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Cao C, Yue S, Lu A, Liang C. Host-Gut Microbiota Metabolic Interactions and Their Role in Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Cancers. Pharmacol Res 2024; 207:107321. [PMID: 39038631 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
The critical role of the gut microbiome in gastrointestinal cancers is becoming increasingly clear. Imbalances in the gut microbial community, referred to as dysbiosis, are linked to increased risks for various forms of gastrointestinal cancers. Pathogens like Fusobacterium and Helicobacter pylori relate to the onset of esophageal and gastric cancers, respectively, while microbes such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Clostridium species have been associated with a higher risk of pancreatic cancer. In colorectal cancer, bacteria such as Fusobacterium nucleatum are known to stimulate the growth of tumor cells and trigger cancer-promoting pathways. On the other hand, beneficial microbes like Bifidobacteria offer a protective effect, potentially inhibiting the development of gastrointestinal cancers. The potential for therapeutic interventions that manipulate the gut microbiome is substantial, including strategies to engineer anti-tumor metabolites and employ microbiota-based treatments. Despite the progress in understanding the influence of the microbiome on gastrointestinal cancers, significant challenges remain in identifying and understanding the precise contributions of specific microbial species and their metabolic products. This knowledge is essential for leveraging the role of the gut microbiome in the development of precise diagnostics and targeted therapies for gastrointestinal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhao Cao
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, 999077, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Siran Yue
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, 999077, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Aiping Lu
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, 999077, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou 510006, China; Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Chao Liang
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, 999077, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China; State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 100850, China.
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2
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Fu Y, Guo X, Sun L, Cui T, Wu C, Wang J, Liu Y, Liu L. Exploring the role of the immune microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma: Implications for immunotherapy and drug resistance. eLife 2024; 13:e95009. [PMID: 39146202 PMCID: PMC11326777 DOI: 10.7554/elife.95009] [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: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver tumor, is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and the incidence of liver cancer is still increasing worldwide. Curative hepatectomy or liver transplantation is only indicated for a small population of patients with early-stage HCC. However, most patients with HCC are not candidates for radical resection due to disease progression, leading to the choice of the conventional tyrosine kinase inhibitor drug sorafenib as first-line treatment. In the past few years, immunotherapy, mainly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has revolutionized the clinical strategy for HCC. Combination therapy with ICIs has proven more effective than sorafenib, and clinical trials have been conducted to apply these therapies to patients. Despite significant progress in immunotherapy, the molecular mechanisms behind it remain unclear, and immune resistance is often challenging to overcome. Several studies have pointed out that the complex intercellular communication network in the immune microenvironment of HCC regulates tumor escape and drug resistance to immune response. This underscores the urgent need to analyze the immune microenvironment of HCC. This review describes the immunosuppressive cell populations in the immune microenvironment of HCC, as well as the related clinical trials, aiming to provide insights for the next generation of precision immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Fu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei, China
| | - Xinyu Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Linmao Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei, China
| | - Tianming Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei, China
| | - Chenghui Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei, China
| | - Jiabei Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei, China
| | - Yao Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei, China
| | - Lianxin Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei, China
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3
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Abstract
ABSTRACT Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Its high recurrence rate and lack of effective control drugs result in a 5-year survival rate of only about 10%. HCC is a tumor regulated by the immune system. Significant breakthroughs have occurred in treating solid tumors with immunotherapy in recent years. Various immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including combination therapies, have demonstrated promising therapeutic effects in both clinical applications and research. Other immunotherapies, such as adoptive cell therapies and oncolytic viruses, are also emerging, offering hope for addressing long-term survival issues in HCC. This article reviews current commonly used immunotherapy strategies and the latest research findings for reference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
- Laboratory for Clinical Medicine, Capital Medical University
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
- Laboratory for Clinical Medicine, Capital Medical University
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4
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Lang X, Wang X, Han M, Guo Y. Nanoparticle-Mediated Synergistic Chemoimmunotherapy for Cancer Treatment. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:4533-4568. [PMID: 38799699 PMCID: PMC11127654 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s455213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Until now, there has been a lack of effective strategies for cancer treatment. Immunotherapy has high potential in treating several cancers but its efficacy is limited as a monotherapy. Chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) holds promise to be widely used in cancer treatment. Therefore, identifying their involvement and potential synergy in CIT approaches is decisive. Nano-based drug delivery systems (NDDSs) are ideal delivery systems because they can simultaneously target immune cells and cancer cells, promoting drug accumulation, and reducing the toxicity of the drug. In this review, we first introduce five current immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint blocking (ICB), adoptive cell transfer therapy (ACT), cancer vaccines, oncolytic virus therapy (OVT) and cytokine therapy. Subsequently, the immunomodulatory effects of chemotherapy by inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD), promoting tumor killer cell infiltration, down-regulating immunosuppressive cells, and inhibiting immune checkpoints have been described. Finally, the NDDSs-mediated collaborative drug delivery systems have been introduced in detail, and the development of NDDSs-mediated CIT nanoparticles has been prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Lang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangtao Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meihua Han
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yifei Guo
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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5
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Li Z, Xiong W, Liang Z, Wang J, Zeng Z, Kołat D, Li X, Zhou D, Xu X, Zhao L. Critical role of the gut microbiota in immune responses and cancer immunotherapy. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:33. [PMID: 38745196 PMCID: PMC11094969 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01541-w] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota plays a critical role in the progression of human diseases, especially cancer. In recent decades, there has been accumulating evidence of the connections between the gut microbiota and cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, understanding the functional role of the gut microbiota in regulating immune responses to cancer immunotherapy is crucial for developing precision medicine. In this review, we extract insights from state-of-the-art research to decipher the complicated crosstalk among the gut microbiota, the systemic immune system, and immunotherapy in the context of cancer. Additionally, as the gut microbiota can account for immune-related adverse events, we discuss potential interventions to minimize these adverse effects and discuss the clinical application of five microbiota-targeted strategies that precisely increase the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Finally, as the gut microbiota holds promising potential as a target for precision cancer immunotherapeutics, we summarize current challenges and provide a general outlook on future directions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehua Li
- Department of Plastic and Burn Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), CAMS Oxford Institute (COI), Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, England
| | - Weixi Xiong
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhu Liang
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), CAMS Oxford Institute (COI), Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, England
- Target Discovery Institute, Center for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, England
| | - Jinyu Wang
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ziyi Zeng
- Department of Neonatology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Damian Kołat
- Department of Functional Genomics, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
- Department of Biomedicine and Experimental Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Xi Li
- Department of Urology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation, Oxford, UK
| | - Dong Zhou
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuewen Xu
- Department of Plastic and Burn Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Linyong Zhao
- Department of General Surgery and Gastric Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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6
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Heumann P, Albert A, Gülow K, Tümen D, Müller M, Kandulski A. Insights in Molecular Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1831. [PMID: 38791911 PMCID: PMC11120383 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101831] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
We conducted a comprehensive review of the current literature of published data and clinical trials (MEDLINE), as well as published congress contributions and active recruiting clinical trials on targeted therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma. Combinations of different agents and medical therapy along with radiological interventions were analyzed for the setting of advanced HCC. Those settings were also analyzed in combination with adjuvant situations after resection or radiological treatments. We summarized the current knowledge for each therapeutic setting and combination that currently is or has been under clinical evaluation. We further discuss the results in the background of current treatment guidelines. In addition, we review the pathophysiological mechanisms and pathways for each of these investigated targets and drugs to further elucidate the molecular background and underlying mechanisms of action. Established and recommended targeted treatment options that already exist for patients are considered for systemic treatment: atezolizumab/bevacizumab, durvalumab/tremelimumab, sorafenib, lenvatinib, cabozantinib, regorafenib, and ramucirumab. Combination treatment for systemic treatment and local ablative treatment or transarterial chemoembolization and adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment strategies are under clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Heumann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany (K.G.); (D.T.)
| | | | | | | | | | - Arne Kandulski
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany (K.G.); (D.T.)
