (n=40) and malignant ovarian neoplasms (n=37). Data were recorded for histological type and grade, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging, molecular subtype, and lymph node metastases. Fisher's exact test and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used, with a significance level of ≤0.05. RESULTS We found greater CD56 stromal immunostaining in malignant neoplasms when compared to the group of benign neoplasms (p=0.00001). There was no significant difference in relation to the prognostic factors and survival. CONCLUSION Malignant ovarian neoplasms showed higher stromal CD56 immunostaining. As the prognostic value of natural killer in ovarian cancer is controversial, knowing the specific function of each cell present both in the tumor tissue and systemically may help guide successful immunotherapies in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cid Almeida de Lima
- Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics - Uberaba (MG), Brazil
| | - Millena Prata Jammal
- Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics - Uberaba (MG), Brazil
| | | | | | - Rosekeila Simões Nomelini
- Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics - Uberaba (MG), Brazil
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Kartikasari AER, Cassar E, Razqan MAM, Szydzik C, Huertas CS, Mitchell A, Plebanski M. Elevation of circulating TNF receptor 2 in cancer: A systematic meta-analysis for its potential as a diagnostic cancer biomarker. Front Immunol 2022; 13:918254. [PMID: 36466914 PMCID: PMC9708892 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.918254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
High Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 2 (TNFR2) expression is characteristic of diverse malignant cells during tumorigenesis. The protein is also expressed by many immunosuppressive cells during cancer development, allowing cancer immune escape. A growing body of evidence further suggests a correlation between the circulating form of this protein and cancer development. Here we conducted a systematic meta-analysis of cancer studies published up until 1st October 2022, in which the circulating soluble TNFR2 (sTNFR2) concentrations in patients with cancers were recorded and their association with cancer risk was assessed. Of the 14,615 identified articles, 44 studies provided data on the correlation between cancer risk and the level of circulating sTNFR2. The pooled means comparison showed a consistently significant increase in the levels of sTNFR2 in diverse cancers when compared to healthy controls. These included colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, lung cancer, hepatocarcinoma, and glioblastoma. In a random-effect meta-analysis, the cancer-specific odd ratios (OR) showed significant correlations between increased circulating sTNFR2 levels and the risk of colorectal cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and hepatocarcinoma at 1.59 (95% CI:1.20-2.11), 1.98 (95% CI:1.49-2.64) and 4.32 (95% CI:2.25-8.31) respectively. The overall result showed an association between circulating levels of sTNFR2 and the risk of developing cancer at 1.76 (95% CI:1.53-2.02). This meta-analysis supports sTNFR2 as a potential diagnostic biomarker for cancer, albeit with different predictive strengths for different cancer types. This is consistent with a potential key role for TNFR2 involvement in cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apriliana E. R. Kartikasari
- Translational Immunology and Nanotechnology Theme, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Emily Cassar
- Translational Immunology and Nanotechnology Theme, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Mohammed A. M. Razqan
- Translational Immunology and Nanotechnology Theme, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
- Integrated Photonics and Applications Centre (InPaC), School of Engineering, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Crispin Szydzik
- Integrated Photonics and Applications Centre (InPaC), School of Engineering, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Cesar S. Huertas
- Integrated Photonics and Applications Centre (InPaC), School of Engineering, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Arnan Mitchell
- Integrated Photonics and Applications Centre (InPaC), School of Engineering, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Magdalena Plebanski
- Translational Immunology and Nanotechnology Theme, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
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Niaz Q, Tavangar SM, Mehreen S, Ghazi-Khansari M, Jazaeri F. Evaluation of statins as a new therapy to alleviate chronotropic dysfunction in cirrhotic rats. Life Sci 2022; 308:120966. [PMID: 36150464 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Liver cirrhosis defines by regenerative nodules and fibrotic septa, causing a complication called cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) with chronotropic hypo-responsiveness. In addition to lowering cholesterol levels, statins yield antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In liver diseases animal models, statins have been shown to decrease hepatic inflammation, fibrogenesis, and portal pressure (PP). Therefore, we evaluated the atorvastatin effect on the heart in cirrhotic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Bile duct ligation (BDL) or sham operation performed on male Wistar rats and grouped as cirrhotic; BDL/Saline, BDL/Ator-7d(days) (Atorvastatin 15 mg/kg/day), and BDL/Ator-14d groups, or control; Sham/Saline, Sham/Ator-7d, and Sham/Ator-14d groups. Corrected QT interval (QTc