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Santiago-Sánchez GS, Fabian KP, Hodge JW. A landscape of checkpoint blockade resistance in cancer: underlying mechanisms and current strategies to overcome resistance. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2308097. [PMID: 38306161 PMCID: PMC10841019 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2024.2308097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The discovery of immune checkpoints and the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have achieved a durable response in advanced-stage cancer patients. However, there is still a high proportion of patients who do not benefit from ICI therapy due to a lack of response when first treated (primary resistance) or detection of disease progression months after objective response is observed (acquired resistance). Here, we review the current FDA-approved ICI for the treatment of certain solid malignancies, evaluate the contrasting responses to checkpoint blockade in different cancer types, explore the known mechanisms associated with checkpoint blockade resistance (CBR), and assess current strategies in the field that seek to overcome these mechanisms. In order to improve current therapies and develop new ones, the immunotherapy field still has an unmet need in identifying other molecules that act as immune checkpoints, and uncovering other mechanisms that promote CBR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ginette S. Santiago-Sánchez
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kellsye P. Fabian
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - James W. Hodge
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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2
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Kang W, Wang C, Wang M, Liu M, Hu W, Liang X, Zhang Y. The CXCR2 chemokine receptor: A new target for gastric cancer therapy. Cytokine 2024; 181:156675. [PMID: 38896956 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156675] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world, and current treatments are still based on surgery and drug therapy. However, due to the complexity of immunosuppression and drug resistance, the treatment of gastric cancer still faces great challenges. Chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) is one of the most common therapeutic targets in targeted therapy. As a G protein-coupled receptor, CXCR2 and its ligands play important roles in tumorigenesis and progression. The abnormal expression of these genes in cancer plays a decisive role in the recruitment and activation of white blood cells, angiogenesis, and cancer cell proliferation, and CXCR2 is involved in various stages of tumor development. Therefore, interfering with the interaction between CXCR2 and its ligands is considered a possible target for the treatment of various tumors, including gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyan Kang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang Hunan, China
| | - Chengkun Wang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang Hunan, China
| | - Minhui Wang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang Hunan, China
| | - Meiqi Liu
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang Hunan, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoqiu Liang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang Hunan, China.
| | - Yang Zhang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang Hunan, China.
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3
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Dahal A, Hong Y, Mathew JS, Geber A, Eckl S, Renner S, Sailer CJ, Ryan AT, Mir S, Lim K, Linehan DC, Gerber SA, Kim M. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) promotes immunosuppressive neutrophil differentiation within tumors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2406748121. [PMID: 39178229 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2406748121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory milieu in the tumor microenvironment (TME) leads to the recruitment and differentiation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Polymorphonuclear (PMN)-MDSCs, which are phenotypically and morphologically defined as a subset of neutrophils, cause major immune suppression in the TME, posing a significant challenge in the development of effective immunotherapies. Despite recent advances in our understanding of PMN-MDSC functions, the mechanism that gives rise to immunosuppressive neutrophils within the TME remains elusive. Both in vivo and in vitro, newly recruited neutrophils into the tumor sites remained activated and highly motile for several days and developed immunosuppressive phenotypes, as indicated by increased arginase 1 (Arg1) and dcTrail-R1 expression and suppressed anticancer CD8 T cell cytotoxicity. The strong suppressive function was successfully recapitulated by incubating naive neutrophils with cancer cell culture supernatant in vitro. Cancer metabolite secretome analyses of the culture supernatant revealed that both murine and human cancers released lipid mediators to induce the differentiation of immunosuppressive neutrophils. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) lipidomic analysis identified platelet-activation factor (PAF; 1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) as a common tumor-derived lipid mediator that induces neutrophil differentiation. Lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 2 (LPCAT2), the PAF biosynthetic enzyme, is up-regulated in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and shows an unfavorable correlation with patient survival across multiple cancer types. Our study identifies PAF as a lipid-driven mechanism of MDSC differentiation in the TME, providing a potential target for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Dahal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, David H. Smith Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Yeonsun Hong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, David H. Smith Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Jocelyn S Mathew
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, David H. Smith Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Adam Geber
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, David H. Smith Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Sarah Eckl
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, David H. Smith Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Stephanie Renner
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, David H. Smith Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Cooper J Sailer
- Department of Pathology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Allison T Ryan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, David H. Smith Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Sana Mir
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, David H. Smith Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Kihong Lim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, David H. Smith Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - David C Linehan
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
- Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Scott A Gerber
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, David H. Smith Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
- Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Minsoo Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, David H. Smith Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
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4
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Li AL, Sugiura K, Nishiwaki N, Suzuki K, Sadeghian D, Zhao J, Maitra A, Falvo D, Chandwani R, Pitarresi JR, Sims PA, Rustgi AK. FRA1 controls acinar cell plasticity during murine Kras G12D-induced pancreatic acinar to ductal metaplasia. Dev Cell 2024:S1534-5807(24)00483-0. [PMID: 39178842 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Acinar cells have been proposed as a cell-of-origin for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) after undergoing acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM). ADM can be triggered by pancreatitis, causing acinar cells to de-differentiate to a ductal-like state. We identify FRA1 (gene name Fosl1) as the most active transcription factor during KrasG12D acute pancreatitis-mediated injury, and we have elucidated a functional role of FRA1 by generating an acinar-specific Fosl1 knockout mouse expressing KrasG12D. Using a gene regulatory network and pseudotime trajectory inferred from single-nuclei ATAC-seq and bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), we hypothesized a regulatory model of the acinar-ADM-pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) continuum and experimentally validated that Fosl1 knockout mice are delayed in the onset of ADM and neoplastic transformation. Our study also identifies that pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), can regulate FRA1 activity to modulate ADM. Our findings identify that FRA1 is a mediator of acinar cell plasticity and is critical for acinar cell de-differentiation and transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina L Li
- Divison of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Kensuke Sugiura
- Divison of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Noriyuki Nishiwaki
- Divison of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Kensuke Suzuki
- Divison of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of General Surgery, Chiba University, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
| | - Dorsay Sadeghian
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Sheikh Ahmed Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Sheikh Ahmed Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Sheikh Ahmed Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - David Falvo
- Department of Surgery and of Cell and Developmental Biology, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill-Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Rohit Chandwani
- Department of Surgery and of Cell and Developmental Biology, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill-Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jason R Pitarresi
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan School of Medicine, Worchester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Peter A Sims
- Department of Systems Biology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Anil K Rustgi
- Divison of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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5
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Du NN, Shao SJ, Feng JM, Wan H, Wu XQ. Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of Ru'ai Shuhou recipe for the prevention of lung metastases from breast cancer: a retrospective study based on propensity score matching. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1406862. [PMID: 39156102 PMCID: PMC11327059 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1406862] [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: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer lung metastasis occurs at a high rate and at an early stage, and is the leading cause of death in breast cancer patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Ru'ai Shuhou Recipe (RSR) intervention on the occurrence of recurrent metastases, especially lung metastases, in postoperative patients with breast cancer. Materials and Methods A retrospective cohort study was implemented at Shuguang Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China between January 2014 to January 2019. Female patients were included according to the propensity score matching (PSM) method and balanced on the basis of general and clinical information such as age, body mass index, neo-adjuvant therapy, and surgical approach. Patients with pathological diagnosis of breast cancer were included in this study. Breast cancer patients were divided into exposed and non-exposed groups according to whether they took RSR-based botanical drugs after surgery. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox survival analysis to explore the relationship between RSR and 5-year disease-free survival and incidence of lung metastases in breast cancer patients after surgery. Results 360 female patients were assessed and 190 patients were included in the study after PSM (95 in each of the exposed and non-exposed groups). Of the 190 patients after PSM, 55.79% were over 50 years of age. The mean follow-up time was 60.55 ± 14.82 months in the exposed group and 57.12 ± 16.37 months in the non-exposed group. There was no significant baseline characteristics difference between two groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the 5-year incidence of lung metastases was significantly lower in the exposed group, and the disease-free survival of patients was significantly longer. Cox univariate and multivariate analysis showed that neoadjuvant chemotherapy and lymph node metastasis were independent risk factors for the development of breast cancer lung metastasis, with risk ratios of 17.188 and 5.812, while RSR treatment was an independent protective factor against the development of breast cancer lung metastasis, with a risk ratio of 0.290. Conclusion Standard biomedical treatment combined with RSR intervention can better prevent breast cancer recurrence and metastasis, reduce the incidence of lung metastasis in patients, and improve long-term prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hua Wan
- Breast Department, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Qing Wu
- Breast Department, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Jin Y, Christenson ES, Zheng L, Li K. Neutrophils in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: bridging preclinical insights to clinical prospects for improved therapeutic strategies. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:945-958. [PMID: 38690749 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2348605] [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: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive malignancy characterized by a dismal five-year survival rate of less than 10%. Neutrophils are key components of the innate immune system, playing a pivotal role in the PDAC immune microenvironment. AREAS COVERED This review provides a comprehensive survey of the pivotal involvement of neutrophils in the tumorigenesis and progression of PDAC. Furthermore, it synthesizes preclinical and clinical explorations aimed at targeting neutrophils within the milieu of PDAC, subsequently proposing a conceptual framework to propel further inquiry focused on enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of PDAC through neutrophil-targeted strategies. PubMed and Web of Science databases were utilized for researching neutrophils in pancreatic cancer publications prior to 2024. EXPERT OPINION Neutrophils play roles in promoting tumor growth and metastasis in PDAC and are associated with poor prognosis. However, the heterogeneity and plasticity of neutrophils and their complex relationships with other immune cells and extracellular matrix also provide new insights for immunotherapy targeting neutrophils to achieve a better prognosis for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Jin
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Eric S Christenson
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- The Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lei Zheng
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- The Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- The Skip Viragh Pancreatic Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- The Cancer Convergence Institute at Johns Hopkins, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Keyu Li
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- The Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- The Skip Viragh Pancreatic Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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7
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Yang C, Zhao L, Lin Y, Wang S, Ye Y, Shen Z. Improving the efficiency of immune checkpoint inhibitors for metastatic pMMR/MSS colorectal cancer: Options and strategies. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 200:104204. [PMID: 37984588 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104204] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer treatment and been extensively used for patients with metastastic colorectal cancer (mCRC), especially those harboring deficient mismatch repair/ microsatellite instability (dMMR/MSI). However, the majority of mCRC are classified as proficient mismatch repair/microsatellite stability(pMMR/MSS) type characterized by a cold immune microenvironment, rendering them generally unresponsive to ICIs. How to improve the efficacy of ICIs for these patients is an important issue to be solved. On the one hand, it is urgent to discover the predictive biomarkers and clinical characteristics associated with effectiveness and expand the subset of pMMR/MSS mCRC patients who benefit from ICIs. Additionally, combined strategies are being explored to modulate the immune microenvironment of pMMR/MSS CRC and facilitate the conversion of cold tumors into hot tumors. In this review, we have focused on the recent advancements in the predictive biomarkers and combination therapeutic strategies with ICIs for pMMR/MSS mCRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjiang Yang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing 100044, PR China
| | - Long Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing 100044, PR China
| | - Yilin Lin
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing 100044, PR China
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing 100044, PR China
| | - Yingjiang Ye
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing 100044, PR China
| | - Zhanlong Shen
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing 100044, PR China.