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7
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Zhu W, Zhang Z, Chen J, Chen X, Huang L, Zhang X, Huang X, Ma N, Xu W, Yi X, Lu X, Fu X, Li S, Mo G, Wang Y, Yuan G, Zang M, Li Q, Jiang X, He Y, Wu S, He Y, Li Y, Hou J. A novel engineered IL-21 receptor arms T-cell receptor-engineered T cells (TCR-T cells) against hepatocellular carcinoma. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:101. [PMID: 38643203 PMCID: PMC11032311 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01792-6] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Strategies to improve T cell therapy efficacy in solid tumors such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are urgently needed. The common cytokine receptor γ chain (γc) family cytokines such as IL-2, IL-7, IL-15 and IL-21 play fundamental roles in T cell development, differentiation and effector phases. This study aims to determine the combination effects of IL-21 in T cell therapy against HCC and investigate optimized strategies to utilize the effect of IL-21 signal in T cell therapy. The antitumor function of AFP-specific T cell receptor-engineered T cells (TCR-T) was augmented by exogenous IL-21 in vitro and in vivo. IL-21 enhanced proliferation capacity, promoted memory differentiation, downregulated PD-1 expression and alleviated apoptosis in TCR-T after activation. A novel engineered IL-21 receptor was established, and TCR-T armed with the novel engineered IL-21 receptors (IL-21R-TCR-T) showed upregulated phosphorylated STAT3 expression without exogenous IL-21 ligand. IL-21R-TCR-T showed better proliferation upon activation and superior antitumor function in vitro and in vivo. IL-21R-TCR-T exhibited a less differentiated, exhausted and apoptotic phenotype than conventional TCR-T upon repetitive tumor antigen stimulation. The novel IL-21 receptor in our study programs powerful TCR-T and can avoid side effects induced by IL-21 systemic utilization. The novel IL-21 receptor creates new opportunities for next-generation TCR-T against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinzhang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Huang
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University Medical School, Newcastle, UK
| | - Xiaoyong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Na Ma
- Department of Pathology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Weikang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Siwei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guoheng Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiyue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guosheng Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengya Zang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaotao Jiang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yajing He
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sha Wu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Proteomics of Guangdong Province, Demonstration Center for Experimental Education of Basic Medical Sciences of China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yukai He
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Yongyin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jinlin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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8
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Pan D, Liu HN, Qu PF, Ma X, Ma LY, Chen XX, Wang YQ, Qin XB, Han ZX. Progress in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with immune combination therapy. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:273-286. [PMID: 38425407 PMCID: PMC10900147 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i2.273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a severe malignancy that poses a serious threat to human health. Owing to challenges in early diagnosis, most patients lose the opportunity for radical treatment when diagnosed. Nonetheless, recent advancements in cancer immunotherapy provide new directions for the treatment of HCC. For instance, monoclonal antibodies against immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) such as programmed cell death protein 1/death ligand-1 inhibitors and cytotoxic t-lymphocyte associated antigen-4 significantly improved the prognosis of patients with HCC. However, tumor cells can evade the immune system through various mechanisms. With the rapid development of genetic engineering and molecular biology, various new immunotherapies have been used to treat HCC, including ICIs, chimeric antigen receptor T cells, engineered cytokines, and certain cancer vaccines. This review summarizes the current status, research progress, and future directions of different immunotherapy strategies in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Pan
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hao-Nan Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Peng-Fei Qu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao Ma
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lu-Yao Ma
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yu-Qin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Qin
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zheng-Xiang Han
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
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9
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Guo C, Kong L, Xiao L, Liu K, Cui H, Xin Q, Gu X, Jiang C, Wu J. The impact of the gut microbiome on tumor immunotherapy: from mechanism to application strategies. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:188. [PMID: 37828613 PMCID: PMC10571290 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01135-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is one of the fastest developing areas in the field of oncology. Many immunological treatment strategies for refractory tumors have been approved and marketed. Nevertheless, much clinical and preclinical experimental evidence has shown that the efficacy of immunotherapy in tumor treatment varies markedly among individuals. The commensal microbiome mainly colonizes the intestinal lumen in humans, is affected by a variety of factors and exhibits individual variation. Moreover, the gut is considered the largest immune organ of the body due to its influence on the immune system. In the last few decades, with the development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques and in-depth research, the view that the gut microbiota intervenes in antitumor immunotherapy through the immune system has been gradually confirmed. Here, we review important studies published in recent years focusing on the influences of microbiota on immune system and the progression of malignancy. Furthermore, we discuss the mechanism by which microbiota affect tumor immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and adoptive T-cell therapy (ACT), and strategies for modulating the microbial composition to facilitate the antitumor immune response. Finally, opportunity and some challenges are mentioned to enable a more systematic understanding of tumor treatment in the future and promote basic research and clinical application in related fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciliang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, National Institute of Healthcare Data Science at Nanjing University, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, 210093, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lingkai Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, National Institute of Healthcare Data Science at Nanjing University, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, 210093, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lingjun Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, National Institute of Healthcare Data Science at Nanjing University, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, 210093, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, National Institute of Healthcare Data Science at Nanjing University, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, 210093, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huawei Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, National Institute of Healthcare Data Science at Nanjing University, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, 210093, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qilei Xin
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Shounuo City Light West Block, Qingdao Road 3716#, Huaiyin District, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaosong Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, National Institute of Healthcare Data Science at Nanjing University, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, 210093, Jiangsu, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Shounuo City Light West Block, Qingdao Road 3716#, Huaiyin District, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chunping Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, National Institute of Healthcare Data Science at Nanjing University, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, 210093, Jiangsu, China.
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Shounuo City Light West Block, Qingdao Road 3716#, Huaiyin District, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Junhua Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, National Institute of Healthcare Data Science at Nanjing University, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, 210093, Jiangsu, China.
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Shounuo City Light West Block, Qingdao Road 3716#, Huaiyin District, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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10
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Yu J, Li M, Ren B, Cheng L, Wang X, Ma Z, Yong WP, Chen X, Wang L, Goh BC. Unleashing the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: factors, strategies, and ongoing trials. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1261575. [PMID: 37719852 PMCID: PMC10501787 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1261575] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent primary liver cancer, representing approximately 85% of cases. The diagnosis is often made in the middle and late stages, necessitating systemic treatment as the primary therapeutic option. Despite sorafenib being the established standard of care for advanced HCC in the past decade, the efficacy of systemic therapy remains unsatisfactory, highlighting the need for novel treatment modalities. Recent breakthroughs in immunotherapy have shown promise in HCC treatment, particularly with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, the response rate to ICIs is currently limited to approximately 15%-20% of HCC patients. Recently, ICIs demonstrated greater efficacy in "hot" tumors, highlighting the urgency to devise more effective approaches to transform "cold" tumors into "hot" tumors, thereby enhancing the therapeutic potential of ICIs. This review presented an updated summary of the factors influencing the effectiveness of immunotherapy in HCC treatment, identified potential combination therapies that may improve patient response rates to ICIs, and offered an overview of ongoing clinical trials focusing on ICI-based combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Yu
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Mengnan Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Boxu Ren
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Le Cheng
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Zhaowu Ma
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Wei Peng Yong
- Department of Haematology–Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xiaoguang Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Boon Cher Goh
- Department of Haematology–Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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11
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Jiang D, Ma X, Zhang X, Cheng B, Wang R, Liu Y, Zhang X. New techniques: a roadmap for the development of HCC immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1121162. [PMID: 37426674 PMCID: PMC10323423 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1121162] [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: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. The absence of effective early diagnostic methods and the limitations of conventional therapies have led to a growing interest in immunotherapy as a novel treatment approach for HCC. The liver serves as an immune organ and a recipient of antigens from the digestive tract, creating a distinctive immune microenvironment. Key immune cells, including Kupffer cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, play a crucial role in HCC development, thus offering ample research opportunities for HCC immunotherapy. The emergence of advanced technologies such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and single-cell ribonucleic acid sequencing has introduced new biomarkers and therapeutic targets, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment of HCC. These advancements have not only propelled the progress of HCC immunotherapy based on existing studies but have also generated new ideas for clinical research on HCC therapy. Furthermore, this review analysed and summarised the combination of current therapies for HCC and the improvement of CRISPR technology for chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy, instilling renewed hope for HCC treatment. This review comprehensively explores the advancements in immunotherapy for HCC, focusing on the use of new techniques.
