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Lynch C, Pitroda SP, Weichselbaum RR. Radiotherapy, immunity, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Lancet Oncol 2024; 25:e352-e362. [PMID: 39089313 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(24)00075-5] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Radiotherapy exerts immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive effects, both locally, within the irradiated tumour microenvironment, and systemically, outside the radiation field. Inspired by preclinical data that showed synergy between radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors, multiple clinical trials were initiated with the hypothesis that combined treatment with radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors could stimulate a robust systemic immune response and improve clinical outcomes. However, despite early optimism, radioimmunotherapy trials in the curative and metastatic settings have met with little success. In this Review, we summarise the immunostimulatory effects of radiotherapy that provided the theoretical basis for trials of combination radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. We also discuss findings from clinical trials incorporating radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors and examine the success of these trials in the context of the immunosuppressive effects of radiotherapy. We conclude by highlighting targets for relieving radiotherapy-induced immunosuppression with the goal of enhancing the combined effects of radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor Lynch
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sean P Pitroda
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ralph R Weichselbaum
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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2
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Chen C, Han P, Qing Y. Metabolic heterogeneity in tumor microenvironment - A novel landmark for immunotherapy. Autoimmun Rev 2024:103579. [PMID: 39004158 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2024.103579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
The surrounding non-cancer cells and tumor cells that make up the tumor microenvironment (TME) have various metabolic rhythms. TME metabolic heterogeneity is influenced by the intricate network of metabolic control within and between cells. DNA, protein, transport, and microbial levels are important regulators of TME metabolic homeostasis. The effectiveness of immunotherapy is also closely correlated with alterations in TME metabolism. The response of a tumor patient to immunotherapy is influenced by a variety of variables, including intracellular metabolic reprogramming, metabolic interaction between cells, ecological changes within and between tumors, and general dietary preferences. Although immunotherapy and targeted therapy have made great strides, their use in the accurate identification and treatment of tumors still has several limitations. The function of TME metabolic heterogeneity in tumor immunotherapy is summarized in this article. It focuses on how metabolic heterogeneity develops and is regulated as a tumor progresses, the precise molecular mechanisms and potential clinical significance of imbalances in intracellular metabolic homeostasis and intercellular metabolic coupling and interaction, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of targeted metabolism used in conjunction with immunotherapy. This offers insightful knowledge and important implications for individualized tumor patient diagnosis and treatment plans in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peng Han
- Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Yanping Qing
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China.
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3
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Geukens T, Maetens M, Hooper JE, Oesterreich S, Lee AV, Miller L, Atkinson JM, Rosenzweig M, Puhalla S, Thorne H, Devereux L, Bowtell D, Loi S, Bacon ER, Ihle K, Song M, Rodriguez-Rodriguez L, Welm AL, Gauchay L, Murali R, Chanda P, Karacay A, Naceur-Lombardelli C, Bridger H, Swanton C, Jamal-Hanjani M, Kollath L, True L, Morrissey C, Chambers M, Chinnaiyan AM, Wilson A, Mehra R, Reichert Z, Carey LA, Perou CM, Kelly E, Maeda D, Goto A, Kulka J, Székely B, Szasz AM, Tőkés AM, Van Den Bogaert W, Floris G, Desmedt C. Research autopsy programmes in oncology: shared experience from 14 centres across the world. J Pathol 2024; 263:150-165. [PMID: 38551513 DOI: 10.1002/path.6271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
While there is a great clinical need to understand the biology of metastatic cancer in order to treat it more effectively, research is hampered by limited sample availability. Research autopsy programmes can crucially advance the field through synchronous, extensive, and high-volume sample collection. However, it remains an underused strategy in translational research. Via an extensive questionnaire, we collected information on the study design, enrolment strategy, study conduct, sample and data management, and challenges and opportunities of research autopsy programmes in oncology worldwide. Fourteen programmes participated in this study. Eight programmes operated 24 h/7 days, resulting in a lower median postmortem interval (time between death and start of the autopsy, 4 h) compared with those operating during working hours (9 h). Most programmes (n = 10) succeeded in collecting all samples within a median of 12 h after death. A large number of tumour sites were sampled during each autopsy (median 15.5 per patient). The median number of samples collected per patient was 58, including different processing methods for tumour samples but also non-tumour tissues and liquid biopsies. Unique biological insights derived from these samples included metastatic progression, treatment resistance, disease heterogeneity, tumour dormancy, interactions with the tumour micro-environment, and tumour representation in liquid biopsies. Tumour patient-derived xenograft (PDX) or organoid (PDO) models were additionally established, allowing for drug discovery and treatment sensitivity assays. Apart from the opportunities and achievements, we also present the challenges related with postmortem sample collections and strategies to overcome them, based on the shared experience of these 14 programmes. Through this work, we hope to increase the transparency of postmortem tissue donation, to encourage and aid the creation of new programmes, and to foster collaborations on these unique sample collections. © 2024 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Geukens