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8
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Reddy SU, Sadia FZ, Vancura A, Vancurova I. IFNγ-Induced Bcl3, PD-L1 and IL-8 Signaling in Ovarian Cancer: Mechanisms and Clinical Significance. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2676. [PMID: 39123403 PMCID: PMC11311860 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16152676] [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: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
IFNγ, a pleiotropic cytokine produced not only by activated lymphocytes but also in response to cancer immunotherapies, has both antitumor and tumor-promoting functions. In ovarian cancer (OC) cells, the tumor-promoting functions of IFNγ are mediated by IFNγ-induced expression of Bcl3, PD-L1 and IL-8/CXCL8, which have long been known to have critical cellular functions as a proto-oncogene, an immune checkpoint ligand and a chemoattractant, respectively. However, overwhelming evidence has demonstrated that these three genes have tumor-promoting roles far beyond their originally identified functions. These tumor-promoting mechanisms include increased cancer cell proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis, resistance to chemotherapy and immune escape. Recent studies have shown that IFNγ-induced Bcl3, PD-L1 and IL-8 expression is regulated by the same JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway: IFNγ induces the expression of Bcl3, which then promotes the expression of PD-L1 and IL-8 in OC cells, resulting in their increased proliferation and migration. In this review, we summarize the recent findings on how IFNγ affects the tumor microenvironment and promotes tumor progression, with a special focus on ovarian cancer and on Bcl3, PD-L1 and IL-8/CXCL8 signaling. We also discuss promising novel combinatorial strategies in clinical trials targeting Bcl3, PD-L1 and IL-8 to increase the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ivana Vancurova
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John’s University, New York, NY 11439, USA; (S.U.R.); (F.Z.S.); (A.V.)
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Kwak JW, Nguyen HQ, Camai A, Huffman GM, Mekvanich S, Kenney NN, Zhu X, Randolph TW, Houghton AM. CXCR1/2 antagonism inhibits neutrophil function and not recruitment in cancer. Oncoimmunology 2024; 13:2384674. [PMID: 39076249 PMCID: PMC11285219 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2024.2384674] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
The level of tumor and circulating CXCR1/2-expressing neutrophils and CXCR1/2 ligands correlate with poor patient outcomes, inversely correlate with tumoral lymphocyte content, and predict immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment failure. Accordingly, CXCR2-selective and CXCR1/2 dual inhibitors exhibit activity both as single agents and in combination with ICI treatment in mouse tumor models. Based on such reports, clinical trials combining CXCR1/2 axis antagonists with ICI treatment for cancer patients are underway. It has been assumed that CXCR1/2 blockade impacts tumors by blocking neutrophil chemotaxis and reducing neutrophil content in tumors. Here, we show that while CXCR2 antagonism does slow tumor growth, it does not preclude neutrophil recruitment into tumor. Instead, CXCR1/2 inhibition alters neutrophil function by blocking the polarization of transcriptional programs toward immune suppressive phenotypes and rendering neutrophils incapable of suppressing lymphocyte proliferation. This is associated with decreased release of reactive oxygen species and Arginase-1 into the extracellular milieu. Remarkably, these therapeutics do not impact the ability of neutrophils to phagocytose and kill ingested bacteria. Taken together, these results mechanistically explain why CXCR1/2 inhibition has been active in cancer but without infectious complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff W. Kwak
- Translational Science & Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, USA
| | - Helena Q. Nguyen
- Translational Science & Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, USA
| | - Alex Camai
- Translational Science & Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, USA
| | - Grace M. Huffman
- Translational Science & Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, USA
| | - Surapat Mekvanich
- Translational Science & Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, USA
| | - Naia N. Kenney
- Translational Science & Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, USA
| | - Xiaodong Zhu
- Translational Science & Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, USA
| | | | - A. McGarry Houghton
- Translational Science & Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, USA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, USA
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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10
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Zhou Y, Na C, Li Z. Novel insights into immune cells modulation of tumor resistance. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 202:104457. [PMID: 39038527 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor resistance poses a significant challenge to effective cancer treatment, making it imperative to explore new therapeutic strategies. Recent studies have highlighted the profound involvement of immune cells in the development of tumor resistance. Within the tumor microenvironment, macrophages undergo polarization into the M2 phenotype, thus promoting the emergence of drug-resistant tumors. Neutrophils contribute to tumor resistance by forming extracellular traps. While T cells and natural killer (NK) cells exert their impact through direct cytotoxicity against tumor cells. Additionally, dendritic cells (DCs) have been implicated in preventing tumor drug resistance by stimulating T cell activation. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge regarding immune cell-mediated modulation of tumor resistance at the molecular level, with a particular focus on macrophages, neutrophils, DCs, T cells, and NK cells. The targeting of immune cell modulation exhibits considerable potential for addressing drug resistance, and an in-depth understanding of the molecular interactions between immune cells and tumor cells holds promise for the development of innovative therapies. Furthermore, we explore the clinical implications of these immune cells in the treatment of drug-resistant tumors. This review emphasizes the exploration of novel approaches that harness the functional capabilities of immune cells to effectively overcome drug-resistant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhou
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Chuhan Na
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Zhigang Li
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Active Substance Screening and Translational Research, Shenzhen 518107, China.
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11
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Li X, Hou W, Xiao C, Yang H, Zhao C, Cao D. Panoramic tumor microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024:10.1007/s13402-024-00970-6. [PMID: 39008192 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-024-00970-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is notorious for its resistance to various treatment modalities. The genetic heterogeneity of PDAC, coupled with the presence of a desmoplastic stroma within the tumor microenvironment (TME), contributes to an unfavorable prognosis. The mechanisms and consequences of interactions among different cell types, along with spatial variations influencing cellular function, potentially play a role in the pathogenesis of PDAC. Understanding the diverse compositions of the TME and elucidating the functions of microscopic neighborhoods may contribute to understanding the immune microenvironment status in pancreatic cancer. As we delve into the spatial biology of the microscopic neighborhoods within the TME, aiding in deciphering the factors that orchestrate this intricate ecosystem. This overview delineates the fundamental constituents and the structural arrangement of the PDAC microenvironment, highlighting their impact on cancer cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Li
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610017, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanting Hou
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610017, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaoxin Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China HospitaL, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610017, People's Republic of China
| | - Heqi Yang
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610017, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengjian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China HospitaL, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610017, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Cao
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610017, People's Republic of China.
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12
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Minaei E, Ranson M, Aghmesheh M, Sluyter R, Vine KL. Enhancing pancreatic cancer immunotherapy: Leveraging localized delivery strategies through the use of implantable devices and scaffolds. J Control Release 2024; 373:145-160. [PMID: 38996923 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains the predominant type of upper gastrointestinal tract cancer, associated with heightened morbidity and a survival rate below 12%. While immunotherapy has brought about transformative changes in the standards of care for most solid tumors, its application in PC is hindered by the ''cold tumor'' microenvironment, marked by the presence of immunosuppressive cells. Modest response rates in PC are attributed, in part to, the fibrotic stroma that obstructs the delivery of systemic immunotherapy. Furthermore, the occurrence of immune-related adverse events (iRAEs) often necessitates the use of sub-therapeutic doses or treatment discontinuation. In the pursuit of innovative approaches to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy for PC, implantable drug delivery devices and scaffolds emerge as promising strategies. These technologies offer the potential for sustained drug delivery directly to the tumor site, overcoming stromal barriers, immunosuppression, T cell exclusion, immunotherapy resistance, optimizing drug dosage, and mitigating systemic toxicity. This review offers a comprehensive exploration of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common and aggressive form of PC, accompanied by a critical analysis of the challenges the microenvironment presents to the development of successful combinational immunotherapy approaches. Despite efforts, these approaches have thus far fallen short in enhancing treatment outcomes for PDAC. The review will subsequently delve into the imperative need for refining delivery strategies, providing an examination of past and ongoing studies in the field of localized immunotherapy for PDAC. Addressing these issues will lay the groundwork for the development of effective new therapies, thereby enhancing treatment response, patient survival, and overall quality of life for individuals diagnosed with PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Minaei
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
| | - M Ranson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - M Aghmesheh
- Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Bright Building, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - R Sluyter
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - K L Vine
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
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13
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Yasuda T, Wang YA. Gastric cancer immunosuppressive microenvironment heterogeneity: implications for therapy development. Trends Cancer 2024; 10:627-642. [PMID: 38600020 PMCID: PMC11292672 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.03.008] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Although immunotherapy has revolutionized solid tumor treatment, durable responses in gastric cancer (GC) remain limited. The heterogeneous tumor microenvironment (TME) facilitates immune evasion, contributing to resistance to conventional and immune therapies. Recent studies have highlighted how specific TME components in GC acquire immune escape capabilities through cancer-specific factors. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms and targeting the immunosuppressive TME will enhance immunotherapy efficacy and patient outcomes. This review summarizes recent advances in GC TME research and explores the role of the immune-suppressive system as a context-specific determinant. We also provide insights into potential treatments beyond checkpoint inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadahito Yasuda
- Brown Center for Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine, Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Y Alan Wang
- Brown Center for Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine, Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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14
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Wu Q, Mao H, Jiang Z, Tang D. Tumour-associated neutrophils: Potential therapeutic targets in pancreatic cancer immunotherapy. Immunology 2024; 172:343-361. [PMID: 38402904 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13765] [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: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly malignant tumour of the digestive system with poor therapeutic response and low survival rates. Immunotherapy has rapidly developed in recent years and has achieved significant outcomes in numerous malignant neoplasms. However, responses to immunotherapy in PC are rare, and the immunosuppressive and desmoplastic tumour microenvironment (TME) significantly hinders their efficacy in PC. Tumour-associated neutrophils (TANs) play a crucial role in the PC microenvironment and exert a profound influence on PC immunotherapy by establishing a robust stromal shelter and restraining immune cells to assist PC cells in immune escape, which may subvert the current status of PC immunotherapy. The present review aims to offer a comprehensive summary of the latest progress in understanding the involvement of TANs in PC desmoplastic and immunosuppressive functions and to emphasise the potential therapeutic implications of focusing on TANs in the immunotherapy of this deleterious disease. Finally, we provide an outlook for the future use of TANs in PC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihang Wu
- Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Han Mao
- Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zhengting Jiang
- Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Dong Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of General Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, China
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15
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Zhou Z, Wang J, Wang J, Yang S, Wang R, Zhang G, Li Z, Shi R, Wang Z, Lu Q. Deciphering the tumor immune microenvironment from a multidimensional omics perspective: insight into next-generation CAR-T cell immunotherapy and beyond. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:131. [PMID: 38918817 PMCID: PMC11201788 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02047-2] [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: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) consists of intra-tumor immunological components and plays a significant role in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and response to therapy. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell immunotherapy has revolutionized the cancer treatment paradigm. Although CAR-T cell immunotherapy has emerged as a successful treatment for hematologic malignancies, it remains a conundrum for solid tumors. The heterogeneity of TIME is responsible for poor outcomes in CAR-T cell immunotherapy against solid tumors. The advancement of highly sophisticated technology enhances our exploration in TIME from a multi-omics perspective. In the era of machine learning, multi-omics studies could reveal the characteristics of TIME and its immune resistance mechanism. Therefore, the clinical efficacy of CAR-T cell immunotherapy in solid tumors could be further improved with strategies that target unfavorable conditions in TIME. Herein, this review seeks to investigate the factors influencing TIME formation and propose strategies for improving the effectiveness of CAR-T cell immunotherapy through a multi-omics perspective, with the ultimate goal of developing personalized therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaokai Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Jiahui Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
- Department of Nephrology, Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, PekingBeijing, 100730, China
| | - Jiaojiao Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Shuai Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Ruizhi Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Zhengrui Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Run Shi
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhan Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Qiong Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.