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12
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Minaei N, Ramezankhani R, Tamimi A, Piryaei A, Zarrabi A, Aref AR, Mostafavi E, Vosough M. Immunotherapeutic approaches in Hepatocellular carcinoma: Building blocks of hope in near future. Eur J Cell Biol 2023; 102:151284. [PMID: 36584598 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2022.151284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary hepatic cancer and is among the major causes of mortality due to cancer. Due to the lack of efficient conventional therapeutic options for this cancer, particularly in advanced cases, novel treatments including immunotherapy have been considered. However, despite the encouraging clinical outcomes after implementing these innovative approaches, such as oncolytic viruses (OVs), adoptive cell therapies (ACT), immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs), and cancer vaccines, several factors have restricted their therapeutic effect. The main concern is the existence of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Combination of different ICBs or ICBs plus tyrosine kinase inhibitors have shown promising results in overcoming these limiting factors to some extent. Combination of programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) antibody Atezolizumab and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody Bevacizumab has become the standard of care in the first-line therapy for untestable HCC, approved by regulatory agencies. This paper highlighted a wide overview of the direct and indirect immunotherapeutic strategies proposed for the treatment of HCC patients and the common challenges that have hindered their further clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Minaei
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran; Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Roya Ramezankhani
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran; Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran; Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven Stem Cell Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Atena Tamimi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Piryaei
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul 34396, Turkey
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ebrahim Mostafavi
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran; Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran; Experimental Cancer Medicine, Institution for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital-Huddinge, Sweden.
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13
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Laface C, Ranieri G, Maselli FM, Ambrogio F, Foti C, Ammendola M, Laterza M, Cazzato G, Memeo R, Mastrandrea G, Lioce M, Fedele P. Immunotherapy and the Combination with Targeted Therapies for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:654. [PMID: 36765612 PMCID: PMC9913568 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030654] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most important abilities of a tumor is to establish a state of immunosuppression inside the tumor microenvironment. This is made possible through numerous mechanisms of tumor immune escape that have been identified in experimental studies during the last decades. In addition, the hepatic microenvironment is commonly oriented towards a state of immune tolerance because the liver receives blood from the hepatic arteries and portal veins containing a variety of endogenous antigens. Therefore, the hepatic microenvironment establishes an autoimmune tolerance, preventing an autoimmune reaction in the liver. On this basis, hepatic tumor cells may escape the immune system, avoiding being recognized and destroyed by immune cells. Moreover, since the etiology of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is often related to cirrhosis, and hepatitis B or C, this tumor develops in the context of chronic inflammation. Thus, the HCC microenvironment is characterized by important immune cell infiltration. Given these data and the poor prognosis of advanced HCC, different immunotherapeutic strategies have been developed and evaluated for these patients. In this review, we describe all the clinical applications of immunotherapy for advanced HCC, from the drugs that have already been approved to the ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmelo Laface
- Medical Oncology, Dario Camberlingo Hospital, 72021 Francavilla Fontana, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesca Ambrogio
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Caterina Foti
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Ammendola
- Department of Health Science, General Surgery, Medicine School of Germaneto, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marigia Laterza
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Gerardo Cazzato
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Pathology Section, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Riccardo Memeo
- Unit of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery, “F. Miulli” General Regional Hospital, 70021 Acquaviva Delle Fonti, Italy
| | | | - Marco Lioce
- IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Palma Fedele
- Medical Oncology, Dario Camberlingo Hospital, 72021 Francavilla Fontana, Italy
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14
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Yang CK, Huang CH, Hu CH, Fang JH, Chen TC, Lin YC, Lin CY. Immunophenotype and antitumor activity of cytokine-induced killer cells from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280023. [PMID: 36598909 PMCID: PMC9812323 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells are heterogeneous lymphocytes from human peripheral blood mononucleated cells (PBMCs) co-cultured with several cytokines. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the functional characteristics and anticancer ability of CIK cells from hepatocarcinoma (HCC) patients. METHODS CIK cells were activated ex-vivo and expanded from PBMCs from HCC patients. The immunophenotype and the ex-vivo killing ability of CIK cells were evaluated. Human CIK cells were intravenously injected into NOD/SCID mice to evaluate the in vivo anticancer ability. RESULTS More than 70% of CIK cells were CD3+CD8+, and 15%-30% were CD3+CD56+. These cells expressed an increased number of activated natural killer (NK) receptors, such as DNAM1 and NKG2D, and expressed low-immune checkpoint molecules, including PD-1, CTLA-4, and LAG-3. Among the chemokine receptors expressed by CIKs, CXCR3 and CD62L were elevated in CD8+ T cells, representing the trafficking ability to inflamed tumor sites. CIK cells possess the ex-vivo anticancer activity to different cell lines. To demonstrate in vivo antitumor ability, human CIK cells could significantly suppress the tumor of J7 bearing NOD/SCID mice. Furthermore, human immune cells could be detected in the peripheral blood and on the tumors after CIK injection. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed that CIK cells from HCC patients possess cytotoxic properties, and express increased levels of effector NK receptors and chemokine molecules and lower levels of suppressive checkpoint receptors. CIK cells can suppress human HCC ex-vivo and in vivo. Future clinical trials of human CIK cell therapy for HCC are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan-Keng Yang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hao Huang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hsun Hu
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jian-He Fang
- Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Tse-Ching Chen
- Department of Pathology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Chang Lin
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
| | - Chun-Yen Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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15
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Wang J, Wu R, Sun JY, Lei F, Tan H, Lu X. An overview: Management of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Biosci Trends 2022; 16:405-425. [PMID: 36476621 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2022.01109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has constituted a significant health burden worldwide, and patients with advanced HCC, which is stage C as defined by the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system, have a poor overall survival of 6-8 months. Studies have indicated the significant survival benefit of treatment based on sorafenib, lenvatinib, or atezolizumab-bevacizumab with reliable safety. In addition, the combination of two or more molecularly targeted therapies (first- plus second-line) has become a hot topic recently and is now being extensively investigated in patients with advanced HCC. In addition, a few biomarkers have been investigated and found to predict drug susceptibility and prognosis, which provides an opportunity to evaluate the clinical benefits of current therapies. In addition, many therapies other than tyrosine kinase inhibitors that might have additional survival benefits when combined with other therapeutic modalities, including immunotherapy, transarterial chemoembolization, radiofrequency ablation, hepatectomy, and chemotherapy, have also been examined. This review provides an overview on the current understanding of disease management and summarizes current challenges with and future perspectives on advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jincheng Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Rui Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jin-Yu Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feifei Lei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Disease Laboratory, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Huabing Tan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Disease Laboratory, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaojie Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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16
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Yu H, Wu M, Chen S, Song M, Yue Y. Biomimetic nanoparticles for tumor immunotherapy. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:989881. [PMID: 36440446 PMCID: PMC9682960 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.989881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, tumor treatment research still focuses on the cancer cells themselves, but the fact that the immune system plays an important role in inhibiting tumor development cannot be ignored. The activation of the immune system depends on the difference between self and non-self. Unfortunately, cancer is characterized by genetic changes in the host cells that lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation and evade immune surveillance. Cancer immunotherapy aims to coordinate a patient's immune system to target, fight, and destroy cancer cells without destroying the normal cells. Nevertheless, antitumor immunity driven by the autoimmune system alone may be inadequate for treatment. The development of drug delivery systems (DDS) based on nanoparticles can not only promote immunotherapy but also improve the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (ITM), which provides promising strategies for cancer treatment. However, conventional nano drug delivery systems (NDDS) are subject to several limitations in clinical transformation, such as immunogenicity and the potential toxicity risks of the carrier materials, premature drug leakage at off-target sites during circulation and drug load content. In order to address these limitations, this paper reviews the trends and progress of biomimetic NDDS and discusses the applications of each biomimetic system in tumor immunotherapy. Furthermore, we review the various combination immunotherapies based on biomimetic NDDS and key considerations for clinical transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanqing Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meng Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingming Song
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yulin Yue
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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17
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Harkus U, Wankell M, Palamuthusingam P, McFarlane C, Hebbard L. Immune checkpoint inhibitors in HCC: Cellular, molecular and systemic data. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:799-815. [PMID: 35065242 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths in the world, and for patients with advanced disease there are few therapeutic options available. The complex immunological microenvironment of HCC and the success of immunotherapy in several types of tumours, has raised the prospect of potential benefit for immune based therapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), in HCC. This has led to significant breakthrough research, numerous clinical trials and the rapid approval of multiple systemic drugs for HCC by regulatory bodies worldwide. Although some patients responded well to ICIs, many have failed to achieve significant benefit, while others showed unexpected and paradoxical deterioration. The aim of this review is to discuss the pathophysiology of HCC, the tumour microenvironment, key clinical trials evaluating ICIs in HCC, various resistance mechanisms to ICIs, and possible ways to overcome these impediments to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uasim Harkus
- Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Miriam Wankell
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Australian Institute of Tropical Medicine and Health, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Pranavan Palamuthusingam
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia; Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia; Mater Hospital, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Craig McFarlane
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Australian Institute of Tropical Medicine and Health, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Lionel Hebbard
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Australian Institute of Tropical Medicine and Health, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia; Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2145, Australia.