- Laboratory for Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marion Maetens
- Laboratory for Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jody E Hooper
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Steffi Oesterreich
- University of Pittsburgh UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, and Magee Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Adrian V Lee
- University of Pittsburgh UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, and Magee Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lori Miller
- University of Pittsburgh UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, and Magee Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jenny M Atkinson
- University of Pittsburgh UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, and Magee Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Margaret Rosenzweig
- University of Pittsburgh UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, and Magee Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shannon Puhalla
- University of Pittsburgh UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, and Magee Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Heather Thorne
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Lisa Devereux
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | | | - Sherene Loi
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Eliza R Bacon
- Center for Precision Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Kena Ihle
- Center for Precision Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Mihae Song
- Center for Precision Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | | | - Alana L Welm
- University of Utah Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Lisa Gauchay
- University of Utah Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Pharto Chanda
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ali Karacay
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Hayley Bridger
- Cancer Research UK, and UCL Cancer Trials Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Charles Swanton
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, UCL Cancer Institute, London, UK
- Department of Medical Oncology, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Mariam Jamal-Hanjani
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, UCL Cancer Institute, London, UK
- Department of Medical Oncology, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
- Cancer Metastasis Laboratory, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lisa A Carey
- University of North Carolina, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Charles M Perou
- University of North Carolina, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Erin Kelly
- University of North Carolina, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Daichi Maeda
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Akiteru Goto
- Department of Cellular and Organ Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Janina Kulka
- Department of Pathology, Forensic and Insurance Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Borbála Székely
- Department of Pathology, Forensic and Insurance Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - A Marcell Szasz
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna-Mária Tőkés
- Department of Pathology, Forensic and Insurance Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Giuseppe Floris
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christine Desmedt
- Laboratory for Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Wang N, Wang B, Maswikiti EP, Yu Y, Song K, Ma C, Han X, Ma H, Deng X, Yu R, Chen H. AMPK-a key factor in crosstalk between tumor cell energy metabolism and immune microenvironment? Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:237. [PMID: 38762523 PMCID: PMC11102436 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02011-5] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has now garnered significant attention as an essential component in cancer therapy during this new era. However, due to immune tolerance, immunosuppressive environment, tumor heterogeneity, immune escape, and other factors, the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy has been limited with its application to very small population size. Energy metabolism not only affects tumor progression but also plays a crucial role in immune escape. Tumor cells are more metabolically active and need more energy and nutrients to maintain their growth, which causes the surrounding immune cells to lack glucose, oxygen, and other nutrients, with the result of decreased immune cell activity and increased immunosuppressive cells. On the other hand, immune cells need to utilize multiple metabolic pathways, for instance, cellular respiration, and oxidative phosphorylation pathways to maintain their activity and normal function. Studies have shown that there is a significant difference in the energy expenditure of immune cells in the resting and activated states. Notably, competitive uptake of glucose is the main cause of impaired T cell function. Conversely, glutamine competition often affects the activation of most immune cells and the transformation of CD4+T cells into inflammatory subtypes. Excessive metabolite lactate often impairs the function of NK