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16
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Coperchini F, Greco A, Petrosino E, Croce L, Teliti M, Marchesi N, Pascale A, Calì B, Pignatti P, Magri F, Uddin M, Rotondi M. Selective anti-CXCR2 receptor blockade by AZD5069 inhibits CXCL8-mediated pro-tumorigenic activity in human thyroid cancer cells in vitro. J Endocrinol Invest 2024:10.1007/s40618-024-02410-6. [PMID: 38900374 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-024-02410-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy. Current therapies are successful, however some patients progress to therapeutically refractive disease. The immunotherapeutic potential of the CXCL8-chemokine/CXCR2-chemokine-receptor system is currently being explored in numerous human cancers. This study aimed to evaluate if the targeting of CXCR2 by its selective antagonist, AZD5069, could modulate CXCL8-mediated pro-tumorigenic effects in thyroid-cancer (TC) cells in vitro. METHODS Normal human primary thyroid cells (NHT) and TC cell lines TPC-1 (RET/PTC), BCPAP, 8505C and 8305C (BRAFV600e) were treated with AZD5069 (100 pM-10 µM) over a time-course. Viability and proliferation were assessed by WST-1 and crystal violet assays. CXCL8 and CXCR2 mRNA were evaluated by RT-PCR. CXCL8-protein concentrations were measured in cell culture supernatants by ELISA. CXCR2 on cell surface was evaluated by flow-cytometry. Cell-migration was assessed by trans-well-migration chamber-system. RESULTS AZD5069 exerted negligible effects on cell proliferation or viability. AZD5069 significantly reduced CXCR2, (but not CXCL8) mRNAs in all cell types. CXCR2 was reduced on the membrane of some TC cell lines. A significant reduction of the CXCL8 secretion was found in TPC-1 cells (basal-secretion) and NHT (TNFα-induced secretion). AZD5069 significantly reduced basal and CXCL8-induced migration in NHT and different TC cells. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm the involvement of the CXCL8/CXCR2-axis in promoting pro-tumorigenic effects in TC cells, further demonstrating its immunotherapeutic significance in human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Coperchini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Via S. Maugeri 4, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - A Greco
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Via S. Maugeri 4, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - E Petrosino
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Via S. Maugeri 4, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - L Croce
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Via S. Maugeri 4, 27100, Pavia, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Laboratory for Endocrine Disruptors, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - M Teliti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Via S. Maugeri 4, 27100, Pavia, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Laboratory for Endocrine Disruptors, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - N Marchesi
- Unit of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - A Pascale
- Unit of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - B Calì
- Department of General and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100, Pavia (PV), Italy
| | - P Pignatti
- Allergy and Immunology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - F Magri
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Via S. Maugeri 4, 27100, Pavia, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Laboratory for Endocrine Disruptors, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - M Uddin
- AstraZeneca Gothenburg, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, Mӧlndal, Sweden
| | - M Rotondi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Via S. Maugeri 4, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
- Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Laboratory for Endocrine Disruptors, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
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17
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Shao S, Delk NA, Jones CN. A microphysiological system reveals neutrophil contact-dependent attenuation of pancreatic tumor progression by CXCR2 inhibition-based immunotherapy. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14142. [PMID: 38898176 PMCID: PMC11187156 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64780-4] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells recruit neutrophils from the bloodstream into the tumor tissue, where these immune cells promote the progression of numerous solid tumors. Studies in mice suggest that blocking neutrophil recruitment to tumors by inhibition of neutrophil chemokine receptor CXCR2 could be a potential immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer. Yet, the mechanisms by which neutrophils promote tumor progression in humans, as well as how CXCR2 inhibition could potentially serve as a cancer therapy, remain elusive. In this study, we developed a human cell-based microphysiological system to quantify neutrophil-tumor spheroid interactions in both "separated" and "contact" scenarios. We found that neutrophils promote the invasion of tumor spheroids through the secretion of soluble factors and direct contact with cancer cells. However, they promote the proliferation of tumor spheroids solely through direct contact. Interestingly, treatment with AZD-5069, a CXCR2 inhibitor, attenuates invasion and proliferation of tumor spheroids by blocking direct contact with neutrophils. Our findings also show that CXCR2 inhibition reduces neutrophil migration toward tumor spheroids. These results shed new light on the tumor-promoting mechanisms of human neutrophils and the tumor-suppressive mechanisms of CXCR2 inhibition in pancreatic cancer and may aid in the design and optimization of novel immunotherapeutic strategies based on neutrophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Shao
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - Nikki A Delk
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Caroline N Jones
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA.
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18
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Brichkina A, Ems M, Suezov R, Singh R, Lutz V, Picard FSR, Nist A, Stiewe T, Graumann J, Daude M, Diederich WE, Finkernagel F, Chung HR, Bartsch DK, Roth K, Keber C, Denkert C, Huber M, Gress TM, Lauth M. DYRK1B blockade promotes tumoricidal macrophage activity in pancreatic cancer. Gut 2024:gutjnl-2023-331854. [PMID: 38834297 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-331854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Highly malignant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterised by an abundant immunosuppressive and fibrotic tumour microenvironment (TME). Future therapeutic attempts will therefore demand the targeting of tumours and stromal compartments in order to be effective. Here we investigate whether dual specificity and tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1B (DYRK1B) fulfil these criteria and represent a promising anticancer target in PDAC. DESIGN We used transplantation and autochthonous mouse models of PDAC with either genetic Dyrk1b loss or pharmacological DYRK1B inhibition, respectively. Mechanistic interactions between tumour cells and macrophages were studied in direct or indirect co-culture experiments. Histological analyses used tissue microarrays from patients with PDAC. Additional methodological approaches included bulk mRNA sequencing (transcriptomics) and proteomics (secretomics). RESULTS We found that DYRK1B is mainly expressed by pancreatic epithelial cancer cells and modulates the influx and activity of TME-associated macrophages through effects on the cancer cells themselves as well as through the tumour secretome. Mechanistically, genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of DYRK1B strongly attracts tumoricidal macrophages and, in addition, downregulates the phagocytosis checkpoint and 'don't eat me' signal CD24 on cancer cells, resulting in enhanced tumour cell phagocytosis. Consequently, tumour cells lacking DYRK1B hardly expand in transplantation experiments, despite their rapid growth in culture. Furthermore, combining a small-molecule DYRK1B-directed therapy with mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition and conventional chemotherapy stalls the growth of established tumours and results in a significant extension of life span in a highly aggressive autochthonous model of PDAC. CONCLUSION In light of DYRK inhibitors currently entering clinical phase testing, our data thus provide a novel and clinically translatable approach targeting both the cancer cell compartment and its microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Brichkina
- Department of Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Marburg, Germany
- Present address: Institute of Systems Immunology, Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Ems
- Department of Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Roman Suezov
- Department of Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Rajeev Singh
- Department of Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Veronika Lutz
- Institute of Systems Immunology, Philipps-Universitat Marburg, Marburg, Hessen, Germany
| | - Felix S R Picard
- Institute of Systems Immunology, Philipps-Universitat Marburg, Marburg, Hessen, Germany
| | - Andrea Nist
- Genomics Core Facility, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Stiewe
- Genomics Core Facility, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Oncology, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Marburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Graumann
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
- Institute of Translational Proteomics, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Michael Daude
- Medicinal Chemistry Core Facility, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Wibke E Diederich
- Medicinal Chemistry Core Facility, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Department of Medicinal chemistry, Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Florian Finkernagel
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Ho-Ryun Chung
- Institute for Medical Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Institute for Molecular Biology and Tumor Research, Marburg, Germany
| | - Detlef K Bartsch
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Roth
- Cell Imaging Core Facility, Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Hessen, Germany
| | - Corinna Keber
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Giessen-Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Carsten Denkert
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Giessen-Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Magdalena Huber
- Institute of Systems Immunology, Philipps-Universitat Marburg, Marburg, Hessen, Germany
| | - Thomas M Gress
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Lauth
- Department of Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Marburg, Germany
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19
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Farhangnia P, Khorramdelazad H, Nickho H, Delbandi AA. Current and future immunotherapeutic approaches in pancreatic cancer treatment. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:40. [PMID: 38835055 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01561-6] [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: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a major cause of cancer-related death, but despondently, the outlook and prognosis for this resistant type of tumor have remained grim for a long time. Currently, it is extremely challenging to prevent or detect it early enough for effective treatment because patients rarely exhibit symptoms and there are no reliable indicators for detection. Most patients have advanced or spreading cancer that is difficult to treat, and treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy can only slightly prolong their life by a few months. Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of pancreatic cancer, yet its effectiveness is limited by the tumor's immunosuppressive and hard-to-reach microenvironment. First, this article explains the immunosuppressive microenvironment of pancreatic cancer and highlights a wide range of immunotherapy options, including therapies involving oncolytic viruses, modified T cells (T-cell receptor [TCR]-engineered and chimeric antigen receptor [CAR] T-cell therapy), CAR natural killer cell therapy, cytokine-induced killer cells, immune checkpoint inhibitors, immunomodulators, cancer vaccines, and strategies targeting myeloid cells in the context of contemporary knowledge and future trends. Lastly, it discusses the main challenges ahead of pancreatic cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooya Farhangnia
