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Liu J, Li H, Wang L, Wang S, Tang Q. Spatial transcriptome and single-cell reveal the role of nucleotide metabolism in colorectal cancer progression and tumor microenvironment. J Transl Med 2024; 22:702. [PMID: 39075485 PMCID: PMC11288102 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05495-y] [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: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intricacies of nucleotide metabolism within tumor cells specific to colorectal cancer (CRC) remain insufficiently characterized. A nuanced examination of particular tumor clusters and their dynamic interplay with the tumor microenvironment (TME) may yield profound insights into these therapeutically auspicious communicative networks. METHODS By integrating ten types of single-cell enrichment scoring methods, we carried out enrichment analysis on CRC cell types, which was validated through four additional single-cell cohorts. Groups of tumor cells were determined using the average values of the scores. Using cellphonedb, monocle, inferCNV, SCENIC, and Cytotrace, functional analyses were performed. Utilizing the RCTD approach, single-cell groupings were mapped onto spatial transcriptomics, analyzing cell dependency and pathway activity to distinguish between tumor cell subtypes. Differential expression analysis identified core genes in nucleotide metabolism, with single-cell and spatial transcriptomics analyses elucidating the function of these genes in tumor cells and the immune microenvironment. Prognostic models were developed from bulk transcriptome cohorts to forecast responses to immune therapy. Laboratory experiments were conducted to verify the biological function of the core gene. RESULTS Nucleotide metabolism is significantly elevated in tumor cells, dividing them into two groups: NUhighepi and NUlowepi. The phenotype NUhighepi was discerned to exhibit pronounced malignant attributes. Utilizing the analytical tool stlearn for cell-to-cell communication assessment, it was ascertained that NUhighepi engages in intimate interactions with fibroblasts. Corroborating this observation, spatial transcriptome cell interaction assessment through MISTy unveiled a particular reliance of NUhighepi on fibroblasts. Subsequently, we pinpointed NME1, a key gene in nucleotide metabolism, affirming its role in thwarting metastasis via in vitro examination. Utilizing multiple machine learning algorithms, a stable prognostic model (NRS) has been developed, capable of predicting survival and responses to immune therapy. In addition, targeted drugs have been identified for both high and low scoring groups. Laboratory experiments have revealed that NME1 can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of CRC tumor cells. CONCLUSION Our study elucidates the potential pro-tumor mechanism of NUhighepi and the role of NME1 in inhibiting metastasis, further deepening the understanding of the role of nucleotide metabolism in colorectal cancer, and providing valuable targets for disrupting its properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junzhi Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School Medicine, Hang Zhou, 310000, China
| | - Huimin Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School Medicine, Hang Zhou, 310000, China
| | - Lantian Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School Medicine, Hang Zhou, 310000, China.
| | - Shurui Wang
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Qiang Tang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School Medicine, Hang Zhou, 310000, China.
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2
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Jiang K, Wu J, Wang Q, Chen X, Zhang Y, Gu X, Tang K. Nanoparticles targeting the adenosine pathway for cancer immunotherapy. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:5787-5811. [PMID: 38845588 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00292j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy, as an emerging approach to cancer treatment, has tremendous potential for application. Compared to traditional methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, it has the ability to restore the patient's immune system, leading to long-term immune memory with less damage to normal tissues. However, immunotherapy has its limitations, including limited therapeutic efficacy, restricted patient populations, and inconsistent treatment responses. Finding effective immunotherapeutic approaches has become a key focus of its clinical application. The adenosine pathway is a recently discovered tumor immune regulatory signaling pathway. It can influence the metabolism and growth of tumor cells by acting through key enzymes in the adenosine pathway, thereby affecting the development of tumors. Therefore, inhibiting the adenosine pathway is an effective cancer immunotherapy. Common adenosine pathway inhibitors include small molecules and antibody proteins, and extensive preclinical trials have demonstrated their effectiveness in inhibiting tumor growth. The short half-life, low bioavailability, and single administration route of adenosine pathway inhibitors limit their clinical application. With the advent of nanotechnology, nano-delivery of adenosine pathway inhibitors has addressed these issues. Compared to traditional drugs, nano-drugs extend the drug's circulation time and improve its distribution within the body. They also offer targeting capabilities and have low toxic side effects, making them very promising for future applications. In this review, we discuss the mechanism of the adenosine pathway in tumor immune suppression, the clinical applications of adenosine pathway inhibitors, and nano-delivery based on adenosine pathway inhibitors. In the final part of this article, we also briefly discuss the technical issues and challenges currently present in nano-delivery of adenosine pathway inhibitors, with the hope of advancing the progress of adenosine inhibitor nano-drugs in clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kehua Jiang
