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Carlomagno S, Setti C, Ortolani F, Sivori S. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma microenvironment: Soluble factors and cancer associated fibroblasts as modulators of NK cell functions. Immunol Lett 2024; 269:106898. [PMID: 39019404 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2024.106898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most frequent pancreatic cancer and represents one of the most aggressive human neoplasms. Typically identified at advance stage disease, most PDAC tumors are unresectable and resistant to standard therapies. The immunosuppressive microenvironment in PDAC impedes tumor control but a greater understanding of the complex stromal interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the development of strategies capable of restoring antitumor effector immune responses could be crucial to fight this aggressive tumor and its spread. Natural Killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in cancer immunosurveillance and represent an attractive target for immunotherapies, both as cell therapy and as a pharmaceutical target. This review describes some crucial components of the PDAC TME (collagens, soluble factors and fibroblasts) that can influence the presence, phenotype and function of NK cells in PDAC patients tumor tissue. This focused overview highlights the therapeutic relevance of dissecting the complex stromal composition to define new strategies for NK cell-based immunotherapies to improve the treatment of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Carlomagno
- Department of Medicine (DMED), University of Udine, Piazzale Kolbe 4, Udine 33100, Italy.
| | - Chiara Setti
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Via Leon Battista Alberti 2, Genoa 16132, Italy
| | - Fulvia Ortolani
- Department of Medicine (DMED), University of Udine, Piazzale Kolbe 4, Udine 33100, Italy
| | - Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Via Leon Battista Alberti 2, Genoa 16132, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.
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2
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Cantoni C, Falco M, Vitale M, Pietra G, Munari E, Pende D, Mingari MC, Sivori S, Moretta L. Human NK cells and cancer. Oncoimmunology 2024; 13:2378520. [PMID: 39022338 PMCID: PMC11253890 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2024.2378520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The long story of NK cells started about 50 y ago with the first demonstration of a natural cytotoxic activity within an undefined subset of circulating leukocytes, has involved an ever-growing number of researchers, fascinated by the apparently easy-to-reach aim of getting a "universal anti-tumor immune tool". In fact, in spite of the impressive progress obtained in the first decades, these cells proved far more complex than expected and, paradoxically, the accumulating findings have continuously moved forward the attainment of a complete control of their function for immunotherapy. The refined studies of these latter years have indicated that NK cells can epigenetically calibrate their functional potential, in response to specific environmental contexts, giving rise to extraordinarily variegated subpopulations, comprehensive of memory-like cells, tissue-resident cells, or cells in various differentiation stages, or distinct functional states. In addition, NK cells can adapt their activity in response to a complex body of signals, spanning from the interaction with either suppressive or stimulating cells (myeloid-derived suppressor cells or dendritic cells, respectively) to the engagement of various receptors (specific for immune checkpoints, cytokines, tumor/viral ligands, or mediating antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity). According to this picture, the idea of an easy and generalized exploitation of NK cells is changing, and the way is opening toward new carefully designed, combined and personalized therapeutic strategies, also based on the use of genetically modified NK cells and stimuli capable of strengthening and redirecting their effector functions against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michela Falco
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Massimo Vitale
- UO Pathology and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- UO Pathology and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Enrico Munari
- Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Daniela Pende
- UO Pathology and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- UO Pathology and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Sánchez-Ramírez D, Mendoza-Rodríguez MG, Alemán OR, Candanedo-González FA, Rodríguez-Sosa M, Montesinos-Montesinos JJ, Salcedo M, Brito-Toledo I, Vaca-Paniagua F, Terrazas LI. Impact of STAT-signaling pathway on cancer-associated fibroblasts in colorectal cancer and its role in immunosuppression. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:1705-1724. [PMID: 38764833 PMCID: PMC11099434 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i5.1705] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most commonly diagnosed and deadliest types of cancer worldwide. CRC displays a desmoplastic reaction (DR) that has been inversely associated with poor prognosis; less DR is associated with a better prognosis. This reaction generates excessive connective tissue, in which cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are critical cells that form a part of the tumor microenvironment. CAFs are directly involved in tumorigenesis through different mechanisms. However, their role in immunosuppression in CRC is not well understood, and the precise role of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) in mediating CAF activity in CRC remains unclear. Among the myriad chemical and biological factors that affect CAFs, different cytokines mediate their function by activating STAT signaling pathways. Thus, the harmful effects of CAFs in favoring tumor growth and invasion may be modulated using STAT inhibitors. Here, we analyze the impact of different STATs on CAF activity and their immunoregulatory role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damián Sánchez-Ramírez
- Unidad de Investigacion en Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Mónica G Mendoza-Rodríguez
- Unidad de Investigacion en Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Omar R Alemán
- Department of Biology, Facultad de Quimica, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Fernando A Candanedo-González
- Department of Pathology, National Medical Center Century XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Miriam Rodríguez-Sosa
- Unidad de Investigacion en Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Juan José Montesinos-Montesinos
- Laboratorio de Células Troncales Mesenquimales, Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Oncológicas, Hospital de Oncología Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Mauricio Salcedo
- Unidad de Investigacion en Biomedicina y Oncologia Genomica, Instituto Mexciano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 07300, Mexico
| | - Ismael Brito-Toledo
- Servicio de Colon y Recto, Hospital de Oncología Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Felipe Vaca-Paniagua
- Unidad de Investigacion en Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
- Laboratorio Nacional en Salud, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Luis I Terrazas
- Unidad de Investigacion en Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
- Laboratorio Nacional en Salud, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
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Santiso A, Heinemann A, Kargl J. Prostaglandin E2 in the Tumor Microenvironment, a Convoluted Affair Mediated by EP Receptors 2 and 4. Pharmacol Rev 2024; 76:388-413. [PMID: 38697857 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.123.000901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The involvement of the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) system in cancer progression has long been recognized. PGE2 functions as an autocrine and paracrine signaling molecule with pleiotropic effects in the human body. High levels of intratumoral PGE2 and overexpression of the key metabolic enzymes of PGE2 have been observed and suggested to contribute to tumor progression. This has been claimed for different types of solid tumors, including, but not limited to, lung, breast, and colon cancer. PGE2 has direct effects on tumor cells and angiogenesis that are known to promote tumor development. However, one of the main mechanisms behind PGE2 driving cancerogenesis is currently thought to be anchored in suppressed antitumor immunity, thus providing possible therapeutic targets to be used in cancer immunotherapies. EP2 and EP4, two receptors for PGE2, are emerging as being the most relevant for this purpose. This review aims to summarize the known roles of PGE2 in the immune system and its functions within the tumor microenvironment. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) has long been known to be a signaling molecule in cancer. Its presence in tumors has been repeatedly associated with disease progression. Elucidation of its effects on immunological components of the tumor microenvironment has highlighted the potential of PGE2 receptor antagonists in cancer treatment, particularly in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapeutics. Adjuvant treatment could increase the response rates and the efficacy of immune-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Santiso
- Division of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Akos Heinemann
- Division of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Julia Kargl
- Division of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Sukocheva OA, Neganova ME, Aleksandrova Y, Burcher JT, Chugunova E, Fan R, Tse E, Sethi G, Bishayee A, Liu J. Signaling controversy and future therapeutical perspectives of targeting sphingolipid network in cancer immune editing and resistance to tumor necrosis factor-α immunotherapy. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:251. [PMID: 38698424 PMCID: PMC11064425 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01626-6] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Anticancer immune surveillance and immunotherapies trigger activation of cytotoxic cytokine signaling, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) pathways. The pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α may be secreted by stromal cells, tumor-associated macrophages, and by cancer cells, indicating a prominent role in the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, tumors manage to adapt, escape immune surveillance, and ultimately develop resistance to the cytotoxic effects of TNF-α. The mechanisms by which cancer cells evade host immunity is a central topic of current cancer research. Resistance to TNF-α is mediated by diverse molecular mechanisms, such as mutation or downregulation of TNF/TRAIL receptors, as well as activation of anti-apoptotic enzymes and transcription factors. TNF-α signaling is also mediated by sphingosine kinases (SphK1 and SphK2), which are responsible for synthesis of the growth-stimulating phospholipid, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). Multiple studies have demonstrated the crucial role of S1P and its transmembrane receptors (S1PR) in both the regulation of inflammatory responses and progression of cancer. Considering that the SphK/S1P/S1PR axis mediates cancer resistance, this sphingolipid signaling pathway is of mechanistic significance when considering immunotherapy-resistant malignancies. However, the exact mechanism by which sphingolipids contribute to the evasion of immune surveillance and abrogation of TNF-α-induced apoptosis remains largely unclear. This study reviews mechanisms of TNF-α-resistance in cancer cells, with emphasis on the pro-survival and immunomodulatory effects of sphingolipids. Inhibition of SphK/S1P-linked pro-survival branch may facilitate reactivation of the pro-apoptotic TNF superfamily effects, although the role of SphK/S1P inhibitors in the regulation of the TME and lymphocyte trafficking should be thoroughly assessed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga A Sukocheva
- Department of Hepatology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Margarita E Neganova
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds at Federal Research Center of Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, 142432, Russian Federation
- Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Federal Research Center, Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kazan, 420088, Russian Federation
| | - Yulia Aleksandrova
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds at Federal Research Center of Problems of Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, 142432, Russian Federation
- Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Federal Research Center, Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kazan, 420088, Russian Federation
| | - Jack T Burcher
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA
| | - Elena Chugunova
- Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Federal Research Center, Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kazan, 420088, Russian Federation
| | - Ruitai Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Edmund Tse
- Department of Hepatology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA.
