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Wei F, Liu H, Wang Y, Li Y, Han S. Engineering macrophages and their derivatives: A new hope for antitumor therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:116925. [PMID: 38878637 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are central to the immune system and are found in nearly all tissues. Recently, the development of therapies based on macrophages has attracted significant interest. These therapies utilize macrophages' key roles in immunity, their ability to navigate biological barriers, and their tendency to accumulate in tumors. This review explores the advancement of macrophage-based treatments. We discuss the bioengineering of macrophages for improved anti-tumor effects, the use of CAR macrophage therapy for targeting cancer cells, and macrophages as vehicles for therapeutic delivery. Additionally, we examine engineered macrophage products, like extracellular vesicles and membrane-coated nanoparticles, for their potential in precise and less toxic tumor therapy. Challenges in moving these therapies from research to clinical practice are also highlighted. The aim is to succinctly summarize the current status, challenges, and future directions of engineered macrophages in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wei
- Department of General surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110032, China
| | - Haiyang Liu
- Department of General surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110032, China
| | - Yuxiao Wang
- Anesthesia Department, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110032, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of General surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110032, China.
| | - Shuo Han
- Department of Cardiology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110032, China.
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2
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Ali FEM, Ibrahim IM, Althagafy HS, Hassanein EHM. Role of immunotherapies and stem cell therapy in the management of liver cancer: A comprehensive review. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 132:112011. [PMID: 38581991 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer (LC) is the sixth most common disease and the third most common cause of cancer-related mortality. The WHO predicts that more than 1 million deaths will occur from LC by 2030. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common form of primary LC. Today, the management of LC involves multiple disciplines, and multimodal therapy is typically selected on an individual basis, considering the intricate interactions between the patient's overall health, the stage of the tumor, and the degree of underlying liver disease. Currently, the treatment of cancers, including LC, has undergone a paradigm shift in the last ten years because of immuno-oncology. To treat HCC, immune therapy approaches have been developed to enhance or cause the body's natural immune response to specifically target tumor cells. In this context, immune checkpoint pathway inhibitors, engineered cytokines, adoptive cell therapy, immune cells modified with chimeric antigen receptors, and therapeutic cancer vaccines have advanced to clinical trials and offered new hope to cancer patients. The outcomes of these treatments are encouraging. Additionally, treatment using stem cells is a new approach for restoring deteriorated tissues because of their strong differentiation potential and capacity to release cytokines that encourage cell division and the formation of blood vessels. Although there is no proof that stem cell therapy works for many types of cancer, preclinical research on stem cells has shown promise in treating HCC. This review provides a recent update regarding the impact of immunotherapy and stem cells in HCC and promising outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fares E M Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, 71524, Egypt; Michael Sayegh, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aqaba University of Technology, Aqaba 77110, Jordan.
| | - Islam M Ibrahim
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut, 71524, Egypt
| | - Hanan S Althagafy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emad H M Hassanein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, 71524, Egypt
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3
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Shen KY, Zhu Y, Xie SZ, Qin LX. Immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma: current status and prospectives. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:25. [PMID: 38679698 PMCID: PMC11057182 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01549-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health concern worldwide, with limited therapeutic options and poor prognosis. In recent years, immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have made great progress in the systemic treatment of HCC. The combination treatments based on ICIs have been the major trend in this area. Recently, dual immune checkpoint blockade with durvalumab plus tremelimumab has also emerged as an effective treatment for advanced HCC. However, the majority of HCC patients obtain limited benefits. Understanding the immunological rationale and exploring novel ways to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy has drawn much attention. In this review, we summarize the latest progress in this area, the ongoing clinical trials of immune-based combination therapies, as well as novel immunotherapy strategies such as chimeric antigen receptor T cells, personalized neoantigen vaccines, oncolytic viruses, and bispecific antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Yu Shen
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road (M), Shanghai, 200040, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road (M), Shanghai, 200040, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Sun-Zhe Xie
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road (M), Shanghai, 200040, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lun-Xiu Qin
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, 12 Urumqi Road (M), Shanghai, 200040, China.
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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4
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Zhang X, Lu X, Shi J, Li Y, Li Y, Tao R, Huang L, Tang Y, Zhu X, Li M, Gao Y, Feng H, Yu Z. Bufalin suppresses hepatocellular carcinogenesis by targeting M2 macrophage-governed Wnt1/β-catenin signaling. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 126:155395. [PMID: 38340578 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The interplay of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and tumor cells plays a key role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and provides an important target for HCC therapy. The communication between them is still on the investigation. Bufalin, the active component derived from the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Chansu, has been evidenced to possess anti-HCC activity by directly suppressing tumor cells, while its immunomodulatory effect on the tumor microenvironment (TME) is unclear. PURPOSE To explore the mechanism of M2 TAM-governed tumor cell proliferation and the inhibitory effect of bufalin on HCC growth by targeting M2 macrophages. METHODS Morphology and marker proteins were detected to evaluate macrophage polarization via microscopy and flow cytometry. Cellular proliferation and malignant transformation of HCC cells cultured with macrophage conditioned medium (CM) or bufalin-primed M2-CM, were assessed by cell viability, colony formation and soft agar assays. Regulations of gene transcription and protein expression and release were determined by RT-qPCR, immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, ELISA and immunofluorescence. Tumorigenicity upon bufalin treatment was verified in orthotopic and diethylnitrosamine-induced HCC mouse model. RESULTS In this study, we first verified that M2 macrophages secreted Wnt1, which acted as a mediator to trigger β-catenin activation in HCC cells, leading to cellular proliferation. Bufalin suppressed HCC cell proliferation and malignant transformation by inhibiting Wnt1 release in M2 macrophages, and dose-dependently inhibited HCC progression in mice. Mechanistically, bufalin specially targeted to block Wnt1 transcription, thus inactivating β-catenin signaling cascade in HCC cells and leading to tumor regression in HCC mouse model. CONCLUSION These results clearly reveal a novel potential of bufalin to suppress HCC through immunomodulation, and shed light on a new M2 macrophage-based modality of HCC immunotherapy, which additively enhances direct tumor-inhibitory efficacy of bufalin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Zhang
- Department of Hepatopathy, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaona Lu
- Department of Hepatopathy, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jia Shi
- Department of Hepatopathy, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yuyao Li
- Department of Hepatopathy, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Hepatopathy, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ru Tao
- Department of Nursing, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lingying Huang
- Department of Hepatopathy, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yifei Tang
- Department of Hepatopathy, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaojun Zhu
- Department of Hepatopathy, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Man Li
- Laboratoy of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yueqiu Gao
- Department of Hepatopathy, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Institute of Infectious Disease, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Hai Feng
- Institute of Infectious Disease, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Zhuo Yu
- Department of Hepatopathy, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
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Fan TY, Xu LL, Zhang HF, Peng J, Liu D, Zou WD, Feng WJ, Qin M, Zhang J, Li H, Li YK. Comprehensive Analyses and Experiments Confirmed IGFBP5 as a Prognostic Predictor Based on an Aging-genomic Landscape Analysis of Ovarian Cancer. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2024; 24:760-778. [PMID: 38018207 DOI: 10.2174/0115680096276852231113111412] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the malignant diseases of the reproductive system in elderly women. Aging-related genes (ARGs) were involved in tumor malignancy and cellular senescence, but the specifics of these mechanisms in OC remain unknown. METHODS ARGs expression and survival data of OC patients were collected from TCGA and CPTAC databases. Subtype classification was used to identify the roles of hub ARGs in OC progression, including function enrichment, immune infiltration, and drug sensitivity. LASSO regression was utilized to confirm the prognosis significance for these hub ARGs. MTT, EdU, Transwell, and wounding healing analysis confirmed the effect of IGFBP5 on the proliferation and migration ability of OC cells. RESULTS ARGs were ectopically expressed in OC tissues compared to normal ovary tissues. Three molecular subtypes were divided by ARGs for OC patients. There were significant differences in ferroptosis, m6A methylation, prognosis, immune infiltration, angiogenesis, differentiation level, and drug sensitivity among the three groups. LASSO regression indicated that 4 signatures, FOXO4, IGFBP5, OGG1 and TYMS, had important prognosis significance. Moreover, IGFBP5 was significantly correlated with immune infiltration. The hub ARG, IGFBP5, expression was significantly decreased in OC patients compared to normal women. IGFBP5 could also reduce the migration and proliferation ability of OC cells compared to vector and NC groups. CONCLUSION IGFBP5 was correlated with OC prognosis and associated with OC migration and proliferation. This gene may serve as potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for OC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Yu Fan
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Centre, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Xiangya Hospital Zhuzhou Central South University, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Li-Li Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Xiangya Hospital Zhuzhou Central South University, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Hong-Feng Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Xiangya Hospital Zhuzhou Central South University, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Juan Peng
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Centre, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Xiangya Hospital Zhuzhou Central South University, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Centre, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Xiangya Hospital Zhuzhou Central South University, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Wen-Da Zou
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Centre, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Xiangya Hospital Zhuzhou Central South University, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Wen-Jie Feng
- Burn and Plastic Department, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mei Qin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Xiangya Hospital Zhuzhou Central South University, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Centre, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Xiangya Hospital Zhuzhou Central South University, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Centre, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Xiangya Hospital Zhuzhou Central South University, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Yu-Kun Li
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Centre, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Xiangya Hospital Zhuzhou Central South University, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
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Marshall G, Cao J. Mechanism-directed combinational immunotherapies in liver cancer hold promise. Cell Mol Immunol 2023; 20:1395-1397. [PMID: 37544963 PMCID: PMC10616066 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-01068-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Marshall
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Jian Cao
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
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7
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Yuan Y, Wu D, Li J, Huang D, Zhao Y, Gao T, Zhuang Z, Cui Y, Zheng DY, Tang Y. Mechanisms of tumor-associated macrophages affecting the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1217400. [PMID: 37663266 PMCID: PMC10470150 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1217400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are essential components of the immune cell stroma of hepatocellular carcinoma. TAMs originate from monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells, peripheral blood monocytes, and kupffer cells. The recruitment of monocytes to the HCC tumor microenvironment is facilitated by various factors, leading to their differentiation into TAMs with unique phenotypes. TAMs can directly activate or inhibit the nuclear factor-κB, interleukin-6/signal transducer and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, Wnt/β-catenin, transforming growth factor-β1/bone morphogenetic protein, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 signaling pathways in tumor cells and interact with other immune cells via producing cytokines and extracellular vesicles, thus affecting carcinoma cell proliferation, invasive and migratory, angiogenesis, liver fibrosis progression, and other processes to participate in different stages of tumor progression. In recent years, TAMs have received much attention as a prospective treatment target for HCC. This review describes the origin and characteristics of TAMs and their mechanism of action in the occurrence and development of HCC to offer a theoretical foundation for further clinical research of TAMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yuan
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dailin Wu
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Li
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dan Huang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tianqi Gao
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenjie Zhuang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Cui
- Department of Psychiatry, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Da-Yong Zheng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Hepatology, TCM-Integrated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary, Cancer Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Wei S, Wei F, Li M, Yang Y, Zhang J, Li C, Wang J. Target immune components to circumvent sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 163:114798. [PMID: 37121146 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib, a multi-kinase inhibitor, has been approved for cancer treatment for decades, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although sorafenib produced substantial clinical benefits in the initial stage, a large proportion of cancer patients acquired drug resistance in subsequent treatment, which always disturbs clinical physicians. Cumulative evidence unraveled the underlying mechanism of sorafenib, but few reports focused on the role of immune subpopulations, since the immunological rationale of sorafenib resistance has not yet been defined. Here, we reviewed the immunoregulatory effects of sorafenib on the tumor microenvironment and emphasized the potential immunological mechanisms of therapeutic resistance to sorafenib. Moreover, we also summarized the clinical outcomes and ongoing trials in combination of sorafenib with immunotherapy, highlighted the immunotherapeutic strategies to improve sorafenib efficacy, and put forward several prospective questions aimed at guiding future research in overcoming sorafenib resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhua Wei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Fenghua Wei
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Mengyuan Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yuhan Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- R & D Management Department, China National Biotec Group, Beijing, PR China.