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18
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Fan Y, Xue H, Zheng H. Systemic Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Updates and Outlook. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:233-263. [PMID: 35388357 PMCID: PMC8977221 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s358082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has emerged the culprit of cancer-related mortality worldwide with its dismal prognosis climbing. In recent years, ground-breaking progress has been made in systemic therapy for HCC. Targeted therapy based on specific signaling molecules, including sorafenib, lenvatinib, regorafenib, cabozantinib, and ramucirumab, has been widely used for advanced HCC (aHCC). Immunotherapies such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab greatly improve the survival of aHCC patients. More recently, synergistic combination therapy has boosted first-line (atezolizumab in combination with bevacizumab) and second-line (ipilimumab in combination with nivolumab) therapeutic modalities for aHCC. This review aims to summarize recent updates of systemic therapy relying on the biological mechanisms of HCC, particularly highlighting the approved agents for aHCC. Adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy, as well as a combination with locoregional therapies (LRTs), are also discussed. Additionally, we describe the promising effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as systemic therapy on HCC. In this setting, the challenges and future directions of systemic therapy for HCC are also explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinjie Fan
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110847, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Oncology and Experimental Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, 067000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hang Xue
- Department of Oncology and Experimental Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, 067000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huachuan Zheng
- Department of Oncology and Experimental Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, 067000, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Huachuan Zheng, Department of Oncology and Experimental Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, 067000, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-0314-2279458, Fax +86-0314-2279458, Email
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19
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Chen XH, Chen R, Shi MY, Tian RF, Zhang H, Xin ZQ, Chen ZN, Wang K. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells targeting CD147 for non-small cell lung cancer therapy. Transl Oncol 2022; 16:101309. [PMID: 34896852 PMCID: PMC8681039 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a highly malignant tumor, with a significant mortality and morbidity. With the development of tumor immunotherapy, chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CART) gets increasingly attention and achieves prominent contributions in the treatment of hematologic malignancies. However, CART therapy for NSCLC proceeds slowly and further researches need to be investigated. In our study, we performed bioinformatics analysis to evaluate the significant role of CD147 in NSCLC. The expression level of CD147 was detected in human NSCLC cell lines and NSCLC tissues. Meanwhile, CD147-CART was constructed and identified. Cell cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion were performed to evaluate the efficacy of CD147-CART. We also constructed cell-derived xenograft (CDX) model and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model, which was used to further investigate the safety and efficacy of CD147-CART in vivo. Our observations show that CD147 is a specific tumor antigen of NSCLC and plays an essential role in NSCLC progression, which can be used as a target for CART therapy in NSCLC. CD147-CART cells exhibit robust cytotoxicity and cytokine production in vitro, suggesting a strong anti-tumor activity against NSCLC tumor cells. Importantly, CD147-CART cells have strong anti-tumor activity against NSCLC cells in vivo in both CDX and PDX models and no adverse side effects. Our findings show that CD147-CART immunotherapy for NSCLC is safe and effective, which is an ideal and promising medical patch for treating NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Hong Chen
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine and Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Ruo Chen
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine and Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Ming-Yan Shi
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine and Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Ruo-Fei Tian
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine and Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Hai Zhang
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine and Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Zhi-Qian Xin
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine and Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Zhi-Nan Chen
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine and Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
| | - Ke Wang
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine and Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
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20
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Abstract
The association of gut microbiota with gastrointestinal carcinogenesis has been heavily investigated since the recent advance in sequencing technology. Accumulating evidence has revealed the critical roles of commensal microbes in cancer progression. Given by its importance, emerging studies have focussed on targeting microbiota to ameliorate therapeutic effectiveness. It is now clear that the microbial community is closely related to the efficacy of chemotherapy, while the correlation of microbiota with immunotherapy is much less studied. Herein, we review the up-to-date findings on the influence of gut microbiota on three common immunotherapies including adoptive cell transfer, immune checkpoint blockade, and CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide therapy. We then explore three microbiota-targeted strategies that may improve treatment efficacy, involving dietary intervention, probiotics supplementation, and fecal microbiota transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Cheuk Hay Lau
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
| | - Joseph Jao-Yiu Sung
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong,CONTACT Jun Yu Institute of Digestive Disease, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
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21
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Wu J, Zhang T, Xiong H, Zeng L, Wang Z, Peng Y, Chen W, Hu X, Su T. Tumor-Infiltrating CD4 + Central Memory T Cells Correlated with Favorable Prognosis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:141-152. [PMID: 35035226 PMCID: PMC8754505 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s343432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most frequent oral malignancy with a poor prognosis, in which tumor-infiltrating immune cells may play a critical role. Therefore, our study aims to screen potential immune cells and immune-related genes for predicting OSCC prognosis. METHODS A total of 310 OSCC patients with full transcriptional data and clinical characteristics were extracted from the TCGA database. Then, we obtained their abundance of tumor-infiltrating immune cells on TIMER 2.0 and analyzed them using xCell method. Univariate and multivariate Cox regressions were applied successively to identify the immune cells associated with overall survival of OSCC patients. Furthermore, we screened the prognostic genes that related to the identified immune cells and validated their expressions by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS CD4+ central memory T (TCM) cell was recognized as the sole independent immune cell correlated with OSCC prognosis (p = 0.0085). A novel nomogram based on CD4+ TCM cell abundance was established for predicting the prognosis of OSCC patients, with calibration plots showing good performance for 1-, 3-, 5-year overall survival. Thirty-four related prognostic genes were screened according to the differential abundance of CD4+ TCM cell infiltration. In immunohistochemistry analysis, DEFB1 showed a significant positive relationship with the density of CD4+ TCM cells (p = 0.0075). CONCLUSION CD4+ central memory T cell was proposed as an independent prognostic biomarker for OSCC patients. DEFB1 might positively regulate the abundance of tumor-infiltrating CD4+ TCM cells, thus improving OSCC prognosis. Our findings may provide a new insight into better prognosis prediction and precise medicine for OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Wu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China
- Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tianyi Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China
- Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haofeng Xiong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China
- Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liujun Zeng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China
- Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zijia Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China
- Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Peng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China
- Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weijun Chen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China
- Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Hu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China
- Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tong Su
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China
- Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People’s Republic of China
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22