| | - Junqi Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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6
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Babalola KT, Arora M, Ganugula R, Agarwal SK, Mohan C, Kumar MNVR. Leveraging Lymphatic System Targeting in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus for Improved Clinical Outcomes. Pharmacol Rev 2024; 76:228-250. [PMID: 38351070 PMCID: PMC10877736 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.123.000938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of advanced drug delivery strategies in drug repositioning and minimizing drug attrition rates, when applied early in drug discovery, is poised to increase the translational impact of various therapeutic strategies in disease prevention and treatment. In this context, drug delivery to the lymphatic system is gaining prominence not only to improve the systemic bioavailability of various pharmaceutical drugs but also to target certain specific diseases associated with the lymphatic system. Although the role of the lymphatic system in lupus is known, very little is done to target drugs to yield improved clinical benefits. In this review, we discuss recent advances in drug delivery strategies to treat lupus, the various routes of drug administration leading to improved lymph node bioavailability, and the available technologies applied in other areas that can be adapted to lupus treatment. Moreover, this review also presents some recent findings that demonstrate the promise of lymphatic targeting in a preclinical setting, offering renewed hope for certain pharmaceutical drugs that are limited by efficacy in their conventional dosage forms. These findings underscore the potential and feasibility of such lymphatic drug-targeting approaches to enhance therapeutic efficacy in lupus and minimize off-target effects of the pharmaceutical drugs. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The World Health Organization estimates that there are currently 5 million humans living with some form of lupus. With limited success in lupus drug discovery, turning to effective delivery strategies with existing drug molecules, as well as those in the early stage of discovery, could lead to better clinical outcomes. After all, effective delivery strategies have been proven to improve treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- K T Babalola
- The Center for Convergent Bioscience and Medicine (CCBM) (K.T.B., M.A., R.G., M.N.V.R.K.), Division of Translational Science and Medicine, College of Community Health Sciences (K.T.B., M.A., R.G., M.N.V.R.K.), Alabama Life Research Institute (K.T.B., M.A., R.G., M.N.V.R.K.), and Department of Biological Sciences (M.A., R.G., M.N.V.R.K.), The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Section of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Biology of Inflammation Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas (S.K.A.); Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas (C.M.); Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama (M.N.V.R.K.); and Center for Free Radical Biology (M.N.V.R.K.) and Nephrology Research and Training Center, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine (M.N.V.R.K.), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - M Arora
- The Center for Convergent Bioscience and Medicine (CCBM) (K.T.B., M.A., R.G., M.N.V.R.K.), Division of Translational Science and Medicine, College of Community Health Sciences (K.T.B., M.A., R.G., M.N.V.R.K.), Alabama Life Research Institute (K.T.B., M.A., R.G., M.N.V.R.K.), and Department of Biological Sciences (M.A., R.G., M.N.V.R.K.), The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Section of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Biology of Inflammation Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas (S.K.A.); Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas (C.M.); Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama (M.N.V.R.K.); and Center for Free Radical Biology (M.N.V.R.K.) and Nephrology Research and Training Center, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine (M.N.V.R.K.), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - R Ganugula
- The Center for Convergent Bioscience and Medicine (CCBM) (K.T.B., M.A., R.G., M.N.V.R.K.), Division of Translational Science and Medicine, College of Community Health Sciences (K.T.B., M.A., R.G., M.N.V.R.K.), Alabama Life Research Institute (K.T.B., M.A., R.G., M.N.V.R.K.), and Department of Biological Sciences (M.A., R.G., M.N.V.R.K.), The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Section of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Biology of Inflammation Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas (S.K.A.); Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas (C.M.); Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama (M.N.V.R.K.); and Center for Free Radical Biology (M.N.V.R.K.) and Nephrology Research and Training Center, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine (M.N.V.R.K.), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - S K Agarwal
- The Center for Convergent Bioscience and Medicine (CCBM) (K.T.B., M.A., R.G., M.N.V.R.K.), Division of Translational Science and Medicine, College of Community Health Sciences (K.T.B., M.A., R.G., M.N.V.R.K.), Alabama Life Research Institute (K.T.B., M.A., R.G., M.N.V.R.K.), and Department of Biological Sciences (M.A., R.G., M.N.V.R.K.), The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Section of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Biology of Inflammation Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas (S.K.A.); Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas (C.M.); Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama (M.N.V.R.K.); and Center for Free Radical Biology (M.N.V.R.K.) and Nephrology Research and Training Center, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine (M.N.V.R.K.), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - C Mohan
- The Center for Convergent Bioscience and Medicine (CCBM) (K.T.B., M.A., R.G., M.N.V.R.K.), Division of Translational Science and Medicine, College of Community Health Sciences (K.T.B., M.A., R.G., M.N.V.R.K.), Alabama Life Research Institute (K.T.B., M.A., R.G., M.N.V.R.K.), and Department of Biological Sciences (M.A., R.G., M.N.V.R.K.), The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Section of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Biology of Inflammation Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas (S.K.A.); Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas (C.M.); Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama (M.N.V.R.K.); and Center for Free Radical Biology (M.N.V.R.K.) and Nephrology Research and Training Center, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine (M.N.V.R.K.), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - M N V Ravi Kumar
- The Center for Convergent Bioscience and Medicine (CCBM) (K.T.B., M.A., R.G., M.N.V.R.K.), Division of Translational Science and Medicine, College of Community Health Sciences (K.T.B., M.A., R.G., M.N.V.R.K.), Alabama Life Research Institute (K.T.B., M.A., R.G., M.N.V.R.K.), and Department of Biological Sciences (M.A., R.G., M.N.V.R.K.), The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Section of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Biology of Inflammation Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas (S.K.A.); Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas (C.M.); Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama (M.N.V.R.K.); and Center for Free Radical Biology (M.N.V.R.K.) and Nephrology Research and Training Center, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine (M.N.V.R.K.), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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7
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Abou Khouzam R, Janji B, Thiery J, Zaarour RF, Chamseddine AN, Mayr H, Savagner P, Kieda C, Gad S, Buart S, Lehn JM, Limani P, Chouaib S. Hypoxia as a potential inducer of immune tolerance, tumor plasticity and a driver of tumor mutational burden: Impact on cancer immunotherapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 97:104-123. [PMID: 38029865 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
In cancer patients, immune cells are often functionally compromised due to the immunosuppressive features of the tumor microenvironment (TME) which contribute to the failures in cancer therapies. Clinical and experimental evidence indicates that developing tumors adapt to the immunological environment and create a local microenvironment that impairs immune function by inducing immune tolerance and invasion. In this context, microenvironmental hypoxia, which is an established hallmark of solid tumors, significantly contributes to tumor aggressiveness and therapy resistance through the induction of tumor plasticity/heterogeneity and, more importantly, through the differentiation and expansion of immune-suppressive stromal cells. We and others have provided evidence indicating that hypoxia also drives genomic instability in cancer cells and interferes with DNA damage response and repair suggesting that hypoxia could be a potential driver of tumor mutational burden. Here, we reviewed the current knowledge on how hypoxic stress in the TME impacts tumor angiogenesis, heterogeneity, plasticity, and immune resistance, with a special interest in tumor immunogenicity and hypoxia targeting. An integrated understanding of the complexity of the effect of hypoxia on the immune and microenvironmental components could lead to the identification of better adapted and more effective combinational strategies in cancer immunotherapy. Clearly, the discovery and validation of therapeutic targets derived from the hypoxic tumor microenvironment is of major importance and the identification of critical hypoxia-associated pathways could generate targets that are undeniably attractive for combined cancer immunotherapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raefa Abou Khouzam
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Bassam Janji
- Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Tumor Immunotherapy and Microenvironment (TIME) Group, 6A, rue Nicolas-Ernest Barblé, L-1210 Luxembourg city, Luxembourg.
| | - Jerome Thiery
- INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France.
| | - Rania Faouzi Zaarour
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Ali N Chamseddine
- Gastroenterology Department, Cochin University Hospital, Université de Paris, APHP, Paris, France; Ambroise Paré - Hartmann Private Hospital Group, Oncology Unit, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France.
| | - Hemma Mayr
- Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) and Transplantation Center, University Hospital Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Surgery & Transplantation, University and University Hospital Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Pierre Savagner
- INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France.
| | - Claudine Kieda
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine-National Research Institute, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland; Centre for Molecular Biophysics, UPR 4301 CNRS, 45071 Orleans, France; Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-004 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Sophie Gad
- Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes (EPHE), Paris Sciences Lettres University (PSL), 75014 Paris, France; UMR CNRS 9019, Genome Integrity and Cancers, Gustave Roussy, Paris-Saclay University, 94800 Villejuif, France.
| | - Stéphanie Buart
- INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France.
| | - Jean-Marie Lehn
- Institut de Science et d'Ingénierie Supramoléculaires (ISIS), Université de Strasbourg, 8 allée Gaspard Monge, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Perparim Limani
- Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) and Transplantation Center, University Hospital Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Surgery & Transplantation, University and University Hospital Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Salem Chouaib
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, United Arab Emirates; INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France.
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8
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Gao D, Fang L, Liu C, Yang M, Yu X, Wang L, Zhang W, Sun C, Zhuang J. Microenvironmental regulation in tumor progression: Interactions between cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115622. [PMID: 37783155 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME), the "soil" on which tumor cells grow, has an important role in regulating the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells as well as their response to treatment. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), as the most abundant stromal cells of the TME, can not only directly alter the immunosuppressive effect of the TME through their own metabolism, but also influence the aggregation and function of immune cells by secreting a large number of cytokines and chemokines, reducing the body's immune surveillance of tumor cells and making them more prone to immune escape. Our study provides a comprehensive review of fibroblast chemotaxis, malignant transformation, metabolic characteristics, and interactions with immune cells. In addition, the current small molecule drugs targeting CAFs have been summarized, including both natural small molecules and targeted drugs for current clinical therapeutic applications. A complete review of the role of fibroblasts in TME from an immune perspective is presented, which has important implications in improving the efficiency of immunotherapy by targeting fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Gao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Liguang Fang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Cun Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Mengrui Yang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Xiaoyun Yu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Longyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, 999078, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Wenfeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, 999078, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Changgang Sun
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China; Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang 261000, China.
| | - Jing Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang 261000, China.