cells. Furthermore, the metabolite PGE2 also often inhibits the immune response by inhibiting Th1 differentiation, B cell function, and T cell activation. Additionally, the transformation of tumor-suppressive M1 macrophages into cancer-promoting M2 macrophages is influenced by energy metabolism. Therefore, energy metabolism is a vital factor and component involved in the reconstruction of the tumor immune microenvironment. Noteworthy and vital is that not only does the metabolic program of tumor cells affect the antigen presentation and recognition of immune cells, but also the metabolic program of immune cells affects their own functions, ultimately leading to changes in tumor immune function. Metabolic intervention can not only improve the response of immune cells to tumors, but also increase the immunogenicity of tumors, thereby expanding the population who benefit from immunotherapy. Consequently, identifying metabolic crosstalk molecules that link tumor energy metabolism and immune microenvironment would be a promising anti-tumor immune strategy. AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) is a ubiquitous serine/threonine kinase in eukaryotes, serving as the central regulator of metabolic pathways. The sequential activation of AMPK and its associated signaling cascades profoundly impacts the dynamic alterations in tumor cell bioenergetics. By modulating energy metabolism and inflammatory responses, AMPK exerts significant influence on tumor cell development, while also playing a pivotal role in tumor immunotherapy by regulating immune cell activity and function. Furthermore, AMPK-mediated inflammatory response facilitates the recruitment of immune cells to the tumor microenvironment (TIME), thereby impeding tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis. AMPK, as the link between cell energy homeostasis, tumor bioenergetics, and anti-tumor immunity, will have a significant impact on the treatment and management of oncology patients. That being summarized, the main objective of this review is to pinpoint the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy by regulating the energy metabolism of the tumor immune microenvironment and to provide guidance for the development of new immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Wang
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Bofang Wang
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Ewetse Paul Maswikiti
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Yang Yu
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Kewei Song
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Chenhui Ma
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Xiaowen Han
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Huanhuan Ma
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Xiaobo Deng
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Rong Yu
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Hao Chen
- The Department of Tumor Surgery, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Oncology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China.
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5
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Qiu J, Cheng Z, Jiang Z, Gan L, Zhang Z, Xie Z. Immunomodulatory Precision: A Narrative Review Exploring the Critical Role of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5490. [PMID: 38791528 PMCID: PMC11122264 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105490] [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: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
An immune checkpoint is a signaling pathway that regulates the recognition of antigens by T-cell receptors (TCRs) during an immune response. These checkpoints play a pivotal role in suppressing excessive immune responses and maintaining immune homeostasis against viral or microbial infections. There are several FDA-approved immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including ipilimumab, pembrolizumab, and avelumab. These ICIs target cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1). Furthermore, ongoing efforts are focused on developing new ICIs with emerging potential. In comparison to conventional treatments, ICIs offer the advantages of reduced side effects and durable responses. There is growing interest in the potential of combining different ICIs with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapies. This article comprehensively reviews the classification, mechanism of action, application, and combination strategies of ICIs in various cancers and discusses their current limitations. Our objective is to contribute to the future development of more effective anticancer drugs targeting immune checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyu Qiu
- College of Basic Medical, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; (J.Q.); (Z.C.); (Z.J.); (L.G.); (Z.Z.)
- Queen Mary School, Medical Department, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Zilin Cheng
- College of Basic Medical, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; (J.Q.); (Z.C.); (Z.J.); (L.G.); (Z.Z.)
- Queen Mary School, Medical Department, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Zheng Jiang
- College of Basic Medical, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; (J.Q.); (Z.C.); (Z.J.); (L.G.); (Z.Z.)
- Queen Mary School, Medical Department, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Luhan Gan
- College of Basic Medical, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; (J.Q.); (Z.C.); (Z.J.); (L.G.); (Z.Z.)
- Huan Kui School, Medical Department, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Zixuan Zhang
- College of Basic Medical, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; (J.Q.); (Z.C.); (Z.J.); (L.G.); (Z.Z.)
- Queen Mary School, Medical Department, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Zhenzhen Xie
- College of Basic Medical, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; (J.Q.); (Z.C.); (Z.J.); (L.G.); (Z.Z.)