interval), chronotropic responses, serum brain natriuretic peptides (BNP), heart tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were studied along with atrial Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene expression. KEY FINDINGS The chronotropic responses decreased in BDL/Saline and increased in BDL/Ator-7d group. The QTc interval, BNP, TNF-α, and MDA levels increased in BDL/Saline and decreased in BDL/Ator-14d group. The Nrf2 level did not change in BDL/Saline and increased in BDL/Ator-14d group. The liver inflammation and fibrosis increased in BDL/Saline and did not affect BDL/Ator-7d and BDL/Ator-14d groups. The RhoA expression was down-regulated in BDL/Saline, BDL/Ator-7d, and BDL/Ator-14d groups. The eNOS expression did not change in BDL/Saline and down-regulated in BDL/Ator-14d group. SIGNIFICANCE Atorvastatin alleviates the chronotropic hypo-responsiveness and down-regulates the atrial RhoA and eNOS gene expression along with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-stress effects in CCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qamar Niaz
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Bio-Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Seyed Mohammad Tavangar
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sania Mehreen
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Mahmoud Ghazi-Khansari
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farahnaz Jazaeri
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Medler J, Kucka K, Wajant H. Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 2 (TNFR2): An Emerging Target in Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112603. [PMID: 35681583 PMCID: PMC9179537 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112603] [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: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the great success of TNF blockers in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and the identification of TNF as a factor that influences the development of tumors in many ways, the role of TNFR2 in tumor biology and its potential suitability as a therapeutic target in cancer therapy have long been underestimated. This has been fundamentally changed with the identification of TNFR2 as a regulatory T-cell (Treg)-stimulating factor and the general clinical breakthrough of immunotherapeutic approaches. However, considering TNFR2 as a sole immunosuppressive factor in the tumor microenvironment does not go far enough. TNFR2 can also co-stimulate CD8+ T-cells, sensitize some immune and tumor cells to the cytotoxic effects of TNFR1 and/or acts as an oncogene. In view of the wide range of cancer-associated TNFR2 activities, it is not surprising that both antagonists and agonists of TNFR2 are considered for tumor therapy and have indeed shown overwhelming anti-tumor activity in preclinical studies. Based on a brief summary of TNFR2 signaling and the immunoregulatory functions of TNFR2, we discuss here the main preclinical findings and insights gained with TNFR2 agonists and antagonists. In particular, we address the question of which TNFR2-associated molecular and cellular mechanisms underlie the observed anti-tumoral activities of TNFR2 agonists and antagonists.
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Parafiniuk K, Skiba W, Pawłowska A, Suszczyk D, Maciejczyk A, Wertel I. The Role of the Adipokine Resistin in the Pathogenesis and Progression of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. Biomedicines 2022; 10:920. [PMID: 35453670 PMCID: PMC9028191 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a civilization disease associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and some malignancies. The results concerning the relationship between obesity and epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) are inconclusive. The higher incidence of neoplasms in obese subjects has led to the development of the adipokine hypothesis. Omental adipocyte cells interact with cancer cells, promoting their migration and metastasis via the secretion of adipokines, growth factors, and hormones. One of the adipokines is resistin. It was shown in vitro that resistin stimulates the growth and differentiation of ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, it increases the level of angiogenesis factors, e.g., matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and vascular epithelial growth factor (VEGF). Additionally, resistin induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness in EOC cell lines. A positive correlation has been shown between a higher level of resistin expression and the stage of histological differentiation of EOC or the occurrence of lymph node metastases. In addition, the overexpression of resistin has been found to act as an independent factor determining disease-free survival as well as overall survival in EOC patients. Growing evidence supports the finding that resistin plays an important role in some mechanisms leading to the progression of EOC, though this issue still requires further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Parafiniuk
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (K.P.); (A.P.); (D.S.); (A.M.); (I.W.)
| | - Wiktoria Skiba
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (K.P.); (A.P.); (D.S.); (A.M.); (I.W.)
| | - Anna Pawłowska
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (K.P.); (A.P.); (D.S.); (A.M.); (I.W.)
| | - Dorota Suszczyk
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (K.P.); (A.P.); (D.S.); (A.M.); (I.W.)
| | - Aleksandra Maciejczyk
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (K.P.); (A.P.); (D.S.); (A.M.); (I.W.)