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9
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Kim HA, Kim H, Nam MK, Park JK, Lee MY, Chung S, Lee KM, Kuh HJ. Suppression of the antitumoral activity of natural killer cells under indirect coculture with cancer-associated fibroblasts in a pancreatic TIME-on-chip model. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:219. [PMID: 37759302 PMCID: PMC10536815 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03064-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, natural killer (NK) cells emerged as a treatment option for various solid tumors. However, the immunosuppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) can reduce the cytotoxic ability of NK cells in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cancer-associated fibroblasts within the tumor stroma can suppress immune surveillance by dysregulating factors involved in the cellular activity of NK cells. Herein, the effect of activated pancreatic stellate cells (aPSCs) on NK cell-mediated anticancer efficacy under three-dimensional (3D) coculture conditions was investigated. METHODS 3D cocultures of PANC-1 tumor spheroids (TSs) with aPSCs and NK-92 cells in a collagen matrix were optimized to identify the occurring cellular interactions and differential cytokine profiles in conditioned media using microchannel chips. PANC-1 TSs and aPSCs were indirectly cocultured, whereas NK-92 cells were allowed to infiltrate the TS channel using convective medium flow. RESULTS Coculture with aPSCs promoted PANC-1 TSs growth and suppressed the antitumor cytotoxic effects of NK-92 cells. Mutual inhibition of cellular activity without compromising migration ability was observed between aPSCs and NK-92 cells. Moreover, the reduced killing activity of NK-92 cells was found to be related with reduced granzyme B expression in NK cells. CONCLUSIONS Herein, a novel TIME-on-chip model based on the coculture of PANC-1 TSs, aPSCs, and NK-92 cells was described. This model may be useful for studying the detailed mechanisms underlying NK cells dysregulation and for exploring future therapeutic interventions to restore NK cell activity in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Ah Kim
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunsoo Kim
- School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Kyung Nam
- Cancer Evolution Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Kook Park
- Department of Biomedical Science and Research Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252 Republic of Korea
| | - Moo-Yeal Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, 3940 North Elm Street, Denton, TX 76207 USA
| | - Seok Chung
- School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Mi Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Jeong Kuh
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Evolution Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Life Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-ku, Seoul, 06591 Republic of Korea
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10
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Xu Y, Li W, Lin S, Liu B, Wu P, Li L. Fibroblast diversity and plasticity in the tumor microenvironment: roles in immunity and relevant therapies. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:234. [PMID: 37723510 PMCID: PMC10506315 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01204-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), enriched in the tumor stroma, have received increasing attention because of their multifaceted effects on tumorigenesis, development, metastasis, and treatment resistance in malignancies. CAFs contributed to suppressive microenvironment via different mechanisms, while CAFs also exerted some antitumor effects. Therefore, CAFs have been considered promising therapeutic targets for their remarkable roles in malignant tumors. However, patients with malignancies failed to benefit from current CAFs-targeted drugs in many clinical trials, which suggests that further in-depth investigation into CAFs is necessary. Here, we summarize and outline the heterogeneity and plasticity of CAFs mainly by exploring their origin and activation, highlighting the regulation of CAFs in the tumor microenvironment during tumor evolution, as well as the critical roles performed by CAFs in tumor immunity. In addition, we summarize the current immunotherapies targeting CAFs, and conclude with a brief overview of some prospects for the future of CAFs research in the end. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashi Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Li
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shitong Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Binghan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Li Li
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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11
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Guo F, Zhang Y, Bai L, Cui J. Natural killer cell therapy targeting cancer stem cells: Old wine in a new bottle. Cancer Lett 2023; 570:216328. [PMID: 37499742 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
A small proportion of cancer cells that have stem cell-like properties are known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). They can be used to identify malignant tumor phenotypes and patients with poor prognosis. Targeting these cells has been shown to improve the effectiveness of cancer therapies. Owing to the nature of CSCs, they are resistant to conventional treatment methods such as radio- and chemotherapy. Therefore, more effective anti-CSC therapies are required. Immunotherapy, including natural killer (NK) and T cell therapy, has demonstrated the ability to eliminate CSCs. NK cells have demonstrated superior anti-CSC capabilities compared to T cells in recognizing low levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I expression. However, CSC escape also occurs during NK cell therapy. It is important to determine CSC-specific immune evasion mechanisms and find out potential solutions to optimize NK cell function. Therefore, this review discusses promising strategies that can improve the efficiency of NK cell therapy in treating CSCs, and aims to provide a reference for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Guo
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Ling Bai
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Jiuwei Cui
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.
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12
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Zhang C, Fei Y, Wang H, Hu S, Liu C, Hu R, Du Q. CAFs orchestrates tumor immune microenvironment—A new target in cancer therapy? Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1113378. [PMID: 37007004 PMCID: PMC10064291 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1113378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has opened a new landscape in cancer treatment, however, the poor specificity and resistance of most targeted therapeutics have limited their therapeutic efficacy. In recent years, the role of CAFs in immune regulation has been increasingly noted as more evidence has been uncovered regarding the link between cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and the evolutionary process of tumor progression. CAFs interact with immune cells to shape the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) that favors malignant tumor progression, a crosstalk process that leads to the failure of cancer immunotherapies. In this review, we outline recent advances in the immunosuppressive function of CAFs, highlight the mechanisms of CAFs-immune cell interactions, and discuss current CAF-targeted therapeutic strategies for future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxue Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuxiang Fei
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Sheng Hu
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Qianming Du, ; Rong Hu, ; Chao Liu,
| | - Rong Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Physiology, China Pharmaceutical University, Jiangsu Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Qianming Du, ; Rong Hu, ; Chao Liu,
| | - Qianming Du
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Qianming Du, ; Rong Hu, ; Chao Liu,
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13
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Cheng B, Yu Q, Wang W. Intimate communications within the tumor microenvironment: stromal factors function as an orchestra. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:1. [PMID: 36600243 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-022-00894-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive studies of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in the last decade have reformed the view of cancer as a tumor cell-centric disease. The tumor microenvironment, especially termed the "seed and soil" theory, has emerged as the key determinant in cancer development and therapeutic resistance. The TME mainly consists of tumor cells, stromal cells such as fibroblasts, immune cells, and other noncellular components. Within the TME, intimate communications among these components largely determine the fate of the tumor. The pivotal roles of the stroma, especially cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the most common component within the TME, have been revealed in tumorigenesis, tumor progression, therapeutic response, and tumor immunity. A better understanding of the function of the TME sheds light on tumor therapy. In this review, we summarize the emerging understanding of stromal factors, especially CAFs, in cancer progression, drug resistance, and tumor immunity with an emphasis on their functions in epigenetic regulation. Moreover, the importance of epigenetic regulation in reshaping the TME and the basic biological principles underpinning the synergy between epigenetic therapy and immunotherapy will be further discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Cheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Disease, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Research Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiang Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Disease, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Research Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Cancer Precision Medicine, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Biopolis, Singapore.
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, DUKE-NUS Graduate Medical School of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Wenyu Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Disease, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Research Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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14
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Ghazvinian Z, Abdolahi S, Tokhanbigli S, Tarzemani S, Piccin A, Reza Zali M, Verdi J, Baghaei K. Contribution of natural killer cells in innate immunity against colorectal cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1077053. [PMID: 36686835 PMCID: PMC9846259 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1077053] [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: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer cells are members of the innate immune system and promote cytotoxic activity against tumor or infected cells independently from MHC recognition. NK cells are modulated by the expression of activator/inhibitory receptors. The ratio of this activator/inhibitory receptors is responsible for the cytotoxic activity of NK cells toward the target cells. Owing to the potent anti-tumor properties of NK cells, they are considered as interesting approach in tumor treatment. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of death in the world and the incidence is about 2 million new cases per year. Metastatic CRC is accompanied by a poor prognosis with less than three years of overall survival. Chemotherapy and surgery are the most adopted treatments. Besides, targeted therapy and immune checkpoint blockade are novel approach to CRC treatment. In these patients, circulating NK cells are a prognostic marker. The main target of CRC immune cell therapy is to improve the tumor cell's recognition and elimination by immune cells. Adaptive NK cell therapy is the milestone to achieve the purpose. Allogeneic NK cell therapy has been widely investigated within clinical trials. In this review, we focus on the NK related approaches including CAR NK cells, cell-based vaccines, monoclonal antibodies and immunomodulatory drugs against CRC tumoral cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Ghazvinian
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahrokh Abdolahi
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Tokhanbigli
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shadi Tarzemani
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Andrea Piccin
- Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service, Belfast, United Kingdom
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Verdi
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kaveh Baghaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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15
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Toledo B, Picon-Ruiz M, Marchal JA, Perán M. Dual Role of Fibroblasts Educated by Tumour in Cancer Behavior and Therapeutic Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:15576. [PMID: 36555218 PMCID: PMC9778751 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumours are complex systems with dynamic interactions between tumour cells, non-tumour cells, and extracellular components that comprise the tumour microenvironment (TME). The majority of TME's cells are cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are crucial in extracellular matrix (ECM) construction, tumour metabolism, immunology, adaptive chemoresistance, and tumour cell motility. CAF subtypes have been identified based on the expression of protein markers. CAFs may act as promoters or suppressors in tumour cells depending on a variety of factors, including cancer stage. Indeed, CAFs have been shown to promote tumour growth, survival and spread, and secretome changes, but they can also slow tumourigenesis at an early stage through mechanisms that are still poorly understood. Stromal-cancer interactions are governed by a variety of soluble factors that determine the outcome of the tumourigenic process. Cancer cells release factors that enhance the ability of fibroblasts to secrete multiple tumour-promoting chemokines, acting on malignant cells to promote proliferation, migration, and invasion. This crosstalk between CAFs and tumour cells has given new prominence to the stromal cells, from being considered as mere physical support to becoming key players in the tumour process. Here, we focus on the concept of cancer as a non-healing wound and the relevance of chronic inflammation to tumour initiation. In addition, we review CAFs heterogeneous origins and markers together with the potential therapeutic implications of CAFs "re-education" and/or targeting tumour progression inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Toledo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, E-23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - Manuel Picon-Ruiz
