Neutrophils in the Tumor Microenvironment

Granulocyte-like myeloid-derived suppressor cells: The culprits of neutrophil extracellular traps formation in the pre-metastatic niche

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been shown to exhibit chemotactic effects on circulating tumor cells at metastatic sites, promoting the progression of colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM). However, the origin and factors contributing to the formation of NETs (NETosis) in the pre-metastatic niche (PMN) of target organs remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the relationship between phosphatase of regenerating liver-3 (PRL-3), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), neutrophils, and NETs through a retrospective clinical cohort study and a mouse model of CRLM. Our clinical findings revealed associations between PRL-3 expression and the infiltration of neutrophils and MDSCs in CRLM patients. Moreover, NETosis emerged as a robust indicator of poor prognosis for overall survival in these patients. In CRLM models, PRL-3 overexpression enhanced both primary tumor growth and liver metastasis. We found that the first week after tumor cell implantation appeared to be a crucial period for PMN formation, with notable infiltration of neutrophils, MDSCs, and NETosis during this time. Notably, co-culturing neutrophils with MDSCs induced NETosis in vitro, particularly with granulocyte-like MDSCs (Gr-MDSCs), the predominant subtype of infiltrating MDSCs. In summary, our findings elucidate the likely origin of NETs in the PMN during CRLM development and underscore the significant influence of PRL-3. These findings may offer potential immunotherapeutic targets for patients at risk of developing CRLM, warranting further investigation in clinical settings.

Evaluation of S100A8/A9 and neutrophils as prognostic markers in metastatic melanoma patients under immune-checkpoint inhibition

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized melanoma treatment, yet approximately half of patients do not respond to these therapies. Identifying prognostic biomarkers is crucial for treatment decisions. Our retrospective study assessed liquid biopsies and tumor tissue analyses for two potential biomarkers: danger-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) S100A8/A9 and its source, neutrophils. In 43 metastatic unresected stage III/IV melanoma patients, elevated serum levels of S100A8/A9 and neutrophils before and during ICI treatment correlated with worse outcomes. Furthermore, in 113 melanoma patients, neutrophil expression in the tumor microenvironment (TME) was associated with relapse and reduced survival. Measuring S100A8/A9 and neutrophils could enhance immunotherapy monitoring by predicting impaired clinical outcomes and non-response to ICIs. Serum S100A8/A9 levels and neutrophil counts at baseline (T0) and during treatment (T3) correlated with reduced progression-free survival (PFS). Elevated S100A8/A9 levels at T0 and T3 negatively impacted overall survival (OS). Notably, neutrophil infiltration was more prevalent in primary melanomas than in nevi and metastases, and its presence in primary melanomas was linked to poorer survival. S100A8/A9 serum levels, neutrophil counts, and tumor-associated neutrophil infiltration represent promising biomarkers for predicting treatment response and clinical outcomes in melanoma patients receiving ICIs. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings underscore the critical need for reliable biomarkers in melanoma research, particularly for predicting responses to immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Identifying S100A8/A9 levels and neutrophil infiltration as potential indicators of treatment outcomes offers valuable insights for personalized therapy decisions. By enhancing monitoring and prognosis assessment, these biomarkers contribute to refining treatment strategies, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes. This research bridges gaps in understanding melanoma response mechanisms and highlights avenues for further investigation into immune-related markers, fostering advancements in precision medicine for melanoma patients.

Biomaterials to regulate tumor extracellular matrix in immunotherapy

The tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) provides physical support and influences tumor development, metastasis, and the tumor microenvironment, creating barriers to immune drug delivery and cell infiltration. Therefore, modulating or degrading the ECM is of significant importance to enhance the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy. This manuscript initially summarizes the main strategies and mechanisms of biomaterials in modulating various components of the ECM, including collagen, fibronectin, hyaluronic acid, and in remodeling the ECM. Subsequently, it discusses the benefits of biomaterials for immunotherapy following ECM modulation, such as promoting the infiltration of drugs and immune cells, regulating immune cell function, and alleviating the immunosuppressive microenvironment. The manuscript also briefly introduces the application of biomaterials that utilize and mimic the ECM for tumor immunotherapy. Finally, it addresses the current challenges and future directions in this field, providing a comprehensive overview of the potential and innovation in leveraging biomaterials to enhance cancer treatment outcomes. Our work will offer a comprehensive overview of ECM modulation strategies and their application in biomaterials to enhance tumor immunotherapy.

Recent advances in biomimetic strategies for the immunotherapy of glioblastoma

Immunotherapy is regarded as one of the most promising approaches for treating tumors, with a multitude of immunotherapeutic thoughts currently under consideration for the lethal glioblastoma (GBM). However, issues with immunotherapeutic agents, such as limited in vivo stability, poor blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration, insufficient GBM targeting, and represented monotherapy, have hindered the success of immunotherapeutic interventions. Moreover, even with the aid of conventional drug delivery systems, outcomes remain suboptimal. Biomimetic strategies seek to overcome these formidable drug delivery challenges by emulating nature's intelligent structures and functions. Leveraging the variety of biological structures and functions, biomimetic drug delivery systems afford a versatile platform with enhanced biocompatibility for the co-delivery of diverse immunotherapeutic agents. Moreover, their inherent capacity to traverse the BBB and home in on GBM holds promise for augmenting the efficacy of GBM immunotherapy. Thus, this review begins by revisiting the various thoughts and agents on immunotherapy for GBM. Then, the barriers to successful GBM immunotherapy are analyzed, and the corresponding biomimetic strategies are explored from the perspective of function and structure. Finally, the clinical translation's current state and prospects of biomimetic strategy are addressed. This review aspires to provide fresh perspectives on the advancement of immunotherapy for GBM.

Organ-Specific Immune Setpoints Underlie Divergent Immune Profiles across Metastatic Sites in Breast Cancer

Immune composition within the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a central role in the propensity of cancer cells to metastasize and respond to therapy. Previous studies have suggested that the metastatic TME is immune-suppressed. However, limited accessibility to multiple metastatic sites within patients has made assessing the immune TME difficult in the context of multiorgan metastases. We utilized a rapid postmortem tissue collection protocol to assess the immune composition of numerous sites of breast cancer metastasis and paired tumor-free tissues. Metastases had comparable immune cell densities and compositions to paired tumor-free tissues of the same organ type. In contrast, immune cell densities in both metastatic and tumor-free tissues differed significantly between organ types, with lung immune infiltration being consistently greater than that in the liver. These immune profiling results were consistent between flow cytometry and multiplex immunofluorescence-based spatial analysis. Furthermore, we found that granulocytes were the predominant tumor-infiltrating immune cells in lung and liver metastases, and these granulocytes comprised most PD-L1-expressing cells in many tissue sites. We also identified distinct potential mechanisms of immunosuppression in lung and liver metastases, with the lung having increased expression of PD-L1+ antigen-presenting cells and the liver having higher numbers of activated regulatory T cells and HLA-DRlow monocytes. Together, these results demonstrate that the immune contexture of metastases is dictated by organ type and that immunotherapy strategies may benefit from unique tailoring to the tissue-specific features of the immune TME.

