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Wang Y, Liu Q, Deng L, Ma X, Gong Y, Wang Y, Zhou F. The roles of epigenetic regulation in graft-versus-host disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116652. [PMID: 38692061 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116652] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) is utilized as a potential curative treatment for various hematologic malignancies. However, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) post-aHSCT is a severe complication that significantly impacts patients' quality of life and overall survival, becoming a major cause of non-relapse mortality. In recent years, the association between epigenetics and GVHD has garnered increasing attention. Epigenetics focuses on studying mechanisms that affect gene expression without altering DNA sequences, primarily including DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) regulation, and RNA modifications. This review summarizes the role of epigenetic regulation in the pathogenesis of GVHD, with a focus on DNA methylation, histone modifications, ncRNA, RNA modifications and their involvement and applications in the occurrence and development of GVHD. It also highlights advancements in relevant diagnostic markers and drugs, aiming to provide new insights for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of GVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimin Wang
- The First Clinical Medical School, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Qi Liu
- The First Clinical Medical School, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Lei Deng
- Department of Hematology, the 960th Hospital of the People's Liberation Army Joint Logistics Support Force, Jinan, China
| | - Xiting Ma
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuling Gong
- Department of Cardiovascular, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yifei Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.
| | - Fang Zhou
- Department of Hematology, the 960th Hospital of the People's Liberation Army Joint Logistics Support Force, Jinan, China.
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Xu SJ, Chen JH, Chang S, Li HL. The role of miRNAs in T helper cell development, activation, fate decisions and tumor immunity. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1320305. [PMID: 38264670 PMCID: PMC10803515 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1320305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
T helper (Th) cells are central members of adaptive immunity and comprise the last line of defense against pathogen infection and malignant cell invasion by secreting specific cytokines. These cytokines then attract or induce the activation and differentiation of other immune cells, including antibody-producing B cells and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. Therefore, the bidirectional communication between Th cells and tumor cells and their positioning within the tumor microenvironment (TME), especially the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), sculpt the tumor immune landscape, which affects disease initiation and progression. The type, number, and condition of Th cells in the TME and TIME strongly affect tumor immunity, which is precisely regulated by key effectors, such as granzymes, perforins, cytokines, and chemokines. Moreover, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important regulators of Th cells. In this review, we discuss the role of miRNAs in regulating Th cell mediated adaptive immunity, focusing on the development, activation, fate decisions, and tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Jun Xu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Medical Device Engineering Research Center of Interventional Therapy for Non-vascular Tumors, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jin-Hua Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Suhwan Chang
- Department of Physiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hai-Liang Li
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Medical Device Engineering Research Center of Interventional Therapy for Non-vascular Tumors, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Ma Y, Xu X, Wang H, Liu Y, Piao H. Non-coding RNA in tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells formation and associated immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1228331. [PMID: 37671150 PMCID: PMC10475737 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1228331] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has exhibited promising antitumor effects in various tumors. Infiltrated regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) restrict protective immune surveillance, impede effective antitumor immune responses, and contribute to the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Selective depletion or functional attenuation of tumor-infiltrating Tregs, while eliciting effective T-cell responses, represents a potential approach for anti-tumor immunity. Furthermore, it does not disrupt the Treg-dependent immune homeostasis in healthy organs and does not induce autoimmunity. Yet, the shared cell surface molecules and signaling pathways between Tregs and multiple immune cell types pose challenges in this process. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), regulate both cancer and immune cells and thus can potentially improve antitumor responses. Here, we review recent advances in research of tumor-infiltrating Tregs, with a focus on the functional roles of immune checkpoint and inhibitory Tregs receptors and the regulatory mechanisms of ncRNAs in Treg plasticity and functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ma
- Department of Gynecology, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology (Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute), Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Huaitao Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Haiyan Piao