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, E-18100 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Hospitales Universitarios de Granada-Universidad de Granada, E-18071 Granada, Spain
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit “Modeling Nature” (MNat), University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Marchal
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, E-18100 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Hospitales Universitarios de Granada-Universidad de Granada, E-18071 Granada, Spain
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit “Modeling Nature” (MNat), University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Macarena Perán
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, E-23071 Jaén, Spain
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, E-18100 Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit “Modeling Nature” (MNat), University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain
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16
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Low V, Li Z, Blenis J. Metabolite activation of tumorigenic signaling pathways in the tumor microenvironment. Sci Signal 2022; 15:eabj4220. [DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abj4220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The role of metabolites exchanged in the tumor microenvironment is largely thought of as fuels to drive the increased biosynthetic and bioenergetic demands of growing tumors. However, this view is shifting as metabolites are increasingly shown to function as signaling molecules that directly regulate oncogenic pathways. Combined with our growing understanding of the essential role of stromal cells, this shift has led to increased interest in how the collective and interconnected metabolome of the tumor microenvironment can drive malignant transformation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, drug resistance, immune evasion, and metastasis. In this review, we discuss how metabolite exchange between tumors and various cell types in the tumor microenvironment—such as fibroblasts, adipocytes, and immune cells—can activate signaling pathways that drive cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivien Low
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Zhongchi Li
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - John Blenis
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
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17
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Tong L, Jiménez-Cortegana C, Tay AHM, Wickström S, Galluzzi L, Lundqvist A. NK cells and solid tumors: therapeutic potential and persisting obstacles. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:206. [PMID: 36319998 PMCID: PMC9623927 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01672-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, which are innate lymphocytes endowed with potent cytotoxic activity, have recently attracted attention as potential anticancer therapeutics. While NK cells mediate encouraging responses in patients with leukemia, the therapeutic effects of NK cell infusion in patients with solid tumors are limited. Preclinical and clinical data suggest that the efficacy of NK cell infusion against solid malignancies is hampered by several factors including inadequate tumor infiltration and persistence/activation in the tumor microenvironment (TME). A number of metabolic features of the TME including hypoxia as well as elevated levels of adenosine, reactive oxygen species, and prostaglandins negatively affect NK cell activity. Moreover, cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumor-associated macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and regulatory T cells actively suppress NK cell-dependent anticancer immunity. Here, we review the metabolic and cellular barriers that inhibit NK cells in solid neoplasms as we discuss potential strategies to circumvent such obstacles towards superior therapeutic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Tong
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carlos Jiménez-Cortegana
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Apple H M Tay
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biological Science, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Stina Wickström
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Andreas Lundqvist
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
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18
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Peltier A, Seban RD, Buvat I, Bidard FC, Mechta-Grigoriou F. Fibroblast heterogeneity in solid tumors: From single cell analysis to whole-body imaging. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:262-272. [PMID: 35489628 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) represent the most prominent component of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Recent studies demonstrated that CAF are heterogeneous and composed of different subpopulations exerting distinct functions in cancer. CAF populations differentially modulate various aspects of tumor growth, including cancer cell proliferation, extra-cellular matrix remodeling, metastatic dissemination, immunosuppression and resistance to treatment. Among other markers, the Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP) led to the identification of a specific CAF subpopulation involved in metastatic spread and immunosuppression. Expression of FAP at the surface of CAF is detected in many different cancer types of poor prognosis. Thus, FAP recently appears as an appealing target for therapeutic and molecular imaging applications. In that context, 68Ga-labeled radiopharmaceutical-FAP-inhibitors (FAPI) have been recently developed and validated for quantitatively mapping FAP expression over the whole-body using Positron Emission Tomography (PET/CT). In this review, we describe the main current knowledge on CAF subpopulations and their distinct functions in solid tumors, as well as the promising diagnostic and therapeutic implications of radionuclides targeting FAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Peltier
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe labélisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248 Paris, France; Inserm, U830, 26, rue d'Ulm, Paris, F-75005 France
| | - Romain-David Seban
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Institut Curie Hospital Group, 35 rue Dailly, 92210 Saint-Cloud, France; Laboratoire d'Imagerie Translationnelle en Oncologie (LITO), U1288 Inserm, Institut Curie, Orsay, France
| | - Irène Buvat
- Laboratoire d'Imagerie Translationnelle en Oncologie (LITO), U1288 Inserm, Institut Curie, Orsay, France.
| | - François-Clément Bidard
- Department of Medical Oncology, Inserm CIC-BT 1428, Institut Curie, UVSQ/Paris Saclay University, Saint-Cloud, France.
| | - Fatima Mechta-Grigoriou
- Institut Curie, Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe labélisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, PSL Research University, 26, rue d'Ulm, F-75248 Paris, France; Inserm, U830, 26, rue d'Ulm, Paris, F-75005 France.
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19
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Thiery J. Modulation of the antitumor immune response by cancer-associated fibroblasts: mechanisms and targeting strategies to hamper their immunosuppressive functions. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2022; 3:598-629. [PMID: 36338519 PMCID: PMC9630350 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2022.00103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are highly heterogeneous players that shape the tumor microenvironment and influence tumor progression, metastasis formation, and response to conventional therapies. During the past years, some CAFs subsets have also been involved in the modulation of immune cell functions, affecting the efficacy of both innate and adaptive anti-tumor immune responses. Consequently, the implication of these stromal cells in the response to immunotherapeutic strategies raised major concerns. In this review, current knowledge of CAFs origins and heterogeneity in the tumor stroma, as well as their effects on several immune cell populations that explain their immunosuppressive capabilities are summarized. The current development of therapeutic strategies for targeting this population and their implication in the field of cancer immunotherapy is also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Thiery
- INSERM, UMR 1186, 94800 Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 94805 Villejuif, France
- University Paris Saclay, Faculty of Medicine, 94270 Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
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20
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Studying the Anticancer Effects of Thymoquinone on Breast Cancer Cells through Natural Killer Cell Activity. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:9218640. [PMID: 36199754 PMCID: PMC9527111 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9218640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is quickly growing and can now be viewed as the “fifth column” of cancer treatment. In addition, cancer immunotherapy has shown promising results with different kinds of cancers and may be used as a complementary therapy with various types of treatments. Thus, “immuno-oncology” is showing astounding advantages. However, one of the main challenges that face this type of therapy is that cancer cells can evade immune system elimination through different mechanisms. Many studies were done to overcome this issue including adding immune stimulants to generate synergistic effects or by genetically modifying NK cells themselves to be stronger and more resistant. Nigella sativa, also known as black cumin, is a well-known example of a widely applicable herbal medicine. It can effectively treat a variety of diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, bronchitis, gastrointestinal upset, and cancer. The anticancer qualities of Nigella sativa appear to be mediated by an immune-modulatory effect that stimulates human natural killer (NK) cells. These are a type of lymphocyte and first line of defense against pathogens. Objectives. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of thymoquinone, a major component of Nigella sativa, on the cytotoxic pathways of NK cells. Methods. NK cells were cultured with breast cancer cell line Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7); and were treated with Thymoquinone. The cytotoxicity of NK cells on cancer cells was measured. The cultured media were then collected and measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for concentrations of perforin, granzyme B and interferon-α (IFN-α). Results. The cytotoxic effect of NK cells on tumor cells was increased in the presence of thymoquinone, with an increased release of perforin, granzyme B, and IFN-α. Conclusion. Thymoquinone promotes the cytotoxic activity of NK cells against breast cancer MCF-7 cells.
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21
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Zhu Y, Li X, Wang L, Hong X, Yang J. Metabolic reprogramming and crosstalk of cancer-related fibroblasts and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:988295. [PMID: 36046791 PMCID: PMC9421293 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.988295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It is notorious that cancer cells alter their metabolism to adjust to harsh environments of hypoxia and nutritional starvation. Metabolic reprogramming most often occurs in the tumor microenvironment (TME). TME is defined as the cellular environment in which the tumor resides. This includes surrounding blood vessels, fibroblasts, immune cells, signaling molecules and the extracellular matrix (ECM). It is increasingly recognized that cancer cells, fibroblasts and immune cells within TME can regulate tumor progression through metabolic reprogramming. As the most significant proportion of cells among all the stromal cells that constitute TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are closely associated with tumorigenesis and progression. Multitudinous studies have shown that CAFs participate in and promote tumor metabolic reprogramming and exert regulatory effects via the dysregulation of metabolic pathways. Previous studies have demonstrated that curbing the substance exchange between CAFs and tumor cells can dramatically restrain tumor growth. Emerging studies suggest that CAFs within the TME have emerged as important determinants of metabolic reprogramming. Metabolic reprogramming also occurs in the metabolic pattern of immune cells. In the meanwhile, immune cell phenotype and functions are metabolically regulated. Notably, immune cell functions influenced by metabolic programs may ultimately lead to alterations in tumor immunity. Despite the fact that multiple previous researches have been devoted to studying the interplays between different cells in the tumor microenvironment, the complicated relationship between CAFs and immune cells and implications of metabolic reprogramming remains unknown and requires further investigation. In this review, we discuss our current comprehension of metabolic reprogramming of CAFs and immune cells (mainly glucose, amino acid, and lipid metabolism) and crosstalk between them that induces immune responses, and we also highlight their contributions to tumorigenesis and progression. Furthermore, we underscore potential therapeutic opportunities arising from metabolism dysregulation and metabolic crosstalk, focusing on strategies targeting CAFs and immune cell metabolic crosstalk in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Zhu
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinyan Li
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiwei Hong
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of General surgery, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, China
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22