Unraveling the complex role of neutrophils in lymphoma: From pathogenesis to therapeutic approaches (Review)

Lymphoma, a malignancy of the lymphatic system, which is critical for maintaining the body's immune defenses, has become a focal point in recent research due to its intricate interplay with neutrophils-white blood cells essential for combating infections and inflammation. Unlike prior perceptions associating neutrophils only with tumor support, contemporary studies underscore their intricate and multifaceted involvement in the immune response to lymphoma. Recognizing the nuanced participation of neutrophils in lymphoma is crucial for developing innovative treatments to improve patient outcomes.

CTC-neutrophil interaction: A key driver and therapeutic target of cancer metastasis

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cancer cells that detach from the primary tumor and enter the bloodstream, where they can seed new metastatic lesions in distant organs. CTCs are often associated with white blood cells (WBCs), especially neutrophils, the most abundant and versatile immune cells in the blood. Neutrophils can interact with CTCs through various mechanisms, such as cell-cell adhesion, cytokine secretion, protease release, and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation. These interactions can promote the survival, proliferation, invasion, and extravasation of CTCs, as well as modulate the pre-metastatic niche and the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, inhibiting CTC-neutrophils interaction could be a potential strategy to reduce tumor metastasis and improve the prognosis of cancer patients. In this review, we summarize the current literature on CTC-neutrophils interaction' role in tumor metastasis and discuss the possible therapeutic approaches to target this interaction.

Cell-mediated nanoparticle delivery systems: towards precision nanomedicine

Cell-mediated nanoparticle delivery systems (CMNDDs) utilize cells as carriers to deliver the drug-loaded nanoparticles. Unlike the traditional nanoparticle drug delivery approaches, CMNDDs take the advantages of cell characteristics, such as the homing capabilities of stem cells, inflammatory chemotaxis of neutrophils, prolonged blood circulation of red blood cells, and internalization of macrophages. Subsequently, CMNDDs can easily prolong the blood circulation, cross biological barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier and the bone marrow-blood barrier, and rapidly arrive at the diseased areas. Such advantageous properties make CMNDDs promising delivery candidates for precision targeting. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in CMNDDs fabrication and biomedical applications. Specifically, ligand-receptor interactions, non-covalent interactions, covalent interactions, and internalization are commonly applied in constructing CMNDDs in vitro. By hitchhiking cells, such as macrophages, red blood cells, monocytes, neutrophils, and platelets, nanoparticles can be internalized or attached to cells to construct CMNDDs in vivo. Then we highlight the recent application of CMNDDs in treating different diseases, such as cancer, central nervous system disorders, lung diseases, and cardiovascular diseases, with a brief discussion about challenges and future perspectives in the end.

Unraveling the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in B cell lymphoma

Recent breakthroughs in research have sparked a paradigm shift in our understanding of cancer biology, uncovering the critical role of the crosstalk between tumor cells and the immune cells of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in malignant transformation. Fibroblasts have long been viewed as ancillary participants in cancer progression, often eclipsed by the prominence given to malignant cells. Novel investigations, however, have increasingly acknowledged the essential part played by the fibroblasts and their phenotypic doppelganger cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in fostering immunosuppression and promoting tumor progression. Here we review the cell-of-origin from which CAFs derive and their altered programs compared to their normal counterpart. We will also discuss the complex interplay between CAFs and the surrounding immune cells of the TME in the context of solid tumors and B cell lymphomas, with a focus on the "reprogrammable" role of CAFs in immunosuppression, immuno-activation and immuno-avoidance, and their implications on drug resistance. Finally, we will examine the existing and plausible therapeutic approaches targeting CAFs as a strategy to enhance treatment response.

The Effect of Radiation Treatment of Solid Tumors on Neutrophil Infiltration and Function: A Systematic Review

Radiation therapy (RT) initiates a local and systemic immune response which can induce antitumor immunity and improve immunotherapy efficacy. Neutrophils are among the first immune cells that infiltrate tumors after RT and are suggested to be essential for the initial antitumor immune response. However, neutrophils in tumors are associated with poor outcomes and RT-induced neutrophil infiltration could also change the composition of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in favor of tumor progression. To improve RT efficacy for patients with cancer it is important to understand the interplay between RT and neutrophils. Here, we review the literature on how RT affects the infiltration and function of neutrophils in the TME of solid tumors, using both patients studies and preclinical murine in vivo models. In general, it was found that neutrophil levels increase and reach maximal levels in the first days after RT and can remain elevated up to 3 weeks. Most studies report an immunosuppressive role of neutrophils in the TME after RT, caused by upregulated expression of neutrophil indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 and arginase 1, as well as neutrophil extracellular trap formation. RT was also associated with increased reactive oxygen species production by neutrophils, which can both improve and inhibit antitumor immunity. In addition, multiple murine models showed improved RT efficacy when depleting neutrophils, suggesting that neutrophils have a protumor phenotype after RT. We conclude that the role of neutrophils should not be overlooked when developing RT strategies and requires further investigation in specific tumor types. In addition, neutrophils can possibly be exploited to enhance RT efficacy by combining RT with neutrophil-targeting therapies.

Interactions and communications in the prostate tumour microenvironment: evolving towards effective cancer therapy

Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies in men. The tumour microenvironment (TME) has a critical role in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of prostate cancer. TME contains various cell types, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), endothelial cells, immune cells such as macrophages, lymphocytes B and T, natural killer (NK) cells, and other proteins such as extracellular matrix (ECM) components. The interactions and communications between these cells within the TME are crucial for the growth and response of various solid tumours, such as prostate cancer to different anticancer modalities. In this review article, we exemplify the various mechanisms by which the TME influences prostate cancer progression. The roles of different cells, cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors in modulating the immune response and prostate tumour growth will be discussed. The impact of these cells and factors and other ECM components on tumour cell invasion and metastasis will also be discussed. We explain how these interactions in TME can affect the response of prostate cancer to therapy. We also highlight the importance of understanding these interactions to develop novel therapeutic approaches for prostate cancer.

Immune Indicator Changes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing TACE Plus ICIs and Anti-VEGF Antibodies/TKIs: A Prognostic Biomarker Analysis

Objective

To explore changing trends in circulating immune indicators of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing TACE plus immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and anti-VEGF antibodies/TKIs and to elucidate the relationship between immune response and tumor prognosis.

Materials

This single-center retrospective study included patients with unresectable HCC undergoing TACE plus ICIs and anti-VEGF antibodies/TKIs from March 11, 2019, to February 15, 2024. Peripheral blood samples were collected at baseline and every cycle, from which blood cell counts and immune indicators were analyzed. The primary outcome was the objective response rate (ORR) at the first evaluation. According to the first evaluation based on mRECIST, patients were classified into PD, SD, and OR groups for analysis. Further subgroup analysis was performed on the OR group based on whether experiencing progression after the first evaluation. Lymphocyte subsets were measured by flow cytometry. Immunoglobulins were measured using the immune turbidimetric method. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was measured by the complete blood count. Simple linear regression was employed to examine the dynamic trends.

Results

A total of 63 patients were enrolled, with an ORR of 55.6% and a disease control rate (DCR) of 87.3% at the first evaluation. The median overall survival (mOS) was 27.5 months (95% CI: 22.5-32.5 months). In the OR group (n=35), more active immune responses, expressed in a decrease in CD3-CD19+ (p=0.004), CFB (p=0.027), NLR (p<0.001) and an increase in Ig λ (p=0.010), Ig κ (p=0.037), Ig A (p=0.005), Ig G (p=0.006), were related to better prognosis, while similar patterns seen in the OR-nPD subgroup. Concurrently, no significant differences were noted in the PD group (n=8).

