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Zhang Y, Xu M, Ren Y, Ba Y, Liu S, Zuo A, Xu H, Weng S, Han X, Liu Z. Tertiary lymphoid structural heterogeneity determines tumour immunity and prospects for clinical application. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:75. [PMID: 38582847 PMCID: PMC10998345 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01980-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) are clusters of immune cells that resemble and function similarly to secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs). While TLS is generally associated with an anti-tumour immune response in most cancer types, it has also been observed to act as a pro-tumour immune response. The heterogeneity of TLS function is largely determined by the composition of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and the balance of cell subsets within the tumour-associated TLS (TA-TLS). TA-TLS of varying maturity, density, and location may have opposing effects on tumour immunity. Higher maturity and/or higher density TLS are often associated with favorable clinical outcomes and immunotherapeutic response, mainly due to crosstalk between different proportions of immune cell subpopulations in TA-TLS. Therefore, TLS can be used as a marker to predict the efficacy of immunotherapy in immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Developing efficient imaging and induction methods to study TA-TLS is crucial for enhancing anti-tumour immunity. The integration of imaging techniques with biological materials, including nanoprobes and hydrogels, alongside artificial intelligence (AI), enables non-invasive in vivo visualization of TLS. In this review, we explore the dynamic interactions among T and B cell subpopulations of varying phenotypes that contribute to the structural and functional diversity of TLS, examining both existing and emerging techniques for TLS imaging and induction, focusing on cancer immunotherapies and biomaterials. We also highlight novel therapeutic approaches of TLS that are being explored with the aim of increasing ICB treatment efficacy and predicting prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyuan Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Mengjun Xu
- Medical School of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yuqing Ren
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Yuhao Ba
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Shutong Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Anning Zuo
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Siyuan Weng
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Xinwei Han
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
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Feng H, Zhang S, Zhou Q, Han F, Du G, Wang L, Yang X, Zhang X, Yu W, Wei F, Hao X, Ren X, Zhao H. Intratumor tertiary lymphatic structure evaluation predicts the prognosis and immunotherapy response of patients with colorectal cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1302903. [PMID: 38500886 PMCID: PMC10946338 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1302903] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Immune checkpoint therapy, involving the programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody, has revolutionized the treatment of cancer. Tertiary lymphatic structure (TLS) serves as an immune indicator to predict the efficacy of PD-1 antibody therapy. However, there is no clear result whether the distribution, quantity, and maturity of TLS can be effective indicators for predicting the clinical efficacy of anti-PD1 immunotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods Fifty-seven patients who underwent surgical resection and thirty-nine patients who received anti-PD-1 immunotherapy were enrolled in this retrospective study. Immunohistochemical staining and multiple fluorescence immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the mismatch repair (MMR) subtypes and TLS distribution, quantity, and maturity, respectively. Results A comprehensive patient score system was built based on TLS quantity and maturity. We found that the proportion of patients with score >1 was much higher in the deficient mismatch repair(dMMR) group than in the proficient mismatch repair(pMMR) group, and this difference was mainly due to intratumoral TLS. Patient score, based on the TLS evaluation of whole tumor, peritumor, or intratumor, was used to evaluate the efficacy of anti-PD1 immunotherapy. Based only on the intratumor TLS evaluation, the proportion of patients with a score >1 was higher in the response (PR + CR) group than in the non-response (PD) group. Multivariate analysis revealed that patient scores were positively correlated with the clinical efficacy of immunotherapy. Further analysis of immune-related progression-free survival was performed in patients with CRC who received anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Patients with score >1 based on the intratumor TLS evaluation had significantly better survival. Conclusions These results suggest that the patient score based on intratumor TLS evaluation may be a good immune predictive indicator for PD-1 antibody therapy in patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijing Feng
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Siyuan Zhang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiuru Zhou
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, China
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Wenzhou Central Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fei Han
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/ Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Gang Du
- Department of Pathology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Lin Wang
- General Surgery Department, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xuena Yang
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiying Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenwen Yu
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Feng Wei
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin, China
| | - Xishan Hao
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiubao Ren
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin, China
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hua Zhao
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin, China