- Department of Urology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Urology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
| | - Xiaolong Chen
- Department of Urology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
| | - Yanlong Zhang
- Department of Urology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
| | - Xiaoya Gu
- Department of Urology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Kun Tang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
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Castaño M, González-Cantó E, Aghababyan C, Tomás-Pérez S, Oto J, Herranz R, Medina P, Götte M, Mc Cormack BA, Marí-Alexandre J, Gilabert-Estellés J. New Roles for Old Friends: Involvement of the Innate Immune System in Tumor Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087604. [PMID: 37108767 PMCID: PMC10144334 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The association between the immune system and tumor progression has attracted much interest in the research community in recent years [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- María Castaño
- Haemostasis, Thrombosis, Arteriosclerosis and Vascular Biology Research Group, Medical Research Institute Hospital La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Eva González-Cantó
- Research Laboratory in Biomarkers in Reproduction, Gynaecology, and Obstetrics, Research Foundation of the General University Hospital of Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Cristina Aghababyan
- Research Laboratory in Biomarkers in Reproduction, Gynaecology, and Obstetrics, Research Foundation of the General University Hospital of Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General University Hospital of Valencia Consortium, 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Sarai Tomás-Pérez
- Research Laboratory in Biomarkers in Reproduction, Gynaecology, and Obstetrics, Research Foundation of the General University Hospital of Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Julia Oto
- Haemostasis, Thrombosis, Arteriosclerosis and Vascular Biology Research Group, Medical Research Institute Hospital La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Münster University Hospital, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Raquel Herranz
- Haemostasis, Thrombosis, Arteriosclerosis and Vascular Biology Research Group, Medical Research Institute Hospital La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Pilar Medina
- Haemostasis, Thrombosis, Arteriosclerosis and Vascular Biology Research Group, Medical Research Institute Hospital La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Martin Götte
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Münster University Hospital, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Bárbara Andrea Mc Cormack
- Haemostasis, Thrombosis, Arteriosclerosis and Vascular Biology Research Group, Medical Research Institute Hospital La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Research Laboratory in Biomarkers in Reproduction, Gynaecology, and Obstetrics, Research Foundation of the General University Hospital of Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Josep Marí-Alexandre
- Research Laboratory in Biomarkers in Reproduction, Gynaecology, and Obstetrics, Research Foundation of the General University Hospital of Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Pathology, General University Hospital of Valencia Consortium, 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan Gilabert-Estellés
- Research Laboratory in Biomarkers in Reproduction, Gynaecology, and Obstetrics, Research Foundation of the General University Hospital of Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General University Hospital of Valencia Consortium, 46014 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics, and Gynecology, University of Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain
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4
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Cadassou O, Petter Jordheim L. OXPHOS inhibitors, metabolism and targeted therapies in cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 211:115531. [PMID: 37019188 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
More and more studies highlight the complex metabolic characteristics and plasticity of cancer cells. To address these specificities and explore the associated vulnerabilities, new metabolism-targeting therapeutic strategies are being developed. It is more and more accepted that cancer cells do not produce their energy only from aerobic glycolysis, as some subtypes strongly rely on mitochondrial respiration (OXPHOS). This review focuses on classical and promising OXPHOS inhibitors (OXPHOSi), unravelling their interest and modes of actions in cancer, particularly in combination with other strategies. Indeed, in monotherapy, OXPHOSi display limited efficiency as they mostly trigger cell death in cancer cell subtypes that strongly depend on mitochondrial respiration and are not able to shift to other metabolic pathways to produce energy. Nevertheless, they remain very interesting in combination with conventional therapeutic strategies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, increasing their anti-tumoral actions. In addition, OXPHOSi can be included in even more innovative strategies such as combinations with other metabolic drugs or immunotherapies.