Conclusion

The combination therapy may modify the tumor microenvironment of HCC. Changing trends in circulating immune indicators and NLR can serve as potential biomarkers for predicting tumor response and guiding clinical treatment.

Electrolyte prognosis scoring system can predict overall survival in patients with osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma stands as the most prevalent bone tumor, characterized by a heightened tendency for local recurrence and distant metastasis, resulting in a bleak prognosis. Presently, there exists a shortage of novel markers to effectively determine the prognosis of osteosarcoma patients. Recent research indicates that hematological markers partially mirror an individual's microenvironment, offering potential insights into predicting patient prognosis. However, prior studies predominantly focused on the prognostic significance of singular hematological indices, failing to comprehensively represent the tumor microenvironment of patients. In our investigation, we meticulously gathered data on 22 hematological and electrolyte markers, utilizing LASSO Cox regression analysis to devise an Electrolyte Prognostic Scoring System (EPSS). The EPSS encompasses various indicators, including immunity, inflammation, coagulation, and electrolyte levels. Our findings indicate that the EPSS stands as an independent prognostic factor for overall survival among osteosarcoma patients. It serves as a valuable addition to clinical characteristics, adept at discerning high-risk patients from those deemed clinically low-risk. Furthermore, EPSS-based nomograms demonstrate commendable predictive capabilities.

Reprogramming macrophages with R848-loaded artificial protocells to modulate skin and skeletal wound healing

After tissue injury, inflammatory cells are rapidly recruited to the wound where they clear microbes and other debris, and coordinate the behaviour of other cell lineages at the repair site in both positive and negative ways. In this study, we take advantage of the translucency and genetic tractability of zebrafish to evaluate the feasibility of reprogramming innate immune cells in vivo with cargo-loaded protocells and investigate how this alters the inflammatory response in the context of skin and skeletal repair. Using live imaging, we show that protocells loaded with R848 cargo (which targets TLR7 and TLR8 signalling), are engulfed by macrophages resulting in their switching to a pro-inflammatory phenotype and altering their regulation of angiogenesis, collagen deposition and re-epithelialization during skin wound healing, as well as dampening osteoblast and osteoclast recruitment and bone mineralization during fracture repair. For infected skin wounds, R848-reprogrammed macrophages exhibited enhanced bactericidal activities leading to improved healing. We replicated our zebrafish studies in cultured human macrophages, and showed that R848-loaded protocells similarly reprogramme human cells, indicating how this strategy might be used to modulate wound inflammation in the clinic.

Insights of immune cell heterogeneity, tumor-initiated subtype transformation, drug resistance, treatment and detecting technologies in glioma microenvironment

BACKGROUND

With the gradual understanding of glioma development and the immune microenvironment, many immune cells have been discovered. Despite the growing comprehension of immune cell functions and the clinical application of immunotherapy, the precise roles and characteristics of immune cell subtypes, how glioma induces subtype transformation of immune cells and its impact on glioma progression have yet to be understood.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

In this review, we comprehensively center on the four major immune cells within the glioma microenvironment, particularly neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and other significant immune cells. We discuss (1) immune cell subtype markers, (2) glioma-induced immune cell subtype transformation, (3) the mechanisms of each subtype influencing chemotherapy resistance, (4) therapies targeting immune cells, and (5) immune cell-associated single-cell sequencing. Eventually, we identified the characteristics of immune cell subtypes in glioma, comprehensively summarized the exact mechanism of glioma-induced immune cell subtype transformation, and concluded the progress of single-cell sequencing in exploring immune cell subtypes in glioma.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

In conclusion, we have analyzed the mechanism of chemotherapy resistance detailly, and have discovered prospective immunotherapy targets, excavating the potential of novel immunotherapies approach that synergistically combines radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery, thereby paving the way for improved immunotherapeutic strategies against glioma and enhanced patient outcomes.

Immune-enhancing neutrophils reprogrammed by subclinical low-dose endotoxin in cancer treatment

Despite the re-emergence of the pioneering "Coley's toxin" concept in anti-cancer immune therapies highlighted by check-point inhibitors and CAR-T approaches, fundamental mechanisms responsible for the immune-enhancing efficacy of low-dose "Coley's toxin" remain poorly understood. This study examines the novel reprogramming of immune-enhancing neutrophils by super-low dose endotoxin conducive for anti-cancer therapies. Through integrated analyses including scRNAseq and functional characterizations, we examined the efficacy of reprogrammed neutrophils in treating experimental cancer. We observed that neutrophils trained by super-low dose endotoxin adopt a potent immune-enhancing phenotype characterized by CD177loCD11bloCD80hiCD40hiDectin2hi. Both murine and human neutrophils trained by super-low dose endotoxin exhibit relieved suppression of adaptive T cells as compared to un-trained neutrophils. Functionally, neutrophils trained by super-low dose endotoxin can potently reduce tumor burden when transfused into recipient tumor-bearing mice. Mechanistically, Super-low dose endotoxin enables the generation of immune-enhancing neutrophils through activating STAT5 and reducing innate suppressor IRAK-M. Together, our data clarify the long-held mystery of "Coley's toxin" in rejuvenating anti-tumor immune defense, and provide a proof-of-concept in developing innate neutrophil-based anti-tumor therapeutics.

Trained immunity inducers in cancer immunotherapy

While most of the cancer immunotherapy strategies engage adaptive immunity, especially tumor-associated T cells, the small fraction of responding patients and types of cancers amenable, and the possibility of severe adverse effects limit its usage. More effective and general interventions are urgently needed. Recently, a de facto innate immune memory, termed 'trained immunity', has become a new research focal point, and promises to be a powerful tool for achieving long-term therapeutic benefits against cancers. Trained immunity-inducing agents such as BCG and fungal glucan have been shown to be able to avert the suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), enhance T cell responses, and eventually lead to tumor regression. Here, we review the current understating of trained immunity induction and highlight the critical roles of emergency granulopoiesis, interferon γ and tissue-specific induction. Preclinical and clinical studies that have exploited trained immunity inducers for cancer immunotherapy are summarized, and repurposed trained immunity inducers from other fields are proposed. We also outline the challenges and opportunities for trained immunity in future cancer immunotherapies. We envisage that more effective cancer vaccines will combine the induction of trained immunity with T cell therapies.

Chemotactic signaling pathways in prostate cancer: Implications in the tumor microenvironment and as potential therapeutic targets

Prostate cancer (PCa) stands as a significant global health concern, ranking among the leading causes of cancer deaths in men. While there are several treatment modalities for localized PCa, metastatic castration-resistant PCa (mCRPC) remains incurable. Despite therapeutic advancements showing promise in mCRPC, their impact on overall survival has been limited. This chapter explores the process by which tumors form, reviews our current understanding of PCa progression to mCRPC, and addresses the challenges of boosting anti-tumor immune responses in these tumors. It specifically discusses how chemotactic signaling affects the tumor microenvironment and its role in immune evasion and cancer progression. The chapter further examines the rationale of directly or indirectly targeting these pathways as adjuvant therapies for mCRPC, highlighting recent pre-clinical and clinical studies currently underway. The discussion emphasizes the potential of targeting specific chemokines and chemokine receptors as combination therapies with mainstream treatments for PCa and mCRPC to maximize long-term survival for this deadly disease.