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Board for Transplantation and Cell-Based Therapeutics (ImmunoTACT), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Khorramdelazad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Hamid Nickho
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali-Akbar Delbandi
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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20
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Woolbright BL, Xuan H, Ahmed I, Rajendran G, Abbott E, Dennis K, Zhong C, Umar S, Taylor JA. Aging induces changes in cancer formation and microbial content in a murine model of bladder cancer. GeroScience 2024; 46:3361-3375. [PMID: 38270807 PMCID: PMC11009212 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01064-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BCa) incidence is tightly linked to aging. Older patients with BCa present with higher grade tumors and have worse outcomes on Bacillus-Calmette-Guerin (BCG) immunotherapy. Aging is also known to result in changes in the gut microbiome over mammalian lifespan, with recent studies linking alterations in the gut microbiome to changes in tumor immunity. There is limited information on the microbiome in BCa models though, despite known links to aging and immunotherapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how aging impacts tumor formation, inflammation, and the microbiome of mice given the model BCa carcinogen N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine (BBN). We hypothesized old animals would have larger, more inflamed tumors and a shift in their fecal microbiome compared to their younger counterparts. Young (~8-week-old) or old (~78-week-old) C57Bl/6J animals were administered 0.05% BBN in drinking water for 16 weeks and then euthanized or allowed to progress for an additional 4 weeks. After 16 weeks of BBN, old mice had higher bladder to body weight ratio than young mice, and also muscle invasive tumors, which were not seen in their young counterparts. Old animals also had increased innate immune recruitment, but CD4+/CD8+ T cell recruitment did not appear different. BBN dramatically altered the microbiome in both sets of animals as measured by ß-diversity, including changes in multiple genera of bacteria. These data suggest old mice have a differential response to BBN-induced BCa. Given the median age of patients with BCa, understanding how the aged phenotype interacts with BCa is imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin L Woolbright
- Department of Urology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, MS 1018, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Hao Xuan
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Ishfaq Ahmed
- Department of Surgery, Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Ganeshkumar Rajendran
- Department of Urology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, MS 1018, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Erika Abbott
- Department of Urology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, MS 1018, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Katie Dennis
- Department of Pathology, Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Cuncong Zhong
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Shahid Umar
- Department of Surgery, Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - John A Taylor
- Department of Urology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, MS 1018, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
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21
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Saad EE, Michel R, Borahay MA. Senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and uterine fibroids: Association with PD-L1 activation and collagen deposition. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 97:102314. [PMID: 38670462 PMCID: PMC11181954 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102314] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Uterine fibroids (or uterine leiomyoma, UFs) are one of the most prevalent benign uterine tumors with high proliferation and collagen synthesis capabilities. UFs are a significant worldwide health issue for women, affecting their physical and financial well-being. Risk factors for UFs include age, racial disparities, obesity, uterine infections, hormonal variation, and lifestyle (i.e., diet, exercise, stress, and smoking). Senescence and its associated secretory phenotypes (SASPs) are among the most salient changes accompanying the aging process. As a result, SASPs are suggested to be one of the major contributors to developing UFs. Interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8, IL-1, chemokine ligand 20 (CCL-20), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) are the most prominent SASPs associated with aging. In addition, different processes contribute to UFs such as collagen deposition and the changes in the immune microenvironment. Programmed death ligand 1 is a major player in the tumor immune microenvironment, which helps tumor cells evade immune attacks. This review focuses on the correlation of SASPs on two axes of tumor progression: immune suppression and collagen deposition. This review opens the door towards more investigations regarding changes in the UF immune microenvironment and age-UFs correlation and thus, a novel targeting approach for UF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eslam E Saad
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Rachel Michel
- Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, MD 21205, USA
| | - Mostafa A Borahay
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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22
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Vendramini-Costa DB, Francescone R, Franco-Barraza J, Luong T, Graves M, de Aquino AM, Steele N, Gardiner JC, Dos Santos SAA, Ogier C, Malloy E, Borghaei L, Martinez E, Zhigarev DI, Tan Y, Lee H, Zhou Y, Cai KQ, Klein-Szanto AJ, Wang H, Andrake M, Dunbrack RL, Campbell K, Cukierman E. Netrin G1 Ligand is a new stromal immunomodulator that promotes pancreatic cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.15.594354. [PMID: 38798370 PMCID: PMC11118300 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.15.594354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Understanding pancreatic cancer biology is fundamental for identifying new targets and for developing more effective therapies. In particular, the contribution of the stromal microenvironment to pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis requires further exploration. Here, we report the stromal roles of the synaptic protein Netrin G1 Ligand (NGL-1) in pancreatic cancer, uncovering its pro-tumor functions in cancer-associated fibroblasts and in immune cells. We observed that the stromal expression of NGL-1 inversely correlated with patients' overall survival. Moreover, germline knockout (KO) mice for NGL-1 presented decreased tumor burden, with a microenvironment that is less supportive of tumor growth. Of note, tumors from NGL-1 KO mice produced less immunosuppressive cytokines and displayed an increased percentage of CD8 + T cells than those from control mice, while preserving the physical structure of the tumor microenvironment. These effects were shown to be mediated by NGL-1 in both immune cells and in the local stroma, in a TGF-β-dependent manner. While myeloid cells lacking NGL-1 decreased the production of immunosuppressive cytokines, NGL-1 KO T cells showed increased proliferation rates and overall polyfunctionality compared to control T cells. CAFs lacking NGL-1 were less immunosuppressive than controls, with overall decreased production of pro-tumor cytokines and compromised ability to inhibit CD8 + T cells activation. Mechanistically, these CAFs downregulated components of the TGF-β pathway, AP-1 and NFAT transcription factor families, resulting in a less tumor-supportive phenotype. Finally, targeting NGL-1 genetically or using a functionally antagonistic small peptide phenocopied the effects of chemotherapy, while modulating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), rather than eliminating it. We propose NGL-1 as a new local stroma and immunomodulatory molecule, with pro-tumor roles in pancreatic cancer. Statement of Significance Here we uncovered the pro-tumor roles of the synaptic protein NGL-1 in the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer, defining a new target that simultaneously modulates tumor cell, fibroblast, and immune cell functions. This study reports a new pathway where NGL-1 controls TGF-β, AP-1 transcription factor members and NFAT1, modulating the immunosuppressive microenvironment in pancreatic cancer. Our findings highlight NGL-1 as a new stromal immunomodulator in pancreatic cancer.
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23
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Jolly KJ, Zhang F. IVT-mRNA reprogramming of myeloid cells for cancer immunotherapy. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2024; 100:247-288. [PMID: 39034054 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
In the past decade, in vitro transcribed messenger RNAs (IVT-mRNAs) have emerged as promising therapeutic molecules. The clinical success of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, have demonstrated that IVT-mRNAs can be safely and successfully used in a clinical setting, and efforts are underway to develop IVT-mRNAs for therapeutic applications. Current applications of mRNA-based therapy have been focused on (1) mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases and cancer treatment; (2) protein replacement therapy; (3) gene editing therapy; and (4) cell-reprogramming therapies. Due to the recent clinical progress of cell-based immunotherapies, the last direction-the use of IVT-mRNAs as a therapeutic approach to program immune cells for the treatment of cancer has received extensive attention from the cancer immunotherapy field. Myeloid cells are important components of our immune system, and they play critical roles in mediating disease progression and regulating immunity against diseases. In this chapter, we discussed the progress of using IVT-mRNAs as a therapeutic approach to program myeloid cells against cancer and other immune-related diseases. Towards this direction, we first reviewed the pharmacology of IVT-mRNAs and the biology of myeloid cells as well as myeloid cell-targeting therapeutics. We then presented a few cases of current IVT-mRNA-based approaches to target and reprogram myeloid cells for disease treatment and discussed the advantages and limitations of these approaches. Finally, we presented our considerations in designing mRNA-based approaches to target myeloid cells for disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevon J Jolly
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States; Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States; Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.
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24
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Rauth S, Malafa M, Ponnusamy MP, Batra SK. Emerging Trends in Gastrointestinal Cancer Targeted Therapies: Harnessing Tumor Microenvironment, Immune Factors, and Metabolomics Insights. Gastroenterology 2024:S0016-5085(24)04917-5. [PMID: 38759843 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are the leading cause of new cancer cases and cancer-related deaths worldwide. The treatment strategies for patients with GI tumors have focused on oncogenic molecular profiles associated with tumor cells. Recent evidence has demonstrated that the tumor cell functions are modulated by its microenvironment, compromising fibroblasts, extracellular matrices, microbiome, immune cells, and the enteric nervous system. Along with the tumor microenvironment components, alterations in key metabolic pathways have emerged as a hallmark of tumor cells. From these perspectives, this review will highlight the functions of different cellular components of the GI tumor microenvironment and their implications for treatment. Furthermore, we discuss the major metabolic reprogramming in GI tumor cells and how understanding metabolic rewiring could lead to new therapeutic strategies. Finally, we briefly summarize the targeted agents currently being studied in GI cancers. Understanding the complex interplay between tumor cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic factors during tumor progression is critical for developing new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanchita Rauth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Mokenge Malafa
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Moorthy P Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska.
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska.