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Abstract
Metabolic alterations are a key hallmark of cancer cells, and the augmented synthesis and use of nucleotide triphosphates is a critical and universal metabolic dependency of cancer cells across different cancer types and genetic backgrounds. Many of the aggressive behaviours of cancer cells, including uncontrolled proliferation, chemotherapy resistance, immune evasion and metastasis, rely heavily on augmented nucleotide metabolism. Furthermore, most of the known oncogenic drivers upregulate nucleotide biosynthetic capacity, suggesting that this phenotype is a prerequisite for cancer initiation and progression. Despite the wealth of data demonstrating the efficacy of nucleotide synthesis inhibitors in preclinical cancer models and the well-established clinical use of these drugs in certain cancer settings, the full potential of these agents remains unrealized. In this Review, we discuss recent studies that have generated mechanistic insights into the diverse biological roles of hyperactive cancer cell nucleotide metabolism. We explore opportunities for combination therapies that are highlighted by these recent advances and detail key questions that remain to be answered, with the goal of informing urgently warranted future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Mullen
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Pankaj K Singh
- Department of Oncology Science, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
- OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
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Bajgar A, Krejčová G. On the origin of the functional versatility of macrophages. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1128984. [PMID: 36909237 PMCID: PMC9998073 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1128984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages represent the most functionally versatile cells in the animal body. In addition to recognizing and destroying pathogens, macrophages remove senescent and exhausted cells, promote wound healing, and govern tissue and metabolic homeostasis. In addition, many specialized populations of tissue-resident macrophages exhibit highly specialized functions essential for the function of specific organs. Sometimes, however, macrophages cease to perform their protective function and their seemingly incomprehensible response to certain stimuli leads to pathology. In this study, we address the question of the origin of the functional versatility of macrophages. To this end, we have searched for the evolutionary origin of macrophages themselves and for the emergence of their characteristic properties. We hypothesize that many of the characteristic features of proinflammatory macrophages evolved in the unicellular ancestors of animals, and that the functional repertoire of macrophage-like amoebocytes further expanded with the evolution of multicellularity and the increasing complexity of tissues and organ systems. We suggest that the entire repertoire of macrophage functions evolved by repurposing and diversification of basic functions that evolved early in the evolution of metazoans under conditions barely comparable to that in tissues of multicellular organisms. We believe that by applying this perspective, we may find an explanation for the otherwise counterintuitive behavior of macrophages in many human pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Bajgar
- Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia.,Biology Centre, Institute of Entomology, Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Gabriela Krejčová
- Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia.,Biology Centre, Institute of Entomology, Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
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7
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Huh H, Chen DW, Foldvari M, Slavcev R, Blay J. EGFR-targeted bacteriophage lambda penetrates model stromal and colorectal carcinoma tissues, is taken up into carcinoma cells, and interferes with 3-dimensional tumor formation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:957233. [PMID: 36591314 PMCID: PMC9800840 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.957233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Colorectal cancer and other adult solid cancers pose a significant challenge for successful treatment because the tumor microenvironment both hinders the action of conventional therapeutics and suppresses the immune activities of infiltrating leukocytes. The immune suppression is largely the effect of enhanced local mediators such as purine nucleosides and eicosanoids. Genetic approaches have the promise of interfering with these mechanisms of local immunosuppression to allow both intrinsic and therapeutic immunological anticancer processes. Bacterial phages offer a novel means of enabling access into tissues for therapeutic genetic manipulations. Methods We generated spheroids of fibroblastic and CRC cancer cells to model the 3-dimensional stromal and parenchymal components of colorectal tumours. We used these to examine the access and effects of both wildtype (WT) and epidermal growth factor (EGF)-presenting bacteriophage λ (WT- λ and EGF-λ) as a means of delivery of targeted genetic interventions in solid cancers. We used both confocal microscopy of spheroids exposed to AF488-tagged phages, and the recovery of viable phages as measured by plaque-forming assays to evaluate access; and measures of mitochondrial enzyme activity and cellular ATP to evaluate the outcome on the constituent cells. Results Using flourescence-tagged derivatives of these bacteriophages (AF488-WT-λ and AF488-EGF-λ) we showed that phage entry into these tumour microenvironments was possible and that the EGF ligand enabled efficient and persistent uptake into the cancer cell mass. EGF-λ became localized in the intracellular portion of cancer cells and was subjected to subsequent cellular processing. The targeted λ phage had no independent effect upon mature tumour spheroids, but interfered with the early formation and growth of cancer tissues without the need for addition of a toxic payload, suggesting that it might have beneficial effects by itself in addition to any genetic intervention delivered to the tumour. Interference with spheroid formation persisted over the duration of culture. Discussion We conclude that targeted phage technology is a feasible strategy to facilitate delivery into colorectal cancer tumour tissue (and by extension other solid carcinomas) and provides an appropriate delivery vehicle for a gene therapeutic that can reduce local immunosuppression and/or deliver an additional direct anticancer activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haein Huh