IRE1 endoribonuclease signaling promotes myeloid cell infiltration in glioblastoma

BACKGROUND

Intrinsic or environmental stresses trigger the accumulation of improperly folded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), leading to ER stress. To cope with this, cells have evolved an adaptive mechanism named the unfolded protein response (UPR) which is hijacked by tumor cells to develop malignant features. Glioblastoma (GB), the most aggressive and lethal primary brain tumor, relies on UPR to sustain growth. We recently showed that IRE1 alpha (referred to IRE1 hereafter), 1 of the UPR transducers, promotes GB invasion, angiogenesis, and infiltration by macrophage. Hence, high tumor IRE1 activity in tumor cells predicts a worse outcome. Herein, we characterized the IRE1-dependent signaling that shapes the immune microenvironment toward monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils.

METHODS

We used human and mouse cellular models in which IRE1 was genetically or pharmacologically invalidated and which were tested in vivo. Publicly available datasets from GB patients were also analyzed to confirm our findings.

RESULTS

We showed that IRE1 signaling, through both the transcription factor XBP1s and the regulated IRE1-dependent decay controls the expression of the ubiquitin-conjugating E2 enzyme UBE2D3. In turn, UBE2D3 activates the NFκB pathway, resulting in chemokine production and myeloid infiltration in tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work identifies a novel IRE1/UBE2D3 proinflammatory axis that plays an instrumental role in GB immune regulation.

Microphysiological systems as models for immunologically 'cold' tumors

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a diverse milieu of cells including cancerous and non-cancerous cells such as fibroblasts, pericytes, endothelial cells and immune cells. The intricate cellular interactions within the TME hold a central role in shaping the dynamics of cancer progression, influencing pivotal aspects such as tumor initiation, growth, invasion, response to therapeutic interventions, and the emergence of drug resistance. In immunologically 'cold' tumors, the TME is marked by a scarcity of infiltrating immune cells, limited antigen presentation in the absence of potent immune-stimulating signals, and an abundance of immunosuppressive factors. While strategies targeting the TME as a therapeutic avenue in 'cold' tumors have emerged, there is a pressing need for novel approaches that faithfully replicate the complex cellular and non-cellular interactions in order to develop targeted therapies that can effectively stimulate immune responses and improve therapeutic outcomes in patients. Microfluidic devices offer distinct advantages over traditional in vitro 3D co-culture models and in vivo animal models, as they better recapitulate key characteristics of the TME and allow for precise, controlled insights into the dynamic interplay between various immune, stromal and cancerous cell types at any timepoint. This review aims to underscore the pivotal role of microfluidic systems in advancing our understanding of the TME and presents current microfluidic model systems that aim to dissect tumor-stromal, tumor-immune and immune-stromal cellular interactions in various 'cold' tumors. Understanding the intricacies of the TME in 'cold' tumors is crucial for devising effective targeted therapies to reinvigorate immune responses and overcome the challenges of current immunotherapy approaches.

Signaling by Type I Interferons in Immune Cells: Disease Consequences

This review addresses interferon (IFN) signaling in immune cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) and examines how this affects cancer progression. The data reveal that IFNs exert dual roles in cancers, dependent on the TME, exhibiting both anti-tumor activity and promoting cancer progression. We discuss the abnormal IFN signaling induced by cancerous cells that alters immune responses to permit their survival and proliferation.

Exploring neutrophil functionality in breast cancer progression: A review

Breast cancer remains a pressing global health concern, with a myriad of intricate factors contributing to its development, progression, and heterogeneity. Among these multifaceted elements, the role of immune cells within the tumor microenvironment is gaining increasing attention. In this context, neutrophils, traditionally regarded as the first responders to infections, are emerging as noteworthy participants in the complex landscape of breast cancer. This paper seeks to unravel the intricate and multifaceted role of neutrophils in breast cancer. Neutrophils, classically known for their phagocytic and pro-inflammatory functions, are now recognized for their involvement in promoting or restraining tumor growth. While their presence within the tumor microenvironment may exert antitumor effects through immune surveillance and cytotoxic activities, these innate immune cells can also facilitate tumor progression by fostering an immunosuppressive milieu, promoting angiogenesis, and aiding metastatic dissemination. The intricacies of neutrophil-tumor cell interactions, signaling pathways, and mechanisms governing their recruitment to the tumor site are explored in detail. Challenges and gaps in current knowledge are acknowledged, and future directions for research are outlined. This review underscores the dynamic and context-dependent role of neutrophils in breast cancer and emphasizes the significance of unraveling their multifaceted contributions. As we delve into the complexities of the immune landscape in breast cancer, a deeper understanding of the warriors within, the neutrophils, presents exciting prospects for the development of novel therapeutic strategies and a more comprehensive approach to breast cancer management.

Construction and multicohort validation of a colon cancer prognostic risk score system based on big data of neutrophil-associated differentially expressed genes

Objective: To investigate the role of neutrophils in colon cancer progression. Methods: Genetic data from 1,273 patients with colon cancer were procured from public databases and categorized based on genes linked to neutrophils through an unsupervised clustering approach. Through univariate Cox regression analysis, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) influencing overall survival (OS) were identified, forming the basis for establishing a prognostic risk score (PRS) system specific to colon cancer. Additionally, the correlation between PRS and patient prognosis, immune cell infiltration, and intratumoral gene mutations were analyzed. Validation of PRS as an indicator for "pan-tumor" immunotherapy was conducted using four distinct immunotherapy cohorts. Results: The research identified two distinct subtypes of colon cancer, namely Cluster A and B, with patients in Cluster B demonstrating remarkably superior prognoses over those in Cluster A. A total of 17 genes affecting OS were screened based on 109 DEGs between the two cluster for constructing the PRS system. Notably, individuals classified under the high-PRS group (PRShigh) exhibited poorer prognoses, significantly linked with immune cell infiltration, an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and increased genomic mutations. Remarkably, analysis of immunotherapy cohorts indicated that patients with PRShigh exhibited enhanced clinical responses, a higher rate of progression-free events, and improved overall survival post-immunotherapy. The PRS system, developed based on tumor typing utilizing neutrophil-associated genes, exhibited a strong correlation with prognostic elements in colon cancer and emerged as a vital predictor of "pan-tumor" immunotherapy efficacy. Conclusions: PRS serves as a prognostic model for patients with colon cancer and holds the potential to act as a "pan-tumor" universal marker for assessing immunotherapy efficacy across different tumor types. The study findings lay a foundation for novel antitumor strategies centered on neutrophil-focused approaches.

Apolipoprotein E is a Potential Biomarker for Predicting Cancer Prognosis and is Correlated with Immune Infiltration

Background

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a polymorphic protein that plays a role in lipoprotein transformation and metabolism. It is involved in numerous physiological processes within the body and is closely associated with tumor growth and metastasis. However, the role of APOE in pan-cancer has yet to be evaluated. Therefore, studying the association between APOE and various cancer types is crucial for providing a basis for individualized treatment strategies and clinical prognosis assessment.

Methods

We investigated the diagnostic and prognostic significance of APOE across 33 tumor types, as well as its correlation with tumor mutation burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI). Additionally, we employed the ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms to analyze the potential impact of APOE on the immune system. Furthermore, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted to explore its underlying physiological function.