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Gene Expression Characteristics of Liver Tissue Reveal the Underlying Pathogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:9458328. [PMID: 34651050 PMCID: PMC8506137 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9458328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is high-mortality primary liver cancer and the most common malignant tumor in the world. This study is based on a hepatocellular carcinoma-related dysfunction module designed to explore the dysregulation of genes in liver cancer tissue. Methods By downloading the relevant data on the GEO database, we performed a differential analysis of healthy liver tissue and liver cancer tissues as well as healthy liver tissue and hepatocellular carcinoma tissue and then obtained two sets of differential genes and combined them. We performed a cointerpretation analysis of these differential genes and constructed related functional disorder modules. A hypergeometric test was performed to calculate the potential regulatory effects of multiple factors on the module, and a series of ncRNA and TF regulators were identified. We obtained a total of 4479 differentially expressed genes in hepatocellular carcinoma, and these genes were clustered into ten hepatocellular carcinoma-related functional interpretation disorder modules. Results Enrichment analysis revealed that these modular genes are mainly involved in signal transduction including cell cycle, TGF-beta signal transduction, and p53 signal transduction. Depending on the predictive analysis of multidimensional regulators, 323 ncRNAs and 52 TF-mediated hepatocellular carcinoma-related dysregulation modules were found to regulate disease progression. Conclusions Based on a series of investigations, it was found that miR-30b-5p may participate in the peroxisome signal transduction by downregulating ABCD3-mediated module 1, thereby promoting the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Our research results not only provide a theoretical basis for biologists to study hepatocellular carcinoma further but also offer new methods and new ideas for the personalized care and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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23
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Natural Killer Cells and Type 1 Innate Lymphoid Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22169044. [PMID: 34445750 PMCID: PMC8396475 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells and type 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1) are specific innate lymphoid cell subsets that are key for the detection and elimination of pathogens and cancer cells. In liver, while they share a number of characteristics, they differ in many features. These include their developmental pathways, tissue distribution, phenotype and functions. NK cells and ILC1 contribute to organ homeostasis through the production of key cytokines and chemokines and the elimination of potential harmful bacteria and viruses. In addition, they are equipped with a wide range of receptors, allowing them to detect “stressed cells’ such as cancer cells. Our understanding of the role of innate lymphoid cells in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is growing owing to the development of mouse models, the progress in immunotherapeutic treatment and the recent use of scRNA sequencing analyses. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of NK cells and ILC1 in hepatocellular carcinoma and discuss future strategies to take advantage of these innate immune cells in anti-tumor immunity. Immunotherapies hold great promise in HCC, and a better understanding of the role and function of NK cells and ILC1 in liver cancer could pave the way for new NK cell and/or ILC1-targeted treatment.
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24
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The State of Immunotherapy in Hepatobiliary Cancers. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082096. [PMID: 34440865 PMCID: PMC8393650 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatobiliary cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), and gallbladder carcinoma (GBC), are lethal cancers with limited therapeutic options. Curative-intent treatment typically involves surgery, yet recurrence is common and many patients present with advanced disease not amenable to an operation. Immunotherapy represents a promising approach to improve outcomes, but the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment of the liver characteristic of hepatobiliary cancers has hampered the development and implementation of this therapeutic approach. Current immunotherapies under investigation include immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), the adoptive transfer of immune cells, bispecific antibodies, vaccines, and oncolytic viruses. Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) are two ICIs that have demonstrated utility in HCC, and newer immune checkpoint targets are being tested in clinical trials. In advanced CCA and GBC, PD-1 ICIs have resulted in antitumor responses, but only in a minority of select patients. Other ICIs are being investigated for patients with CCA and GBC. Adoptive transfer may hold promise, with reports of complete durable regression in metastatic CCA, yet this therapeutic approach may not be generalizable. Alternative approaches have been developed and promising results have been observed, but clinical trials are needed to validate their utility. While the treatment of hepatobiliary cancers involves unique challenges that these cancers present, the progress seen with ICIs and adoptive transfer has solidified immunotherapy as an important approach in these challenging patients with few other effective treatment options.
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25
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Yu J, Wang Q, Zhang X, Guo Z, Cui X. Mechanisms of Neoantigen-Targeted Induction of Pyroptosis and Ferroptosis: From Basic Research to Clinical Applications. Front Oncol 2021; 11:685377. [PMID: 34123855 PMCID: PMC8191503 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.685377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neoantigens are tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) that are only expressed in tumor cells. They are ideal targets enabling T cells to recognize tumor cells and stimulate a potent antitumor immune response. Pyroptosis and ferroptosis are newly discovered types of programmed cell death (PCD) that are different from apoptosis, cell necrosis, and autophagy. Studies of ferroptosis and pyroptosis of cancer cells are increasing, and strategies to modify the tumor microenvironment (TME) through ferroptosis to inhibit the occurrence and development of cancer, improve prognosis, and increase the survival rate are popular research topics. In addition, adoptive T cell therapy (ACT), including chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) technology and T cell receptor engineered T cell (TCR-T) technology, and checkpoint blocking tumor immunotherapies (such as anti-PD- 1 and anti-PD-L1 agents), tumor vaccines and other therapeutic technologies that rely on tumor neoantigens are rapidly being developed. In this article, the relationship between neoantigens and pyroptosis and ferroptosis as well as the clinical role of neoantigens is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yu
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Qing Wang
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Xiaoyun Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Zhiliang Guo
- The Department of Spine Surgery, The 80th Group Army Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China, Weifang, China
| | - Xiaodong Cui
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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26
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Damiris K, Abbad H, Pyrsopoulos N. Cellular based treatment modalities for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Clin Oncol 2021; 12:290-308. [PMID: 34131562 PMCID: PMC8173328 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v12.i5.290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignancy of the liver and is unfortunately associated with an overall poor prognosis and high mortality. Early and intermediate stages of HCC allow for treatment with surgical resection, ablation and even liver transplantation, however disease progression warrants conventional systemic therapy. For years treatment options were limited to molecular-targeting medications, of which sorafenib remains the standard of care. The recent development and success of immune checkpoint inhibitors has proven to be a breakthrough in the treatment of HCC, but there is an urgent need for the development of further novel therapeutic treatments that prolong overall survival and minimize recurrence. Current investigation is focused on adoptive cell therapy including chimeric antigen receptor-T cells (CAR-T cells), T cell receptor (TCR) engineered T cells, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and tumor infiltrating lymphocyte cells, which have shown remarkable success in the treatment of hematological and solid tumor malignancies. In this review we briefly introduce readers to the currently approved systemic treatment options and present clinical and experimental evidence of HCC immunotherapeutic treatments that will hopefully one day allow for revolutionary change in the treatment modalities used for unresectable HCC. We also provide an up-to-date compilation of ongoing clinical trials investigating CAR-T cells, TCR engineered T cells, cancer vaccines and oncolytic viruses, while discussing strategies that can help overcome commonly faced challenges when utilizing cellular based treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Damiris
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, United States
| | - Hamza Abbad
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, United States
| | - Nikolaos Pyrsopoulos
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, United States
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27
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Zhang R, Mo WJ, Huang LS, Chen JT, Wu WZ, He WY, Feng ZB. Identifying the Prognostic Risk Factors of Synaptojanin 2 and Its Underlying Perturbations Pathways in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Bioengineered 2021; 12:855-874. [PMID: 33641617 PMCID: PMC8806346 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1890399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptojanin 2 (SYNJ2) regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis via dephosphorylating plasma membrane phosphoinositides. Aim of this study is to first seek the full-scale expression levels and potential emerging roles of SYNJ2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We systematically analyzed SYNJ2 mRNA expression and protein levels in HCC tissues based on large-scale data and in-house immunohistochemistry (IHC). The clinical significance and risk factors for SYNJ2-related HCC cases were identified. A nomogram of prognosis was created and its performance was validated by concordance index (C-index) and shown in calibration plots. Based on the identified differentially coexpressed genes (DCGs) of SYNJ2, enriched annotations and potential pathways were predicted, and the protein interacting networks were mapped. Upregulated SYNJ2 in 3,728 HCC and 3,203 non-HCC tissues were verified and in-house IHC showed higher protein levels of SYNJ2 in HCC tissues. Pathologic T stage was identified as a risk factor. Upregulated mRNA levels and mutated SYNJ2 might cause a poorer outcome. The C-index of the nomogram model constructed by SYNJ2 level, age, gender, TNM classification, grade, and stage was evaluated as 0.643 (95%CI = 0.619–0.668) with well-calibrated plots. A total of 2,533 DCGs were extracted and mainly functioned together with SYNJ2 in metabolic pathways. Possible transcriptional axis of CTCF/POLR2A-SYNJ2/INPP5B (transcription factor-target) in metabolic pathways was discovered based on ChIP-seq datasets. In summary, transcriptional regulatory axis CTCF/POLR2A-SYNJ2 might influence SYNJ2 expression levels. Increased SYNJ2 expression level could be utilized for predicting HCC prognosis and potentially accelerates the occurrence and development of HCC via metabolic perturbations pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Wei-Jia Mo