- Medical Oncology Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology (Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute), Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Yang Z, Wang Z, Wu L, Wang Y, Xu Z, Liu Y, Wang F, Yu D. B lymphocytes transdifferentiate into immunosuppressive erythroblast-like cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1202943. [PMID: 37545522 PMCID: PMC10401433 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1202943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that a particular group of nucleated cells that exhibit erythroid markers (TER119 in mice and CD235a in humans) possess the ability to suppress the immune system and promote tumor growth. These cells are known as CD45+ erythroid progenitor cells (EPCs). According to our study, it appears that a subset of these CD45+ EPCs originate from B lymphocytes. Under conditions of hypoxia, mouse B lymphoma cells are capable of converting to erythroblast-like cells, which display phenotypes of CD45+TER119+ cells, including immunosuppressive effects on CD8 T cells. Furthermore, non-neoplastic B cells have similar differentiation abilities and exert the same immunosuppressive effect under anemia or tumor conditions in mice. Similar B cells exist in neonatal mice, which provides an explanation for the potential origin of immunosuppressive erythroid cells in newborns. Additionally, CD19+CD235a+ double-positive cells can be identified in the peripheral blood of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. These findings indicate that some CD45+ EPCs are transdifferentiated from a selective population of CD19+ B lymphocytes in response to environmental stresses, highlighting the plasticity of B lymphocytes. We anticipate a potential therapeutic implication, in that targeting a specific set of B cells instead of erythroid cells should be expected to restore adaptive immunity and delay cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Yang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental and Translational Non-coding RNA Research, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Pathology Department, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Lei Wu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental and Translational Non-coding RNA Research, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental and Translational Non-coding RNA Research, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zhihui Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental and Translational Non-coding RNA Research, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Fangfang Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental and Translational Non-coding RNA Research, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Department of Hematology, Yangzhou University Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou, China
| | - Duonan Yu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental and Translational Non-coding RNA Research, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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Yu H, Bai K, Cheng Y, Lv J, Song Q, Yang H, Lu Q, Yang X. Clinical significance, tumor immune landscape and immunotherapy responses of ADAR in pan-cancer and its association with proliferation and metastasis of bladder cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:6302-6330. [PMID: 37414093 PMCID: PMC10373965 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204853] [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: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND ADAR is an enzyme involved in adenosine-inosine RNA editing. However, the role of ADAR in tumorigenesis, progression, and immunotherapy has not been fully elucidated. METHODS The TCGA, GTEx and GEO databases were extensively utilized to explore the expression level of ADAR across cancers. Combined with the clinical information of patients, the risk profile of ADAR in various cancers was delineated. We identified pathways enriched in ADAR and their related genes and explored the association between ADAR expression and the cancer immune microenvironment score and response to immunotherapy. Finally, we specifically explored the potential value of ADAR in the treatment of the bladder cancer immune response and verified the critical role of ADAR in the development and progression of bladder cancer through experiments. RESULTS ADAR is highly expressed in most cancers at both the RNA and protein level. ADAR is associated with the aggressiveness of some cancers, especially bladder cancer. In addition, ADAR is associated with immune-related genes, especially immune checkpoint genes, in the tumor immune microenvironment. Moreover, ADAR expression is positively correlated with tumor mutation burden and microsatellite instability in a variety of cancers, indicating that ADAR could be used as a biomarker of immunotherapy. Finally, we demonstrated that ADAR is a key pathogenic factor in bladder cancer. ADAR promoted proliferation and metastasis of bladder cancer cells. CONCLUSION ADAR regulates the tumor immune microenvironment and can be used as a biomarker of the tumor immunotherapy response, providing a novel strategy for the treatment of tumors, especially bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, PR China
- Institute of Urology and Andrology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, PR China
| | - Kexin Bai
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, PR China
- Institute of Urology and Andrology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, PR China
| | - Yidong Cheng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, PR China
| | - Jiancheng Lv
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, PR China
- Institute of Urology and Andrology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, PR China
| | - Qiang Song
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, PR China
| | - Haiwei Yang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, PR China
- Institute of Urology and Andrology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, PR China
| | - Qiang Lu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, PR China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, PR China
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