Results

Based on observations from a pan-cancer dataset, APOE expression was significantly different between cancer and normal tissues, and was simultaneously associated with survival outcomes in terms of cancer type, clinical annotation, TMB, MSI, and TICs abundance. In addition, the results also showed that expression of APOE may respond to a variety of cancer chemotherapy.

Conclusion

The findings from this study strongly indicate a close association between APOE and tumor development. Moreover, APOE shows promise as a potential biomarker for predicting prognosis and response to immunotherapy in patients with pan-cancer.

NLCECA score: a serum inflammatory-tumor biomarker score to predict survival of advanced perihilar cholangiocarcinoma after hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy

Prognostic features in advanced perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) patients who received first-line hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) are unknown. The purpose of our study was to develop an applicable score based on serum inflammatory-tumor biomarkers to predict the survival of advanced pCCA patients who received first-line HAIC. In total, 106 advanced pCCA patients were enrolled as the training cohort. The optimal cutoff values of baseline variables were defined by the receiver operating characteristic method or according to previous publications. According to the results of Cox regression analysis, baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) > 3.19, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) > 10 ng/mL, and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) > 200 U/mL were identified as independent survival predictors, which were used to develop the NLCECA score (NLR, CEA, and CA19-9). When including the NLCECA score in the multivariate analysis, the NLCECA score was the only independent predictor of survival. The risk of survival decreased by 111.9% for each 1-point increase in the NLCECA score. Additionally, the NLCECA score could also predict survival in another 33 patients in the validation cohort (P < 0.001). In summary, the NLCECA score is a potential biomarker system for predicting the survival of advanced pCCA patients who received first-line HAIC.

Immune cell networking in solid tumors: focus on macrophages and neutrophils

The tumor microenvironment is composed of tumor cells, stromal cells and leukocytes, including innate and adaptive immune cells, and represents an ecological niche that regulates tumor development and progression. In general, inflammatory cells are considered to contribute to tumor progression through various mechanisms, including the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Macrophages and neutrophils are important components of the tumor microenvironment and can act as a double-edged sword, promoting or inhibiting the development of the tumor. Targeting of the immune system is emerging as an important therapeutic strategy for cancer patients. However, the efficacy of the various immunotherapies available is still limited. Given the crucial importance of the crosstalk between macrophages and neutrophils and other immune cells in the formation of the anti-tumor immune response, targeting these interactions may represent a promising therapeutic approach against cancer. Here we will review the current knowledge of the role played by macrophages and neutrophils in cancer, focusing on their interaction with other immune cells.

Extracellular Vesicles, Circulating Tumor Cells, and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Hints and Promises

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has revolutionized the treatment of cancer, in particular lung cancer, while the introduction of predictive biomarkers from liquid biopsies has emerged as a promising tool to achieve an effective and personalized therapy response. Important progress has also been made in the molecular characterization of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs), highlighting their tremendous potential in modulating the tumor microenvironment, acting on immunomodulatory pathways, and setting up the pre-metastatic niche. Surface antigens on EVs and CTCs have proved to be particularly useful in the case of the characterization of potential immune escape mechanisms through the expression of immunosuppressive ligands or the transport of cargos that may mitigate the antitumor immune function. On the other hand, novel approaches, to increase the expression of immunostimulatory molecules or cargo contents that can enhance the immune response, offer premium options in combinatorial clinical strategies for precision immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the identification of immune checkpoints using EVs and CTCs, their potential applications as predictive biomarkers for ICI therapy, and their prospective use as innovative clinical tools, considering that CTCs have already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical use, but providing good reasons to intensify the research on both.

Neutrophils in HNSCC Can Be Associated with Both a Worse or Favorable Prognosis

The prognostic significance of tumor-infiltrating neutrophils in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is poorly understood. It is unclear how the presence of neutrophils affects prognosis due to their polarization into cytotoxic N1 or immunosuppressive N2. Therefore, we determined the number of CD66b+ neutrophil granulocytes separately in the stromal and epithelial compartments in cancer tissues from 397 patients with HNSCC. Tumor samples from six historical patient groups were processed into tissue microarrays and stained immunohistochemically. In total, 21.9% were HPV positive (p16+). Neutrophil counts were much lower in the stromal compartment (372 ± 812) than in the epithelial cancer compartment (1040 ± 1477) (p < 0.001), with large differences between groups. In three groups with high neutrophil infiltration, high rates were associated with a favorable prognosis, whereas in two groups, high rates were a negative prognostic factor. In p16- oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer high infiltration was associated with a favorable prognosis. Cancers with an exclusion of neutrophils in the epithelial compartment were associated with improved prognosis. In oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal HPV-negative cancer high neutrophil infiltration rates were clearly associated with prolonged survival. Neutrophil granulocytes in HNSCC may contribute to a favorable or unfavorable prognosis.

Stabilizing the Proteomes of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells: Implications for Cancer Proteomics

Previous work has shown that inhibition of abundant myeloid azurophil granule-associated serine proteases (ELANE [neutrophil elastase], PRTN3 [protease 3], and CTSG [Cathepsin G]) is required to stabilize some proteins in myeloid cells. We therefore hypothesized that effective inhibition of these proteases may be necessary for quantitative proteomic analysis of samples containing myeloid cells. To test this hypothesis, we thawed viably preserved acute myeloid leukemia cells from cryovials in the presence or the absence of diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP), a cell-permeable and irreversible serine protease inhibitor. Global proteomic analysis was performed, using label-free and isobaric peptide-labeling quantitation. The presence of DFP resulted in an increase of tryptic peptides (14-57%) and proteins (9-31%). In the absence of DFP, 11 to 31% of peptide intensity came from nontryptic peptides; 52 to 75% had cleavage specificity consistent with activities of ELANE-PRTN3. Treatment with DFP reduced the intensity of nontryptic peptides to 4-8% of the total. ELANE inhibition was 95%, based on diisopropyl phosphate modification of active site serine residue. Overall, the relative abundance of 20% of proteins was significantly altered by DFP treatment. These results suggest that active myeloid serine proteases, released during sample processing, can skew quantitative proteomic measurements. Finally, significant ELANE activity was also detected in Clinical Proteomics Tumor Analysis Consortium datasets of solid tumors (many of which have known myeloid infiltration). In the pancreatic cancer dataset, the median percentage of nontryptic intensity detected across patient samples was 34%, with many patient samples having more than half of their detected peptide intensity from nontryptic cleavage events consistent with ELANE-PRTN3 cleavage specificity. Our study suggests that in vitro cleavage of proteins by myeloid serine proteases may be relevant for proteomic studies of any tumor that contains infiltrating myeloid cells.

C‑reactive protein and related predictors in soft tissue sarcoma (Review)

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a useful predictor of poor survival in patients with several types of cancer because inflammation is strongly associated with cancer progression. The production of CRP in hepatocytes appears to be primarily induced at the transcriptional level following the elevation of circulating interleukin-6 (IL-6), which is produced by various cell types, including cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Serum CRP levels are associated with serum IL-6 levels in patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS). Additionally, patients with elevated CRP levels had worse oncological outcomes than those with normal CRP levels. It has been attempted to combine CRP levels with other inflammatory or immune markers, and the utility of this has been demonstrated. Therefore, a novel treatment strategy should be developed for patients with STS with elevated CRP levels. The present review aimed to clarify the role of CRP levels and related tools in predicting clinical outcomes in patients with STS.