| | - Chunxiao Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, PR China.
| | - Junjie Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, PR China.
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9
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Shen Y, Chen JX, Li M, Xiang Z, Wu J, Wang YJ. Role of tumor-associated macrophages in common digestive system malignant tumors. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:596-616. [PMID: 37123058 PMCID: PMC10134211 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i4.596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Many digestive system malignant tumors are characterized by high incidence and mortality rate. Increasing evidence has revealed that the tumor microenvironment (TME) is involved in cancer initiation and tumor progression. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a predominant constituent of the TME, and participate in the regulation of various biological behaviors and influence the prognosis of digestive system cancer. TAMs can be mainly classified into the antitumor M1 phenotype and protumor M2 phenotype. The latter especially are crucial drivers of tumor invasion, growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, immunosuppression, and resistance to therapy. TAMs are of importance in the occurrence, development, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of common digestive system malignant tumors. In this review, we summarize the role of TAMs in common digestive system malignant tumors, including esophageal, gastric, colorectal, pancreatic and liver cancers. How TAMs promote the development of tumors, and how they act as potential therapeutic targets and their clinical applications are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Shen
- Department of Dermatology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou 215008, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jia-Xi Chen
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Pathology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou 215008, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ze Xiang
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou 215008, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yi-Jin Wang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong Province, China
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10
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Targeting tumor-associated macrophages in hepatocellular carcinoma: biology, strategy, and immunotherapy. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:65. [PMID: 36792608 PMCID: PMC9931715 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01356-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most malignant tumors, is characterized by its stubborn immunosuppressive microenvironment. As one of the main members of the tumor microenvironment (TME) of HCC, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a critical role in its occurrence and development, including stimulating angiogenesis, enhancing immunosuppression, and promoting the drug resistance and cancer metastasis. This review describes the origin as well as phenotypic heterogeneity of TAMs and their potential effects on the occurrence and development of HCC and also discusses about various adjuvant therapy based strategies that can be used for targeting TAMs. In addition, we have highlighted different treatment modalities for TAMs based on immunotherapy, including small molecular inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, antibodies, tumor vaccines, adoptive cellular immunotherapy, and nanocarriers for drug delivery, to explore novel combination therapies and provide feasible therapeutic options for clinically improving the prognosis and quality of life of HCC patients.
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11
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Kohlhepp MS, Liu H, Tacke F, Guillot A. The contradictory roles of macrophages in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and primary liver cancer-Challenges and opportunities. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1129831. [PMID: 36845555 PMCID: PMC9950415 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1129831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases from varying etiologies generally lead to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Among them, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects roughly one-quarter of the world population, thus representing a major and increasing public health burden. Chronic hepatocyte injury, inflammation (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, NASH) and liver fibrosis are recognized soils for primary liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), being the third most common cause for cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite recent advances in liver disease understanding, therapeutic options on pre-malignant and malignant stages remain limited. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify targetable liver disease-driving mechanisms for the development of novel therapeutics. Monocytes and macrophages comprise a central, yet versatile component of the inflammatory response, fueling chronic liver disease initiation and progression. Recent proteomic and transcriptomic studies performed at singular cell levels revealed a previously overlooked diversity of macrophage subpopulations and functions. Indeed, liver macrophages that encompass liver resident macrophages (also named Kupffer cells) and monocyte-derived macrophages, can acquire a variety of phenotypes depending on microenvironmental cues, and thus exert manifold and sometimes contradictory functions. Those functions range from modulating and exacerbating tissue inflammation to promoting and exaggerating tissue repair mechanisms (i.e., parenchymal regeneration, cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, fibrosis). Due to these central functions, liver macrophages represent an attractive target for the treatment of liver diseases. In this review, we discuss the multifaceted and contrary roles of macrophages in chronic liver diseases, with a particular focus on NAFLD/NASH and HCC. Moreover, we discuss potential therapeutic approaches targeting liver macrophages.
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Wang J, Wu R, Sun JY, Lei F, Tan H, Lu X. An overview: Management of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Biosci Trends 2022; 16:405-425. [PMID: 36476621 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2022.01109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has constituted a significant health burden worldwide, and patients with advanced HCC, which is stage C as defined by the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system, have a poor overall survival of 6-8 months. Studies have indicated the significant survival benefit of treatment based on sorafenib, lenvatinib, or atezolizumab-bevacizumab with reliable safety. In addition, the combination of two or more molecularly targeted therapies (first- plus second-line) has become a hot topic recently and is now being extensively investigated in patients with advanced HCC. In addition, a few biomarkers have been investigated and found to predict drug susceptibility and prognosis, which provides an opportunity to evaluate the clinical benefits of current therapies. In addition, many therapies other than tyrosine kinase inhibitors that might have additional survival benefits when combined with other therapeutic modalities, including immunotherapy, transarterial chemoembolization, radiofrequency ablation, hepatectomy, and chemotherapy, have also been examined. This review provides an overview on the current understanding of disease management and summarizes current challenges with and future perspectives on advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jincheng Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Rui Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jin-Yu Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feifei Lei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Disease Laboratory, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Huabing Tan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Disease Laboratory, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaojie Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Lei J, Chen B, Song M, Zhang L, Zhang X, Gao X, Li Y, Lu Y, Zuo S. TKI or TKI combined with PD-1 inhibitors as second-line treatment for HCC patients after sorafenib failure. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1026337. [PMID: 36569315 PMCID: PMC9782409 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1026337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) in combination with programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors become the potential treatment modality for patients undergoing unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) in the first-line setting. However, the efficacy and safety of this combination regimen in patients after sorafenib failure remains unclear. Methods: Participants in this study included patients with uHCC after sorafenib failure who received TKI monotherapy (TKI group) or TKI combined with PD-1 inhibitors therapy (combination group) in our center from July 2018 to July 2021. The overall survival (OS) was used to be the primary efficacy endpoint, while progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and disease control rate (DCR) were applied to be secondary endpoints. In addition, the adverse events are recorded and evaluated. Results: Among the 92 patients contained in this work, 50 patients were categorized into the TKI group, while 42 patients were in the combination group. There existed no evident differences between the two groups concerning the ORR (8.0% vs. 9.5%, p = 1.000). However, the DCR in the combined group was better in relative to that in the TKI group (71.4% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.037). In comparison with the TKI group, it was found that the combination group presented notably better median PFS (8.1 months vs. 4.7 months, p = 0.005) and median OS (21.9 months vs. 16.6 months, p = 0.042). According to multivariate analysis, PFS (HR 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-0.8, p = 0.005) and OS (HR 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-1.0, p = 0.051) were improved in the combination group in relative to the TKI group after the adjustment for some risk factors. Additionally, the incidence rates of grade ≥1 adverse event in the TKI group and the combination group were 96.0% and 97.6%, respectively. The most normal adverse event in the TKI group was neutropenia (n = 24,48.0%) and the combination group was hypoalbuminemia (n = 23,54.8%). All of these adverse events improved after symptomatic treatment, and no new toxic events were found to occur. Conclusion: TKI combined with PD-1 inhibitors showed better prognosis with manageable toxicity in uHCC patients after sorafenib failure compared with TKI monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Lei
- Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Bowen Chen
- Peking University 302 Clinical Medical School, Beijing, China
| | - Meiru Song
- The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, The Fifth School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Linzhi Zhang
- Comprehensive Liver Cancer Center, The Fifth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospita, Beijing, China
| | - Xinfeng Zhang
- The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, The Fifth School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Gao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yinyin Li
- Comprehensive Liver Cancer Center, The Fifth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospita, Beijing, China
| | - Yinying Lu
- Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China,Comprehensive Liver Cancer Center, The Fifth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospita, Beijing, China,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China,*Correspondence: Yinying Lu, ; Shi Zuo,
| | - Shi Zuo
- Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China,*Correspondence: Yinying Lu, ; Shi Zuo,
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14
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Saoudi González N, Castet F, Élez E, Macarulla T, Tabernero J. Current and emerging anti-angiogenic therapies in gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary cancers. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1021772. [DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1021772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal tumours are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that arise in the gastrointestinal tract and hepatobiliary system. Their incidence is rising globally and they currently represent the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Anti-angiogenic agents have been incorporated into the treatment armamentarium of most of these malignancies and have improved survival outcomes, most notably in colorectal cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. New treatment combinations with immunotherapies and other agents have led to unprecedented benefits and are revolutionising patient care. In this review, we detail the mechanisms of action of anti-angiogenic agents and the preclinical rationale underlying their combinations with immunotherapies. We review the clinical evidence supporting their use across all gastrointestinal tumours, with a particular emphasis on colorectal cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. We discuss available biomarkers of response to these therapies and their utility in routine clinical practice. Finally, we summarise ongoing clinical trials in distinct settings and highlight the preclinical rationale supporting novel combinations.