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6
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Najafiyan B, Bokaii Hosseini Z, Esmaelian S, Firuzpour F, Rahimipour Anaraki S, Kalantari L, Hheidari A, Mesgari H, Nabi-Afjadi M. Unveiling the potential effects of resveratrol in lung cancer treatment: Mechanisms and nanoparticle-based drug delivery strategies. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 172:116207. [PMID: 38295754 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116207] [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: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer ranks among the most prevalent forms of cancer and remains a significant factor in cancer-related mortality across the world. It poses significant challenges to healthcare systems and society as a whole due to its high incidence, mortality rates, and late-stage diagnosis. Resveratrol (RV), a natural compound found in various plants, has shown potential as a nanomedicine for lung cancer treatment. RV has varied effects on cancer cells, including promoting apoptosis by increasing pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax and Bak) and decreasing anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2). It also hinders cell proliferation by influencing important signaling pathways (MAPK, mTOR, PI3K/Akt, and Wnt/β-catenin) that govern cancer progression. In addition, RV acts as a potent antioxidant, diminishing oxidative stress and safeguarding cells against DNA damage. However, using RV alone in cancer treatment has drawbacks, such as low bioavailability, lack of targeting ability, and susceptibility to degradation. In contrast, nanoparticle-based delivery systems address these limitations and hold promise for improving treatment outcomes in lung cancer; nanoparticle formulations of RV offer advantages such as improved drug delivery, increased stability, controlled release, and targeted delivery to lung cancer cells. This article will provide an overview of lung cancer, explore the potential of RV as a therapeutic agent, discuss the benefits and challenges of nanoparticle-based drug delivery, and highlight the promise of RV nanoparticles for cancer treatment, including lung cancer. By optimizing these systems for clinical application, future studies aim to enhance overall treatment outcomes and improve the prognosis for lung cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnam Najafiyan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Samar Esmaelian
- Faculty of Dentistry, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faezeh Firuzpour
- Student of Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | | | - Leila Kalantari
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Ali Hheidari
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Mesgari
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Nabi-Afjadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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Liu JTC, Chow SSL, Colling R, Downes MR, Farré X, Humphrey P, Janowczyk A, Mirtti T, Verrill C, Zlobec I, True LD. Engineering the future of 3D pathology. J Pathol Clin Res 2024; 10:e347. [PMID: 37919231 PMCID: PMC10807588 DOI: 10.1002/cjp2.347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, technological advances in tissue preparation, high-throughput volumetric microscopy, and computational infrastructure have enabled rapid developments in nondestructive 3D pathology, in which high-resolution histologic datasets are obtained from thick tissue specimens, such as whole biopsies, without the need for physical sectioning onto glass slides. While 3D pathology generates massive datasets that are attractive for automated computational analysis, there is also a desire to use 3D pathology to improve the visual assessment of tissue histology. In this perspective, we discuss and provide examples of potential advantages of 3D pathology for the visual assessment of clinical specimens and the challenges of dealing with large 3D datasets (of individual or multiple specimens) that pathologists have not been trained to interpret. We discuss the need for artificial intelligence triaging algorithms and explainable analysis methods to assist pathologists or other domain experts in the interpretation of these novel, often complex, large datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan TC Liu
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & PathologyUniversity of Washington School of MedicineSeattleUSA
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of WashingtonSeattleUSA
| | - Sarah SL Chow
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | | | | | | | - Peter Humphrey
- Department of UrologyYale School of MedicineNew HavenCTUSA
| | - Andrew Janowczyk
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical EngineeringEmory University and Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGAUSA
- Geneva University HospitalsGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Tuomas Mirtti
- Helsinki University Hospital and University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Emory University School of MedicineAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Clare Verrill
- John Radcliffe HospitalUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research CentreOxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustOxfordUK
| | - Inti Zlobec
- Institute for Tissue Medicine and PathologyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Lawrence D True