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Lan-Shan Huang
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Ji-Tian Chen
- Department of Pathology, People's Hospital of Ling Shan, Ling Shan, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Wei-Zi Wu
- Department of Pathology, People's Hospital of Ling Shan, Ling Shan, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Wei-Ying He
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Zhen-Bo Feng
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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28
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Xiang X, Wang J, Lu D, Xu X. Targeting tumor-associated macrophages to synergize tumor immunotherapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:75. [PMID: 33619259 PMCID: PMC7900181 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00484-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 365] [Impact Index Per Article: 121.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The current treatment strategies in advanced malignancies remain limited. Notably, immunotherapies have raised hope for a successful control of these advanced diseases, but their therapeutic responses are suboptimal and vary considerably among individuals. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a major component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and are often correlated with poor prognosis and therapy resistance, including immunotherapies. Thus, a deeper understanding of the complex roles of TAMs in immunotherapy regulation could provide new insight into the TME. Furthermore, targeting of TAMs is an emerging field of interest due to the hope that these strategies will synergize with current immunotherapies. In this review, we summarize recent studies investigating the involvement of TAMs in immune checkpoint inhibition, tumor vaccines and adoptive cell transfer therapies, and discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting TAMs as an adjuvant therapy in tumor immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Xiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, CAMS, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianguo Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, CAMS, Hangzhou, China
| | - Di Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, CAMS, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, CAMS, Hangzhou, China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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Abstract
Treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is challenging. Several randomized clinical trials are investigating the efficacy of systemic therapy, immunotherapy, and locoregional therapy as monotherapy or combined with other modalities in the treatment of HCC. Systemic therapy is the preferred treatment in advanced disease. To date, multiple first-line and second-line agents received Food and Drug Administration approval. For over a decade, sorafenib was the only first-line agent. In May 2020, combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab has been approved as a first-line systemic regimen. Lenvatinib is another first-line agent that has multikinase activity. Second-line agents include cabozantinib, regorafenib, ramucirumab, and nivolumab. Adoptive cell transfer therapy is a highly specific immunotherapy that has shown antitumor activity against HCC. Oncolytic viruses are genetically modified viruses that infect cancer cells and induce apoptosis. Locoregional therapies such as transarterial chemoembolization and radioembolization have shown a potential benefit in selected patients with advanced HCC. In this review, we aim to summarize the treatment options available for advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Javan
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Orange, California
| | - Farshid Dayyani
- Chao Comprehensive Digestive Disease Center, University of California Irvine, Orange, California
| | - Nadine Abi-Jaoudeh
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Orange, California
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Abstract
Over the last decade, there has been a considerable progress in the development of cell therapy products for the treatment of liver diseases. The quest to generate well-defined homogenous cell populations with defined mechanism(s) of action has enabled the progression from use of autologous bone marrow stem cells comprising of heterogeneous cell populations to allogeneic cell types such as monocyte-derived macrophages, regulatory T cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, macrophages, etc. There is growing evidence regarding the multiple molecular mechanisms pivotal to various therapeutic effects and hence, careful selection of cell therapy product for the desired putative effects is crucial. In this review, we have presented an overview of the cell therapies that have been developed thus far, with preclinical and clinical evidence for their use in liver disease. Limitations associated with these therapies have also been discussed. Despite the advances made, there remain multiple challenges to overcome before cell therapies can be considered as viable treatment options, and these include larger scale clinical trials, scalable production of cells according to good manufacturing practice standards, pathways for delivery of cell therapy within hospital environments, and costs associated with the production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheeba Khan
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,Centre for Liver Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,Liver Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Reenam S Khan
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,Centre for Liver Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,Liver Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Philip N Newsome
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,Centre for Liver Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,Liver Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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31
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Heinrich S, Castven D, Galle PR, Marquardt JU. Translational Considerations to Improve Response and Overcome Therapy Resistance in Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2495. [PMID: 32899197 PMCID: PMC7563159 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, progress in systemic therapies significantly improved the outcome of primary liver cancer. More recently, precision oncological and immunotherapeutic approaches became the focus of intense scientific and clinical research. Herein, preclinical studies showed promising results with high response rates and improvement of overall survival. However, results of phase III clinical trials revealed that only a subfraction of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients respond to therapy and display only moderate objective response rates. Further, predictive molecular characteristics are largely missing. In consequence, suitable trial design has emerged as a crucial factor for the success of a novel compound. In addition, increasing knowledge from translational studies indicate the importance of targeting the tumor immune environment to overcome resistance to immunotherapy. Thus, combination of different immunotherapies with other treatment modalities including antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, or local therapies is highly promising. However, the mechanisms of failure to respond to immunotherapy in liver cancer are still not fully understood and the modulation of the immune system and cellular tumor composition is particularly relevant in this context. Altogether, it is increasingly clear that tailoring of immunotherapy and individualized approaches are required to improve efficacy and patient outcome in liver cancer. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge as well as translational considerations to overcome therapy resistance in immunotherapy of primary liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Heinrich
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Liver Carcinogenesis Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
- Department of Medicine I, Lichtenberg Research Group for Molecular Hepatocarcinogenesis, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Darko Castven
- Department of Medicine I, Lichtenberg Research Group for Molecular Hepatocarcinogenesis, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
- Lichtenberg Research Group for Molecular Hepatocarcinogenesis, Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Schleswig Holstein, 23538 Luebeck, Germany
| | - Peter R. Galle
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Jens U. Marquardt
- Department of Medicine I, Lichtenberg Research Group for Molecular Hepatocarcinogenesis, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
- Lichtenberg Research Group for Molecular Hepatocarcinogenesis, Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Schleswig Holstein, 23538 Luebeck, Germany
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32
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Guo L, Hua K. Cervical Cancer: Emerging Immune Landscape and Treatment. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:8037-8047. [PMID: 32884290 PMCID: PMC7434518 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s264312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune cells are essential for defending the body’s balance and have increasingly been implicated in controlling tumor growth. In cervical cancer (CC), the immune landscape is extensively connected with human papillomavirus (HPV) status. Recent insights from studies have revealed that as a result of infection with HPV, immune cell populations such as lymphocytes or monocytes change during carcinogenesis. Immune therapy, in particular checkpoint inhibitors, those targeting PD-1 or PD-L1, has shown promising efficacy. This article reviews the immune landscape and immunotherapy of CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luopei Guo
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Keqin Hua
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
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Badiyan S, Kaiser A, Eastman B, Forsthoefel M, Zeng J, Unger K, Chuong M. Immunotherapy and radiation therapy for gastrointestinal malignancies: hope or hype? Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 5:21. [PMID: 32258525 PMCID: PMC7063525 DOI: 10.21037/tgh.2019.10.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy represents the newest pillar in cancer care. Although there are increasing data showing the efficacy of immunotherapy there is a spectrum of response across unselected populations of cancer patients. In fact, response rates can be poor even among patients with immunogenic tumors for reasons that remain poorly understood. A promising clinical strategy to improve outcomes, which is supported by an abundance of preclinical data, is combining immunotherapy with radiation therapy. Here we review the existing evidence and future directions for combining immunotherapy and radiation therapy for patients with gastrointestinal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahed Badiyan