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15
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Zhu Y, Qin LX. Strategies for improving the efficacy of immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2022; 21:420-429. [PMID: 35977874 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer, mainly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the sixth most diagnosed cancer and third leading cause of cancer-related death globally. Recently, immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have made great progress in the systemic treatment of HCC. However, anti-PD-1 therapy with pembrolizumab or nivolumab as a single agent did not meet their predefined end points of overall survival in the KEYNOTE-240 and CheckMate 459 trials. It is urgent to understand the immunological rationale and explore novel ways to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy. The combination of ICIs with other therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), monoclonal antibodies, or local therapy, has been demonstrated to improve overall response rate and survival. In addition, modulating tumor microenvironment is a potential way to overcome the primary and secondary resistance to immunotherapies. In this review, we summarized the latest findings in the immune microenvironment, the mechanisms of their synergistic effects when combined with anti-VEGF agents or TKIs, as well as other kinds of immune treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lun-Xiu Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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16
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The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma-current situation and outlook. Mol Immunol 2022; 151:218-230. [PMID: 36179604 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2022.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most severe malignant tumors that threaten human health, and its incidence is still on the rise recently. In spite of the current emerging treatment strategies, the overall prognosis of liver cancer remains worrying. Currently, immunotherapy has become a new research-active spot. The emergence of immune checkpoints and targeted immune cell therapy can significantly improve the prognosis of HCC. To a large extent, the effect of this immunotherapy depends on the tumor immune microenvironment (TME), an intricate system in which cancer cells and other non-cancer cells display various interactions. Understanding the immunosuppressive situation of these cells, along with the malignant behavior of cancer cells, can assist us to design new therapeutic approaches against tumors. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the TME of HCC for further improvement of clinical treatment. This review discussed the functions of several immunosuppressive cells and exosomes in the latest research progress of HCC, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) interacted actively to facilitate tumor progression. It further describes the treatment methods targeting them and the potential that needs to be explored in the future.
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17
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Cheng K, Cai N, Zhu J, Yang X, Liang H, Zhang W. Tumor-associated macrophages in liver cancer: From mechanisms to therapy. CANCER COMMUNICATIONS (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 42:1112-1140. [PMID: 36069342 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Multidimensional analyses have demonstrated the presence of a unique tumor microenvironment (TME) in liver cancer. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are among the most abundant immune cells infiltrating the TME and are present at all stages of liver cancer progression, and targeting TAMs has become one of the most favored immunotherapy strategies. In addition, macrophages and liver cancer cells have distinct origins. At the early stage of liver cancer, macrophages can provide a niche for the maintenance of liver cancer stem cells. In contrast, cancer stem cells (CSCs) or poorly differentiated tumor cells are key factors modulating macrophage activation. In the present review, we first propose the origin connection between precursor macrophages and liver cancer cells. Macrophages undergo dynamic phenotypic transition during carcinogenesis. In this course of such transition, it is critical to determine the appropriate timing for therapy and block specific markers to suppress pro-tumoral TAMs. The present review provides a more detailed discussion of transition trends of such surface markers than previous reviews. Complex crosstalk occurs between TAMs and liver cancer cells. TAMs play indispensable roles in tumor progression, angiogenesis, and autophagy due to their heterogeneity and robust plasticity. In addition, macrophages in the TME interact with other immune cells by directing cell-to-cell contact or secreting various effector molecules. Similarly, tumor cells combined with other immune cells can drive macrophage recruitment and polarization. Despite the latest achievements and the advancements in treatment strategies following TAMs studies, comprehensive discussions on the communication between macrophages and cancer cells or immune cells in liver cancer are currently lacking. In this review, we discussed the interactions between TAMs and liver cancer cells (from cell origin to maturation), the latest therapeutic strategies (including chimeric antigen receptor macrophages), and critical clinical trials for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) to provide a rationale for further clinical investigation of TAMs as a potential target for treating patients with liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Cheng
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, P. R. China
| | - Ning Cai
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, P. R. China
| | - Jinghan Zhu
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, P. R. China
| | - Xing Yang
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, P. R. China
| | - Huifang Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, P. R. China
| | - Wanguang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, P. R. China
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18
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Xiong K, Qi M, Stoeger T, Zhang J, Chen S. The role of tumor-associated macrophages and soluble mediators in pulmonary metastatic melanoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1000927. [PMID: 36131942 PMCID: PMC9483911 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1000927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive skin tumor, which is also a major cause of skin cancer-related mortality. It can spread from a relatively small primary tumor and metastasize to multiple locations, including lymph nodes, lungs, liver, bone, and brain. What’s more metastatic melanoma is the main cause of its high mortality. Among all organs, the lung is one of the most common distant metastatic sites of melanoma, and the mortality rate of melanoma lung metastasis is also very high. Elucidating the mechanisms involved in the pulmonary metastasis of cutaneous melanoma will not only help to provide possible explanations for its etiology and progression but may also help to provide potential new therapeutic targets for its treatment. Increasing evidence suggests that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play an important regulatory role in the migration and metastasis of various malignant tumors. Tumor-targeted therapy, targeting tumor-associated macrophages is thus attracting attention, particularly for advanced tumors and metastatic tumors. However, the relevant role of tumor-associated macrophages in cutaneous melanoma lung metastasis is still unclear. This review will present an overview of the origin, classification, polarization, recruitment, regulation and targeting treatment of tumor-associated macrophages, as well as the soluble mediators involved in these processes and a summary of their possible role in lung metastasis from cutaneous malignant melanoma. This review particularly aims to provide insight into mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets to readers, interested in pulmonary metastasis melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaifen Xiong
- The Department of Respiratory Diseases and Critic Care Unit, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College), Jinan University, Guangdong, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Min Qi
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tobias Stoeger
- Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI), Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC), Helmholtz Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Jianglin Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Dermatology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Guangdong, China
- Candidate Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Skin Diseases, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Jianglin Zhang, ; Shanze Chen,
| | - Shanze Chen
- The Department of Respiratory Diseases and Critic Care Unit, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College), Jinan University, Guangdong, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Jianglin Zhang, ; Shanze Chen,
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19
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Sorafenib combined with STAT3 knockdown triggers ER stress-induced HCC apoptosis and cGAS-STING-mediated anti-tumor immunity. Cancer Lett 2022; 547:215880. [PMID: 35981569 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Sorafenib is the first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, it is difficult to alleviate this disease process using single-agent chemotherapy. Using combination therapies for advanced HCC has become a major trend. Given that STAT3 overexpression is involved in chemotherapy resistance and the immune escape of HCC cells, it has become a potential therapeutic target for HCC in recent years. GEO database analysis showed that STAT3 levels in tumor tissues from non-responders were significantly higher than those in responders to sorafenib. Our studies demonstrated that STAT3 knockdown promoted sorafenib-induced ER stress-induced apoptosis. Importantly, the DNA released by dead HCC cells stimulated the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in CD103+ DCs and promoted type I interferon production, thus, enhancing the anti-tumor function of CD8+ T and NK cells. In conclusion, our results revealed that the combination strategy of sorafenib and STAT3 knockdown might be a potential treatment strategy for HCC, directly and efficiently disturbing the tumor features of HCC cells while improving the tumor microenvironment via the cGAS-STING-Type I IFNs axis of DCs, inducing anti-HCC immune responses.