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Glabman RA, Choyke PL, Sato N. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Tumorigenicity and Targeting for Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14163906. [PMID: 36010899 PMCID: PMC9405783 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are found in the tumor microenvironment and exhibit several protumorigenic functions. Preclinical studies suggest that CAFs can be reduced, eliminated, or reprogrammed; however, clinical translation has not yet occurred. A better understanding of these cells and their functions will undoubtedly improve cancer treatments. In this review, we summarize current research, highlight major challenges, and discuss future opportunities for improving our knowledge of CAF biology and targeting. Abstract Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a heterogenous group of activated fibroblasts and a major component of the tumor stroma. CAFs may be derived from fibroblasts, epithelial cells, endothelial cells, cancer stem cells, adipocytes, pericytes, or stellate cells. These complex origins may underlie their functional diversity, which includes pro-tumorigenic roles in extracellular matrix remodeling, the suppression of anti-tumor immunity, and resistance to cancer therapy. Several methods for targeting CAFs to inhibit tumor progression and enhance anti-tumor immunity have recently been reported. While preclinical studies have shown promise, to date they have been unsuccessful in human clinical trials against melanoma, breast cancer, pancreas cancer, and colorectal cancers. This review summarizes recent and major advances in CAF-targeting therapies, including DNA-based vaccines, anti-CAF CAR-T cells, and modifying and reprogramming CAF functions. The challenges in developing effective anti-CAF treatment are highlighted, which include CAF heterogeneity and plasticity, the lack of specific target markers for CAFs, the limitations in animal models recapitulating the human cancer microenvironment, and the undesirable off-target and systemic side effects. Overcoming these challenges and expanding our understanding of the basic biology of CAFs is necessary for making progress towards safe and effective therapeutic strategies against cancers in human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raisa A. Glabman
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Peter L. Choyke
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Noriko Sato
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-240-858-3079
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23
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Zafari N, Khosravi F, Rezaee Z, Esfandyari S, Bahiraei M, Bahramy A, Ferns GA, Avan A. The role of the tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer and the potential therapeutic approaches. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24585. [PMID: 35808903 PMCID: PMC9396196 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) with a high prevalence is recognized as the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death globally. Over the past decade, there has been growing interest in the network of tumor cells, stromal cells, immune cells, blood vessel cells, and fibroblasts that comprise the tumor microenvironment (TME) to identify new therapeutic interventions. METHODS Databases, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus, were searched to provide an overview of the recent research progress related to targeting the TME as a novel therapeutic approach. RESULTS Tumor microenvironment as a result of the cross talk between these cells may result in either advantages or disadvantages in tumor development and metastasis, affecting the signals and responses from the surrounding cells. Whilst chemotherapy has led to an improvement in CRC patients' survival, the metastatic aspect of the disease remains difficult to avoid. CONCLUSIONS The present review emphasizes the structure and function of the TME, alterations in the TME, its role in the incidence and progression of CRC, the effects on tumor development and metastasis, and also the potential of its alterations as therapeutic targets. It should be noted that providing novel studies in this field of research might help us to achieve practical therapeutic strategies based on their interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narges Zafari
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of MedicineTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Fatemeh Khosravi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan Health InstituteHormozgan University of Medical SciencesBandar AbbasIran
| | - Zahra Rezaee
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical SciencesTarbiat Modares UniversityTehranIran
| | - Sahar Esfandyari
- Department of Anatomy, School of MedicineTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Mohamad Bahiraei
- Department of Radiology, Besat HospitalHamedan University of Medical SciencesHamedanIran
| | - Afshin Bahramy
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical SciencesTarbiat Modares UniversityTehranIran
| | - Gordon A. Ferns
- Brighton & Sussex Medical SchoolDivision of Medical EducationSussexUK
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research CenterMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
- Basic Medical Sciences InstituteMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
- Medical Genetics Research CenterMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
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24
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Smith C, Zheng W, Dong J, Wang Y, Lai J, Liu X, Yin F. Tumor microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Implications in immunotherapy. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:3297-3313. [PMID: 36158269 PMCID: PMC9346457 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i27.3297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the most aggressive and lethal cancers. Surgical resection is the only curable treatment option, but it is available for only a small fraction of patients at the time of diagnosis. With current therapeutic regimens, the average 5-year survival rate is less than 10% in pancreatic cancer patients. Immunotherapy has emerged as one of the most promising treatment options for multiple solid tumors of advanced stage. However, its clinical efficacy is suboptimal in most clinical trials on pancreatic cancer. Current studies have suggested that the tumor microenvironment is likely the underlying barrier affecting immunotherapy drug efficacy in pancreatic cancer. In this review, we discuss the role of the tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer and the latest advances in immunotherapy on pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn Smith
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, United States
| | - Wei Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Jixin Dong
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, United States
| | - Yaohong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Jinping Lai
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95825, United States
| | - Xiuli Liu
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Feng Yin
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, United States
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25
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Xiang X, Niu YR, Wang ZH, Ye LL, Peng WB, Zhou Q. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: Vital suppressors of the immune response in the tumor microenvironment. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2022; 67:35-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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26
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Saw PE, Chen J, Song E. Targeting CAFs to overcome anticancer therapeutic resistance. Trends Cancer 2022; 8:527-555. [PMID: 35331673 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The view of cancer as a tumor cell-centric disease is now replaced by our understanding of the interconnection and dependency of tumor stroma. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the most abundant stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), are involved in anticancer therapeutic resistance. As we unearth more solid evidence on the link between CAFs and tumor progression, we gain insight into the role of CAFs in establishing resistance to cancer therapies. Herein, we review the origin, heterogeneity, and function of CAFs, with a focus on how CAF subsets can be used as biomarkers and can contribute to therapeutic resistance in cancer. We also depict current breakthroughs in targeting CAFs to overcome anticancer therapeutic resistance and discuss emerging CAF-targeting modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phei Er Saw
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Jianing Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Erwei Song
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou 510005, China; Fountain-Valley Institute for Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China.
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27
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Li JH, O’Sullivan TE. Back to the Future: Spatiotemporal Determinants of NK Cell Antitumor Function. Front Immunol 2022; 12:816658. [PMID: 35082797 PMCID: PMC8785903 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.816658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells play a crucial role in host protection during tumorigenesis. Throughout tumor development, however, NK cells become progressively dysfunctional through a combination of dynamic tissue-specific and systemic factors. While a number of immunosuppressive mechanisms present within the tumor microenvironment have been characterized, few studies have contextualized the spatiotemporal dynamics of these mechanisms during disease progression and across anatomical sites. Understanding how NK cell immunosuppression evolves in these contexts will be necessary to optimize NK cell therapy for solid and metastatic cancers. Here, we outline the spatiotemporal determinants of antitumor NK cell regulation, including heterogeneous tumor architecture, temporal disease states, diverse cellular communities, as well as the complex changes in NK cell states produced by the sum of these higher-order elements. Understanding of the signals encountered by NK cells across time and space may reveal new therapeutic targets to harness the full potential of NK cell therapy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joey H. Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Timothy E. O’Sullivan
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
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28
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Allam A, Yakou M, Pang L, Ernst M, Huynh J. Exploiting the STAT3 Nexus in Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts to Improve Cancer Therapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:767939. [PMID: 34858425 PMCID: PMC8632218 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.767939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is composed of a heterogenous population of cells that exist alongside the extracellular matrix and soluble components. These components can shape an environment that is conducive to tumor growth and metastatic spread. It is well-established that stromal cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the TME play a pivotal role in creating and maintaining a growth-permissive environment for tumor cells. A growing body of work has uncovered that tumor cells recruit and educate CAFs to remodel the TME, however, the mechanisms by which this occurs remain incompletely understood. Recent studies suggest that the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a key transcription factor that regulates the function of CAFs, and their crosstalk with tumor and immune cells within the TME. CAF-intrinsic STAT3 activity within the TME correlates with tumor progression, immune suppression and eventually the establishment of metastases. In this review, we will focus on the roles of STAT3 in regulating CAF function and their crosstalk with other cells constituting the TME and discuss the utility of targeting STAT3 within the TME for therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Allam
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and La Trobe University School of Cancer Medicine, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Marina Yakou
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and La Trobe University School of Cancer Medicine, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Lokman Pang
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and La Trobe University School of Cancer Medicine, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthias Ernst
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and La Trobe University School of Cancer Medicine, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Jennifer Huynh
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and La Trobe University School of Cancer Medicine, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
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29
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Wang D, Cabalag CS, Clemons NJ, DuBois RN. Cyclooxygenases and Prostaglandins in Tumor Immunology and Microenvironment of Gastrointestinal Cancer. Gastroenterology 2021; 161:1813-1829. [PMID: 34606846 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.09.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is a known risk factor for gastrointestinal cancer. The evidence that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs suppress the incidence, growth, and metastasis of gastrointestinal cancer supports the concept that a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug target, cyclooxygenase, and its downstream bioactive lipid products may provide one of the links between inflammation and cancer. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that the cyclooxygenase-2-prostaglandin E2 pathway can promote gastrointestinal cancer development. Although the role of this pathway in cancer has been investigated extensively for 2 decades, only recent studies have described its effects on host defenses against transformed epithelial cells. Overcoming tumor-immune evasion remains one of the major challenges in cancer immunotherapy. This review summarizes the impacts of the cyclooxygenase-2-prostaglandin E2 pathway on gastrointestinal cancer development. Our focus was to highlight recent advances in our understanding of how this pathway induces tumor immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingzhi Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Carlos S Cabalag
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicholas J Clemons
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Raymond N DuBois
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.