Multifunctional nanocomposites modulating the tumor microenvironment for enhanced cancer immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapy has gained momentum for treating malignant tumors over the past decade. Checkpoint blockade and chimeric antigen receptor cell therapy (CAR-T) have shown considerable potency against liquid and solid cancers. However, the tumor microenvironment (TME) is highly immunosuppressive and hampers the effect of currently available cancer immunotherapies on overall treatment outcomes. Advancements in the design and engineering of nanomaterials have opened new avenues to modulate the TME. Progress in the current nanocomposite technology can overcome immunosuppression and trigger robust immunotherapeutic responses by integrating synergistic functions of different molecules. We will review recent advancements in nanomedical applications and discuss specifically designed nanocomposites modulating the TME for cancer immunotherapy. In addition, we provide information on the current landscape of clinical-stage nanocomposites for cancer immunotherapy.

Characterization of colorectal cancer by hierarchical clustering analyses of five immune cell markers

The present study analyzed the expression of five independent immunohistochemical markers, CD4, CD8, CD66b, CD68, and CD163, on immune cells within the colorectal cancer (CRC) tumor microenvironment (TME). Using hierarchical clustering, patients were successfully classified according to significant associations with clinicopathological features and/or survival. Patients with mismatch repair-proficient (pMMR) CRC were categorized into four groups with survival differences (p = 0.0084): CD4Low , CD4High , MΦHigh , and CD8Low . MΦHigh tumors showed significantly higher expression of CD47 (p < 0.0001), a phagocytosis checkpoint molecule. These tumors contained significantly greater numbers of PD-1+ (p < 0.0001), TIM-3+ (p < 0.0001), and SIRPA+ (p < 0.0001) immune cells. Notably, 10% of the patients with pMMR CRC expressed PD-L1 (CD274) on tumor cells with significantly worse survival (p = 0.00064). The Cox proportional hazards model identified MΦ High (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.02, 95%, p = 0.032), CD8Low (HR = 2.45, p = 0.011), and tumor PD-L1 expression (HR = 2.74, p = 0.0061) as potential risk factors. PD-L1-PD-1 and/or CD47-SIRPA axes targeting immune checkpoint therapies might be considered for patients with pMMR CRC according to their tumor cells and tumor immune microenvironment characteristics.

Dipeptidyl peptidase 1 inhibition as a potential therapeutic approach in neutrophil-mediated inflammatory disease

Neutrophils have a critical role in the innate immune response to infection and the control of inflammation. A key component of this process is the release of neutrophil serine proteases (NSPs), primarily neutrophil elastase, proteinase 3, cathepsin G, and NSP4, which have essential functions in immune modulation and tissue repair following injury. Normally, NSP activity is controlled and modulated by endogenous antiproteases. However, disruption of this homeostatic relationship can cause diseases in which neutrophilic inflammation is central to the pathology, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, bronchiectasis, and cystic fibrosis, as well as many non-pulmonary pathologies. Although the pathobiology of these diseases varies, evidence indicates that excessive NSP activity is common and a principal mediator of tissue damage and clinical decline. NSPs are synthesized as inactive zymogens and activated primarily by the ubiquitous enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase 1, also known as cathepsin C. Preclinical data confirm that inactivation of this protease reduces activation of NSPs. Thus, pharmacological inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase 1 potentially reduces the contribution of aberrant NSP activity to the severity and/or progression of multiple inflammatory diseases. Initial clinical data support this view. Ongoing research continues to explore the role of NSP activation by dipeptidyl peptidase 1 in different disease states and the potential clinical benefits of dipeptidyl peptidase 1 inhibition.

An Affordable and Easy-to-Construct Zebrafish Housing System for Stable Long-Term Laboratory Research

Zebrafish have become a go-to model organism for in vivo studies, in part because of their reputation as being inexpensive to rear and house. Multiple do-it-yourself designs are currently available that provide laboratories with cost-effective housing systems. Unfortunately, these designs suffer from a range of issues ranging from poor water cycling rates and fragile housing tanks to inconsistent water conditions and designs that are prohibitively expensive for smaller laboratories to construct and maintain. These issues cause many of these housing systems to fall far short of the quality of commercially available zebrafish housing facilities. In this article, we present a novel, affordable, and easy-to-construct zebrafish housing system that improves upon previously published systems. The system utilizes three-dimensional printing technology to construct adaptable zebrafish tanks allowing for the housing of zebrafish at any stage of development. In addition, the water recirculation system utilizes multiple layers of filtration and no chemical adhesives, which allows for stable, long-term, housing of zebrafish in conditions suitable for research and teaching laboratories. The build described herein has been used by our laboratory to house zebrafish for over 3 years, representing multiple generations of housed fish.

Neutrophils as potential therapeutic targets for breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) remains the foremost cause of cancer mortality globally, with neutrophils playing a critical role in its pathogenesis. As an essential tumor microenvironment (TME) component, neutrophils are emerging as pivotal factors in BC progression. Growing evidence has proved that neutrophils play a Janus- role in BC by polarizing into the anti-tumor (N1) or pro-tumor (N2) phenotype. Clinical trials are evaluating neutrophil-targeted therapies, including Reparixin (NCT02370238) and Tigatuzumab (NCT01307891); however, their clinical efficacy remains suboptimal. This review summarizes the evidence regarding the close relationship between neutrophils and BC, emphasizing the critical roles of neutrophils in regulating metabolic and immune pathways. Additionally, we summarize the existing therapeutic approaches that target neutrophils, highlighting the challenges, and affirming the rationale for continuing to explore neutrophils as a viable therapeutic target in BC management.

Circulating tumor cells participate in the formation of microvascular invasion and impact on clinical outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor worldwide. Although the treatment strategies have been improved in recent years, the long-term prognosis of HCC is far from satisfactory mainly due to high postoperative recurrence and metastasis rate. Vascular tumor thrombus, including microvascular invasion (MVI) and portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT), affects the outcome of hepatectomy and liver transplantation. If vascular invasion could be found preoperatively, especially the risk of MVI, more reasonable surgical selection will be chosen to reduce the risk of postoperative recurrence and metastasis. However, there is a lack of reliable prediction methods, and the formation mechanism of MVI/PVTT is still unclear. At present, there is no study to explore the possibility of tumor thrombus formation from a single circulating tumor cell (CTC) of HCC, nor any related study to describe the possible leading role and molecular mechanism of HCC CTCs as an important component of MVI/PVTT. In this study, we review the current understanding of MVI and possible mechanisms, discuss the function of CTCs in the formation of MVI and interaction with immune cells in the circulation. In conclusion, we discuss implications for potential therapeutic targets and the prospect of clinical treatment of HCC.

The role of HMGB1 in digestive cancer

High mobility group box protein B1 (HMGB1) belongs to the HMG family, is widely expressed in the nucleus of digestive mucosal epithelial cells, mesenchymal cells and immune cells, and binds to DNA to participate in genomic structural stability, mismatch repair and transcriptional regulation to maintain normal cellular activities. In the context of digestive inflammation and tumors, HMGB1 readily migrates into the extracellular matrix and binds to immune cell receptors to affect their function and differentiation, further promoting digestive tract tissue injury and tumor development. Notably, HMGB1 can also promote the antitumor immune response. Therefore, these seemingly opposing effects in tumors make targeted HMGB1 therapies important in digestive cancer. This review focuses on the role of HMGB1 in tumors and its effects on key pathways of digestive cancer and aims to provide new possibilities for targeted tumor therapy.