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20
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The Mechanism of Rac1 in Regulating HCC Cell Glycolysis Which Provides Underlying Therapeutic Target for HCC Therapy. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:7319641. [PMID: 35847360 PMCID: PMC9279021 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7319641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Aim To explore the role of Rac1 on sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods CCK-8, wound healing assay, Transwell, and cell cycle assay were used to detect the tumor cells development. Cell viability was assessed by MTT. The glycolytic pathway was revealed by cellular metabolism assays. Result We recovered that Rac1 upregulation was related to HCC patients' poorer prognosis. Forced expression of Rac1 promoted cell development and sorafenib chemoresistance in HCC cells. Rac1 inhibitor EHop-016 and sorafenib combination markedly prevented cell viability, G2/M phase cycle arrest, and apoptosis than single therapy. Furthermore, combination therapy decreased glycolysis in HCC cells. In vivo, the tumor growth was significantly prevented by combination therapy single therapy. Conclusion Our research declares that Rac1 inhibition could block sorafenib resistance in HCC by decreasing glycolysis, which would provide an underlying target for HCC therapy.
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21
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Cao Y, Mai W, Li R, Deng S, Li L, Zhou Y, Qin Q, Zhang Y, Zhou X, Han M, Liang P, Yan Y, Hao Y, Xie W, Yan J, Zhu L. Macrophages evoke autophagy of hepatic stellate cells to promote liver fibrosis in NAFLD mice via the PGE2/EP4 pathway. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:303. [PMID: 35588334 PMCID: PMC11071853 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04319-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of liver fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains unclear and the effective treatments have not been explored yet. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is considered as the most critical factor in the progression of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Autophagy has recently been identified as a new mechanism to regulate HSC activation. Here, we found that liver macrophages were polarized toward type 2 (M2) during the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver fibrosis in both patients and NAFLD mice. Using the methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet NAFLD murine model and the in vitro cell culture system, we identified that the M2 macrophages promoted HSC autophagy by secreting prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and binding its receptor EP4 on the surface of HSCs, which consequently enhanced HSC activation, extracellular matrix deposition, and liver fibrosis. Mechanistically, PGE2/EP4 signals enhanced HSC autophagy through the Erk pathway. A specific PGE2/EP4 antagonist E7046 significantly inhibited M2 macrophage-mediated HSC autophagy and improved liver fibrosis and histopathology in NAFLD mice. Our study provides novel mechanistic insights into the regulation of HSC activation and liver fibrosis. Our findings suggest that the PGE2/EP4 pathway is a promising therapeutic target to prevent NASH progression into cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Cao
- Center of Liver Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Weili Mai
- Center of Liver Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of the Southern Theater of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Guangzhou, 510030, China
| | - Rui Li
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Shuwei Deng
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Lan Li
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Yanxi Zhou
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Qiushi Qin
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Xingang Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Ming Han
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Pu Liang
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Yonghong Yan
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Yu Hao
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Wen Xie
- Center of Liver Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China.
| | - Jie Yan
- Center of Liver Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China.
| | - Liuluan Zhu
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China.
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China.
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22
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Abstract
Liver cancer, more specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the second leading cause of cancer-related death and its incidence is increasing globally. Around 50% of patients with HCC receive systemic therapies, traditionally sorafenib or lenvatinib in the first line and regorafenib, cabozantinib or ramucirumab in the second line. In the past 5 years, immune-checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the management of HCC. The combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab has been shown to improve overall survival relative to sorafenib, resulting in FDA approval of this regimen. More recently, durvalumab plus tremelimumab yielded superior overall survival versus sorafenib and atezolizumab plus cabozantinib yielded superior progression-free survival. In addition, pembrolizumab monotherapy and the combination of nivolumab plus ipilimumab have received FDA Accelerated Approval in the second-line setting based on early efficacy data. Despite these major advances, the molecular underpinnings governing immune responses and evasion remain unclear. The immune microenvironment has crucial roles in the development and progression of HCC and distinct aetiology-dependent immune features have been defined. Inflamed and non-inflamed classes of HCC and genomic signatures have been associated with response to immune-checkpoint inhibitors, yet no validated biomarker is available to guide clinical decision-making. This Review provides information on the immune microenvironments underlying the response or resistance of HCC to immunotherapies. In addition, current evidence from phase III trials on the efficacy, immune-related adverse events and aetiology-dependent mechanisms of response are described. Finally, we discuss emerging trials assessing immunotherapies across all stages of HCC that might change the management of this disease in the near future.
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Ding Y, Liu X, Yuan Y, Sheng Y, Li D, Ojha SC, Sun C, Deng C. THRSP identified as a potential hepatocellular carcinoma marker by integrated bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:1743-1766. [PMID: 35196258 PMCID: PMC8908915 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203900] [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: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common malignant liver tumor with high mortality and poor prognosis worldwide. This study aimed to identify hub genes and investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms in HCC progression by integrated bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation. Based on the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), 12 critical differential co-expression genes were identified between tumor and normal tissues. Via survival analysis, we found higher expression of LCAT, ACSM3, IGF1, SRD5A2, THRSP and ACADS was associated with better prognoses in HCC patients. Among which, THRSP was selected for the next investigations. We found that THRSP mRNA expression was negatively correlated with its methylation and closely associated with clinical characteristics in HCC patients. Moreover, THRSP expression had a negative correlation with the infiltration levels of several immune cells (e.g., B cells and CD4+ T cells). qRT-PCR verified that THRSP was lower expressed in HCC tissues and cell lines compared with control. Silencing of THRSP promoted the migration, invasion, proliferation, and inhibited cell apoptosis of HCCLM and Huh7 cell lines. Decreased expression of THRSP promoted HCC progression by NF-κB, ERK1/2, and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. In conclusion, THRSP might serve as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Ding
- The Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.,The Department of Tuberculosis, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.,Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Xiaoling Liu
- The Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.,The Department of Tuberculosis, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.,Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Yue Yuan
- The Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.,The Department of Tuberculosis, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.,Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Yunjian Sheng
- The Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.,The Department of Tuberculosis, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.,Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Decheng Li
- The Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.,The Department of Tuberculosis, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.,Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Suvash Chandra Ojha
- The Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.,The Department of Tuberculosis, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.,Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Changfeng Sun
- The Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.,The Department of Tuberculosis, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.,Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Cunliang Deng
- The Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.,The Department of Tuberculosis, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.,Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
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Liang Y, Lei Y, Liang M, Du M, Liu Z, Li X, Meng X, Zhou B, Gao Y. GBE1 Is an Independent Prognostic Marker and Associated With CD163 + Tumor-Associated Macrophage Infiltration in Lung Adenocarcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 11:781344. [PMID: 35155189 PMCID: PMC8828580 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.781344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycogen branching enzyme (GBE1) is a critical gene that participates in regulating glycogen metabolism. However, the correlations between GBE1 expression and the prognosis and tumor-associated macrophages in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) also remain unclear. Herein, we firstly analyzed the expression level of GBE1 in LUAD tissues and adjacent lung tissues via The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The effect of GBE1 on prognosis was estimated by utilizing TCGA database and the PrognoScan database. The relationships between the clinical characteristics and GBE1 expression were evaluated via TCGA database. We then investigated the relationships between GBE1 and infiltration of immune cells in LUAD by utilizing the CIBERSORT algorithm and Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database. In addition, we used a tissue microarray (TMA) containing 92 LUAD tissues and 88 adjacent lung tissues with immunohistochemistry staining to verify the association between GBE1 expression and clinical characteristics, as well as the immune cell infiltrations. We found the expression level of GBE1 was significantly higher in LUAD tissues. High expression of GBE1 was associated with poorer overall survival (OS) in LUAD. In addition, high expression of GBE1 was correlated with advanced T classification, N classification, M classification, TNM stage, and lower grade. Moreover, GBE1 was positively correlated with infiltrating levels of CD163+ tumor-associated macrophages in LUAD. In conclusion, the expression of GBE1 is associated with the prognosis and CD163+ tumor-associated macrophage infiltration in LUAD, suggesting that it has potential to be prognostic and immunological biomarkers in LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yicheng Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yangyang Lei
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China.,Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mei Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Minjun Du
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zixu Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xingkai Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangzhi Meng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Boxuan Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yushun Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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25
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Modulation of the tumour microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma by tyrosine kinase inhibitors: from modulation to combination therapy targeting the microenvironment. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:73. [PMID: 35148789 PMCID: PMC8840552 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02435-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) remain the backbone of systematic therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Sorafenib and lenvatinib are currently approved as first-line therapeutic drugs, and regorafenib and cabozantinib are applied as second-line treatments. With inhibition of angiogenesis as the main target, TKIs exert a profound effect on the tumour microenvironment (TME). The TME is a complex mixture of cellular and noncellular components surrounding the tumour mass, and is associated with tumour progression partially through the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Specifically, the TME of HCC is characterized by profound extracellular matrix remodelling and an immunosuppressive microenvironment. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary of TME remodelling mediated by four Food and Drug Administration approved TKIs in HCC and thus summarize the rationale and potential targets for combination therapy. The modulatory effect of TKIs on the TME of HCC was reported to enhance the antitumour effect of TKIs through pyroptosis of macrophages and subsequent natural killer cell activation, T cell activation, regulatory T cell reduction in HCC. Meanwhile, TKIs also induce drug resistance via M2 polarization and accumulation, recruitment of tumour-associated neutrophils, and induction of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In conclusion, the effect of TKIs on TME can enhance its antitumour effect, but might also partially contribute to the drug resistance that hinders the progression of TKIs as treatment for HCC. Additionally, the effect of TKIs also provides the rationale for combination therapy, including combining TKIs with immune checkpoint inhibitors, to facilitate increased drug efficacy of TKIs.