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25
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Kang J, Lee JH, Cha H, An J, Kwon J, Lee S, Kim S, Baykan MY, Kim SY, An D, Kwon AY, An HJ, Lee SH, Choi JK, Park JE. Systematic dissection of tumor-normal single-cell ecosystems across a thousand tumors of 30 cancer types. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4067. [PMID: 38744958 PMCID: PMC11094150 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48310-4] [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: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The complexity of the tumor microenvironment poses significant challenges in cancer therapy. Here, to comprehensively investigate the tumor-normal ecosystems, we perform an integrative analysis of 4.9 million single-cell transcriptomes from 1070 tumor and 493 normal samples in combination with pan-cancer 137 spatial transcriptomics, 8887 TCGA, and 1261 checkpoint inhibitor-treated bulk tumors. We define a myriad of cell states constituting the tumor-normal ecosystems and also identify hallmark gene signatures across different cell types and organs. Our atlas characterizes distinctions between inflammatory fibroblasts marked by AKR1C1 or WNT5A in terms of cellular interactions and spatial co-localization patterns. Co-occurrence analysis reveals interferon-enriched community states including tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) components, which exhibit differential rewiring between tumor, adjacent normal, and healthy normal tissues. The favorable response of interferon-enriched community states to immunotherapy is validated using immunotherapy-treated cancers (n = 1261) including our lung cancer cohort (n = 497). Deconvolution of spatial transcriptomes discriminates TLS-enriched from non-enriched cell types among immunotherapy-favorable components. Our systematic dissection of tumor-normal ecosystems provides a deeper understanding of inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junho Kang
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Hyeong Lee
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hongui Cha
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhyeon An
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Joonha Kwon
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Division of Cancer Data Science, National Cancer Center, Bioinformatics Branch, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongwoo Lee
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongryong Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Mert Yakup Baykan
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - So Yeon Kim
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Dohyeon An
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ah-Young Kwon
- Department of Pathology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jung An
- Department of Pathology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Hoon Lee
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute of Health Science and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jung Kyoon Choi
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
- Penta Medix Co., Ltd., Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jong-Eun Park
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
- Biomedical Research Center, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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26
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Jamali M, Barar E, Shi J. Unveiling the Molecular Landscape of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Insights into the Role of the COMPASS-like Complex. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5069. [PMID: 38791111 PMCID: PMC11121229 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is poised to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death by 2030, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies. Genetic and epigenetic alterations, including those involving the COMPASS-like complex genes, have emerged as critical drivers of PDAC progression. This review explores the genetic and epigenetic landscape of PDAC, focusing on the role of the COMPASS-like complex in regulating chromatin accessibility and gene expression. Specifically, we delve into the functions of key components such as KDM6A, KMT2D, KMT2C, KMT2A, and KMT2B, highlighting their significance as potential therapeutic targets. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of these findings for developing novel treatment modalities for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Jamali
- Department of Pathology & Clinical Labs, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Erfaneh Barar
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1416634793, Iran
| | - Jiaqi Shi
- Department of Pathology & Clinical Labs, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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27
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Zhang J, Gu J, Wang X, Ji C, Yu D, Wang M, Pan J, Santos HA, Zhang H, Zhang X. Engineering and Targeting Neutrophils for Cancer Therapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2310318. [PMID: 38320755 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202310318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Neutrophils are the most abundant white blood cells in the circulation and act as the first line of defense against infections. Increasing evidence suggests that neutrophils possess heterogeneous phenotypes and functional plasticity in human health and diseases, including cancer. Neutrophils play multifaceted roles in cancer development and progression, and an N1/N2 paradigm of neutrophils in cancer is proposed, where N1 neutrophils exert anti-tumor properties while N2 neutrophils display tumor-supportive and immune-suppressive functions. Selective activation of beneficial neutrophil population and targeted inhibition or re-polarization of tumor-promoting neutrophils has shown an important potential in tumor therapy. In addition, due to the natural inflammation-responsive and physical barrier-crossing abilities, neutrophils and their derivatives (membranes and extracellular vesicles (EVs)) are regarded as advanced drug delivery carriers for enhanced tumor targeting and improved therapeutic efficacy. In this review, the recent advances in engineering neutrophils for drug delivery and targeting neutrophils for remodeling tumor microenvironment (TME) are comprehensively presented. This review will provide a broad understanding of the potential of neutrophils in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Jianmei Gu
- Departmemt of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226361, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangsu University Cancer Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212001, China
| | - Cheng Ji
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Dan Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Maoye Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Jianming Pan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Hélder A Santos
- Department of Biomaterials and Biomedical Technology, University Medical Center Groningen/University of Groningen, Ant. Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9713 AV, Netherlands
- W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Ant. Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9713 AV, Netherlands
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland
| | - Hongbo Zhang
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory, Abo Akademi University, Turku, 20520, Finland
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Abo Akademi University, Turku, 20520, Finland
| | - Xu Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
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28
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James P, Kaushal D, Beaumont Wilson R. NETosis in Surgery: Pathophysiology, Prevention, and Treatment. Ann Surg 2024; 279:765-780. [PMID: 38214150 PMCID: PMC10997183 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000006196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide surgeons with an understanding of the latest research on NETosis, including the pathophysiology and treatment of conditions involving neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in the care of surgical patients. BACKGROUND A novel function of neutrophils, the formation of NETs, was described in 2004. Neutrophils form mesh-like structures of extruded decondensed chromatin, comprising DNA and histones decorated with bactericidal proteins. These NETs exert antimicrobial action by trapping microorganisms and preventing their wider dissemination through the body. RESULTS A narrative review of the existing literature describing NETosis was conducted, including NET pathophysiology, conditions related to NET formation, and treatments relevant to surgeons. CONCLUSIONS In addition to its canonical antimicrobial function, NETosis can exacerbate inflammation, resulting in tissue damage and contributing to numerous diseases. NETs promote gallstone formation and acute pancreatitis, impair wound healing in the early postoperative period and in chronic wounds, and facilitate intravascular coagulation, cancer growth, and metastasis. Agents that target NET formation or removal have shown promising efficacy in treating these conditions, although large clinical trials are required to confirm these benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippa James
- Department of General Surgery, Campbelltown Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Devesh Kaushal
- Department of General Surgery, Campbelltown Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Robert Beaumont Wilson
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Liverpool Clinical School, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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29
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Horvath L, Puschmann C, Scheiber A, Martowicz A, Sturm G, Trajanoski Z, Wolf D, Pircher A, Salcher S. Beyond binary: bridging neutrophil diversity to new therapeutic approaches in NSCLC. Trends Cancer 2024; 10:457-474. [PMID: 38360439 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.01.010] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Neutrophils represent the most abundant myeloid cell subtype in the non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumor microenvironment (TME). By anti- or protumor polarization, they impact multiple aspects of tumor biology and affect sensitivity to conventional therapies and immunotherapies. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analyses have unraveled an extensive neutrophil heterogeneity, helping our understanding of their pleiotropic role. In this review we summarize recent data and models on tumor-associated neutrophil (TAN) biology, focusing on the diversity that evolves in response to tumor-intrinsic cues. We categorize available transcriptomic profiles from different cancer entities into a defined set of neutrophil subclusters with distinct phenotypic properties, to step beyond the traditional binary N1/2 classification. Finally, we discuss potential ways to exploit these neutrophil states in the setting of anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Horvath
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Internal Medicine V, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI), Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI), Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Constanze Puschmann
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Internal Medicine V, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI), Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI), Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Alexandra Scheiber
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Internal Medicine V, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI), Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI), Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Agnieszka Martowicz
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Internal Medicine V, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI), Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI), Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gregor Sturm
- Biocenter, Institute of Bioinformatics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Boehringer Ingelheim International Pharma GmbH & Co KG, Biberach, Germany
| | - Zlatko Trajanoski
- Biocenter, Institute of Bioinformatics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dominik Wolf
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Internal Medicine V, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI), Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI), Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Pircher
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Internal Medicine V, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI), Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI), Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Stefan Salcher
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Internal Medicine V, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI), Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI), Innsbruck, Austria.
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30
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Guan M, Liu S, Yang YG, Song Y, Zhang Y, Sun T. Chemokine systems in oncology: From microenvironment modulation to nanocarrier innovations. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 268:131679. [PMID: 38641274 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131679] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, significant strides have been made in understanding the pivotal roles that chemokine networks play in tumor biology. These networks, comprising chemokines and their receptors, wield substantial influence over cancer immune regulation and therapeutic outcomes. As a result, targeting these chemokine systems has emerged as a promising avenue for cancer immunotherapy. However, therapies targeting chemokines face significant challenges in solid tumor treatment, due to the complex and fragile of the chemokine networks. A nuanced comprehension of the complicacy and functions of chemokine networks, and their impact on the tumor microenvironment, is essential for optimizing their therapeutic utility in oncology. This review elucidates the ways in which chemokine networks interact with cancer immunity and tumorigenesis. We particularly elaborate on recent innovations in manipulating these networks for cancer treatment. The review also highlights future challenges and explores potential biomaterial strategies for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Guan
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Shuhan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yong-Guang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yanqiu Song
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China.
| | - Yuning Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China.
| | - Tianmeng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China; State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China.
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31
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Kim SC, Seo HY, Lee JO, Maeng JE, Shin YK, Lee SH, Jang JY, Ku JL. Establishment, characterization, and biobanking of 36 pancreatic cancer organoids: prediction of metastasis in resectable pancreatic cancer. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024:10.1007/s13402-024-00939-5. [PMID: 38619751 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-024-00939-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Early dissemination of primary pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the main cause of dismal prognosis as it highly limits possible treatment options. A number of PDAC patients experience distant metastasis even after treatment due to the metastatic clones. We aimed to demonstrate the molecular architecture of borderline resectable PDAC manifests cancer dissemination of PDAC. METHODS Here, 36 organoids isolated from primary tumor masses of PDAC patients with diverse metastatic statues are presented. Whole-exome sequencing and RNA sequencing were performed and drug responses to clinically relevant 18 compounds were assessed. RESULTS Our results revealed that borderline resectable PDAC organoids exhibited distinct patterns according to their metastatic potency highlighted by multiple genetic and transcriptional factors and strong variances in drug responses. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the presence of metastatic PDAC can be identified by integrating molecular compositions and drug responses of borderline resectable PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soon-Chan Kim
- Korean Cell Line Bank, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Korea
- Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ha-Young Seo
- Korean Cell Line Bank, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Korea
| | - Ja-Oh Lee
- Korean Cell Line Bank, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Korea
| | - Ju Eun Maeng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Kyoung Shin
- Korean Cell Line Bank, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Korea
| | - Sang Hyub Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Korea.
| | - Jin-Young Jang
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea.
| | - Ja-Lok Ku
- Korean Cell Line Bank, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Korea.
- Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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32
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Yang EL, Sun ZJ. Nanomedicine Targeting Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Enhances Anti-Tumor Immunity. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303294. [PMID: 38288864 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303294] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy, a field within immunology that aims to enhance the host's anti-cancer immune response, frequently encounters challenges associated with suboptimal response rates. The presence of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), crucial constituents of the tumor microenvironment (TME), exacerbates this issue by fostering immunosuppression and impeding T cell differentiation and maturation. Consequently, targeting MDSCs has emerged as crucial for immunotherapy aimed at enhancing anti-tumor responses. The development of nanomedicines specifically designed to target MDSCs aims to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy by transforming immunosuppressive tumors into ones more responsive to immune intervention. This review provides a detailed overview of MDSCs in the TME and current strategies targeting these cells. Also the benefits of nanoparticle-assisted drug delivery systems, including design flexibility, efficient drug loading, and protection against enzymatic degradation, are highlighted. It summarizes advances in nanomedicine targeting MDSCs, covering enhanced treatment efficacy, safety, and modulation of the TME, laying the groundwork for more potent cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- En-Li Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430079, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430079, China
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Rezaie J, Chodari L, Mohammadpour-Asl S, Jafari A, Niknam Z. Cell-mediated barriers in cancer immunosurveillance. Life Sci 2024; 342:122528. [PMID: 38408406 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122528] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) exert multifaceted functions ranging from tumor-antagonizing or tumor-promoting activities. During the initial phases of tumor development, the tumor-antagonizing immune cells in the TME combat cancer cells in an immune surveillance process. However, with time, cancer cells can evade detection and impede the immune cells' effectiveness through diverse mechanisms, such as decreasing immunogenic antigen presentation on their surfaces and/or secreting anti-immune factors that cause tolerance in TME. Moreover, some immune cells cause immunosuppressive situations and inhibit antitumoral immune responses. Physical and cellular-mediated barriers in the TME, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumor endothelium, the altered lipid composition of tumor cells, and exosomes secreted from cancer cells, also mediate immunosuppression and prevent extravasation of immune cells. Due to successful clinical outcomes of cancer treatment strategies the potential barriers must be identified and addressed. We need to figure out how to optimize cancer immunotherapy strategies, and how to combine therapeutic approaches for maximum clinical benefit. This review provides a detailed overview of various cells and molecules in the TME, their association with escaping from immune surveillance, therapeutic targets, and future perspectives for improving cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jafar Rezaie
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Leila Chodari
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Shadi Mohammadpour-Asl
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Abbas Jafari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Zahra Niknam
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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Tan Z, Chiu MS, Yue M, Kwok HY, Tse MH, Wen Y, Chen B, Yang D, Zhou D, Song YQ, Man K, Chen Z. Enhancing the efficacy of vaccinia-based oncolytic virotherapy by inhibiting CXCR2-mediated MDSC trafficking. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 115:633-646. [PMID: 38066571 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad150] [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: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic virotherapy is an innovative approach for cancer treatment. However, recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) into the tumor microenvironment (TME) after oncolysis-mediated local inflammation leads to tumor resistance to the therapy. Using the murine malignant mesothelioma model, we demonstrated that the in situ vaccinia virotherapy recruited primarily polymorphonuclear MDSCs (PMN-MDSCs) into the TME, where they exhibited strong suppression of cytotoxic T lymphocytes in a reactive oxygen species-dependent way. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis confirmed the suppressive profile of PMN-MDSCs at the transcriptomic level and identified CXCR2 as a therapeutic target expressed on PMN-MDSCs. Abrogating PMN-MDSC trafficking by CXCR2-specific small molecule inhibitor during the vaccinia virotherapy exhibited enhanced antitumor efficacy in 3 syngeneic cancer models, through increasing CD8+/MDSC ratios in the TME, activating cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and skewing suppressive TME into an antitumor environment. Our results warrant clinical development of CXCR2 inhibitor in combination with oncolytic virotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwu Tan
- AIDS Institute and Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Mei Sum Chiu
- AIDS Institute and Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Yue
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Hau Yee Kwok
- AIDS Institute and Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Man Ho Tse
- AIDS Institute and Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Wen
- AIDS Institute and Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Bohao Chen
- AIDS Institute and Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Dawei Yang
- AIDS Institute and Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongyan Zhou
- AIDS Institute and Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - You-Qiang Song
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Kwan Man
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiwei Chen
- AIDS Institute and Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
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35
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Linehan A, O’Reilly M, McDermott R, O’Kane GM. Targeting KRAS mutations in pancreatic cancer: opportunities for future strategies. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1369136. [PMID: 38576709 PMCID: PMC10991798 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1369136] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeting the RAS pathway remains the holy grail of precision oncology. In the case of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC), 90-92% harbor mutations in the oncogene KRAS, triggering canonical MAPK signaling. The smooth structure of the altered KRAS protein without a binding pocket and its affinity for GTP have, in the past, hampered drug development. The emergence of KRASG12C covalent inhibitors has provided renewed enthusiasm for targeting KRAS. The numerous pathways implicated in RAS activation do, however, lead to the development of early resistance. In addition, the dense stromal niche and immunosuppressive microenvironment dictated by oncogenic KRAS can influence treatment responses, highlighting the need for a combination-based approach. Given that mutations in KRAS occur early in PDAC tumorigenesis, an understanding of its pleiotropic effects is key to progress in this disease. Herein, we review current perspectives on targeting KRAS with a focus on PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Linehan
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mary O’Reilly
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ray McDermott
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Grainne M. O’Kane
- Department of Medical Oncology, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
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36
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Song N, Cui K, Zeng L, Li M, Fan Y, Shi P, Wang Z, Su W, Wang H. Advance in the role of chemokines/chemokine receptors in carcinogenesis: Focus on pancreatic cancer. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 967:176357. [PMID: 38309677 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176357] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
The chemokines/chemokine receptors pathway significantly influences cell migration, particularly in recruiting immune cells to the tumor microenvironment (TME), impacting tumor progression and treatment outcomes. Emerging research emphasizes the involvement of chemokines in drug resistance across various tumor therapies, including immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. This review focuses on the role of chemokines/chemokine receptors in pancreatic cancer (PC) development, highlighting their impact on TME remodeling, immunotherapy, and relevant signaling pathways. The unique immunosuppressive microenvironment formed by the interaction of tumor cells, stromal cells and immune cells plays an important role in the tumor proliferation, invasion, migration and therapeutic resistance. Chemokines/chemokine receptors, such as chemokine ligand (CCL) 2, CCL3, CCL5, CCL20, CCL21, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL) 1, CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL4, CXCL5, CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCL12, CXCL13, CXCL14, CXCL16, CXCL17, and C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand (CX3CL)1, derived mainly from leukocyte cells, cancer-related fibroblasts (CAFs), pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), contribute to PC progression and treatment resistance. Chemokines recruit myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), regulatory T cells (Tregs), and M2 macrophages, inhibiting the anti-tumor activity of immune cells. Simultaneously, they enhance pathways like epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), Akt serine/threonine kinase (AKT), extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) 1/2, and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), etc., elevating the risk of PC metastasis and compromising the efficacy of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy. Notably, the CCLx-CCR2 and CXCLx-CXCR2/4 axis emerge as potential therapeutic targets in PC. This review integrates recent findings on chemokines and receptors in PC treatment, offering valuable insights for innovative therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Song
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, China; Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453000, China
| | - Kai Cui
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453000, China
| | - Liqun Zeng
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453000, China
| | - Mengxiao Li
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, China
| | - Yanwu Fan
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453000, China
| | - Pingyu Shi
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453000, China
| | - Ziwei Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453000, China
| | - Wei Su
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, China.
| | - Haijun Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, China; Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453000, China.
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Molina-Arcas M, Downward J. Exploiting the therapeutic implications of KRAS inhibition on tumor immunity. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:338-357. [PMID: 38471457 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, RAS oncogenic proteins have transitioned from being deemed undruggable to having two clinically approved drugs, with several more in advanced stages of development. Despite the initial benefit of KRAS-G12C inhibitors for patients with tumors harboring this mutation, the rapid emergence of drug resistance underscores the urgent need to synergize these inhibitors with other therapeutic approaches to improve outcomes. RAS mutant tumor cells can create an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), suggesting an increased susceptibility to immunotherapies following RAS inhibition. This provides a rationale for combining RAS inhibitory drugs with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). However, achieving this synergy in the clinical setting has proven challenging. Here, we explore how understanding the impact of RAS mutant tumor cells on the TME can guide innovative approaches to combining RAS inhibition with immunotherapies, review progress in both pre-clinical and clinical stages, and discuss challenges and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julian Downward
- Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK.
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38
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Arshad J, Rao A, Repp ML, Rao R, Wu C, Merchant JL. Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells: Therapeutic Target for Gastrointestinal Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2985. [PMID: 38474232 PMCID: PMC10931832 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancers represent one of the more challenging cancers to treat. Current strategies to cure and control gastrointestinal (GI) cancers like surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy have met with limited success, and research has turned towards further characterizing the tumor microenvironment to develop novel therapeutics. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have emerged as crucial drivers of pathogenesis and progression within the tumor microenvironment in GI malignancies. Many MDSCs clinical targets have been defined in preclinical models, that potentially play an integral role in blocking recruitment and expansion, promoting MDSC differentiation into mature myeloid cells, depleting existing MDSCs, altering MDSC metabolic pathways, and directly inhibiting MDSC function. This review article analyzes the role of MDSCs in GI cancers as viable therapeutic targets for gastrointestinal malignancies and reviews the existing clinical trial landscape of recently completed and ongoing clinical studies testing novel therapeutics in GI cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Arshad
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, GI Medical Oncology, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA;
| | - Amith Rao
- Banner University Medical Center—University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA; (A.R.)
| | - Matthew L. Repp
- College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA;
| | - Rohit Rao
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA;
| | - Clinton Wu
- Banner University Medical Center—University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA; (A.R.)