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30
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Hellevik T, Berzaghi R, Lode K, Islam A, Martinez-Zubiaurre I. Immunobiology of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the context of radiotherapy. J Transl Med 2021; 19:437. [PMID: 34663337 PMCID: PMC8524905 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-03112-w] [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] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) still represents a mainstay of treatment in clinical oncology. Traditionally, the effectiveness of radiotherapy has been attributed to the killing potential of ionizing radiation (IR) over malignant cells, however, it has become clear that therapeutic efficacy of RT also involves activation of innate and adaptive anti-tumor immune responses. Therapeutic irradiation of the tumor microenvironment (TME) provokes profound cellular and biological reconfigurations which ultimately may influence immune recognition. As one of the major constituents of the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play central roles in cancer development at all stages and are recognized contributors of tumor immune evasion. While some studies argue that RT affects CAFs negatively through growth arrest and impaired motility, others claim that exposure of fibroblasts to RT promotes their conversion into a more activated phenotype. Nevertheless, despite the well-described immunoregulatory functions assigned to CAFs, little is known about the interplay between CAFs and immune cells in the context of RT. In this review, we go over current literature on the effects of radiation on CAFs and the influence that CAFs have on radiotherapy outcomes, and we summarize present knowledge on the transformed cellular crosstalk between CAFs and immune cells after radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Turid Hellevik
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Northern Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Rodrigo Berzaghi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kristin Lode
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Ashraful Islam
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Inigo Martinez-Zubiaurre
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
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31
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Mao X, Xu J, Wang W, Liang C, Hua J, Liu J, Zhang B, Meng Q, Yu X, Shi S. Crosstalk between cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment: new findings and future perspectives. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:131. [PMID: 34635121 PMCID: PMC8504100 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01428-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 882] [Impact Index Per Article: 294.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a stromal cell population with cell-of-origin, phenotypic and functional heterogeneity, are the most essential components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Through multiple pathways, activated CAFs can promote tumor growth, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, along with extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and even chemoresistance. Numerous previous studies have confirmed the critical role of the interaction between CAFs and tumor cells in tumorigenesis and development. However, recently, the mutual effects of CAFs and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) have been identified as another key factor in promoting tumor progression. The TIME mainly consists of distinct immune cell populations in tumor islets and is highly associated with the antitumor immunological state in the TME. CAFs interact with tumor-infiltrating immune cells as well as other immune components within the TIME via the secretion of various cytokines, growth factors, chemokines, exosomes and other effector molecules, consequently shaping an immunosuppressive TME that enables cancer cells to evade surveillance of the immune system. In-depth studies of CAFs and immune microenvironment interactions, particularly the complicated mechanisms connecting CAFs with immune cells, might provide novel strategies for subsequent targeted immunotherapies. Herein, we shed light on recent advances regarding the direct and indirect crosstalk between CAFs and infiltrating immune cells and further summarize the possible immunoinhibitory mechanisms induced by CAFs in the TME. In addition, we present current related CAF-targeting immunotherapies and briefly describe some future perspectives on CAF research in the end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqi Mao
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jie Hua
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qingcai Meng
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Zeng Y, Lv X, Du J. Natural killer cell‑based immunotherapy for lung cancer: Challenges and perspectives (Review). Oncol Rep 2021; 46:232. [PMID: 34498710 PMCID: PMC8444189 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.8183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the marked success of molecular targeted therapy in lung cancer in this era of personalized medicine, its efficacy has been limited by the presence of resistance mechanisms. The prognosis of patients with lung cancer remains poor, and there is an unmet need to develop more effective therapies to improve clinical outcomes. The increasing insight into the human immune system has led to breakthroughs in immunotherapy and has prompted research interest in employing immunotherapy to treat lung cancer. Natural killer (NK) cells, which serve as the first line of defense against tumors, can induce the innate and adaptive immune responses. Therefore, the use of NK cells for the development of novel lung-cancer immunotherapy strategies is promising. A growing number of novel approaches that boost NK cell antitumor immunity and expand NK cell populations ex vivo now provide a platform for the development of antitumor immunotherapy. The present review outlined the biology of NK cells, summarized the role of NK cells in lung cancer and the effect of the tumor microenvironment on NK cells, highlighted the potential of NK cell-based immunotherapy as an effective therapeutic strategy for lung cancer and discussed future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqin Zeng
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Hospital Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P.R. China
| | - Xiuzhi Lv
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou 550002, P.R. China
| | - Juan Du
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100015, P.R. China
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33
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Maia A, Wiemann S. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Implications for Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3526. [PMID: 34298736 PMCID: PMC8307167 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour cells do not exist as an isolated entity. Instead, they are surrounded by and closely interact with cells of the environment they are emerged in. The tumour microenvironment (TME) is not static and several factors, including cancer cells and therapies, have been described to modulate several of its components. Fibroblasts are key elements of the TME with the capacity to influence tumour progression, invasion and response to therapy, which makes them attractive targets in cancer treatment. In this review, we focus on fibroblasts and their numerous roles in the TME with a special attention to recent findings describing their heterogeneity and role in therapy response. Furthermore, we explore how different therapies can impact these cells and their communication with cancer cells. Finally, we highlight potential strategies targeting this cell type that can be employed for improving patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maia
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Molecular Genome Analysis, Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Wiemann
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Molecular Genome Analysis, Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Stem cells-derived natural killer cells for cancer immunotherapy: current protocols, feasibility, and benefits of ex vivo generated natural killer cells in treatment of advanced solid tumors. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 70:3369-3395. [PMID: 34218295 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-02975-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nowadays, natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy provides a practical therapeutic strategy for patients with advanced solid tumors (STs). This approach is adaptively conducted by the autologous and identical NK cells after in vitro expansion and overnight activation. However, the NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy has been faced with some fundamental and technical limitations. Moreover, the desirable outcomes of the NK cell therapy may not be achieved due to the complex tumor microenvironment by inhibition of intra-tumoral polarization and cytotoxicity of implanted NK cells. Currently, stem cells (SCs) technology provides a powerful opportunity to generate more effective and universal sources of the NK cells. Till now, several strategies have been developed to differentiate types of the pluripotent and adult SCs into the mature NK cells, with both feeder layer-dependent and/or feeder laye-free strategies. Higher cytokine production and intra-tumoral polarization capabilities as well as stronger anti-tumor properties are the main features of these SCs-derived NK cells. The present review article focuses on the principal barriers through the conventional NK cell immunotherapies for patients with advanced STs. It also provides a comprehensive resource of protocols regarding the generation of SCs-derived NK cells in an ex vivo condition.
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Kaweme NM, Zhou F. Optimizing NK Cell-Based Immunotherapy in Myeloid Leukemia: Abrogating an Immunosuppressive Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2021; 12:683381. [PMID: 34220833 PMCID: PMC8247591 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.683381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are prominent cytotoxic and cytokine-producing components of the innate immune system representing crucial effector cells in cancer immunotherapy. Presently, various NK cell-based immunotherapies have contributed to the substantial improvement in the reconstitution of NK cells against advanced-staged and high-risk AML. Various NK cell sources, including haploidentical NK cells, adaptive NK cells, umbilical cord blood NK cells, stem cell-derived NK cells, chimeric antigen receptor NK cells, cytokine-induced memory-like NK cells, and NK cell lines have been identified. Devising innovative approaches to improve the generation of therapeutic NK cells from the aforementioned sources is likely to enhance NK cell expansion and activation, stimulate ex vivo and in vivo persistence of NK cells and improve conventional treatment response of myeloid leukemia. The tumor-promoting properties of the tumor microenvironment and downmodulation of NK cellular metabolic activity in solid tumors and hematological malignancies constitute a significant impediment in enhancing the anti-tumor effects of NK cells. In this review, we discuss the current NK cell sources, highlight ongoing interventions in enhancing NK cell function, and outline novel strategies to circumvent immunosuppressive factors in the tumor microenvironment to improve the efficacy of NK cell-based immunotherapy and expand their future success in treating myeloid leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fuling Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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36
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Fibroblasts Influence the Efficacy, Resistance, and Future Use of Vaccines and Immunotherapy in Cancer Treatment. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9060634. [PMID: 34200702 PMCID: PMC8230410 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9060634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors are composed of not only epithelial cells but also many other cell types that contribute to the tumor microenvironment (TME). Within this space, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a prominent cell type, and these cells are connected to an increase in tumor progression as well as alteration of the immune landscape present in and around the tumor. This is accomplished in part by their ability to alter the presence of both innate and adaptive immune cells as well as the release of various chemokines and cytokines, together leading to a more immunosuppressive TME. Furthermore, new research implicates CAFs as players in immunotherapy response in many different tumor types, typically by blunting their efficacy. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), two major CAF proteins, are associated with the outcome of different immunotherapies and, additionally, have become new targets themselves for immune-based strategies directed at CAFs. This review will focus on CAFs and how they alter the immune landscape within tumors, how this affects response to current immunotherapy treatments, and how immune-based treatments are currently being harnessed to target the CAF population itself.
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37
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Zhang J, Fan J, Zeng X, Nie M, Luan J, Wang Y, Ju D, Yin K. Hedgehog signaling in gastrointestinal carcinogenesis and the gastrointestinal tumor microenvironment. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:609-620. [PMID: 33777671 PMCID: PMC7982428 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway plays important roles in gastrointestinal carcinogenesis and the gastrointestinal tumor microenvironment (TME). Aberrant HH signaling activation may accelerate the growth of gastrointestinal tumors and lead to tumor immune tolerance and drug resistance. The interaction between HH signaling and the TME is intimately involved in these processes, for example, tumor growth, tumor immune tolerance, inflammation, and drug resistance. Evidence indicates that inflammatory factors in the TME, such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), macrophages, and T cell-dependent immune responses, play a vital role in tumor growth by affecting the HH signaling pathway. Moreover, inhibition of proliferating cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and inflammatory factors can normalize the TME by suppressing HH signaling. Furthermore, aberrant HH signaling activation is favorable to both the proliferation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and the drug resistance of gastrointestinal tumors. This review discusses the current understanding of the role and mechanism of aberrant HH signaling activation in gastrointestinal carcinogenesis, the gastrointestinal TME, tumor immune tolerance and drug resistance and highlights the underlying therapeutic opportunities.
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Key Words
- 5-Fu, 5-fluorouracil
- ALK5, TGF-β receptor I kinase
- ATO, arsenic trioxide
- BCC, basal cell carcinoma
- BCL-2, B cell lymphoma 2
- BMI-1, B cell-specific moloney murine leukemia virus insertion region-1
- CAFs, cancer-associated fibroblasts
- CSCs, cancer stem cells
- Cancer stem cells
- Carcinogenesis
- DHH, Desert Hedgehog
- Drug resistance
- EGF, epidermal growth factor
- FOLFOX, oxaliplatin
- G protein coupled receptor kinase 2, HH
- Gastrointestinal cancer
- Hedgehog
- Hedgehog, HIF-1α
- IHH, Indian Hedgehog
- IL-10/6, interleukin 10/6
- ITCH, itchy E3 ubiquitin ligase
- MDSCs, myeloid-derived suppressor cells
- NK, natural killer
- NOX4, NADPH Oxidase 4
- PD-1, programmed cell death-1
- PD-L1, programmed cell death ligand-1
- PKA, protein kinase A
- PTCH, Patched
- ROS, reactive oxygen species
- SHH, Sonic Hedgehog
- SMAD3, mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3
- SMO, Smoothened
- SNF5, sucrose non-fermenting 5
- STAT3, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3
- SUFU, Suppressor of Fused
- TAMs, tumor-related macrophages
- TGF-β, transforming growth factor β
- TME, tumor microenvironment
- Tumor microenvironment
- VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor
- WNT, Wingless/Integrated
- and leucovorin, GLI
- ch5E1, chimeric monoclonal antibody 5E1
- glioma-associated oncogene homologue, GRK2
- hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, IFN-γ: interferon-γ
- βArr2, β-arrestin2
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghui Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Department of Biological Medicines, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jiajun Fan
- Department of Biological Medicines, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xian Zeng
- Department of Biological Medicines, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Mingming Nie
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jingyun Luan
- Department of Biological Medicines, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yichen Wang
- Department of Biological Medicines, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Dianwen Ju
- Department of Biological Medicines, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Shanghai 201203, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +86 21 65349106 (Kai Yin); Tel.: +86 21 5198 0037; Fax +86 21 5198 0036 (Dianwen Ju).
| | - Kai Yin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +86 21 65349106 (Kai Yin); Tel.: +86 21 5198 0037; Fax +86 21 5198 0036 (Dianwen Ju).