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26
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Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Pathogenesis, Prognosis and Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14010226. [PMID: 35008390 PMCID: PMC8749970 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes a major health burden, accounting for >80% of primary liver cancers globally. Inflammation has come into the spotlight as a hallmark of cancer, and it is evident that tumor-associated inflammation drives the involvement of monocytes in tumor growth and metastasis. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) actively participate in tumor-related inflammation, representing the main type of inflammatory cells in the tumor microenvironment, setting the crosstalk between tumor and stromal cells. Infiltrating TAMs exert either anti-tumorigenic (M1) or pro-tumorigenic (M2) functions. In most solid human tumors, increased TAM infiltration has been associated with enhanced tumor growth and metastasis, while other studies showcase that under certain conditions, TAMs exhibit cytotoxic and tumoricidal activity, inhibiting the progression of cancer. In this review, we summarize the current evidence on the role of macrophages in the pathogenesis and progression of HCC and we highlight their potential utilization in HCC prognosis and therapy. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes a major health burden globally, and it is caused by intrinsic genetic mutations acting in concert with a multitude of epigenetic and extrinsic risk factors. Cancer induces myelopoiesis in the bone marrow, as well as the mobilization of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, which reside in the spleen. Monocytes produced in the bone marrow and the spleen further infiltrate tumors, where they differentiate into tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). The relationship between chronic inflammation and hepatocarcinogenesis has been thoroughly investigated over the past decade; however, several aspects of the role of TAMs in HCC development are yet to be determined. In response to certain stimuli and signaling, monocytes differentiate into macrophages with antitumor properties, which are classified as M1-like. On the other hand, under different stimuli and signaling, the polarization of macrophages shifts towards an M2-like phenotype with a tumor promoting capacity. M2-like macrophages drive tumor growth both directly and indirectly, via the suppression of cytotoxic cell populations, including CD8+ T cells and NK cells. The tumor microenvironment affects the response to immunotherapies. Therefore, an enhanced understanding of its immunobiology is essential for the development of next-generation immunotherapies. The utilization of various monocyte-centered anticancer treatment modalities has been under clinical investigation, selectively targeting and modulating the processes of monocyte recruitment, activation and migration. This review summarizes the current evidence on the role of TAMs in HCC pathogenesis and progression, as well as in their potential involvement in tumor therapy, shedding light on emerging anticancer treatment methods targeting monocytes.
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Hourani T, Holden JA, Li W, Lenzo JC, Hadjigol S, O’Brien-Simpson NM. Tumor Associated Macrophages: Origin, Recruitment, Phenotypic Diversity, and Targeting. Front Oncol 2021; 11:788365. [PMID: 34988021 PMCID: PMC8722774 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.788365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is known to have a strong influence on tumorigenesis, with various components being involved in tumor suppression and tumor growth. A protumorigenic TME is characterized by an increased infiltration of tumor associated macrophages (TAMs), where their presence is strongly associated with tumor progression, therapy resistance, and poor survival rates. This association between the increased TAMs and poor therapeutic outcomes are stemming an increasing interest in investigating TAMs as a potential therapeutic target in cancer treatment. Prominent mechanisms in targeting TAMs include: blocking recruitment, stimulating repolarization, and depletion methods. For enhancing targeting specificity multiple nanomaterials are currently being explored for the precise delivery of chemotherapeutic cargo, including the conjugation with TAM-targeting peptides. In this paper, we provide a focused literature review of macrophage biology in relation to their role in tumorigenesis. First, we discuss the origin, recruitment mechanisms, and phenotypic diversity of TAMs based on recent investigations in the literature. Then the paper provides a detailed review on the current methods of targeting TAMs, including the use of nanomaterials as novel cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Neil M. O’Brien-Simpson
- Antimicrobial, Cancer Therapeutics and Vaccines (ACTV) Research Group, Melbourne Dental School, Centre for Oral Health Research, Royal Dental Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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28
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Nishida-Aoki N, Gujral TS. Polypharmacological reprogramming of tumor-associated macrophages towards an inflammatory phenotype. Cancer Res 2021; 82:433-446. [PMID: 34903600 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-1428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) are an important component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) that can promote tumor progression, metastasis, and resistance to therapies. Although TAMs represent a promising target for therapeutic intervention, the complexity of the TME has made the study of TAMs challenging. Here, we established a physiologically relevant in vitro TAM polarization system that recapitulates TAM pro-tumoral activities. This system was used to characterize dynamic changes in gene expression and protein phosphorylation during TAM polarization and to screen phenotypic kinase inhibitors that impact TAM programming. BMS-794833, a multi-targeted compound, was identified as a potent inhibitor of TAM polarization. BMS-794833 decreased pro-tumoral properties of TAMs in vitro and suppressed tumor growth in mouse triple-negative breast cancer models. The effect of BMS-794833 was independent of its primary targets (MET and VEGFR2) but was dependent on its effect on multiple signaling pathways, including focal adhesion kinases, SRC family kinases, STAT3, and p38 MAP kinases. Collectively, these findings underline the efficacy of polypharmacological strategies in reprogramming complex signaling cascades activated during TAM polarization.
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29
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Macrophages M1-Related Prognostic Signature in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021; 2021:6347592. [PMID: 34745260 PMCID: PMC8486543 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6347592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A large number of studies have found that macrophages M1 play an important role in the occurrence and development of tumors. The aim of our study is to explore the causes of differential infiltration of macrophages M1 in hepatocellular carcinoma from the perspective of transcriptome and establish a prognostic model of hepatocellular carcinoma. We downloaded gene expression and clinical data from the public database, estimated the content of macrophages M1 in different samples with R software, and found the different genes between high- and low-infiltration groups. Using differentially expressed genes, we constructed a model composed of 7 genes. The risk score of the model has a good ability to predict the prognosis, has a positive correlation with immune checkpoints, and is closely related to other immune cells and immune function. Our model shows good prognostic function and has wide application value.
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30
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Suo RY, Wang ZY, Wang JS, Zhang GJ, Zhang J. Role of long non-coding RNA in regulating polarization of gastric cancer macrophages. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2021; 29:1096-1101. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v29.i19.1096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are an important part of the tumor microenvironment. They are distributed in tumor tissues and distant metastatic sites, and are related to tumor progression and prognosis. TAMs M2 can promote tumor biological processes such as tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, and inhibit apoptosis, and are obviously related to the poor prognosis of tumor patients. In recent years, the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in regulating the polarization of macrophages has gradually been revealed, which can affect the occurrence and development of tumors by adjusting the polarization of macrophages. Studies have shown that lncRNAs play an important role in the polarization process of gastric cancer macrophages. This article summarizes the related research reports, hoping to provide ideas for studies that interfere with the polarization process of TAMs to inhibit tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Yang Suo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China,Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Zhi-Yu Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China,Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Jian-Sheng Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Guang-Jian Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Jia Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
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31
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Czauderna C, Poplawski A, O Rourke CJ, Castven D, Pérez-Aguilar B, Becker D, Heilmann-Heimbach S, Odenthal M, Amer W, Schmiel M, Drebber U, Binder H, Ridder DA, Schindeldecker M, Straub BK, Galle PR, Andersen JB, Thorgeirsson SS, Park YN, Marquardt JU. Epigenetic modifications precede molecular alterations and drive human hepatocarcinogenesis. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e146196. [PMID: 34375307 PMCID: PMC8492348 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.146196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of primary liver cancer is a multi-stage process. Detailed understanding of sequential epigenetic alterations is largely missing. Here, we performed Infinium Human Methylation 450k BeadChips and RNA sequencing analyses for genome-wide methylome and transcriptome profiling of cirrhotic liver (n=7), low- (n=4) and high-grade (n=9) dysplastic lesions, early (n=5) and progressed (n=3) hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) synchronously detected in eight HCC patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. Integrative analyses of epigenetically driven molecular changes were identified and validated in two independent cohorts comprising 887 HCC. Mitochondrial DNA sequencing was further employed for clonality analyses and indicates multi-clonal origin in the majority of investigated HCC. Alterations in DNA methylation progressively increased from CL to dysplastic lesions and reached a maximum in early HCC. Associated early alterations identified by IPA pathway analyses involved apoptosis, immune regulation and stemness pathways, while late changes centered on cell survival, proliferation and invasion. We further validated putative 23 epi-drivers with concomitant expression changes and associated with overall survival. Functionally, Striatin 4 (STRN4) was demonstrated to be epigenetically regulated and inhibition of STRN4 significantly suppressed tumorigenicity of HCC cell lines.Overall, application of integrative genomic analyses defines epigenetic driver alterations and provides promising targets for novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Czauderna
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Alicia Poplawski
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Colm J O Rourke
- Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Darko Castven
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Diana Becker
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | | | | | - Wafa Amer
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marcel Schmiel
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Uta Drebber
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Harald Binder
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dirk A Ridder
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Beate K Straub
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Peter R Galle
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jesper B Andersen
- Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Snorri S Thorgeirsson
- Laboratory of Experimental Carcinogenesis (LEC), National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Young Nyun Park
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea, Republic of
| | - Jens U Marquardt
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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32
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Single-cell RNA sequencing shows the immunosuppressive landscape and tumor heterogeneity of HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Commun 2021. [PMID: 34140495 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24010-1.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Interaction between tumor cells and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment is important in cancer development. Immune cells interact with the tumor cells to shape this process. Here, we use single-cell RNA sequencing analysis to delineate the immune landscape and tumor heterogeneity in a cohort of patients with HBV-associated human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We found that tumor-associated macrophages suppress tumor T cell infiltration and TIGIT-NECTIN2 interaction regulates the immunosuppressive environment. The cell state transition of immune cells towards a more immunosuppressive and exhaustive status exemplifies the overall cancer-promoting immunocellular landscape. Furthermore, the heterogeneity of global molecular profiles reveals co-existence of intra-tumoral and inter-tumoral heterogeneity, but is more apparent in the latter. This analysis of the immunosuppressive landscape and intercellular interactions provides mechanistic information for the design of efficacious immune-oncology treatments in hepatocellular carcinoma.