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & PathologyUniversity of Washington School of MedicineSeattleUSA
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8
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Huang R, Fan D, Cheng H, Huo J, Wang S, He H, Zhang G. Multi-Site Attack, Neutrophil Membrane-Camouflaged Nanomedicine with High Drug Loading for Enhanced Cancer Therapy and Metastasis Inhibition. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:3359-3375. [PMID: 37361388 PMCID: PMC10290460 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s415139] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Advanced breast cancer is a highly metastatic tumor with high mortality. Simultaneous elimination of primary tumor and inhibition of neutrophil-circulation tumor cells (CTCs) cluster formation are urgent issues for cancer therapy. Unfortunately, the drug delivery efficiency to tumors and anti-metastasis efficacy of nanomedicine are far from satisfactory. Methods To address these problems, we designed a multi-site attack, neutrophil membrane-camouflaged nanoplatform encapsulating hypoxia-responsive dimeric prodrug hQ-MMAE2 (hQNM-PLGA) for enhanced cancer and anti-metastasis therapy. Results Encouraged by the natural tendency of neutrophils to inflammatory tumor sites, hQNM-PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) could target delivery of drug to tumor, and the acute hypoxic environment of advanced 4T1 breast tumor promoted hQ-MMAE2 degradation to release MMAE, thus eliminating the primary tumor cells to achieve remarkable anticancer efficacy. Alternatively, NM-PLGA NPs inherited the similar adhesion proteins of neutrophils so that NPs could compete with neutrophils to interrupt the formation of neutrophil-CTC clusters, leading to a reduction in extravasation of CTCs and inhibition of tumor metastasis. The in vivo results further revealed that hQNM-PLGA NPs possessed a perfect safety and ability to inhibit tumor growth and spontaneous lung metastasis. Conclusion This study demonstrates the multi-site attack strategy provides a prospective avenue with the potential to improve anticancer and anti-metastasis therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, People’s Republic of China
| | - Daopeng Fan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hanghang Cheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Huo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuqi Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hua He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gaiping Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, People’s Republic of China
- Longhu Laboratory, Zhengzhou, 450046, People’s Republic of China
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9
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Yang X, Bian J, Wang Z, He M, Yang Y, Li Q, Luo X, Zhou Z, Li J, Ju S, Sun M. A Bio-Liposome Activating Natural Killer Cell by Illuminating Tumor Homogenization Antigen Properties. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205449. [PMID: 36852735 PMCID: PMC10131854 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell therapies, primarily based on chimeric antigen receptor NK cells (CAR-NK), have been developed and applied clinically for therapeutic treatment of patients with mid-to-late-stage tumors. However, NK cell therapy has limited efficacy due to insufficient antigen expression on the tumor cell surface. Here, a universal "illuminate tumor homogenization antigen properties" (ITHAP) strategy to achieve stable and controlled antigen expression on the surface of tumor cells using nanomedicine, thus significantly enhancing the immune recognizability of tumor cells, is described. The ITHAP strategy is used to generate bio-liposomes (Pt@PL-IgG) composed of intermingled platelet membranes and liposomes with NK-activatable target antigen (IgG antibodies) and cisplatin pre-drug. It is demonstrated that Pt@PL-IgG successfully targets tumor cells using the autonomous drive of platelet membranes and achieves IgG implantation on tumor cells by utilizing membrane fusion properties. Moreover, it is shown that the Pt-DNA complex combined with NK cell-induced pyroptosis causes substantial interferon (IFN) secretion, thus providing a synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (STING)-IFN-mediated positive immune microenvironment to further potentiate NK therapy. These results show that anchoring cancer cells with NK-activatable target antigens is a promising translational strategy for addressing therapeutic challenges in tumor heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesDepartment of PharmaceuticsChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional ImagingDepartment of Radiology, Zhongda HospitalMedical School of Southeast UniversityNanjing210009P. R. China
| | - Jiayi Bian
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesDepartment of PharmaceuticsChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009P. R. China
| | - Zheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesDepartment of PharmaceuticsChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009P. R. China
| | - Mengning He
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesDepartment of PharmaceuticsChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009P. R. China
| | - Ying Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesDepartment of PharmaceuticsChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009P. R. China
| | - Quanhao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesDepartment of PharmaceuticsChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009P. R. China