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Adeel Kaiser
- University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bory Eastman
- University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Matthew Forsthoefel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jing Zeng
- University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Keith Unger
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
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Liu X, Wen J, Yi H, Hou X, Yin Y, Ye G, Wu X, Jiang X. Split chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells targeting glypican-3 suppress hepatocellular carcinoma growth with reduced cytokine release. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2020; 12:1758835920910347. [PMID: 32215059 PMCID: PMC7065297 DOI: 10.1177/1758835920910347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Human glypican-3 (hGPC3) is a protein highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but limited in normal tissues, making it an ideal target for immunotherapy. The adoptive transfer of hGPC3-specific chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells for HCC treatment has been conducted in clinical trials. Due to the rigid construction, conventional CAR-T cells have some intrinsic limitations, like uncontrollable overactivation and inducing severe cytokine release syndrome. Methods: We redesigned the hGPC3-specific CAR by splitting the traditional CAR into two parts. By using coculturing assays and a xenograft mouse model, the in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity and cytokine release of the split anti-hGPC3 CAR-T cells were evaluated against various HCC cell lines and compared with conventional CAR-T cells. Results: In vitro data demonstrated that split anti-hGPC3 CAR-T cells could recognize and lyse hGPC3+ HepG2 and Huh7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Impressively, split anti-hGPC3 CAR-T cells produced and released a significantly lower amount of proinflammatory cytokines, including IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, and GM-CSF, than conventional CAR-T cells. When injected into immunodeficient mice inoculated subcutaneously with HepG2 cells, our split anti-hGPC3 CAR-T cells could suppress HCC tumor growth, but released significantly lower levels of cytokines than conventional CAR-T cells. Conclusions: We describe here for the first time the use of split anti-hGPC3 CAR-T cells to treat HCC; split anti-hGPC3 CAR-T cells could suppress tumor growth and reduce cytokine release, and represent a more versatile and safer alternative to conventional CAR-T cells treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianyun Wen
- Department of Pediatrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Honglei Yi
- Department of Orthopedics, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaorui Hou
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue Yin
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guofu Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuedong Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Tonghe Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiaotao Jiang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Shatai Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
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Li J, Yan K, Yang Y, Li H, Wang Z, Xu X. [Musashi-1 positively regulates growth and proliferation of hepatoma cells in vitro]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2020; 39:1436-1442. [PMID: 31907147 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2019.12.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the regulatory role of Musashi-1 (MSI1) in the proliferation and growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. METHODS We examined the expression of MSI1 in HCC and paired adjacent tissues from 24 patients using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. A MSI1-expressing vector was constructed and stably transfected into HepG2 cells, and short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) that targeted MSI1 mRNA were ligated into the vector and stably transfected in Huh7 cells. The effects of MSI1 overexpression and silencing on the proliferation, viability and cell cycle of HepG2 cells were investigated using flow cytometry or MTT assay. The expressions of PCNA, cyclin D1, APC and β-catenin in the HCC cells were detected with Western blotting. RESULTS MSI1 expression was significantly up-regulated in HCC tissues as compared with that in the adjacent tissues. Overexpression of MSI1 in HepG2 cells resulted in significantly enhanced cell growth (P < 0.01) and significantly reduced G0/G1 phase cells from (58.42±3.18)% to (40.67±1.22)% and increased S phase cells from (28.51± 1.93)% to (40.06±1.92)% (P < 0.01), causing also increases in the expressions of PCNA and Cyclin D1. Knockdown of MSI1 in Huh7 cells obviously inhibited the cell growth and caused cell cycle arrest at the G1/S phase (P < 0.01) with reduced protein expressions of PCNA and cyclin D1. Overexpression of MSI1 in HepG2 cells also down-regulated the expression of APC and up-regulated the expression of β-catenin protein, while MSI1 knockdown caused reverse changes in Huh7 cells. CONCLUSIONS MSI1 promotes the progression of HCC through positive modulation of cell growth and cell cycle via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004
| | - Kun Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004
| | - Hua Li
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004
| | - Zhidong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004
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Sur D, Havasi A, Cainap C, Samasca G, Burz C, Balacescu O, Lupan I, Deleanu D, Irimie A. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy for Colorectal Cancer. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9010182. [PMID: 31936611 PMCID: PMC7019711 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9010182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy represents a new genetically engineered method of immunotherapy for cancer. The patient’s T-cells are modified to express a specific receptor that sticks to the tumor antigen. This modified cell is then reintroduced into the patient’s body to fight the resilient cancer cells. After exhibiting positive results in hematological malignancies, this therapy is being proposed for solid tumors like colorectal cancer. The clinical data of CAR T-cell therapy in colorectal cancer is rather scarce. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge, challenges, and future perspectives of CAR T-cell therapy in colorectal cancer. A total of 22 articles were included in this review. Eligible studies were selected and reviewed by two researchers from 49 articles found on Pubmed, Web of Science, and clinicaltrials.gov. This therapy, at the moment, provides modest benefits in solid tumors. Not taking into consideration the high manufacturing and retail prices, there are still limitations like increased toxicities, relapses, and unfavorable tumor microenvironment for CAR T-cell therapy in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sur
- 11th Department of Medical Oncology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu”, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.S.); (C.C.); (O.B.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Oncology Institute “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta”, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.H.); (C.B.)
| | - Andrei Havasi
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Oncology Institute “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta”, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.H.); (C.B.)
| | - Calin Cainap
- 11th Department of Medical Oncology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu”, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.S.); (C.C.); (O.B.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Oncology Institute “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta”, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.H.); (C.B.)
| | - Gabriel Samasca
- Department of Immunology and Allergology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu”, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Correspondence:
| | - Claudia Burz
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Oncology Institute “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta”, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.H.); (C.B.)
- Department of Immunology and Allergology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu”, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Ovidiu Balacescu
- 11th Department of Medical Oncology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu”, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.S.); (C.C.); (O.B.)
- Department of Functional Genomics, Proteomics and Experimental Pathology, The Oncology Institute “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta”, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Iulia Lupan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotehnology, Babeș-Bolyai University, 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Diana Deleanu
- Department of Immunology and Allergology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu”, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Alexandru Irimie
- 11th Department of Oncological Surgery and Gynecological Oncology, “IuliuHatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Department of Surgery, The Oncology Institute “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta”, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Tai D, Choo SP, Chew V. Rationale of Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Potential Biomarkers. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1926. [PMID: 31816940 PMCID: PMC6966558 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11121926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer, is derived mostly from a background of chronic inflammation. Multiple immunotherapeutic strategies have been evaluated in HCC, with some degree of success, particularly with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Despite the initial enthusiasm, treatment benefit is only appreciated in a modest proportion of patients (response rate to single agent ~20%). Therapy-induced immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and economic impact are pertinent considerations with ICB. It is imperative that a deeper understanding of its mechanisms of action either as monotherapy or in combination with other therapeutic agents is needed. We herein discuss the latest developments in the immunotherapeutic approaches for HCC, the potential predictive biomarkers., and the rationale for combination therapies. We also outline promising future immunotherapeutic strategies for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Tai
- National Cancer Centre, Singapore 169610, (NCCS), Singapore; (D.T.); (S.P.C.)
| | - Su Pin Choo
- National Cancer Centre, Singapore 169610, (NCCS), Singapore; (D.T.); (S.P.C.)