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33
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Ho DWH, Tsui YM, Chan LK, Sze KMF, Zhang X, Cheu JWS, Chiu YT, Lee JMF, Chan ACY, Cheung ETY, Yau DTW, Chia NH, Lo ILO, Sham PC, Cheung TT, Wong CCL, Ng IOL. Single-cell RNA sequencing shows the immunosuppressive landscape and tumor heterogeneity of HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3684. [PMID: 34140495 PMCID: PMC8211687 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24010-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Interaction between tumor cells and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment is important in cancer development. Immune cells interact with the tumor cells to shape this process. Here, we use single-cell RNA sequencing analysis to delineate the immune landscape and tumor heterogeneity in a cohort of patients with HBV-associated human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We found that tumor-associated macrophages suppress tumor T cell infiltration and TIGIT-NECTIN2 interaction regulates the immunosuppressive environment. The cell state transition of immune cells towards a more immunosuppressive and exhaustive status exemplifies the overall cancer-promoting immunocellular landscape. Furthermore, the heterogeneity of global molecular profiles reveals co-existence of intra-tumoral and inter-tumoral heterogeneity, but is more apparent in the latter. This analysis of the immunosuppressive landscape and intercellular interactions provides mechanistic information for the design of efficacious immune-oncology treatments in hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Wai-Hung Ho
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Yu-Man Tsui
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lo-Kong Chan
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karen Man-Fong Sze
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Yung-Tuen Chiu
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Joyce Man-Fong Lee
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Albert Chi-Yan Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | | | - Nam-Hung Chia
- Department of Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Irene Lai-Oi Lo
- Department of Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pak-Chung Sham
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tan-To Cheung
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Carmen Chak-Lui Wong
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Irene Oi-Lin Ng
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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34
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Huang L, Zhang Y, Li Y, Meng F, Li H, Zhang H, Tu J, Sun C, Luo L. Time-Programmed Delivery of Sorafenib and Anti-CD47 Antibody via a Double-Layer-Gel Matrix for Postsurgical Treatment of Breast Cancer. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2021; 13:141. [PMID: 34138357 PMCID: PMC8197688 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-021-00647-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The highly immunosuppressive microenvironment after surgery has a crucial impact on the recurrence and metastasis in breast cancer patients. Programmable delivery of immunotherapy-involving combinations through a single drug delivery system is highly promising, yet greatly challenging, to reverse postoperative immunosuppression. Here, an injectable hierarchical gel matrix, composed of dual lipid gel (DLG) layers with different soybean phosphatidylcholine/glycerol dioleate mass ratios, was developed to achieve the time-programmed sequential delivery of combined cancer immunotherapy. The outer layer of the DLG matrix was thermally responsive and loaded with sorafenib-adsorbed graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles. GO under manually controlled near-infrared irradiation generated mild heat and provoked the release of sorafenib first to reeducate tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and promote an immunogenic tumor microenvironment. The inner layer, loaded with anti-CD47 antibody (aCD47), could maintain the gel state for a much longer time, enabling the sustained release of aCD47 afterward to block the CD47-signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα) pathway for a long-term antitumor effect. In vivo studies on 4T1 tumor-bearing mouse model demonstrated that the DLG-based strategy efficiently prevented tumor recurrence and metastasis by locally reversing the immunosuppression and synergistically blocking the CD47-dependent immune escape, thereby boosting the systemic immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Huang
- College of Life Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiyi Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients, and Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Fanling Meng
- College of Life Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, People's Republic of China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry and Materia Medica, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyu Li
- College of Life Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, People's Republic of China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiasheng Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients, and Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Chunmeng Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients, and Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Liang Luo
- College of Life Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, People's Republic of China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry and Materia Medica, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, People's Republic of China.
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35
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Qian Q, He W, Liu D, Yin J, Ye L, Chen P, Xu D, Liu J, Li Y, Zeng G, Li M, Wu Z, Zhang Y, Wang X, DiSanto ME, Zhang X. M2a macrophage can rescue proliferation and gene expression of benign prostate hyperplasia epithelial and stroma cells from insulin-like growth factor 1 knockdown. Prostate 2021; 81:530-542. [PMID: 33861464 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease in elderly men and is often accompanied by chronic inflammation. Macrophages (several subtypes) are the main inflammatory cells that infiltrate the hyperplastic prostate and are found to secrete cytokines and growth factors. The current study aims to explore the effect of M2a macrophages on the development of BPH via insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). METHODS Human prostate tissues, prostate, and monocyte cell lines (WPMY-1, BPH-1, and THP-1) were used. THP-1 was polarized into several subtypes with cytokines. The expression and localization of IGF-1 and M2 macrophages were determined via immunofluorescent staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analysis. Flow cytometry and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays were used to investigate the effects of different subtypes of macrophages on prostate cells. IGF-1 in WPMY-1 and BPH-1 cells was silenced and cocultured with or without M2a macrophages. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and fibrosis processes were examined. RESULTS The polarized subtypes of macrophages were verified by amplifying their specific markers. M2a macrophages enhanced prostate cell proliferation more significantly and CD206 was more expressed in hyperplastic prostate. IGF-1 was localized in both epithelial and stromal components of prostate and upregulated in BPH tissues. M2a macrophages expressed more IGF-1 than other subtypes. Knockdown of IGF-1 in WPMY-1 and BPH-1 cells attenuated cell proliferation, promoted cell apoptosis, retarded cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase, and suppressed the EMT process in BPH-1 cells as well as the fibrotic process in WPMY-1 cells, which was reversible when cocultured with M2a macrophages. CONCLUSION These data demonstrated that knockdown of IGF-1 expression in cultured BPH epithelial and stromal cells reduces proliferation and increases apoptosis. These effects are reversed by coculture with M2a macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaofeng Qian
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Weixiang He
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Daoquan Liu
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Yin
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Linpeng Ye
- Department of Urology, Huangmei People's Hospital, Huangmei, China
| | - Ping Chen
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Deqiang Xu
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianmin Liu
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Guang Zeng
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingzhou Li
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhonghua Wu
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yingao Zhang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinghuan Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Michael E DiSanto
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - Xinhua Zhang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Liu ZL, Liu JH, Staiculescu D, Chen J. Combination of molecularly targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors in the new era of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2021; 13:17588359211018026. [PMID: 34104226 PMCID: PMC8150670 DOI: 10.1177/17588359211018026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Multikinase inhibitors (MKIs) have been the only first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for more than a decade, until the approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Moreover, the combination regimen of atezolizumab (anti-programmed cell death protein ligand 1 antibody) plus bevacizumab (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor monoclonal antibody) has recently been demonstrated to have superior efficacy when compared with sorafenib monotherapy. The remarkable efficacy has made this combination therapy the new standard treatment for advanced HCC. In addition to MKIs, many other molecularly targeted therapies are under investigation, some of which have shown promising results. Therefore, in the era of immuno-oncology, there is a significant rationale for testing the combinations of molecularly targeted therapies and ICIs. Indeed, numerous preclinical and clinical studies have shown the synergic antitumor efficacy of such combinations. In this review, we aim to summarize the current knowledge on the combination of molecularly targeted therapies and immune checkpoint therapies for HCC from both preclinical and clinical perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Long Liu
- Division of Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jing-Hua Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Professor Cai’s Laboratory, Linyi People’s Hospital, Linyi, Shandong Province, China
| | - Daniel Staiculescu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jiang Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, No. 3, East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310016, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
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Díaz-González Á, Belmonte E, Sapena V, Sanduzzi-Zamparelli M, Darnell A, Díaz A, Gomes da Fonseca L, Llarch N, Iserte G, Ayuso C, Forner A, Feu F, Bruix J, Rimola J, Reig M. Pancreatic Insufficiency in Patients Under Sorafenib Treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Clin Gastroenterol 2021; 55:263-270. [PMID: 32530871 DOI: 10.1097/mcg.0000000000001366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
GOALS To describe the occurrence of malabsorption (MA) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients under sorafenib, the potential relationship with pancreatic insufficiency (PI), and the role of pancreatic enzymes supplementation. BACKGROUND With the increasing options of second-line systemic therapies for HCC, the recognition of drug intolerance using practical tools is crucial. It has been proposed that a MA syndrome could be due to sorafenib-induced pancreatic dysfunction. STUDY All sorafenib-treated patients with suspicion of MA (defined as decreased stool consistency lasting >4 wk or presenting ≥10% body weight loss without HCC progression) were prospectively evaluated by serum markers, endoscopy, and imaging techniques. RESULTS We evaluated 81 sorafenib-treated patients and 21 developed MA suspicion (85.7% male, 81.5% Child-Pugh A, 52.4% BCLC-B, and 47.6% BCLC-C) within a median 5.9 months after starting sorafenib. The median treatment duration, follow-up, and overall survival after MA suspicion were 5.9, 20.3, and 20.3 months, respectively. Nine of them (42.9%) presented hyperparathyroidism secondary to vitamin D deficiency and 8 with PI. A gradual decrease in pancreatic volume of up to 19% was observed among patients with PI. Six of the 8 patients with PI received pancreatic enzymes, with complete recovery from MA symptoms and stabilization of pancreatic volume. CONCLUSIONS We validated the association between MA and PI in 10% of sorafenib-treated patients. Pancreatic enzymes supplementation successfully led to symptomatic recovery. Awareness of this adverse event can help in the management of sorafenib irrespective of cancer type and likely, of other tyrosine kinase inhibitors for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ernest Belmonte
- BCLC Group, Radiology Department, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Biomedical Research Center Network for Liver and Digestive diseases (CIBERehd), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Víctor Sapena
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Liver Unit
| | | | - Anna Darnell
- BCLC Group, Radiology Department, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Biomedical Research Center Network for Liver and Digestive diseases (CIBERehd), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alba Díaz
- BCLC Group, Pathology Department, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, IDIBAPS
| | | | - Neus Llarch
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Liver Unit
| | - Gemma Iserte
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Liver Unit
| | - Carmen Ayuso
- BCLC Group, Radiology Department, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Biomedical Research Center Network for Liver and Digestive diseases (CIBERehd), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Faust Feu