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38
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Kasprzak A. The Role of Tumor Microenvironment Cells in Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Cachexia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041565. [PMID: 33557173 PMCID: PMC7913937 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cachexia (CC) is a multifactorial syndrome in patients with advanced cancer characterized by weight loss via skeletal-muscle and adipose-tissue atrophy, catabolic activity, and systemic inflammation. CC is correlated with functional impairment, reduced therapeutic responsiveness, and poor prognosis, and is a major cause of death in cancer patients. In colorectal cancer (CRC), cachexia affects around 50–61% of patients, but remains overlooked, understudied, and uncured. The mechanisms driving CC are not fully understood but are related, at least in part, to the local and systemic immune response to the tumor. Accumulating evidence demonstrates a significant role of tumor microenvironment (TME) cells (e.g., macrophages, neutrophils, and fibroblasts) in both cancer progression and tumor-induced cachexia, through the production of multiple procachectic factors. The most important role in CRC-associated cachexia is played by pro-inflammatory cytokines, including the tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), originally known as cachectin, Interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and certain chemokines (e.g., IL-8). Heterogeneous CRC cells themselves also produce numerous cytokines (including chemokines), as well as novel factors called “cachexokines”. The tumor microenvironment (TME) contributes to systemic inflammation and increased oxidative stress and fibrosis. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the role of TME cellular components in CRC-associated cachexia, as well as discusses the potential role of selected mediators secreted by colorectal cancer cells in cooperation with tumor-associated immune and non-immune cells of tumor microenvironment in inducing or potentiating cancer cachexia. This knowledge serves to aid the understanding of the mechanisms of this process, as well as prevent its consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldona Kasprzak
- Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Medical Sciences, Święcicki Street 6, 60-781 Poznań, Poland
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39
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Yang N, Lode K, Berzaghi R, Islam A, Martinez-Zubiaurre I, Hellevik T. Irradiated Tumor Fibroblasts Avoid Immune Recognition and Retain Immunosuppressive Functions Over Natural Killer Cells. Front Immunol 2021; 11:602530. [PMID: 33584669 PMCID: PMC7874190 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.602530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that radiotherapy is able to induce anti-tumor immune responses in addition to mediating direct cytotoxic effects. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are central constituents of the tumor stroma and participate actively in tumor immunoregulation. However, the capacity of CAFs to influence immune responses in the context of radiotherapy is still poorly understood. This study was undertaken to determine whether ionizing radiation alters the CAF-mediated immunoregulatory effects on natural killer (NK) cells. CAFs were isolated from freshly resected non-small cell lung cancer tissues, while NK cells were prepared from peripheral blood of healthy donors. Functional assays to study NK cell immune activation included proliferation rates, expression of cell surface markers, secretion of immunomodulators, cytotoxic assays, as well as production of intracellular activation markers such as perforin and granzyme B. Our data show that CAFs inhibit NK cell activation by reducing their proliferation rates, the cytotoxic capacity, the extent of degranulation, and the surface expression of stimulatory receptors, while concomitantly enhancing surface expression of inhibitory receptors. Radiation delivered as single high-dose or in fractioned regimens did not reverse the immunosuppressive features exerted by CAFs over NK cells in vitro, despite triggering enhanced surface expression of several checkpoint ligands on irradiated CAFs. In summary, CAFs mediate noticeable immune inhibitory effects on cytokine-activated NK cells during co-culture in a donor-independent manner. However, ionizing radiation does not interfere with the CAF-mediated immunosuppressive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Yang
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kristin Lode
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Rodrigo Berzaghi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Ashraful Islam
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Inigo Martinez-Zubiaurre
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Turid Hellevik
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Northern Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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40
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Malchiodi ZX, Weiner LM. Understanding and Targeting Natural Killer Cell-Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Interactions in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030405. [PMID: 33499238 PMCID: PMC7865209 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030405] [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: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive disease with a 5-year survival rate of less than 10%. Current therapies can be ineffective due to immune suppression and fibrosis (tissue scarring) that prevents cancer cells from being killed. This review article discusses the relevance of examining how natural killer (NK) cells, immune cells involved in the anti-cancer immune response, interact with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which cause fibrosis, in pancreatic cancer. Understanding how these cell types interact may provide insights to guide the development of novel targeted therapies to increase immune response and survival in patients with pancreatic cancer. Abstract Interactions between natural killer (NK) cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) comprise a relevant but relatively understudied crosstalk relationship within the tumor microenvironment (TME). This review discusses the relevance of both natural killer cell and cancer-associated fibroblast function and activity in cancers, with an emphasis on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), incorporating additional insights from other malignancies to inform future directions for research. We describe what is currently known about NK cell-CAF crosstalk and their molecular interactions, how it is possible to exploit NK cell cytotoxicity in tumors and how to target CAFs to enhance efficacy of cancer therapies and cytotoxic immune cells. Although not previously tested in combination, there is an abundance of evidence demonstrating that targeting tumor-promoting CAFs and exploiting NK cells, separately, are beneficial as therapeutic strategies. This raises the possibility that a novel combination regimen addressing these two cell targets may be even more beneficial to eradicate PDAC and other solid tumors.
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41
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Barrett RL, Puré E. Cancer-associated fibroblasts and their influence on tumor immunity and immunotherapy. eLife 2020; 9:57243. [PMID: 33370234 PMCID: PMC7769568 DOI: 10.7554/elife.57243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts play an essential role in organogenesis and the integrity of tissue architecture and function. Growth in most solid tumors is dependent upon remodeling 'stroma', composed of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and extracellular matrix (ECM), which plays a critical role in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Recent studies have clearly established that the potent immunosuppressive activity of stroma is a major mechanism by which stroma can promote tumor progression and confer resistance to immune-based therapies. Herein, we review recent advances in identifying the stroma-dependent mechanisms that regulate cancer-associated inflammation and antitumor immunity, in particular, the interactions between fibroblasts and immune cells. We also review the potential mechanisms by which stroma can confer resistance to immune-based therapies for solid tumors and current advancements in stroma-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ellen Puré
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
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42
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Finetti F, Travelli C, Ercoli J, Colombo G, Buoso E, Trabalzini L. Prostaglandin E2 and Cancer: Insight into Tumor Progression and Immunity. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:E434. [PMID: 33271839 PMCID: PMC7760298 DOI: 10.3390/biology9120434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The involvement of inflammation in cancer progression has been the subject of research for many years. Inflammatory milieu and immune response are associated with cancer progression and recurrence. In different types of tumors, growth and metastatic phenotype characterized by the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, stemness, and angiogenesis, are increasingly associated with intrinsic or extrinsic inflammation. Among the inflammatory mediators, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) supports epithelial tumor aggressiveness by several mechanisms, including growth promotion, escape from apoptosis, transactivation of tyrosine kinase growth factor receptors, and induction of angiogenesis. Moreover, PGE2 is an important player in the tumor microenvironment, where it suppresses antitumor immunity and regulates tumor immune evasion, leading to increased tumoral progression. In this review, we describe the current knowledge on the pro-tumoral activity of PGE2 focusing on its role in cancer progression and in the regulation of the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Finetti
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Cristina Travelli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (C.T.); (E.B.)
| | - Jasmine Ercoli
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Giorgia Colombo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy;
| | - Erica Buoso
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (C.T.); (E.B.)
| | - Lorenza Trabalzini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
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43
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Qi L, Song F, Han Y, Zhang Y, Ding Y. Atractyloside targets cancer-associated fibroblasts and inhibits the metastasis of colon cancer. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1443. [PMID: 33313188 PMCID: PMC7723590 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-1531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Background Several evidences have proved that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a crucial role in tumor progression. In fact, CAFs form a major component of tumor microenvironment (TME). Therefore, the development and metastasis of tumors can be effectively inhibited by small molecular compounds that target CAFs. Methods In this study, we mainly analyzed the expression profile of colon cancer (CC). We determined the intensity of CAFs in CC tissues by using the immune cell infiltration score. Gene enrichment analysis and the screening of differentially expressed genes were performed on the basis of the intensity of CAFs in CC tissues. We screened the small molecular compounds that were converted from differentially expressed genes. The results indicated that atractyloside was a small molecular compound related to CAFs in CC tissues. We identified the relationship between atractylosides and CAFs through target protein analysis and network analysis, and verified the inhibition effect of atractylosides on CC cells (CCC) by migration assay and scratch wound-healing assays. Results We found that many target proteins of atractyloside, such as the matrix metalloproteinase family and integrin proteins, were related to the biological function of CAFs. By performing network analysis, we found that the target proteins FGF1, ITGB1, and EDNRA were closely related to tumor angiogenesis, while the target proteins MMP9 and ITGAV were correlated to an extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell motility. These findings which further confirmed the relationship between atractylosides and CAFs. In addition, transwell cell migration and scratch wound-healing assays proved that atractylosides could significantly inhibit the migration of CCCs. Conclusions The atractyloside might be a small molecular compound that potentially targets CAFs and inhibits the development as well as metastasis of CC by changing the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Qi
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fuyao Song
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue Han
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanqing Ding
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Guangzhou, China
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Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Versatile Players in the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092652. [PMID: 32957515 PMCID: PMC7564346 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key players in the tumor microenvironment. They are responsible for potentiating growth and metastasis through versatile functions, including maintenance of the extracellular matrix, blood vessel formation, modulation of tumor metabolism, suppression of antitumor immunity, and promotion of chemotherapy resistance. As such, CAFs are associated with poor prognosis and have emerged as a focus of anticancer research. In this review, we discuss the origins of CAFs, their heterogenous subtypes and their properties. We then detail the current state of preclinical and clinical research targeting CAF activities. We believe the limited efficacy of current cancer therapeutic approaches is driven by an incomplete understanding of CAF functions and by a nonstandardized CAF classification system. Therefore, we suggest a unified CAF classification based on specific functions to develop a new class of therapies that will focus on targeting the pro-tumorigenic properties of CAFs during tumor progression. Abstract Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are indispensable architects of the tumor microenvironment. They perform the essential functions of extracellular matrix deposition, stromal remodeling, tumor vasculature modulation, modification of tumor metabolism, and participation in crosstalk between cancer and immune cells. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of the principal differences between normal fibroblasts and CAFs, the origin of CAFs, their functions, and ultimately, highlight the intimate connection of CAFs to virtually all of the hallmarks of cancer. We address the remarkable degree of functional diversity and phenotypic plasticity displayed by CAFs and strive to stratify CAF biology among different tumor types into practical functional groups. Finally, we summarize the status of recent and ongoing trials of CAF-directed therapies and contend that the paucity of trials resulting in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals thus far is a consequence of the failure to identify targets exclusive of pro-tumorigenic CAF phenotypes that are mechanistically linked to specific CAF functions. We believe that the development of a unified CAF nomenclature, the standardization of functional assays to assess the loss-of-function of CAF properties, and the establishment of rigorous definitions of CAF subpopulations and their mechanistic functions in cancer progression will be crucial to fully realize the promise of CAF-targeted therapies.