Biomarkers of lung cancer for screening and in never-smokers-a narrative review

Background and Objective

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, partially attributed to late-stage diagnoses. In order to mitigate this, lung cancer screening (LCS) of high-risk patients is performed using low dose computed tomography (CT) scans, however this method is burdened by high false-positive rates and radiation exposure for patients. Further, screening programs focus on individuals with heavy smoking histories, and as such, never-smokers who may otherwise be at risk of lung cancer are often overlooked. To resolve these limitations, biomarkers have been posited as potential supplements or replacements to low-dose CT, and as such, a large body of research in this area has been produced. However, comparatively little information exists on their clinical efficacy and how this compares to current LCS strategies.

Methods

Here we conduct a search and narrative review of current literature surrounding biomarkers of lung cancer to supplement LCS, and biomarkers of lung cancer in never-smokers (LCINS).

Key Content and Findings

Many potential biomarkers of lung cancer have been identified with varying levels of sensitivity, specificity, clinical efficacy, and supporting evidence. Of the markers identified, multi-target panels of circulating microRNAs, lipids, and metabolites are likely the most clinically efficacious markers to aid current screening programs, as these provide the highest sensitivity and specificity for lung cancer detection. However, circulating lipid and metabolite levels are known to vary in numerous systemic pathologies, highlighting the need for further validation in large cohort randomised studies.

Conclusions

Lung cancer biomarkers is a fast-expanding area of research and numerous biomarkers with potential clinical applications have been identified. However, in all cases the level of evidence supporting clinical efficacy is not yet at a level at which it can be translated to clinical practice. The priority now should be to validate existing candidate markers in appropriate clinical contexts and work to integrating these into clinical practice.

Application of single-cell sequencing to the research of tumor microenvironment

Single-cell sequencing is a technique for detecting and analyzing genomes, transcriptomes, and epigenomes at the single-cell level, which can detect cellular heterogeneity lost in conventional sequencing hybrid samples, and it has revolutionized our understanding of the genetic heterogeneity and complexity of tumor progression. Moreover, the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in the formation, development and response to treatment of tumors. The application of single-cell sequencing has ushered in a new age for the TME analysis, revealing not only the blueprint of the pan-cancer immune microenvironment, but also the heterogeneity and differentiation routes of immune cells, as well as predicting tumor prognosis. Thus, the combination of single-cell sequencing and the TME analysis provides a unique opportunity to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor development and progression. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in single-cell sequencing and the TME analysis, highlighting their potential applications in cancer research and clinical translation.

Cancer Stem Cells and the Tumor Microenvironment in Tumor Drug Resistance

Although there has been some progress in the efficacy of anti-cancer drugs, drug resistance remains challenging. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are self-renewing and differentiate into cancer tissues with tumor heterogeneity. CSCs are associated with the progression of breast, colon, and lung cancers. Hence, recent studies have focused on the role of CSCs in resistance to anti-cancer drugs. Increasing evidence suggests that CSCs interact with components of the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as vascular and immune cells, as well as various cytokines, and are regulated by multiple signaling pathways, thereby promoting drug resistance in various cancers. Therefore, it is important to clarify the mechanisms underlying the crosstalk between CSCs and the TME for the development of targeted anti-cancer therapies.

Inflammatory responsive neutrophil-like membrane-based drug delivery system for post-surgical glioblastoma therapy

Surgical resection of glioblastoma (GBM) causes brain inflammation that activates and recruits neutrophils (NEs) to residual GBM tissues. NE-based drug delivery using inflammatory chemotaxis is promising for the post-surgical treatment of residual GBM, but its clinical application is limited by the short life span of NEs and lack of in vitro propagation methods. HL60 cells are a type of infinitely multiplying tumor cells that can be induced to differentiate into NE-like cells. We developed a novel NE-like membrane system (NM-PD) by coating NE-like membranes on the surface of poly (lactide-co-glycolide)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA-PEG)-based doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded core (PLGA-PEG-DOX, PD) for post-surgical residual GBM treatment. Cell adhesion proteins were detected on NE-like membranes and endowed NM-PDs with inflammatory chemotaxis similar to mature NEs. The resulting NM-PD shows excellent inflamed in vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and anti-proliferative effects on GBM cells. In our intracranial GBM resection model, NM-PD exhibited superior inflammatory chemotaxis and targeted residual GBM cells, thus remarkably improving antitumor capability and prolonging the survival time of the mice. These data suggest that NM-PD, which has sufficient sources and is easy to prepare, can efficiently suppress post-surgical residual GBM and holds potential for clinical transformation in GBM post-surgical adjuvant therapy.

The role of CXCL8 and CCNB1 in predicting hepatocellular carcinoma in the context of cirrhosis: implications for early detection and immune-based therapies

BACKGROUND

Cirrhosis is a serious condition characterized by the replacement of healthy liver tissue with scar tissue, which can progress to liver failure if left untreated. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a concerning complication of cirrhosis. It can be challenge to identify individuals with cirrhosis who are at high risk of developing HCC, particularly in the absence of known risk factors.

METHODS

In this study, statistical and bioinformatics methods were utilized to construct a protein-protein interaction network and identify disease-related hub genes. We analyzed two hub genes, CXCL8 and CCNB1, and developed a mathematical model to predict the likelihood of developing HCC in individuals with cirrhosis. We also investigated immune cell infiltration, functional analysis under ontology terms, pathway analysis, distinct clusters of cells, and protein-drug interactions.

RESULTS

The results indicated that CXCL8 and CCNB1 were associated with the development of cirrhosis-induced HCC. A prognostic model based on these two genes was able to predict the occurrence and survival time of HCC. In addition, the candidate drugs were also discovered based on our model.

CONCLUSION

The findings offer the potential for earlier detection of cirrhosis-induced HCC and provide a new instrument for clinical diagnosis, prognostication, and the development of immunological medications. This study also identified distinct clusters of cells in HCC patients using UMAP plot analysis and analyzed the expression of CXCL8 and CCNB1 within these cells, indicating potential therapeutic opportunities for targeted drug therapies to benefit HCC patients.

Potential mechanisms of cancer-associated fibroblasts in therapeutic resistance

Despite continuous improvements in research and new cancer therapeutics, the goal of eradicating cancer remains elusive because of drug resistance. For a long time, drug resistance research has been focused on tumor cells themselves; however, recent studies have found that the tumor microenvironment also plays an important role in inducing drug resistance. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a main component of the tumor microenvironment. They cross-talk with cancer cells to support their survival in the presence of anticancer drugs. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the role of CAFs in tumor drug resistance. An in-depth understanding of the mechanisms underlying the cross-talk between CAFs and cancer cells and insight into the importance of CAFs in drug resistance can guide the development of new anticancer strategies.