- Department of Functional Anatomy and Cytobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Iwona Wertel
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (K.P.); (A.P.); (D.S.); (A.M.); (I.W.)
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Li M, Zhang X, Bai X, Liang T. Targeting TNFR2: A Novel Breakthrough in the Treatment of Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:862154. [PMID: 35494080 PMCID: PMC9048045 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.862154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor type II (TNFR2) is expressed in various tumor cells and some immune cells, such as regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressing cells. TNFR2 contributes a lot to the tumor microenvironment. For example, it directly promotes the occurrence and growth of some tumor cells, activates immunosuppressive cells, and supports immune escape. Existing studies have proved the importance of TNFR2 in cancer treatment. Here, we reviewed the activation mechanism of TNFR2 and its role in signal transduction in the tumor microenvironment. We summarized the expression and function of TNFR2 within different immune cells and the potential opportunities and challenges of targeting TNFR2 in immunotherapy. Finally, the advantages and limitations of TNFR2 to treat tumor-related diseases are discussed, and the problems that may be encountered in the clinical development and application of targeted anti-TNFR2 agonists and inhibitors are analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muchun Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaozhen Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xueli Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Tingbo Liang, ; Xueli Bai,
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Tingbo Liang, ; Xueli Bai,
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Bai J, Ding B, Li H. Targeting TNFR2 in Cancer: All Roads Lead to Rome. Front Immunol 2022; 13:844931. [PMID: 35251045 PMCID: PMC8891135 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.844931] [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: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2) has become one of the best potential immune checkpoints that might be targeted, mainly because of its vital role in tumor microenvironments (TMEs). Overexpression of TNFR2 in some tumor cells and essential function in immunosuppressive cells, especially regulatory T cells (Tregs), makes blocking TNFR2 an excellent strategy in cancer treatment; however, there is evidence showing that activating TNFR2 can also inhibit tumor progression in vivo. In this review, we will discuss drugs that block and activate TNFR2 under clinical trials or preclinical developments up till now. Meanwhile, we summarize and explore the possible mechanisms related to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingchao Bai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Bowen Ding
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Department of Breast Oncoplastic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Pawlik W, Pawlik J, Kozłowski M, Łuczkowska K, Kwiatkowski S, Kwiatkowska E, Machaliński B, Cymbaluk-Płoska A. The Clinical Importance of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in Patients with Ovarian Carcinoma and Benign Cystic Lesions. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11091625. [PMID: 34573967 PMCID: PMC8469088 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11091625] [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: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The exact pathogenesis and influence of various cytokines in patients with ovarian lesions remains unclear. Hence, this study aimed to investigate whether IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α could be considered as new useful markers for diagnosis of ovarian cancer. 63 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer (OC) and 53 patients with benign ovarian cystic (BOC) lesions were included in this study. Serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α were measured using ELISA. Statistical comparisons were made using the Mann–Whitney U test and all correlations were evaluated by Spearman’s ranks. The serum IL-8 and TNF-α concentration measured in the OC Group was significantly higher than in the BOC Group (p < 0.05). The cutoff level of IL-8 and TNF-α in the serum was set at 4.09 ng/mL and 2.63 ng/mL, respectively, with the sensitivity and specificity of 70% and 96% for IL-8 and 85.7% and 79.3% for TNF-α (p < 0.0001). These results suggest that IL-8 and TNF-α are useful biomarkers for predicting the malignant character of lesions of the ovary. The present study highlighted the importance of measuring the cytokines such as IL-8 and TNF-α in patients with ovarian lesions in predicting the clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weronika Pawlik
- Department of Gynecological Surgery and Gynecological Oncology of Adults and Adolescents, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (J.P.); (M.K.); (A.C.-P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Jakub Pawlik
- Department of Gynecological Surgery and Gynecological Oncology of Adults and Adolescents, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (J.P.); (M.K.); (A.C.-P.)