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Ding-Wen Chen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | | | - Roderick Slavcev
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada,*Correspondence: Jonathan Blay, ; Roderick Slavcev,
| | - Jonathan Blay
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada,Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada,*Correspondence: Jonathan Blay, ; Roderick Slavcev,
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8
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Filiberti S, Russo M, Lonardi S, Bugatti M, Vermi W, Tournier C, Giurisato E. Self-Renewal of Macrophages: Tumor-Released Factors and Signaling Pathways. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2709. [PMID: 36359228 PMCID: PMC9687165 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are the most abundant immune cells of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and have multiple important functions in cancer. During tumor growth, both tissue-resident macrophages and newly recruited monocyte-derived macrophages can give rise to tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which have been associated with poor prognosis in most cancers. Compelling evidence indicate that the high degree of plasticity of macrophages and their ability to self-renew majorly impact tumor progression and resistance to therapy. In addition, the microenvironmental factors largely affect the metabolism of macrophages and may have a major influence on TAMs proliferation and subsets functions. Thus, understanding the signaling pathways regulating TAMs self-renewal capacity may help to identify promising targets for the development of novel anticancer agents. In this review, we focus on the environmental factors that promote the capacity of macrophages to self-renew and the molecular mechanisms that govern TAMs proliferation. We also highlight the impact of tumor-derived factors on macrophages metabolism and how distinct metabolic pathways affect macrophage self-renewal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Filiberti
- Department of Biotechnology Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Mariapia Russo
- Department of Biotechnology Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Silvia Lonardi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy
| | - Mattia Bugatti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy
| | - William Vermi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Cathy Tournier
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Emanuele Giurisato
- Department of Biotechnology Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
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Kim GT, Shin SH, Kim EY, Lee H, Lee SH, Sohn KY, Kim JW. PLAG co-treatment increases the anticancer effect of Adriamycin and cyclophosphamide in a triple-negative breast cancer xenograft mouse model. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 619:110-116. [PMID: 35753218 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.06.051] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy induces tumor cell death and inhibits tumor progression, but the accompanying immune responses in the surrounding dying tissue cause significant inflammation. These responses, such as excessive neutrophil infiltration into tumor tissue, are the main causes of resistance to anticancer treatment. The development of drugs that reduce neutrophil infiltration into tumors is necessary to increase the anticancer effect of chemotherapy. Here, we show that the antitumor effect of the chemotherapy AC regimen (Adriamycin and cyclophosphamide) was increased by 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-3-acetyl-rac-glycerol (PLAG) cotreatment in the MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer xenograft mouse model. Tumor growth was inhibited up to 56% in mice treated with AC and inhibited up to 94% in mice cotreated with AC and PLAG. Side effects of chemotherapy, such as a reduction in body weight, were alleviated in mice cotreated with AC and PLAG. Excessive neutrophil infiltration caused by the AC regimen was successfully cleared in mice cotreated with AC and PLAG. We conclude that PLAG inhibits excessive neutrophil infiltration that aids tumor growth. Reduced neutrophils and increased lymphocytes in PLAG-treated mice can maximize the antitumor effect of the AC regimen and inhibit tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guen Tae Kim
- Enzychem Lifesciences, 10F aT Center 27 Gangnam-daero, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Su-Hyun Shin
- Enzychem Lifesciences, 10F aT Center 27 Gangnam-daero, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eun Young Kim
- Enzychem Lifesciences, 10F aT Center 27 Gangnam-daero, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyowon Lee
- Enzychem Lifesciences, 10F aT Center 27 Gangnam-daero, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Se Hee Lee
- Enzychem Lifesciences, 10F aT Center 27 Gangnam-daero, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ki-Young Sohn
- Enzychem Lifesciences, 10F aT Center 27 Gangnam-daero, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae Wha Kim
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Kwahak-ro, Daejeon, South Korea.