| | - Xinping Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesDepartment of PharmaceuticsChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009P. R. China
| | - Zhanwei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesDepartment of PharmaceuticsChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009P. R. China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesDepartment of PharmaceuticsChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009P. R. China
| | - Shenghong Ju
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional ImagingDepartment of Radiology, Zhongda HospitalMedical School of Southeast UniversityNanjing210009P. R. China
| | - Minjie Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural MedicinesDepartment of PharmaceuticsChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing210009P. R. China
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Zhang Y, Chen J, Shi L, Ma F. Polymeric nanoparticle-based nanovaccines for cancer immunotherapy. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2023; 10:361-392. [PMID: 36541078 DOI: 10.1039/d2mh01358d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic cancer vaccines, which are designed to amplify tumor-specific T cell responses, have been envisioned as one of the most powerful tools for effective cancer immunotherapy. However, increasing the potency, quality and durability of the vaccine response remains a big challenge. In recent years, materials-based delivery systems focusing on the co-delivery of antigens and adjuvants to enhance cancer vaccination therapy have attracted increasing interest. Among various materials, polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) with different physicochemical properties which can incorporate multiple immunological cues are of great interest. In this review, the recent progress in the design and construction of both ex vivo subunit and in situ cancer vaccines using polymeric NPs is summarized. Especially, we will focus on how these NPs improve the adjuvanticity of vaccines. The design principles of polymeric NPs for ex vivo subunit cancer vaccines and in situ cancer vaccination are also discussed. Finally, we want to briefly discuss molecular chaperones in cancer immunity and the applications of our unique self-assembly mixed shell polymeric micelle-based nanochaperones for cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China.
| | - Jiajing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China.
| | - Linqi Shi
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China.
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin, 300192, P. R. China
| | - Feihe Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin, 300387, P. R. China.
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11
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Ghosh A, Ghosh A, Sinha A, Mathai S, Bhaumik J, Mukhopadhyay A, Maitra A, Biswas NK, Majumder PP, Sengupta S. Identification of HPV16 positive cervical cancer subsets characterized by divergent immune and oncogenic phenotypes with potential implications for immunotherapy. Tumour Biol 2023; 45:55-69. [PMID: 37599552 DOI: 10.3233/tub-220035] [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] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancers (CaCx), like many other cancer types, portray high molecular heterogeneity that affects response to therapy, including immunotherapy. In India and other developing countries, CaCx mortality rates are very high because women report to the clinics with advanced cancers in absence of organized screening programs. This calls for implementation of newer therapeutic regimens for CaCx, like immunotherapy, which is again not used commonly in such countries. OBJECTIVE Therefore, we focused on dissecting tumour immune heterogeneity, if any, identify immune gene-based biomarkers of heterogeneity and subsets of such cancers with the potential for immunotherapy. We also attempted to characterize the cancer-associated phenotypes of such subsets, including viral load, to decipher the relationship of tumour immunogenicity with oncogenicity. METHODS Employing RNA-seq analysis of 44 HPV16 positive CaCx patients, immune subtypes were identified by unsupervised hierarchical clustering of global immune-gene expression profiles. Proportions of tumor infiltrating immune cells in the tumor milieu were estimated, employing Cell-type Identification by Estimating Relative Subsets of RNA Transcripts (CIBERSORT), using gene expression data from RNA-seq. The oncogenic phenotypes of the immune subtypes of CaCx were deciphered through differential gene expression (DEGs) and pathway enrichment analysis. Viral load was estimated through TaqMan-based qRT-PCR analysis. RESULTS Analysis revealed the presence of two immune subtypes of CaCx, A (26/44; 59.09%) and B (18/44; 40.90%). Compared to Subtype-A, Subtype-B portrayed overexpression of immune genes and high infiltration of immune cells, specifically CD8+ T cells (p < 0.0001). Besides, a significant correlation between PD-1 and PD-L1 co-expression among Subtype-B, as opposed to Subtype-A, confirmed the interactive roles of these immune checkpoint molecules in Subtype B. Stepwise discriminant analysis pin-pointed ten immune-genes that could classify 100% of the patients significantly (p < 0.0001) into the two immune subtypes and serve as potential biomarkers of CaCx immunity. Differential gene expression analysis between the subtypes unveiled that