| | - Mateusz Kozłowski
- Department of Gynecological Surgery and Gynecological Oncology of Adults and Adolescents, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (J.P.); (M.K.); (A.C.-P.)
| | - Karolina Łuczkowska
- Department of General Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (K.Ł.); (B.M.)
| | - Sebastian Kwiatkowski
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Ewa Kwiatkowska
- Department of Nephrology, Transplantology and Internal Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Bogusław Machaliński
- Department of General Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (K.Ł.); (B.M.)
| | - Aneta Cymbaluk-Płoska
- Department of Gynecological Surgery and Gynecological Oncology of Adults and Adolescents, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (J.P.); (M.K.); (A.C.-P.)
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Identification of a Novel Tumor Microenvironment Prognostic Signature for Advanced-Stage Serous Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133343. [PMID: 34283076 PMCID: PMC8268985 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The expression of tumor microenvironment-related genes is known to be correlated with ovarian cancer patients’ prognosis. Immunotherapeutic targets are in part located in this complex cluster of cells and soluble factors. In our study, we constructed a prognostic 11-gene signature for advanced serous ovarian cancer from tumor microenvironment-related genes through lasso regression. The established risk score can quantify the prognosis of ovarian cancer patients more accurately and is able to predict the putative biological response of cancer samples to a programmed death ligand 1 blocking immunotherapy. This might empower the role of immunotherapy in ovarian cancer through its usage in future study protocols. Abstract (1) Background: The tumor microenvironment is involved in the growth and proliferation of malignant tumors and in the process of resistance towards systemic and targeted therapies. A correlation between the gene expression profile of the tumor microenvironment and the prognosis of ovarian cancer patients is already known. (2) Methods: Based on data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (379 RNA sequencing samples), we constructed a prognostic 11-gene signature (SNRPA1, CCL19, CXCL11, CDC5L, APCDD1, LPAR2, PI3, PLEKHF1, CCDC80, CPXM1 and CTAG2) for Fédération Internationale de Gynécologie et d’Obstétrique stage III and IV serous ovarian cancer through lasso regression. (3) Results: The established risk score was able to predict the 1-, 3- and 5-year prognoses more accurately than previously known models. (4) Conclusions: We were able to confirm the predictive power of this model when we applied it to cervical and urothelial cancer, supporting its pan-cancer usability. We found that immune checkpoint genes correlate negatively with a higher risk score. Based on this information, we used our risk score to predict the biological response of cancer samples to an anti-programmed death ligand 1 immunotherapy, which could be useful for future clinical studies on immunotherapy in ovarian cancer.