| | - Juanita L. Merchant
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
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Wang P, Jie Y, Yao L, Sun YM, Jiang DP, Zhang SQ, Wang XY, Fan Y. Cells in the liver microenvironment regulate the process of liver metastasis. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e3969. [PMID: 38459746 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
The research of liver metastasis is a developing field. The ability of tumor cells to invade the liver depends on the complicated interactions between metastatic cells and local subpopulations in the liver (including Kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, and immune-related cells). These interactions are mainly mediated by intercellular adhesion and the release of cytokines. Cell populations in the liver microenvironment can play a dual role in the progression of liver metastasis through different mechanisms. At the same time, we can see the participation of liver parenchymal cells and nonparenchymal cells in the process of liver metastasis of different tumors. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to summarize the relationship between cellular components of liver microenvironment and metastasis and emphasize the importance of different cells in the occurrence or potential regression of liver metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Wang
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Jie
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Yao
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yi-Meng Sun
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Da-Peng Jiang
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shi-Qi Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Suqian First People's Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Suqian First People's Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Fan
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
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Yamada Y, Yamamoto T, Tsutsumi C, Matsumoto T, Noguchi S, Shimada Y, Nakata K, Ohuchida K, Nakamura M, Oda Y. Immature stroma and high infiltration of CD15 + cells are predictive markers of poor prognosis in different subsets of patients with pancreatic cancer. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:1001-1013. [PMID: 38230840 PMCID: PMC10920995 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16060] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Preoperative treatment is commonly carried out for borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the relationship between the combination of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and their intratumoral heterogeneity along with their association with histological findings remains unclear, especially in patients receiving preoperative chemotherapy. We aimed to explore the therapeutic strategies for patients with PDAC with poor prognosis after receiving chemotherapy based on histological and immunological microenvironmental classifications. We investigated the correlation between the prognosis and histological immune microenvironmental factors of patients who initially underwent surgery (n = 100) and were receiving gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel (GEM + nabPTX) as preoperative chemotherapy (n = 103). Immune profiles were generated based on immune cell infiltration into the tumor, and their correlation with patient outcomes and histological features was analyzed. Tumor-infiltrating neutrophils (TINs) were identified as independent poor prognostic factors using multivariate analysis in both surgery-first and preoperative chemotherapy groups. The patients were further classified into four groups based on immune cell infiltration into the tumor. Patients with high CD15 infiltration into the tumor and immature stroma at the cancer margins showed the worst prognosis in the preoperative chemotherapy group. The analysis of mRNA expression and immunohistochemical features revealed that CXCR2, the receptor for CXCL8, was correlated with disease-free and overall survival. We inferred that patients with immature stroma at the margins and high infiltration of CD15+ neutrophils within the tumor showed the worst prognosis and they could particularly benefit from treatment with inhibitors targeting CXCR2 or CXCL8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Yamada
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical SciencesKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical SciencesKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Takeo Yamamoto
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical SciencesKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical SciencesKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Chikanori Tsutsumi
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical SciencesKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Takashi Matsumoto
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical SciencesKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical SciencesKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Shoko Noguchi
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical SciencesKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical SciencesKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Yuki Shimada
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical SciencesKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical SciencesKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Kohei Nakata
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical SciencesKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Kenoki Ohuchida
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical SciencesKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Masafumi Nakamura
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical SciencesKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Yoshinao Oda
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical SciencesKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
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41
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Fetit R, McLaren AS, White M, Mills ML, Falconer J, Cortes-Lavaud X, Gilroy K, Lannagan TRM, Ridgway RA, Nixon C, Naiker V, Njunge R, Clarke CJ, Whyte D, Kirschner K, Jackstadt R, Norman J, Carlin LM, Campbell AD, Sansom OJ, Steele CW. Characterizing Neutrophil Subtypes in Cancer Using scRNA Sequencing Demonstrates the Importance of IL1β/CXCR2 Axis in Generation of Metastasis-specific Neutrophils. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:588-606. [PMID: 38358352 PMCID: PMC10903300 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Neutrophils are a highly heterogeneous cellular population. However, a thorough examination of the different transcriptional neutrophil states between health and malignancy has not been performed. We utilized single-cell RNA sequencing of human and murine datasets, both publicly available and independently generated, to identify neutrophil transcriptomic subtypes and developmental lineages in health and malignancy. Datasets of lung, breast, and colorectal cancer were integrated to establish and validate neutrophil gene signatures. Pseudotime analysis was used to identify genes driving neutrophil development from health to cancer. Finally, ligand-receptor interactions and signaling pathways between neutrophils and other immune cell populations in primary colorectal cancer and metastatic colorectal cancer were investigated. We define two main neutrophil subtypes in primary tumors: an activated subtype sharing the transcriptomic signatures of healthy neutrophils; and a tumor-specific subtype. This signature is conserved in murine and human cancer, across different tumor types. In colorectal cancer metastases, neutrophils are more heterogeneous, exhibiting additional transcriptomic subtypes. Pseudotime analysis implicates IL1β/CXCL8/CXCR2 axis in the progression of neutrophils from health to cancer and metastasis, with effects on T-cell effector function. Functional analysis of neutrophil-tumoroid cocultures and T-cell proliferation assays using orthotopic metastatic mouse models lacking Cxcr2 in neutrophils support our transcriptional analysis. We propose that the emergence of metastatic-specific neutrophil subtypes is driven by the IL1β/CXCL8/CXCR2 axis, with the evolution of different transcriptomic signals that impair T-cell function at the metastatic site. Thus, a better understanding of neutrophil transcriptomic programming could optimize immunotherapeutic interventions into early and late interventions, targeting different neutrophil states. SIGNIFICANCE We identify two recurring neutrophil populations and demonstrate their staged evolution from health to malignancy through the IL1β/CXCL8/CXCR2 axis, allowing for immunotherapeutic neutrophil-targeting approaches to counteract immunosuppressive subtypes that emerge in metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Fetit
- CRUK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Alistair S McLaren
- CRUK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- School of Cancer Sciences, MVLS, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Mark White
- CRUK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- School of Cancer Sciences, MVLS, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Kathryn Gilroy
- CRUK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- School of Cancer Sciences, MVLS, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Colin Nixon
- CRUK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Renee Njunge
- CRUK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Declan Whyte
- CRUK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Kristina Kirschner
- CRUK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- School of Cancer Sciences, MVLS, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jim Norman
- CRUK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- School of Cancer Sciences, MVLS, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Leo M Carlin
- CRUK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- School of Cancer Sciences, MVLS, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Owen J Sansom
- CRUK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- School of Cancer Sciences, MVLS, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Colin W Steele
- CRUK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- School of Cancer Sciences, MVLS, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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42
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Deng C, Xu Y, Chen H, Zhu X, Huang L, Chen Z, Xu H, Song G, Lu J, Huang W, Liu R, Tang Q, Wang J. Extracellular-vesicle-packaged S100A11 from osteosarcoma cells mediates lung premetastatic niche formation by recruiting gMDSCs. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113751. [PMID: 38341855 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113751] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The premetastatic niche (PMN) contributes to lung-specific metastatic tropism in osteosarcoma. However, the crosstalk between primary tumor cells and lung stromal cells is not clearly defined. Here, we dissect the composition of immune cells in the lung PMN and identify granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cell (gMDSC) infiltration as positively associated with immunosuppressive PMN formation and tumor cell colonization. Osteosarcoma-cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) activate lung interstitial macrophages to initiate the influx of gMDSCs via secretion of the chemokine CXCL2. Proteomic profiling of EVs reveals that EV-packaged S100A11 stimulates the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathway in macrophages by interacting with USP9X. High level of S100A11 expression or circulating gMDSCs correlates with the presentation of lung metastasis and poor prognosis in osteosarcoma patients. In summary, we identify a key role of tumor-derived EVs in lung PMN formation, providing potential strategies for monitoring or preventing lung metastasis in osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuangzhong Deng
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Yanyang Xu
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Hongmin Chen
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Xiaojun Zhu
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Lihua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China; Administration Department of Nosocomial Infection, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Zhihao Chen
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Huaiyuan Xu
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Guohui Song
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Jinchang Lu
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Wenlin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Ranyi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Qinglian Tang
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.
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43
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Sahu P, Mitra A, Ganguly A. Targeting KRAS and SHP2 signaling pathways for immunomodulation and improving treatment outcomes in solid tumors. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 386:167-222. [PMID: 38782499 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2024.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Historically, KRAS has been considered 'undruggable' inspite of being one of the most frequently altered oncogenic proteins in solid tumors, primarily due to the paucity of pharmacologically 'druggable' pockets within the mutant isoforms. However, pioneering developments in drug design capable of targeting the mutant KRAS isoforms especially KRASG12C-mutant cancers, have opened the doors for emergence of combination therapies comprising of a plethora of inhibitors targeting different signaling pathways. SHP2 signaling pathway, primarily known for activation of intracellular signaling pathways such as KRAS has come up as a potential target for such combination therapies as it emerged to be the signaling protein connecting KRAS and the immune signaling pathways and providing the link for understanding the overlapping regions of RAS/ERK/MAPK signaling cascade. Thus, SHP2 inhibitors having potent tumoricidal activity as well as role in immunomodulation have generated keen interest in researchers to explore its potential as combination therapy in KRAS mutant solid tumors. However, the excitement with these combination therapies need to overcome challenges thrown up by drug resistance and enhanced toxicity. In this review, we will discuss KRAS and SHP2 signaling pathways and their roles in immunomodulation and regulation of tumor microenvironment and also analyze the positive effects and drawbacks of the different combination therapies targeted at these signaling pathways along with their present and future potential to treat solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Sahu
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ankita Mitra
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Anirban Ganguly
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, Jharkhand, India.
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44
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Basnet A, Landreth KM, Nohoesu R, Santiago SP, Geldenhuys WJ, Boone BA, Liu TW. Targeting myeloperoxidase limits myeloid cell immunosuppression enhancing immune checkpoint therapy for pancreatic cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:57. [PMID: 38367056 PMCID: PMC10874341 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03647-z] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a devastating disease characterized by an extreme resistance to current therapies, including immune checkpoint therapy. The limited success of immunotherapies can be attributed to a highly immunosuppressive pancreatic cancer microenvironment characterized by an extensive infiltration of immune suppressing myeloid cells. While there are several pathways through which myeloid cells contribute to immunosuppression, one important mechanism is the increased production of reactive oxygen species. Here, we evaluated the contribution of myeloperoxidase, a myeloid-lineage restricted enzyme and primary source of reactive oxygen species, to regulate immune checkpoint therapy response in preclinical pancreatic cancer models. We compared treatment outcome, immune composition and characterized myeloid cells using wild-type, myeloperoxidase-deficient, and myeloperoxidase inhibitor treated wild-type mice using established subcutaneous pancreatic cancer models. Loss of host myeloperoxidase and pharmacological inhibition of myeloperoxidase in combination with immune checkpoint therapy significantly delayed tumor growth. The tumor microenvironment and systemic immune landscape demonstrated significant decreases in myeloid cells, exhausted T cells and T regulatory cell subsets when myeloperoxidase was deficient. Loss of myeloperoxidase in isolated myeloid cell subsets from tumor-bearing mice resulted in decreased reactive oxygen species production and T cell suppression. These data suggest that myeloperoxidase contributes to an immunosuppressive microenvironment and immune checkpoint therapy resistance where myeloperoxidase inhibitors have the potential to enhance immunotherapy response. Repurposing myeloperoxidase specific inhibitors may provide a promising therapeutic strategy to expand therapeutic options for pancreatic cancer patients to include immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angisha Basnet
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, 64 Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Kaitlyn M Landreth
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, 64 Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Remi Nohoesu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, 64 Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Stell P Santiago
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Laboratory Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Werner J Geldenhuys
- WVU Cancer Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Brian A Boone
- WVU Cancer Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Tracy W Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, 64 Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.