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Bruix
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Liver Unit
| | - Jordi Rimola
- BCLC Group, Radiology Department, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Biomedical Research Center Network for Liver and Digestive diseases (CIBERehd), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Reig
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Liver Unit
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Li C, Xu X, Wei S, Jiang P, Xue L, Wang J. Tumor-associated macrophages: potential therapeutic strategies and future prospects in cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-001341. [PMID: 33504575 PMCID: PMC8728363 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are the most important phagocytes in vivo. However, the tumor microenvironment can affect the function and polarization of macrophages and form tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Usually, the abundance of TAMs in tumors is closely associated with poor prognosis. Preclinical studies have identified important pathways regulating the infiltration and polarization of TAMs during tumor progression. Furthermore, potential therapeutic strategies targeting TAMs in tumors have been studied, including inhibition of macrophage recruitment to tumors, functional repolarization of TAMs toward an antitumor phenotype, and other therapeutic strategies that elicit macrophage-mediated extracellular phagocytosis and intracellular destruction of cancer cells. Therefore, with the increasing impact of tumor immunotherapy, new antitumor strategies to target TAMs are now being discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiao Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofei Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuhua Wei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lixiang Xue
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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Deciphering Antitumor Mechanism of Pien Tze Huang in Mice of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Proteomics. J Immunol Res 2020; 2020:4876251. [PMID: 33344655 PMCID: PMC7728492 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4876251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Chinese formula Pien Tze Huang (PZH) has been used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and showed positive clinical effects. However, the antitumor mechanism of PZH in HCC remains unclear. In this study, HCC xenograft Balb/c mice were treated with PZH; then, proteomics detection and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) were used to analyze the differentiated phosphorylated proteins in tumor tissues. The results indicated that PZH could inhibit tumor weight by 50.76%. Eighty-four upregulated and 11 downregulated phosphorylated proteins were identified in PZH-treated mice. Twenty signaling pathways were associated with inflammation (including the IL-6 and TNFR1/2 pathways), cancer growth (including the p53 and FAK pathways), and the cell cycle (including the G2/M and G1/S checkpoint regulation pathways). Moreover, TNF-α, IL-6, and several typical differentially expressed phosphorylated proteins (such as p-CCNB1, p-FOXO3, and p-STAT3) in tumor tissues, tumor cell viability, and cell cycle arrest assay in vitro further verify the results of IPA. These results revealed that PZH achieved antitumor activity in HCC; the underlying mechanisms of which were mainly through regulating the inflammation-associated cytokine secretion, cancer growth pathways, and induction of G2/M arrest. These data provided the potential molecular basis for PZH to act as a therapeutic drug or a supplement to chemotherapy drugs for human HCC in the future.
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40
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Chen Y, Jin H, Song Y, Huang T, Cao J, Tang Q, Zou Z. Targeting tumor-associated macrophages: A potential treatment for solid tumors. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:3445-3465. [PMID: 33200401 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in solid tumors exert protumor activities by releasing cytokines or growth factors into the tumor microenvironment. Increasing studies have also shown that TAMs play a key role in tumor progression, such as tumor angiogenesis, immunosuppression, cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis. A large body of evidence shows that the abundance of TAMs in solid tumors is correlated with poor disease prognosis and resistance to therapies. Therefore, targeting TAMs in solid tumors is considered to be a promising immunotherapeutic strategy. At present, the therapeutic strategies of targeting macrophages mainly include limiting monocyte recruitment, depletion strategies, promoting macrophage phagocytic activity, and induction of macrophage reprogramming. Additionally, targeting TAMs in combination with conventional therapies has been demonstrated to be a promising therapeutic strategy in solid tumors. In the present review, we summarized various TAMs-targeting therapeutic strategies for treating solid tumors. This review also discusses the challenges for targeting TAMs as tumor treatments, the obstacles in clinical trials, and the perspective for the future development of TAMs-targeting therapies for various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibing Chen
- Genetic and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huan Jin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yucen Song
- Genetic and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ting Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Cao
- Genetic and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qing Tang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhengzhi Zou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
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41
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Manipulation of Metabolic Pathways and Its Consequences for Anti-Tumor Immunity: A Clinical Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21114030. [PMID: 32512898 PMCID: PMC7312891 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the relatively short history of anti-tumor treatment, numerous medications have been developed against a variety of targets. Intriguingly, although many anti-tumor strategies have failed in their clinical trials, metformin, an anti-diabetic medication, demonstrated anti-tumor effects in observational studies and even showed its synergistic potential with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in subsequent clinical studies. Looking back from bedside-to-bench, it may not be surprising that the anti-tumor effect of metformin derives largely from its ability to rewire aberrant metabolic pathways within the tumor microenvironment. As one of the most promising breakthroughs in oncology, ICIs were also found to exert their immune-stimulatory effects at least partly via rewiring metabolic pathways. These findings underscore the importance of correcting metabolic pathways to achieve sufficient anti-tumor immunity. Herein, we start by introducing the tumor microenvironment, and then we review the implications of metabolic syndrome and treatments for targeting metabolic pathways in anti-tumor therapies. We further summarize the close associations of certain aberrant metabolic pathways with impaired anti-tumor immunity and introduce the therapeutic effects of targeting these routes. Lastly, we go through the metabolic effects of ICIs and conclude an overall direction to manipulate metabolic pathways in favor of anti-tumor responses.
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42
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Li H, Li L, Mei H, Pan G, Wang X, Huang X, Wang T, Jiang Z, Zhang L, Sun L. Antitumor properties of triptolide: phenotype regulation of macrophage differentiation. Cancer Biol Ther 2019; 21:178-188. [PMID: 31663424 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2019.1679555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which generally exhibit an M2-like phenotype, play a critical role in tumor development. Triptolide exerts a unique bioactive spectrum of anticancer activities. The aim of this study was to determine whether triptolide has any effect on the activation of TAMs and the production of tumor-promoting mediators. ICR-1 mice with azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium (AOM/DSS)-induced colon tumors and BALB/c mice co-inoculated with 4T1 cells and M2-polarized RAW264.7 cells were used to examine whether the inhibitory effect of triptolide on tumor progression was mediated by the targeting of TAMs. Real-time PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence staining, and flow cytometry assays were performed to determine the expression of cell surface markers and cytokine production. The results showed that triptolide inhibited macrophage differentiation toward the M2 phenotype and abolished M2 macrophage-mediated tumor progression. Furthermore, triptolide inhibited the expression of M2 markers, such as CD206, Arginase 1, and CD204, and inhibited the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Thus our study indicated that triptolide selectively inhibited the functions of M2-polarized macrophages and TAMs, and this inhibitory effect of triptolide on TAM viability, differentiation, and cytokine production might elucidate the major mechanisms underlying its antitumor activity. Our findings provide important information for the potential clinical application of triptolide in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, China
| | - Liping Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huifang Mei
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guofeng Pan
- Department of TCM, Beijing Shijitan Hospital Affiliated with Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinzhi Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenzhou Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Luyong Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Center for Drug Screening and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lixin Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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Hage C, Hoves S, Strauss L, Bissinger S, Prinz Y, Pöschinger T, Kiessling F, Ries CH. Sorafenib Induces Pyroptosis in Macrophages and Triggers Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Hepatology 2019; 70:1280-1297. [PMID: 31002440 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Antiangiogenic and cytotoxic effects are considered the principal mechanisms of action of sorafenib, a multitarget kinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We report that sorafenib also acts through direct immune modulation, indispensable for its antitumor activity. In vivo cell depletion experiments in two orthotopic HCC mouse models as well as in vitro analysis identified macrophages (MΦ) as the key mediators of the antitumoral effect and demonstrate a strong interdependency of MΦ and natural killer (NK) cells for efficient tumor cell killing. Caspase 1 analysis in sorafenib-treated MΦ revealed an induction of pyroptosis. As a result, cytotoxic NK cells become activated when cocultured with sorafenib-treated MΦ, leading to tumor cell death. In addition, sorafenib was found to down-regulate major histocompatibility complex class I expression of tumor cells, which may reduce the tumor responsiveness to immune checkpoint therapies and favor NK-cell response. In vivo cytokine blocking revealed that sorafenib efficacy is abrogated after inhibition of interleukins 1B and 18. Conclusion: We report an immunomodulatory mechanism of sorafenib involving MΦ pyroptosis and unleashing of an NK-cell response that sets it apart from other spectrum kinase inhibitors as a promising immunotherapy combination partner for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Hage
- Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Penzberg, Germany.,Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Clinic and Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sabine Hoves
- Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Léanne Strauss
- Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Bissinger
- Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Ylva Prinz
- Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Pöschinger
- Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Fabian Kiessling
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Clinic and Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Carola H Ries
- Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Penzberg, Germany
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44
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M2 macrophages mediate sorafenib resistance by secreting HGF in a feed-forward manner in hepatocellular carcinoma. Br J Cancer 2019; 121:22-33. [PMID: 31130723 PMCID: PMC6738111 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-019-0482-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sorafenib is the only approved first line systemic therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the last decade. Tumour resistance to sorafenib has been of major obstacles to improve HCC patient survival. Methods We polarised THP-1 cells to M1 and M2 macrophages, performed various in vitro assays and developed sorafenib-resistant xenograft models to investigate the role of tumour-associated macrophages (TAM)-secreted molecules in HCC resistance to the targeted therapy. Results We demonstrated M2, but not M1, macrophages not only promote proliferation, colony formation and migration of hepatoma cells but also significantly confer tumour resistance to sorafenib via sustaining tumour growth and metastasis by secreting hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). HGF activates HGF/c-Met, ERK1/2/MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways in tumour cells. Tumour-associated M2 macrophages were accumulated in sorafenib-resistance tumours more than in sorafenib-sensitive tumours in vivo and produced abundant HGF. HGF chemoattracts more macrophages migrated from surrounding area, regulates the distribution of M2 macrophages and increases hepatoma resistance to sorafenib in a feed-forward manner. Conclusions Our results provide new insights into the mechanisms of sorafenib resistance in HCC and rationale for developing new trials by combining sorafenib with a potent HGF inhibitor such as cabozantinib to improve the first line systemic therapeutic efficacy.