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10
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Pasquini S, Contri C, Borea PA, Vincenzi F, Varani K. Adenosine and Inflammation: Here, There and Everywhere. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7685. [PMID: 34299305 PMCID: PMC8304851 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenosine is a ubiquitous endogenous modulator with the main function of maintaining cellular and tissue homeostasis in pathological and stress conditions. It exerts its effect through the interaction with four G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) subtypes referred as A1, A2A, A2B, and A3 adenosine receptors (ARs), each of which has a unique pharmacological profile and tissue distribution. Adenosine is a potent modulator of inflammation, and for this reason the adenosinergic system represents an excellent pharmacological target for the myriad of diseases in which inflammation represents a cause, a pathogenetic mechanism, a consequence, a manifestation, or a protective factor. The omnipresence of ARs in every cell of the immune system as well as in almost all cells in the body represents both an opportunity and an obstacle to the clinical use of AR ligands. This review offers an overview of the cardinal role of adenosine in the modulation of inflammation, showing how the stimulation or blocking of its receptors or agents capable of regulating its extracellular concentration can represent promising therapeutic strategies for the treatment of chronic inflammatory pathologies, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pasquini
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (C.C.); (K.V.)
| | - Chiara Contri
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (C.C.); (K.V.)
| | | | - Fabrizio Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (C.C.); (K.V.)
| | - Katia Varani
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.P.); (C.C.); (K.V.)
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Angiogenic Properties of NK Cells in Cancer and Other Angiogenesis-Dependent Diseases. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071621. [PMID: 34209508 PMCID: PMC8303392 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of many serious diseases, including cancer, is closely related to disturbances in the angiogenesis process. Angiogenesis is essential for the progression of tumor growth and metastasis. The tumor microenvironment (TME) has immunosuppressive properties, which contribute to tumor expansion and angiogenesis. Similarly, the uterine microenvironment (UME) exerts a tolerogenic (immunosuppressive) and proangiogenic effect on its cells, promoting implantation and development of the embryo and placenta. In the TME and UME natural killer (NK) cells, which otherwise are capable of killing target cells autonomously, enter a state of reduced cytotoxicity or anergy. Both TME and UME are rich with factors (e.g., TGF-β, glycodelin, hypoxia), which support a conversion of NK cells to the low/non-cytotoxic, proangiogenic CD56brightCD16low phenotype. It is plausible that the phenomenon of acquiring proangiogenic and low cytotoxic features by NK cells is not only limited to cancer but is a common feature of different angiogenesis-dependent diseases (ADDs). In this review, we will discuss the role of NK cells in angiogenesis disturbances associated with cancer and other selected ADDs. Expanding the knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for angiogenesis and its disorders contributes to a better understanding of ADDs and may have therapeutic implications.
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Abstract
Checkpoint blockade therapies that target inhibitory receptors on T cells have revolutionized clinical oncology. Antibodies targeting CTLA-4 or the PD-1/PD-L1 axis are now successfully used alone or in combination with chemotherapy for numerous tumor types. Despite the clinical success of checkpoint blockade therapies, tumors exploit multiple mechanisms to escape or subvert the anti-tumor T cell response. Within the tumor microenvironment, tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) can suppress T cell responses and facilitate tumor growth in various ways, ultimately debilitating clinical responses to T cell checkpoint inhibitors. There is therefore significant interest in identifying biologicals and drugs that target immunosuppressive TAM within the tumor microenvironment and can be combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Here we review approaches that are currently being evaluated to convert immunosuppressive TAM into immunostimulatory macrophages that promote T cell responses and tumor elimination. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a major component of the tumor microenvironment that impact anti-tumor immune responses and susceptibility to checkpoint blockade. TAMs are very heterogeneous and can be either immunosuppressive or immunostimulatory. Here, Molgora and Colonna review current strategies that aim to reprogram TAMs to enhance rather than inhibit immune responses.
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