- WVU Cancer Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.
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45
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Joseph AM, Al Aiyan A, Al-Ramadi B, Singh SK, Kishore U. Innate and adaptive immune-directed tumour microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1323198. [PMID: 38384463 PMCID: PMC10879611 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1323198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the most deadly and aggressive cancers in the world, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), typically manifests at an advanced stage. PDAC is becoming more common, and by the year 2030, it is expected to overtake lung cancer as the second greatest cause of cancer-related death. The poor prognosis can be attributed to a number of factors, including difficulties in early identification, a poor probability of curative radical resection, limited response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and its immunotherapy resistance. Furthermore, an extensive desmoplastic stroma that surrounds PDAC forms a mechanical barrier that prevents vascularization and promotes poor immune cell penetration. Phenotypic heterogeneity, drug resistance, and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment are the main causes of PDAC aggressiveness. There is a complex and dynamic interaction between tumor cells in PDAC with stromal cells within the tumour immune microenvironment. The immune suppressive microenvironment that promotes PDAC aggressiveness is contributed by a range of cellular and humoral factors, which itself are modulated by the cancer. In this review, we describe the role of innate and adaptive immune cells, complex tumor microenvironment in PDAC, humoral factors, innate immune-mediated therapeutic advances, and recent clinical trials in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Mary Joseph
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (CAVM), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmad Al Aiyan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (CAVM), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Basel Al-Ramadi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shiv K. Singh
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, University Medical Center, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Uday Kishore
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (CAVM), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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46
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Armstrong AJ, Geva R, Chung HC, Lemech C, Miller WH, Hansen AR, Lee JS, Tsai F, Solomon BJ, Kim TM, Rolfo C, Giranda V, Ren Y, Liu F, Kandala B, Freshwater T, Wang JS. CXCR2 antagonist navarixin in combination with pembrolizumab in select advanced solid tumors: a phase 2 randomized trial. Invest New Drugs 2024; 42:145-159. [PMID: 38324085 PMCID: PMC11076327 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-023-01410-2] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) has a role in tumor progression, lineage plasticity, and reduction of immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy. Preclinical evidence suggests potential benefit of CXCR2 inhibition in multiple solid tumors. In this phase 2 study (NCT03473925), adults with previously treated advanced or metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer (MSS CRC), or non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were randomized 1:1 to the CXCR2 antagonist navarixin 30 or 100 mg orally once daily plus pembrolizumab 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks up to 35 cycles. Primary endpoints were investigator-assessed objective response rate (RECIST v1.1) and safety. Of 105 patients (CRPC, n=40; MSS CRC, n=40; NSCLC, n=25), 3 had a partial response (2 CRPC, 1 MSS CRC) for ORRs of 5%, 2.5%, and 0%, respectively. Median progression-free survival was 1.8-2.4 months without evidence of a dose-response relationship, and the study was closed at a prespecified interim analysis for lack of efficacy. Dose-limiting toxicities occurred in 2/48 patients (4%) receiving navarixin 30 mg and 3/48 (6%) receiving navarixin 100 mg; events included grade 4 neutropenia and grade 3 transaminase elevation, hepatitis, and pneumonitis. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 70/105 patients (67%) and led to treatment discontinuation in 7/105 (7%). Maximal reductions from baseline in absolute neutrophil count were 44.5%-48.2% (cycle 1) and 37.5%-44.2% (cycle 2) and occurred within 6-12 hours postdose in both groups. Navarixin plus pembrolizumab did not demonstrate sufficient efficacy in this study. Safety and tolerability of the combination were manageable. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT03473925).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Armstrong
- Duke Cancer Institute Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancers, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Ravit Geva
- Division of Oncology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, affiliated to the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hyun Cheol Chung
- Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Wilson H Miller
- Segal Cancer Center, McGill University, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Jong-Seok Lee
- Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | | | | | - Tae Min Kim
- Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Christian Rolfo
- Center for Thoracic Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, The Tisch Cancer Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Fang Liu
- Merck & Co., Inc, Rahway, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - Judy S Wang
- Florida Cancer Specialists/Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Sarasota, FL, USA
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47
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Banuelos A, Zhang A, Berouti H, Baez M, Yılmaz L, Georgeos N, Marjon KD, Miyanishi M, Weissman IL. CXCR2 inhibition in G-MDSCs enhances CD47 blockade for melanoma tumor cell clearance. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2318534121. [PMID: 38261615 PMCID: PMC10835053 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2318534121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF1R) inhibitors has been widely explored as a strategy for cancer immunotherapy due to their robust depletion of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). While CSF1R blockade effectively eliminates TAMs from the solid tumor microenvironment, its clinical efficacy is limited. Here, we use an inducible CSF1R knockout model to investigate the persistence of tumor progression in the absence of TAMs. We find increased frequencies of granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (G-MDSCs) in the bone marrow, throughout circulation, and in the tumor following CSF1R deletion and loss of TAMs. We find that G-MDSCs are capable of suppressing macrophage phagocytosis, and the elimination of G-MDSCs through CXCR2 inhibition increases macrophage capacity for tumor cell clearance. Further, we find that combination therapy of CXCR2 inhibition and CD47 blockade synergize to elicit a significant anti-tumor response. These findings reveal G-MDSCs as key drivers of tumor immunosuppression and demonstrate their inhibition as a potent strategy to increase macrophage phagocytosis and enhance the anti-tumor efficacy of CD47 blockade in B16-F10 melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Banuelos
- Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Stem Cell Research and Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Allison Zhang
- Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Stem Cell Research and Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Hala Berouti
- Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Stem Cell Research and Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Michelle Baez
- Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Stem Cell Research and Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Leyla Yılmaz
- Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Stem Cell Research and Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Nardin Georgeos
- Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Stem Cell Research and Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Kristopher D. Marjon
- Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Stem Cell Research and Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Masanori Miyanishi
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Biology and Medical Innovation (HSCBMI), Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe650-0047, Japan
| | - Irving L. Weissman
- Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Stem Cell Research and Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
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48
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Lekan AA, Weiner LM. The Role of Chemokines in Orchestrating the Immune Response to Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:559. [PMID: 38339310 PMCID: PMC10854906 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030559] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemokines are small molecules that function as chemotactic factors which regulate the migration, infiltration, and accumulation of immune cells. Here, we comprehensively assess the structural and functional role of chemokines, examine the effects of chemokines that are present in the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumor microenvironment (TME), specifically those produced by cancer cells and stromal components, and evaluate their impact on immune cell trafficking, both in promoting and suppressing anti-tumor responses. We further explore the impact of chemokines on patient outcomes in PDAC and their role in the context of immunotherapy treatments, and review clinical trials that have targeted chemokine receptors and ligands in the treatment of PDAC. Lastly, we highlight potential strategies that can be utilized to harness chemokines in order to increase cytotoxic immune cell infiltration and the anti-tumor effects of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Louis M. Weiner
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3970 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA;
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49
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Luo W, Wen T, Qu X. Tumor immune microenvironment-based therapies in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: time to update the concept. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:8. [PMID: 38167055 PMCID: PMC10759657 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02935-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal solid tumors. The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) formed by interactions among cancer cells, immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), and extracellular matrix (ECM) components drives PDAC in a more immunosuppressive direction: this is a major cause of therapy resistance and poor prognosis. In recent years, research has advanced our understanding of the signaling mechanism by which TIME components interact with the tumor and the evolution of immunophenotyping. Through revolutionary technologies such as single-cell sequencing, we have gone from simply classifying PDACs as "cold" and "hot" to a more comprehensive approach of immunophenotyping that considers all the cells and matrix components. This is key to improving the clinical efficacy of PDAC treatments. In this review, we elaborate on various TIME components in PDAC, the signaling mechanisms underlying their interactions, and the latest research into PDAC immunophenotyping. A deep understanding of these network interactions will contribute to the effective combination of TIME-based therapeutic approaches, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), adoptive cell therapy, therapies targeting myeloid cells, CAF reprogramming, and stromal normalization. By selecting the appropriate integrated therapies based on precise immunophenotyping, significant advances in the future treatment of PDAC are possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Luo
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
- Clinical Cancer Research Center of Shenyang, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Ti Wen
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
- Clinical Cancer Research Center of Shenyang, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
| | - Xiujuan Qu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
- Clinical Cancer Research Center of Shenyang, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
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50
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Boumelha J, Molina-Arcas M, Downward J. Facts and Hopes on RAS Inhibitors and Cancer Immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:5012-5020. [PMID: 37581538 PMCID: PMC10722141 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-3655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Although the past decade has seen great strides in the development of immunotherapies that reactivate the immune system against tumors, there have also been major advances in the discovery of drugs blocking oncogenic drivers of cancer growth. However, there has been very little progress in combining immunotherapies with drugs that target oncogenic driver pathways. Some of the most important oncogenes in human cancer encode RAS family proteins, although these have proven challenging to target. Recently drugs have been approved that inhibit a specific mutant form of KRAS: G12C. These have improved the treatment of patients with lung cancer harboring this mutation, but development of acquired drug resistance after initial responses has limited the impact on overall survival. Because of the immunosuppressive nature of the signaling network controlled by oncogenic KRAS, targeted KRAS G12C inhibition can indirectly affect antitumor immunity, and does so without compromising the critical role of normal RAS proteins in immune cells. This serves as a rationale for combination with immune checkpoint blockade, which can provide additional combinatorial therapeutic benefit in some preclinical cancer models. However, in clinical trials, combination of KRAS G12C inhibitors with PD-(L)1 blockade has yet to show improved outcome, in part due to treatment toxicities. A greater understanding of how oncogenic KRAS drives immune evasion and how mutant-specific KRAS inhibition impacts the tumor microenvironment can lead to novel approaches to combining RAS inhibition with immunotherapies.
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