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Feng W, Jiang D, Xu Y, Li Y, Chen L, Zhao M, Shen Y, Liao W, Yang H, Li J. CDK4/6i enhances the antitumor effect of PD1 antibody by promoting TLS formation in ovarian cancer. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19760. [PMID: 37809574 PMCID: PMC10559077 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is insensitive to immunotherapy and has a high mortality rate. CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) regulate the tumor microenvironment and play an antitumor role. Our previous research demonstrated that lymphocyte aggregation (tertiary lymphoid structures, TLSs) was observed after CDK4/6i treatment. This may explain the synergistic action of CDK4/6i with the anti-PD1 antibody. However, the key mechanism by which CDK4/6i promotes TLS formation has not been elucidated. We examine the link between TLS and prognosis. Animal models and high-throughput sequencing were used to explore the potential mechanism by which CDK4/6i promotes TLS formation. Our results showed the presence of TLSs was associated with a favorable prognosis for ovarian cancer. CDK4/6i promoted TLS formation and enhanced the immunotherapeutic effect of the anti-PD1 antibody. The potential mechanism of CDK4/6i affecting the formation of TLS may be through modulating SCD1 and its regulatory molecules ATF3 and CCL4. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for the application of CDK4/6i in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangyou Feng
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (the Fourth Military Medical University), 15 Changle Western Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dongbo Jiang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University (the Fourth Military Medical University), 169 Changle Western Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (the Fourth Military Medical University), 15 Changle Western Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuanfeng Li
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (the Fourth Military Medical University), 15 Changle Western Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (the Fourth Military Medical University), 15 Changle Western Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Minye Zhao
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (the Fourth Military Medical University), 15 Changle Western Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yujie Shen
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (the Fourth Military Medical University), 15 Changle Western Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenjing Liao
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (the Fourth Military Medical University), 15 Changle Western Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (the Fourth Military Medical University), 15 Changle Western Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (the Fourth Military Medical University), 15 Changle Western Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
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Tertiary Lymphoid Structures: A Potential Biomarker for Anti-Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235968. [PMID: 36497450 PMCID: PMC9739898 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) is a special component in the immune microenvironment that is mainly composed of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), including T cells, B cells, DC cells, and high endothelial venules (HEVs). For cancer patients, evaluation of the immune microenvironment has a predictive effect on tumor biological behavior, treatment methods, and prognosis. As a result, TLSs have begun to attract the attention of researchers as a new potential biomarker. However, the composition and mechanisms of TLSs are still unclear, and clinical detection methods are still being explored. Although some meaningful results have been obtained in clinical trials, there is still a long way to go before such methods can be applied in clinical practice. However, we believe that with the continuous progress of basic research and clinical trials, TLS detection and related treatment can benefit more and more patients. In this review, we generalize the definition and composition of TLSs, summarize clinical trials involving TLSs according to treatment methods, and describe possible methods of inducing TLS formation.
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Yaping W, Zhe W, Zhuling C, Ruolei L, Pengyu F, Lili G, Cheng J, Bo Z, Liuyin L, Guangdong H, Yaoling W, Niuniu H, Rui L. The soldiers needed to be awakened: Tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Front Genet 2022; 13:988703. [PMID: 36246629 PMCID: PMC9558824 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.988703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the tumor microenvironment, tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) are a key component. Different types of TIICs play distinct roles. CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells could secrete soluble factors to hinder tumor cell growth, whereas regulatory T cells (Tregs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) release inhibitory factors to promote tumor growth and progression. In the meantime, a growing body of evidence illustrates that the balance between pro- and anti-tumor responses of TIICs is associated with the prognosis in the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, in order to boost anti-tumor response and improve the clinical outcome of tumor patients, a variety of anti-tumor strategies for targeting TIICs based on their respective functions have been developed and obtained good treatment benefits, including mainly immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), adoptive cell therapies (ACT), chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, and various monoclonal antibodies. In recent years, the tumor-specific features of immune cells are further investigated by various methods, such as using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and the results indicate that these cells have diverse phenotypes in different types of tumors and emerge inconsistent therapeutic responses. Hence, we concluded the recent advances in tumor-infiltrating immune cells, including functions, prognostic values, and various immunotherapy strategies for each immune cell in different tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Yaping
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wang Zhe
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Chu Zhuling
- Department of General Surgery, Eastern Theater Air Force Hospital of PLA, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Ruolei
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Fan Pengyu
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Guo Lili
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ji Cheng
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhang Bo
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Liu Liuyin
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hou Guangdong
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wang Yaoling
- Department of Geriatrics, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hou Niuniu
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of General Surgery, Eastern Theater Air Force Hospital of PLA, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Hou Niuniu, ; Ling Rui,
| | - Ling Rui
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Hou Niuniu, ; Ling Rui,
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