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Yang Y, Islam MS, Hu Y, Chen X. TNFR2: Role in Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy. Immunotargets Ther 2021; 10:103-122. [PMID: 33907692 PMCID: PMC8071081 DOI: 10.2147/itt.s255224] [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: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including anti-CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4) and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 (programmed death-1/programmed death-ligand 1), represent a turning point in the cancer immunotherapy. However, only a minor fraction of patients could derive benefit from such therapy. Therefore, new strategies targeting additional immune regulatory mechanisms are urgently needed. CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) represent a major cellular mechanism in cancer immune evasion. There is compelling evidence that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor type II (TNFR2) plays a decisive role in the activation and expansion of Tregs and other types of immunosuppressive cells such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Furthermore, TNFR2 is also expressed by some tumor cells. Emerging experimental evidence indicates that TNFR2 may be a therapeutic target to enhance naturally occurring or immunotherapeutic-triggered anti-tumor immune responses. In this article, we discuss recent advances in the understanding of the mechanistic basis underlying the Treg-boosting effect of TNFR2. The role of TNFR2-expressing highly suppressive Tregs in tumor immune evasion and their possible contribution to the non-responsiveness to checkpoint treatment are analyzed. Moreover, the role of TNFR2 expression on tumor cells and the impact of TNFR2 signaling on other types of cells that shape the immunological landscape in the tumor microenvironment, such as MDSCs, MSCs, ECs, EPCs, CD8+ CTLs, and NK cells, are also discussed. The reports revealing the effect of TNFR2-targeting pharmacological agents in the experimental cancer immunotherapy are summarized. We also discuss the potential opportunities and challenges for TNFR2-targeting immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, SAR, 999078, People's Republic of China
| | - Md Sahidul Islam
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, SAR, 999078, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanjia Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, SAR, 999078, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, SAR, 999078, People's Republic of China
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Wang S, Gao J, Li Q, Ming W, Fu Y, Song L, Qin J. Study on the regulatory mechanism and experimental verification of icariin for the treatment of ovarian cancer based on network pharmacology. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 262:113189. [PMID: 32736044 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Herba Epimedii (Berberidaceae) has the advantages of "nourishing the kidney and reinforcing the Yang". Many species in this genus have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and have been used as anticancer drugs in traditional Chinese herbal medicine formulations. Icariin, a major flavonoid glycoside extracted from Epimedium brevicornum Maxim, has been widely proven to exert an inhibitory effect on ovarian cancer (OC), and icariin can induce apoptosis and inhibit invasion and migration. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear, so further research is necessary to verify its traditional use. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to explore the regulatory mechanism of icariin in the biological network and signalling pathway of OC through network pharmacology and cytological experiments. METHODS Public databases and R × 3.6.2 software were adopted to predict the potential targets, construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and perform Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. After the network pharmacological analysis, cytological experiments, real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blot (WB) analyses were used to verify the key signalling pathway. RESULTS The targets related to treatment were TNF, MMP9, STAT3, PIK3CA, ERBB2, MTOR, IL2, PTGS2, KDR, and F2. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that various kinases and the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway were the most enriched molecules and pathways. Icariin inhibited OC SKOV3 cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and promoted apoptosis by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. CONCLUSION Icariin promotes apoptosis and suppresses SKOV3 cell activities through the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway. This research not only provides a theoretical and experimental basis for more in-depth studies but also offers an efficient method for the rational utilization of a series of icariin flavonoids as anti-tumour drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Qingyu Li
- Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | | | - Yanjin Fu
- Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | | | - Jiajia Qin
- Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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16
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de Lima CA, Silva Rodrigues IS, Martins-Filho A, Côbo Micheli D, Martins Tavares-Murta B, Candido Murta EF, Simões Nomelini R. Cytokines in peritoneal fluid of ovarian neoplasms. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2019; 40:401-405. [DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2019.1633516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cid Almeida de Lima
- Research Institute of Oncology (IPON)/Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Uberaba, Brazil
| | | | - Agrimaldo Martins-Filho
- Research Institute of Oncology (IPON)/Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Douglas Côbo Micheli
- Discipline of Pharmacology, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil
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He J, Li R, Chen Y, Hu Y, Chen X. TNFR2-expressing CD4 +Foxp3 + regulatory T cells in cancer immunology and immunotherapy. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2019; 164:101-117. [PMID: 31383403 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2019.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) represent a major cellular mechanism in tumor immune evasion. Elimination of Treg activity has become a strategy to devise an effective tumor immunotherapy. We reported that TNF receptor type II (TNFR2), one of two receptors transducing TNF biological activity, is preferentially expressed by the most suppressive subset of Tregs. By interaction with TNFR2, TNF plays a decisive role in the activation, expansion and phenotype stability of Tregs. We also found that highly suppressive TNFR2-expressing Tregs appear to be tumor-associated Tregs. This finding has been supported by recent studies in mouse tumor models and in cancer patients. In this chapter, published data revealing the important role of TNFR2+ Tregs in tumor development and metastasis in different tumor types are reviewed and analyzed. The therapeutic potential of targeting TNF-TNFR2 interaction as means to eliminate Treg activity, and consequently to enhance anti-tumor immune responses, also is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang He
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China; Investment Banking, Shenzhen Rhino Star Information Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Ruixin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Yibo Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Yuanjia Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Xin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.
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