Small Molecule Targeting Immune Cells: A Novel Approach for Cancer Treatment

Conventional and cancer immunotherapies encompass diverse strategies to address various cancer types and stages. However, combining these approaches often encounters limitations such as non-specific targeting, resistance development, and high toxicity, leading to suboptimal outcomes in many cancers. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is orchestrated by intricate interactions between immune and non-immune cells dictating tumor progression. An innovative avenue in cancer therapy involves leveraging small molecules to influence a spectrum of resistant cell populations within the TME. Recent discoveries have unveiled a phenotypically diverse cohort of innate-like T (ILT) cells and tumor hybrid cells (HCs) exhibiting novel characteristics, including augmented proliferation, migration, resistance to exhaustion, evasion of immunosurveillance, reduced apoptosis, drug resistance, and heightened metastasis frequency. Leveraging small-molecule immunomodulators to target these immune players presents an exciting frontier in developing novel tumor immunotherapies. Moreover, combining small molecule modulators with immunotherapy can synergistically enhance the inhibitory impact on tumor progression by empowering the immune system to meticulously fine-tune responses within the TME, bolstering its capacity to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. This review outlines strategies involving small molecules that modify immune cells within the TME, potentially revolutionizing therapeutic interventions and enhancing the anti-tumor response.

Necroptosis in the sarcoma immune microenvironment: From biology to therapy

Apoptosis resistance remains a major obstacle to treatment failure in sarcoma. Necroptosis is a caspase-independent programmed cell death, investigated as a novel strategy to eradicate anti-apoptotic tumor cells. The process is mediated by the receptor-interacting proteins kinase family and mixed lineage kinase domain-like proteins, which is morphologically similar to necrosis. Recent studies suggest that necroptosis in the tumor microenvironment has pro- or anti-tumor effects on immune response and cancer development. Necroptosis-related molecules display a remarkable value in prognosis prediction and therapeutic response evaluation of sarcoma. Furthermore, the induction of tumor necroptosis has been explored as a feasible therapeutic strategy against sarcoma and to synergize with immunotherapy. This review discusses the dual roles of necroptosis in the immune microenvironment and tumor progression, and explores the potential of necroptosis as a new target for sarcoma treatment.

Glycolytic neutrophils accrued in the spleen compromise anti-tumour T cell immunity in breast cancer

The coordination of immunity across organs is fundamental to cancer development and progression. It is well known that the hostile metabolic microenvironment in the tumour is a major obstacle to effective anti-tumour immunity. However, whether metabolic alterations in secondary lymphoid tissues beyond the tumour can affect anti-tumour immunity remains elusive. Using positron-emission tomography-computed tomography, we show that the spleens of humans and mice with breast cancer are metabolically reprogrammed to a glycolytic state. Such an increase in glucose consumption in the spleen primarily occurs in neutrophils generated by extramedullary haematopoiesis and recruitment from the bone marrow. These neutrophils in the white pulp create a glucose-deprived microenvironment, which, in turn, induces T cell anergy by impairing pyruvate kinase M2 and its action on STAT5, thus compromising their anti-tumour activities. Furthermore, CCL9 chemokine produced by splenic stromal cells is central to splenic neutrophil accumulation, and blockade of the CCR1 receptor favours tumour eradication. Thus, neutrophils metabolically influence the spleen microenvironment and control anti-tumour T cell responses.

Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Gynecologic Cancers

Gynecologic cancers have varying response rates to immunotherapy due to the heterogeneity of each cancer's molecular biology and features of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). This article reviews key features of the TIME and its role in the pathophysiology and treatment of ovarian, endometrial, cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancer. Knowledge of the role of the TIME in gynecologic cancers has been rapidly developing with a large body of preclinical studies demonstrating an intricate yet dichotomous role that the immune system plays in either supporting the growth of cancer or opposing it and facilitating effective treatment. Many targets and therapeutics have been identified including cytokines, antibodies, small molecules, vaccines, adoptive cell therapy, and bacterial-based therapies but most efforts in gynecologic cancers to utilize them have not been effective. However, with the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors, we have started to see the rapid and successful employment of therapeutics in cervical and endometrial cancer. There remain many challenges in utilizing the TIME, particularly in ovarian cancer, and further studies are needed to identify and validate efficacious therapeutics.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a Trap: The Role of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex causes tuberculosis (TB), a disease that causes pulmonary inflammation but can also affect other tissues. Despite macrophages having a defined role in TB immunopathogenesis, other innate immune cells, such as neutrophils, are involved in this process. These cells have high phagocytic ability and a microbial-killing machine comprised of enzymes, antimicrobial peptides, and reactive oxygen species. In the last two decades, a new neutrophil immune response, the neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), has been intensely researched. NETs comprise DNA associated with histones, enzymes, and antimicrobial peptides. These structures are related to antimicrobial immune response and some immuno-pathogenesis mechanisms. This mini review highlights the role of NETs in tuberculosis and how they can be helpful as a diagnostic tool and/or therapeutic target.

Pretreatment lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio as a prognostic factor and influence on dose-effect in fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for oligometastatic brain metastases in non-small cell lung cancer patients

Background

Studies on the prognostic factors for patients with brain oligo-metastasis treated with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) usually focus on the size of metastatic tumor and radiation dose. Some inflammatory indicators have predictive value in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with brain metastasis receiving stereotactic radiotherapy. However, the prognostic value of inflammatory indicators in NSCLC patients with brain oligo-metastasis treated with FSRT, and their effect on radiotherapy dose is unknown.

Methods

A total of 95 advanced NSCLC patients with brain oligo-metastasis who had undergone FSRT treatment at Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital between January 2015 and April 2022 were enrolled into the study. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), tumor diameter and biologically effective dose (BED10) were analyzed using Chi-square test. Univariate and multivariate Cox regressions were used to identify predictors of survival.

Results

Tumor diameter (< 2 cm), BED10 (≥ 48Gy) and LMR (≥ 4) were found to be independently associated with good intracranial local control survival (i-LCS) through multivariate analysis. The median i-LCS was longer in patients with 2 independent risk factors (tumor diameter ≥ 2 and LMR < 4) administered with BED10 > 53.6Gy compared with patients administered with BED10 ≤ 53.6Gy (20.7 months vs 12.0 months, P = 0.042). LMR ≥ 4 (P = 0.019) and positivity for driver gene mutations (P = 0.011) were independently associated with better overall survival (OS).

Conclusions

LMR is an independent prognostic factor of i-LCS and OS in NSCLC patients with brain oligo-metastasis treated with FSRT. Patients with tumor diameter ≥ 2 and LMR < 4 should be treated with BED10 greater than 53.6Gy.

Organ-on-chip systems as a model for nanomedicine

Nanomedicine is giving rise to increasing numbers of successful drugs, including cancer treatments, molecular imaging agents, and novel vaccine formulations. However, traditionally available model systems offer limited clinical translation and, compared to the number of preclinical studies, the approval rate of nanoparticles (NPs) for clinical use remains disappointingly low. A new paradigm of modeling biological systems on microfluidic chips has emerged in the last decade and is being gradually adopted by the nanomedicine community. These systems mimic tissues, organs, and diseases like cancer, on devices with small physical footprints and complex geometries. In this review, we report studies that used organ-on-chip approaches to study the interactions of NPs with biological systems. We present examples of NP toxicity studies, studies using biological NPs such as viruses, as well as modeling biological barriers and cancer on chip. Organ-on-chip systems present an exciting opportunity and can provide a renewed direction for the nanomedicine community.