Subtype-B was more biologically aggressive than Subtype-A, reflecting loss of structural integrity and promotion of cancer progression. The viral load was significantly lower in Subtype-B (average viral load = 10.74/100 ng of genomic DNA) compared to Subtype-A (average viral load = 14.29/100 ng of genomic DNA). Thus viral load and the ten-gene panel underscore their association with immunogenicity and oncogenicity. CONCLUSION Our study provides strong evidence that only a subset, about 41% of HPV16 positive CaCx patients in India, portray immune enrichment of the tumor milieu coupled with aggressive phenotypes. Such subtypes are therefore likely to benefit through checkpoint molecule-based or tumor infiltrating lymphocyte-based immunotherapy, which could be a leap forward in tackling aggressive forms of such CaCx in India and other developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhisikta Ghosh
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal, India
| | - Arnab Ghosh
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal, India
| | - Abarna Sinha
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal, India
| | - Sonia Mathai
- Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Asima Mukhopadhyay
- Kolkata Gynecological Oncology Trials and Translational Research Group, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Arindam Maitra
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal, India
| | - Nidhan K Biswas
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal, India
| | - Partha P Majumder
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal, India
| | - Sharmila Sengupta
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal, India
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UHRF1 Induces Metastasis in Thyroid Cancer. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:7716427. [PMID: 35996525 PMCID: PMC9392644 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7716427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background Ubiquitin-like with PHD and ring-finger domain 1 (UHRF1) has been defined as an oncogene in tumor cells. However, the role of UHRF1 in mediating metastasis in thyroid cancer remains unexplored. In this study, we aimed to investigate the metastatic function and the potential mechanisms of UHRF1 in thyroid cancer. Methods Transwell assays were used to detect the metastatic capability of thyroid cancer. Dual-luciferase reporter assays were applied to examine the activation of transcription factors. Coimmunoprecipitation assays and immunofluorescence staining assays were used to elucidate the potential mechanisms of UHRF1 in promoting the metastasis of thyroid cancer. Results In this study, we found that overexpression of UHRF1 promoted the metastasis of papillary thyroid cancer cells, and suppression of UHRF1 decreased the metastasis of anaplastic thyroid cancer cells. Regarding the signaling pathway in regulating metastasis, UHRF1 directly combined and activated the transcription factor c-Jun/AP-1 in the nucleus, subsequently increasing the transcription of IL-6 and MIF. Conclusion Our results suggest that UHRF1 could induce the metastasis of thyroid cancer, and the potential signaling pathway might be that UHRF1 activates c-Jun/AP-1 to increase the expression of IL-6 and MIF. These findings provide a novel mechanism of UHRF1 and illustrate that UHRF1/AP-1 complex could be a potential therapeutic target for patients with thyroid cancer.
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A predictive model based on liquid biopsy for non-small cell lung cancer to assess patient’s prognosis: Development and application. Tissue Cell 2022; 77:101854. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2022.101854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Seliger B, Massa C. Modulation of Lymphocyte Functions in the Microenvironment by Tumor Oncogenic Pathways. Front Immunol 2022; 13:883639. [PMID: 35663987 PMCID: PMC9160824 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.883639] [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: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the broad application of different immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of solid as well as hematopoietic cancers, the efficacy of these therapies is still limited, with only a minority of patients having a long-term benefit resulting in an improved survival rate. In order to increase the response rates of patients to the currently available immunotherapies, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the intrinsic and/or extrinsic resistance to treatment is required. There exist increasing evidences that activation of different oncogenic pathways as well as inactivation of tumor suppressor genes (TSG) in tumor cells inhibit the immune cell recognition and influegnce the composition of the tumor microenvironment (TME), thus leading to an impaired anti-tumoral immune response. A deeper understanding of the link between the tumor milieu and genomic alterations of TSGs and oncogenes is indispensable for the optimization of immunotherapies and to predict the patients’ response to these treatments. This review summarizes the role of different cancer-related, oncogene- and TSG-controlled pathways in the context of anti-tumoral immunity and response to different immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.,Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Chiara Massa
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
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