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Zu S, Lu Y, Xing R, Chen X, Zhang L. Changes in subset distribution and impaired function of circulating natural killer cells in patients with colorectal cancer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12188. [PMID: 38806640 PMCID: PMC11133342 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63103-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are closely associated with malignant tumor progression and metastasis. However, studies on their relevance in colorectal cancer (CRC) are limited. We aimed to comprehensively analyze the absolute counts, phenotypes, and function of circulating NK cells in patients with CRC using multiparametric flow cytometry. The distribution of NK cell subsets in the peripheral circulation of patients with CRC was significantly altered relative to the control group. This is shown by the decreased frequency and absolute count of CD56dimCD16+ NK cells with antitumor effects, contrary to the increased frequency of CD56bright NK and CD56dimCD16- NK cells with poor or ineffective antitumor effects. NK cells in patients with CRC were functionally impaired, with decreased intracellular interferon (IFN)-γ secretion and a significantly lower percentage of cell surface granzyme B and perforin expression. In addition, IFN-γ expression decreased significantly with the tumor stage progression. Based on a comprehensive analysis of the absolute counts, phenotypes, and functional markers of NK cells, we found an altered subset distribution and impaired function of circulating NK cells in patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujin Zu
- Department of Reproductive Center, Affiliated Dongyang Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 60 West Wuning Road, Dongyang, 322100, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Clinical Laboratory, DongYang People's Hospital, Affiliated Dongyang Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 60 West Wuning Road, Dongyang, 322100, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rui Xing
- The Department of Hematology, Affiliated Dongyang Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Dongyang, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences Laboratory, Affiliated DongYang Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Dongyang, Zhejiang, China
| | - Longyi Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory, DongYang People's Hospital, Affiliated Dongyang Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 60 West Wuning Road, Dongyang, 322100, Zhejiang, China.
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Yao P, Liang S, Liu Z, Xu C. A review of natural products targeting tumor immune microenvironments for the treatment of lung cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1343316. [PMID: 38361933 PMCID: PMC10867126 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1343316] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) produces some of the most malignant tumors in the world, with high morbidity and mortality. Tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), a component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), are critical in tumor development, immune escape, and drug resistance. The TIME is composed of various immune cells, immune cytokines, etc, which are important biological characteristics and determinants of tumor progression and outcomes. In this paper, we reviewed the recently published literature and discussed the potential uses of natural products in regulating TIME. We observed that a total of 37 natural compounds have been reported to exert anti-cancer effects by targeting the TIME. In different classes of natural products, terpenoids are the most frequently mentioned compounds. TAMs are one of the most investigated immune cells about therapies with natural products in TIME, with 9 natural products acting through it. 17 natural products exhibit anti-cancer properties in LC by modulating PD-1 and PD-L1 protein activity. These natural products have been extensively evaluated in animal and cellular LC models, but their clinical trials in LC patients are lacking. Based on the current review, we have revealed that the mechanisms of LC can be treated with natural products through TIME intervention, resulting in a new perspective and potential therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyu Yao
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan Maternity and Child Care Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Su Liang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan Maternity and Child Care Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhenying Liu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cuiping Xu
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital), Jinan, China
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Li L, Li J. Dimerization of Transmembrane Proteins in Cancer Immunotherapy. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:393. [PMID: 37103820 PMCID: PMC10143916 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13040393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Transmembrane proteins (TMEMs) are integrated membrane proteins that span the entire lipid bilayer and are permanently anchored to it. TMEMs participate in various cellular processes. Some TMEMs usually exist and perform their physiological functions as dimers rather than monomers. TMEM dimerization is associated with various physiological functions, such as the regulation of enzyme activity, signal transduction, and cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we focus on the dimerization of transmembrane proteins in cancer immunotherapy. This review is divided into three parts. First, the structures and functions of several TMEMs related to tumor immunity are introduced. Second, the characteristics and functions of several typical TMEM dimerization processes are analyzed. Finally, the application of the regulation of TMEM dimerization in cancer immunotherapy is introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Jingying Li
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