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Cantoni C, Wurzer H, Thomas C, Vitale M. Escape of tumor cells from the NK cell cytotoxic activity. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 108:1339-1360. [PMID: 32930468 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.2mr0820-652r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, NK cells, initially identified as potent cytotoxic effector cells, have revealed an unexpected complexity, both at phenotypic and functional levels. The discovery of different NK cell subsets, characterized by distinct gene expression and phenotypes, was combined with the characterization of the diverse functions NK cells can exert, not only as circulating cells, but also as cells localized or recruited in lymphoid organs and in multiple tissues. Besides the elimination of tumor and virus-infected cells, these functions include the production of cytokines and chemokines, the regulation of innate and adaptive immune cells, the influence on tissue homeostasis. In addition, NK cells display a remarkable functional plasticity, being able to adapt to the environment and to develop a kind of memory. Nevertheless, the powerful cytotoxic activity of NK cells remains one of their most relevant properties, particularly in the antitumor response. In this review, the process of tumor cell recognition and killing mediated by NK cells, starting from the generation of cytolytic granules and recognition of target cell, to the establishment of the NK cell immunological synapse, the release of cytotoxic molecules, and consequent tumor cell death is described. Next, the review focuses on the heterogeneous mechanisms, either intrinsic to tumors or induced by the tumor microenvironment, by which cancer cells can escape the NK cell-mediated attack.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Hannah Wurzer
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.,Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Clément Thomas
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Massimo Vitale
- UO Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genova, Genoa, Italy
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Sivori S, Pende D, Quatrini L, Pietra G, Della Chiesa M, Vacca P, Tumino N, Moretta F, Mingari MC, Locatelli F, Moretta L. NK cells and ILCs in tumor immunotherapy. Mol Aspects Med 2020; 80:100870. [PMID: 32800530 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2020.100870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cells of the innate immunity play an important role in tumor immunotherapy. Thus, NK cells can control tumor growth and metastatic spread. Thanks to their strong cytolytic activity against tumors, different approaches have been developed for exploiting/harnessing their function in patients with leukemia or solid tumors. Pioneering trials were based on the adoptive transfer of autologous NK cell-enriched cell populations that were expanded in vitro and co-infused with IL-2. Although relevant results were obtained in patients with advanced melanoma, the effect was mostly limited to certain metastatic localizations, particularly to the lung. In addition, the severe IL-2-related toxicity and the preferential IL-2-induced expansion of Treg limited this type of approach. This limitation may be overcome by the use of IL-15, particularly of modified IL-15 molecules to improve its half-life and optimize the biological effects. Other approaches to harness NK cell function include stimulation via TLR, the use of bi- and tri-specific NK cell engagers (BiKE and TriKE) linking activating NK receptors (e.g. CD16) to tumor-associated antigens and even incorporating an IL-15 moiety (TriKE). As recently shown, in tumor patients, NK cells may also express inhibitory checkpoints, primarily PD-1. Accordingly, the therapeutic use of checkpoint inhibitors may unleash NK cells against PD-L1+ tumors. This effect may be predominant and crucial in tumors that have lost HLA cl-I expression, thus resulting "invisible" to T lymphocytes. Additional approaches in which NK cells may represent an important tool for cancer therapy, are to exploit the unique properties of the "adaptive" NK cells. These CD57+ NKG2C+ cells, despite their mature stage and a potent cytolytic activity, maintain a strong proliferating capacity. This property revealed to be crucial in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), particularly in the haplo-HSCT setting, to cure high-risk leukemias. T depleted haplo-HSCT (e.g. from one of the parents) allowed to save the life of thousands of patients lacking a HLA-compatible donor. In this setting, NK cells have been shown to play an essential role against leukemia cells and infections. Another major advance is represented by chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered NK cells. CAR-NK, different from CAR-T cells, may be obtained from allogeneic donors since they do not cause GvHD. Accordingly, they may represent "off-the-shelf" products to promptly treat tumor patients, with affordable costs. Different from NK cells, helper ILC (ILC1, ILC2 and ILC3), the innate counterpart of T helper cell subsets, remain rather ambiguous with respect to their anti-tumor activity. A possible exception is represented by a subset of ILC3: their frequency in peri-tumoral tissues in patients with NSCLC directly correlates with a better prognosis, possibly reflecting their ability to contribute to the organization of tertiary lymphoid structures, an important site of T cell-mediated anti-tumor responses. It is conceivable that innate immunity may significantly contribute to the major advances that immunotherapy has ensured and will continue to ensure to the cure of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniela Pende
- UO Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Linda Quatrini
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy; UO Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mariella Della Chiesa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Vacca
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Tumino
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Moretta
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy; UO Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy; Department of Gynecology/Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy.
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47
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Merino AM, Kim H, Miller JS, Cichocki F. Unraveling exhaustion in adaptive and conventional NK cells. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 108:1361-1368. [PMID: 32726880 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.4mr0620-091r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune exhaustion in T cells significantly impacts their ability to control malignancies and infections, and its discovery has led to revolutionary therapies for cancer in the form of checkpoint blockade. NK cells, like T cells, are lymphocytes that recognize virally infected and malignantly transformed cells. However, it remains unclear if NK cells are similarly susceptible to exhaustion. In this review, the aims are to summarize what is currently known and to identify key areas of variability that skew the scientific literature on NK cell exhaustion. A lack of consensus on the defining features of NK cell dysfunctional states such as senescence, suppression, and exhaustion has made a comparison between studies difficult. There are also significant differences in the biology of NK cell subsets with long-lived, adaptive NK cells sharing an epigenetic signature closer to memory CD8+ T cells than to conventional NK cells. Very different checkpoint receptor expression and effector functions have been shown in adaptive versus conventional NK cells chronically exposed to activating signals. Adaptive NK cells develop in individuals with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and well over half of the human population worldwide is CMV seropositive by adulthood. Despite this high prevalence, most studies do not account or control for this population. This may contribute to some of the variability reported in the literature on checkpoint receptor expression on NK cells. In this review, the protective role that exhaustion plays in T cells will also be discussed and the evidence for a similar phenomenon in NK cells will be examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee M Merino
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Hansol Kim
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Miller
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Frank Cichocki
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Wang J, Matosevic S. Functional and metabolic targeting of natural killer cells to solid tumors. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2020; 43:577-600. [DOI: 10.1007/s13402-020-00523-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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Sordo-Bahamonde C, Lorenzo-Herrero S, Payer ÁR, Gonzalez S, López-Soto A. Mechanisms of Apoptosis Resistance to NK Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103726. [PMID: 32466293 PMCID: PMC7279491 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are major contributors to immunosurveillance and control of tumor development by inducing apoptosis of malignant cells. Among the main mechanisms involved in NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity, the death receptor pathway and the release of granules containing perforin/granzymes stand out due to their efficacy in eliminating tumor cells. However, accumulated evidence suggest a profound immune suppression in the context of tumor progression affecting effector cells, such as NK cells, leading to decreased cytotoxicity. This diminished capability, together with the development of resistance to apoptosis by cancer cells, favor the loss of immunogenicity and promote immunosuppression, thus partially inducing NK cell-mediated killing resistance. Altered expression patterns of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins along with genetic background comprise the main mechanisms of resistance to NK cell-related apoptosis. Herein, we summarize the main effector cytotoxic mechanisms against tumor cells, as well as the major resistance strategies acquired by tumor cells that hamper the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways related to NK cell-mediated killing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sordo-Bahamonde
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (S.L.-H.); (S.G.)
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, IUOPA, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Correspondence: (C.S.-B.); (A.L.-S.)
| | - Seila Lorenzo-Herrero
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (S.L.-H.); (S.G.)
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, IUOPA, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Ángel R. Payer
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, IUOPA, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Segundo Gonzalez
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (S.L.-H.); (S.G.)
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, IUOPA, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Alejandro López-Soto
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, IUOPA, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Correspondence: (C.S.-B.); (A.L.-S.)
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50
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Cancer-associated fibroblasts: key determinants of tumor immunity and immunotherapy. Curr Opin Immunol 2020; 64:80-87. [PMID: 32402828 PMCID: PMC8228400 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2020.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Immune-targeted approaches are rapidly changing the therapeutic landscape for cancer. In spite of that, most patients show resistance or acquire resistance to these therapies. Increasing work describing the tumor microenvironment (TME) has highlighted this space as one of the key determinants in tumor immune response and immunotherapeutic success. Frequently overlooked within this space, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) within the TME have surfaced as an important dictator of the tumor immune response. Herein, we review recent advances in defining the role of CAF-immune cell interactions in solid tumors and prospects for targeting stroma to overcome resistance to immunotherapy.
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