- Curie Oncology, Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Singapore 329563, Singapore
| | - Valerie Chew
- Translational Immunology Institute (TII), SingHealth-DukeNUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore
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Zhang RY, Wei D, Liu ZK, Yong YL, Wei W, Zhang ZY, Lv JJ, Zhang Z, Chen ZN, Bian H. Doxycycline Inducible Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells Targeting CD147 for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Therapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:233. [PMID: 31681766 PMCID: PMC6798074 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy to hematological malignancies has demonstrated tremendous clinical outcomes. However, the therapeutic efficacy of CAR-T cells in solid tumors remains limited due to the scarcity of tumor-specific antigen targets and the poor infiltration of CAR-T cells into tumor tissue. In this study, we developed a novel inducible CAR-T cell system which targets CD147, a tumor-associated antigen for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To minimize potential toxicities of CAR-T cell therapy, the Tet-On 3G system was introduced to induce CD147CAR expression in the right place at the right time. Specifically, Tet-CD147CAR lentiviral vector (LV-Tet-CD147CAR) was constructed, which comprised CD147CAR controlled by the Tet-On system. Tet-CD147CART cells were successfully generated from activated T cells by infection with LV-Tet-CD147CAR. Proliferation, cytotoxicity, and cytokine secretion of Tet-CD147CART cells were significantly increased against CD147-positive cancer cells in the presence of doxycycline (Dox) compared to Tet-CD147CART cells in the absence of Dox and PBMCs. Consistently, in vivo studies indicated that the tumor growth in nude mice was significantly inhibited by (Dox+) Tet-CD147CART cells through multiple intratumoral administration. Taken together, our results indicated that the expression and activity of CD147CAR were controlled by Dox both in vitro and in vivo, which facilitated decreased toxicity and adverse effects to CAR-T cell therapy. Moreover, this study provides viable evidence in support of the potential benefits and translation of this strategy of CAR-T cells targeting CD147 for the treatment of patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren-Yu Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ding Wei
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ze-Kun Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yu-Le Yong
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhi-Yun Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jian-Jun Lv
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhi-Nan Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Huijie Bian
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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Zhou ZF, Peng F, Li JY, Ye YB. Intratumoral IL-12 Gene Therapy Inhibits Tumor Growth In A HCC-Hu-PBL-NOD/SCID Murine Model. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:7773-7784. [PMID: 31571927 PMCID: PMC6760038 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s222097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intratumoral IL-12 gene therapy in an HCC-hu-PBL-NOD/SCID mouse model. Materials and methods The HCC murine model was generated in NOD/SCID mice, and mice with grafted tumors were injected intraperitoneally with 2 × 107 human peripheral blood lymphocytes 14 days after modeling. After 4 days, mice were randomly divided into the 9597/IL-12 group, the 9597/plasmid group and the PBS group. The changes of tumor volume were measured and mouse peripheral blood was sampled post-treatment for ELISA and CBA analyses, and the grafted tumors were collected 28 days post-treatment for immunohistochemistry, ELISA, CBA and detection of cell cycle and apoptosis. Results The tumor volume was smaller in the 9597/IL-12 group than in the 9597/plasmid and PBS groups on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 post-treatment (P < 0.05). Higher IL-12 levels were detected in the peripheral blood and the supernatants of grafted tumor homogenates in the 9597/IL-12 group than in the 9597/plasmid and PBS groups 7, 14, 21 and 28 days post-treatment (P < 0.05). IHC revealed higher counts of CD3+T cells, CD4+T helper cells, IFN-γ Th1 cells+ and S-100 protein positive dentric cells and lower MVD in the 9597/IL-12 group than in the 9597/plasmid and PBS groups (P < 0.05). Flow cytometry showed a significantly higher proportion of HCC cells at the G0/G1 phase and a significantly lower proportion of HCC cells at the S phase in the 9597/IL-12 group than in the PBS group (P < 0.05) and a greater apoptotic rate of HCC cells in the 9597/IL-12 group than in the 9597/plasmid and PBS groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion Intratumoral IL-12 gene therapy may inhibit tumorigenesis with mild adverse effects in a HCC-hu-PBL-NOD/SCID murine model through inhibiting angiogenesis, arresting cells in G0/G1 phase and inducing apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Feng Zhou
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Fujian Cancer Hospital and Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, People's Republic of China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Peng
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie-Yu Li
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Fujian Cancer Hospital and Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, People's Republic of China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun-Bin Ye
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Fujian Cancer Hospital and Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, People's Republic of China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, People's Republic of China
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Fu Y, Liu S, Zeng S, Shen H. From bench to bed: the tumor immune microenvironment and current immunotherapeutic strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:396. [PMID: 31500650 PMCID: PMC6734524 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1396-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 260] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks the most common primary liver malignancy and the third leading cause of tumor-related mortality worldwide. Unfortunately, despite advances in HCC treatment, less than 40% of HCC patients are eligible for potentially curative therapies. Recently, cancer immunotherapy has emerged as one of the most promising approaches for cancer treatment. It has been proven therapeutically effective in many types of solid tumors, such as non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma. As an inflammation-associated tumor, it's well-evidenced that the immunosuppressive microenvironment of HCC can promote immune tolerance and evasion by various mechanisms. Triggering more vigorous HCC-specific immune response represents a novel strategy for its management. Pre-clinical and clinical investigations have revealed that various immunotherapies might extend current options for needed HCC treatment. In this review, we provide the recent progress on HCC immunology from both basic and clinical perspectives, and discuss potential advances and challenges of immunotherapy in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaojie Fu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Shanshan Liu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Shan Zeng
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Hong Shen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
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41
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Neureiter D, Stintzing S, Kiesslich T, Ocker M. Hepatocellular carcinoma: Therapeutic advances in signaling, epigenetic and immune targets. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:3136-3150. [PMID: 31333307 PMCID: PMC6626722 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i25.3136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a global medical burden with rising incidence due to chronic viral hepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases. Treatment of advanced disease stages is still unsatisfying. Besides first and second generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors have become central for the treatment of HCC. New modalities like epigenetic therapy using histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) and cell therapy approaches with chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T cells) are currently under investigation in clinical trials. Development of such novel drugs is closely linked to the availability and improvement of novel preclinical and animal models and the identification of predictive biomarkers. The current status of treatment options for advanced HCC, emerging novel therapeutic approaches and different preclinical models for HCC drug discovery and development are reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Neureiter
- Institute of Pathology, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University/Salzburger Landeskliniken (SALK), Salzburg 5020, Austria
| | - Sebastian Stintzing
- Medical Department, Division of Oncology and Hematology, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin 10117, Germany
| | - Tobias Kiesslich
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Paracelsus Medical University/Salzburger Landeskliniken (SALK) and Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg 5020, Austria
| | - Matthias Ocker
- Translational Medicine Oncology, Bayer AG, Berlin 13353, Germany
- Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin 10117, Germany
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42
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Bottomley MJ, Thomson J, Harwood C, Leigh I. The Role of the Immune System in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E2009. [PMID: 31022866 PMCID: PMC6515307 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20082009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common skin cancer. In immunosuppressed populations it is a source of considerable morbidity and mortality due to its enhanced recurrence and metastatic potential. In common with many malignancies, leucocyte populations are both protective against cancer development and also play a role in 'sculpting' the nascent tumor, leading to loss of immunogenicity and tumor progression. UV radiation and chronic viral carriage may represent unique risk factors for cSCC development, and the immune system plays a key role in modulating the response to both. In this review, we discuss the lessons learned from animal and ex vivo human studies of the role of individual leucocyte subpopulations in the development of cutaneous SCC. We then discuss the insights into cSCC immunity gleaned from studies in humans, particularly in populations receiving pharmacological immunosuppression such as transplant recipients. Similar insights in other malignancies have led to exciting and novel immune therapies, which are beginning to emerge into the cSCC clinical arena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Bottomley
- Transplantation Research and Immunology Group, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK.
| | - Jason Thomson
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK.
| | - Catherine Harwood
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK.
| | - Irene Leigh
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK.
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