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Wang X, Xiong H, Ning Z. Implications of NKG2A in immunity and immune-mediated diseases. Front Immunol 2022; 13:960852. [PMID: 36032104 PMCID: PMC9399941 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.960852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent studies, NKG2A is revealed to be a key immune checkpoint for both natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells. It form heterodimer receptors with CD94, and targets the peptide-presenting human leukocyte antigen-E (HLA-E) molecules. Upon crosslinking, NKG2A/CD94 delivers inhibitory signals for NK cells and CD8+ T cells, while blocking NKG2A can effectively unleash functions of these cytotoxic lymphocytes. The interaction between NKG2A and HLA-E contributes to tumor immune escape, and NKG2A-mediated mechanisms are currently being exploited to develop potential antitumor therapeutic strategies. In addition, growing evidence shows that NKG2A also plays important roles in other immune-related diseases including viral infections, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, parasite infections and transplant rejection. Therefore, the current work focuses on describing the effect of NKG2A on immune regulation and exploring its potential role in immune-mediated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Wang
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- Jining Key Laboratory of Immunology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Huabao Xiong
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- Jining Key Laboratory of Immunology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- *Correspondence: Zhaochen Ning, ; Huabao Xiong,
| | - Zhaochen Ning
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- Jining Key Laboratory of Immunology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- *Correspondence: Zhaochen Ning, ; Huabao Xiong,
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Harnessing Natural Killer Cells in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040605. [PMID: 35203256 PMCID: PMC8869885 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. There are two main subtypes: small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC accounts for 85% of lung cancer diagnoses. Early lung cancer very often has no specific symptoms, and many patients present with late stage disease. Despite the various treatments currently available, many patients experience tumor relapse or develop therapeutic resistance, highlighting the need for more effective therapies. The development of immunotherapies has revolutionized the cancer treatment landscape by enhancing the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial anti-tumor immune cells, and their exclusion from the tumor microenvironment is associated with poorer survival. It is well established that NK cell frequencies and functions are impaired in NSCLC; thus, placing NK cell-based immunotherapies as a desirable therapeutic concept for this malignancy. Immunotherapies such as checkpoint inhibitors are transforming outcomes for NSCLC. This review explores the current treatment landscape for NSCLC, the role of NK cells and their dysfunction in the cancer setting, the advancement of NK cell therapies, and their future utility in NSCLC.
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Chang WA, Tsai MJ, Hung JY, Wu KL, Tsai YM, Huang YC, Chang CY, Tsai PH, Hsu YL. miR-150-5p-Containing Extracellular Vesicles Are a New Immunoregulator That Favor the Progression of Lung Cancer in Hypoxic Microenvironments by Altering the Phenotype of NK Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246252. [PMID: 34944871 PMCID: PMC8699319 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NKs) cells are cytotoxic effector cells, which can modulate tumor metastasis according to their function; however, the role of NK cells in lung cancer has not been extensively investigated. In this study, we determined the functional profiles of NK cells in a hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME) of lung cancer. We revealed CD226 downregulation and functional repression of NK cells after hypoxic lung cancer priming and we then investigated their interaction with extracellular vesicles (EVs) and miR-150-5p. We also found that NK cells from lung cancer patients had lower expression of CD226 on their surface and exhibited a pro-inflammatory, pro-angiogenic and tumorigenesis phenotype by expressing VEGF, CXCL1, CXCL8, S100A8 and MMPs. Moreover, inhibition of miR-150 improved tumor surveillance by reversing CD226 expression and subsequently reinstating cytotoxic NK cell activity in an animal model. Our study introduces a new scenario for the pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic activities of NK cells in the hypoxic TME in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-An Chang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (W.-A.C.); (M.-J.T.); (J.-Y.H.); (K.-L.W.); (Y.-M.T.)
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
| | - Ming-Ju Tsai
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (W.-A.C.); (M.-J.T.); (J.-Y.H.); (K.-L.W.); (Y.-M.T.)
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
| | - Jen-Yu Hung
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (W.-A.C.); (M.-J.T.); (J.-Y.H.); (K.-L.W.); (Y.-M.T.)
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 801, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Li Wu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (W.-A.C.); (M.-J.T.); (J.-Y.H.); (K.-L.W.); (Y.-M.T.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 801, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (Y.-C.H.); (P.-H.T.)
| | - Ying-Ming Tsai
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (W.-A.C.); (M.-J.T.); (J.-Y.H.); (K.-L.W.); (Y.-M.T.)
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
| | - Yung-Chi Huang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (Y.-C.H.); (P.-H.T.)
| | - Chao-Yuan Chang
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (Y.-C.H.); (P.-H.T.)
- Department of Anatomy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hsun Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (Y.-C.H.); (P.-H.T.)
| | - Ya-Ling Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (Y.-C.H.); (P.-H.T.)
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-7-312-1101 (ext. 2136-26)
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