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45
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Cao J, Dong R, Jiang L, Gong Y, Yuan M, You J, Meng W, Chen Z, Zhang N, Weng Q, Zhu H, He Q, Ying M, Yang B. LncRNA-MM2P Identified as a Modulator of Macrophage M2 Polarization. Cancer Immunol Res 2019; 7:292-305. [PMID: 30459152 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-18-0145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
M2 polarization of macrophages is essential for their function in immunologic tolerance, which might promote tumorigenesis. However, the molecular mechanism behind the polarization process is not fully understood. Given that several lines of evidence have suggested that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) could be involved in regulating immune cell differentiation and function, the current study aimed to identify the lncRNAs that specifically modulate M2 macrophage polarization. By utilizing a series of cell-based M2 macrophage polarization models, a total of 25 lncRNAs with altered expression were documented based on lncRNA microarray-based profiling assays. Among them, lncRNA-MM2P was the only lncRNA upregulated during M2 polarization but downregulated in M1 macrophages. Knockdown of lncRNA-MM2P blocked cytokine-driven M2 polarization of macrophages and weakened the angiogenesis-promoting feature of M2 macrophages by reducing phosphorylation on STAT6. Moreover, manipulating lncRNA-MM2P in macrophages impaired macrophage-mediated promotion of tumorigenesis, tumor growth in vivo, and tumor angiogenesis. Collectively, our study identifies lncRNA-MM2P as a modulator required for macrophage M2 polarization and uncovers its role in macrophage-promoted tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Cao
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rong Dong
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Jiang
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanling Gong
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meng Yuan
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jieqiong You
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wen Meng
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhanlei Chen
- Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qinjie Weng
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiaojun He
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meidan Ying
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Bo Yang
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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El-Din MS, Taha AM, Sayed AAA, Salem AM. Ziziphus spina-christi leaves methanolic extract alleviates diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats. Biochem Cell Biol 2019; 97:437-445. [PMID: 30605366 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2018-0318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the antitumor activity of a methanolic extract from the leaves of Ziziphus spina-christi (ZSCL) against diethylnitrosamine (DENA)-induced hepatocarcinoma in rats. The phytochemical constituents, in vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of ZSCL extract were investigated. Male Wistar rats were distributed among 6 groups: (i) normal control; (ii) ZSCL1-treated rats (100 mg/kg body mass; "b.m."); (iii) ZSCL2-treated rats (300 mg/kg b.m.); (iv) rats with DENA-induced hepatocarcinoma; (v and vi) rats with hepatocarcinoma that were treated with either (v) ZSCL1 or (vi) ZSCL2. Serum liver function and levels of oxidative stress were assayed. The expression of hepatocyte growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor, B cell lymphoma-2, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 oncogenes were quantified in liver samples. Histological examination of the liver tissues was performed. The ZSCL was rich in essential fatty acids, phytol, and polyphenolic flavones (luteolin and quercetin) with strong free-radical and peroxide scavenging activities and cytotoxic activity. Administration of ZSCL1 and ZSCL2 to the rats produced no toxic effects. DENA induced hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangioma by producing oxidative stress and upregulating the expression of hepatic oncogenes. Treatment of DENA-induced hepatocarcinoma with ZSCL2 ameliorated all of the abnormalities induced by DENA except for cholangioma. In conclusion, the ZSCL (300 mg/kg b.m.) displayed strong therapeutic activity against DENA-induced hepatocellular carcinoma via targeting oxidative stress and oncogenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manar Salah El-Din
- a Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Ahmed Abdel-Aziz Sayed
- a Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.,b Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Mohamed Salem
- a Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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Preclinical and Clinical Therapeutic Strategies Affecting Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Immunol Res 2018; 2018:7819520. [PMID: 30410942 PMCID: PMC6206557 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7819520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) most often develops in patients with underlying liver disease characterized by chronic nonresolving inflammation. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are one of the most abundant immune cell populations within the tumoral microenvironment. As key actors of cancer-related inflammation, they promote tumor growth by suppression of effective anticancer immunity, stimulation of angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling. Therefore, they have become an attractive and promising target for immunotherapy. The heterogeneity of TAM subtypes and their origin and dynamic phenotype during the initiation and progression of HCC has been partially unraveled and forms the base for the development of therapeutic agents. Current approaches are aimed at decreasing the population of TAMs by depleting macrophages present in the tumor, blocking the recruitment of bone marrow-derived monocytes, and/or functionally reprogramming TAMs to antitumoral behavior. In this review, the preclinical evolution and hitherto clinical trials for TAM-targeted therapy in HCC will be highlighted.
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Castven D, Fischer M, Becker D, Heinrich S, Andersen JB, Strand D, Sprinzl MF, Strand S, Czauderna C, Heilmann-Heimbach S, Roessler S, Weinmann A, Wörns MA, Thorgeirsson SS, Galle PR, Matter MS, Lang H, Marquardt JU. Adverse genomic alterations and stemness features are induced by field cancerization in the microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinomas. Oncotarget 2018; 8:48688-48700. [PMID: 28415775 PMCID: PMC5564717 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) commonly develops in chronically damaged liver tissues. The resulting regenerative and inflammatory processes create an adverse milieu that promotes tumor-initiation and progression. A better understanding of the hepatic tumor-microenvironment interaction might infer profound therapeutic implications. Integrative whole genome and transcriptome analyses of different tumor regions, the invasive tumor border and tumor-surrounding liver (SL) were performed to identify associated molecular alterations and integrated with our existing HCC database. Expression levels and localization of established CSC markers were assessed in pre-neoplastic lesions and confirmed in two independent patient cohorts using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Our results indicate that genomic and transcriptomic profiles between SL and different tumor regions are quite distinct. Progressive increase in genetic alterations and activation of pathways related to proliferation as well as apoptosis were observed in the tumor tissue, while activation of stemness markers was present in cirrhotic SL and continuously decreased from pre-neoplastic lesions to HCC. Interestingly, the invasive tumor border was characterized by inflammatory and EMT-related gene sets as well as activation of pro-survival signaling. Consistently, integration of gene expression signatures with two independent HCC databases containing 300 HCCs revealed that border signatures are predictive of HCC patient survival. Prognostic significance of the permissive liver microenvironment might be a consequence of a pro-oncogenic field effect that is caused by chronic regenerative processes. Activation of key oncogenic features and immune-response signaling indicates that the cross-talk between tumor and microenvironment might be a promising therapeutic and/or preventive target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darko Castven
- Department of Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael Fischer
- Department of Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Diana Becker
- Department of Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Stefan Heinrich
- Department of Surgery, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jesper B Andersen
- Department of Health and Medical Science, Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dennis Strand
- Department of Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Martin F Sprinzl
- Department of Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Susanne Strand
- Department of Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Carolin Czauderna
- Department of Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Stefanie Heilmann-Heimbach
- Department of Genomics, Institute of Human Genetics, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Stephanie Roessler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Arndt Weinmann
- Department of Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Marcus A Wörns
- Department of Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Snorri S Thorgeirsson
- Laboratory of Experimental Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Peter R Galle
- Department of Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Hauke Lang
- Department of Surgery, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jens U Marquardt
- Department of Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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49
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Kakoschky B, Pleli T, Schmithals C, Zeuzem S, Brüne B, Vogl TJ, Korf HW, Weigert A, Piiper A. Selective targeting of tumor associated macrophages in different tumor models. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193015. [PMID: 29447241 PMCID: PMC5814016 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor progression largely depends on the presence of alternatively polarized (M2) tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), whereas the classical M1-polarized macrophages can promote anti-tumorigenic immune responses. Thus, selective inhibition of M2-TAMs is a desirable anti-cancer approach in highly resistant tumor entities such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or breast cancer. We here examined whether a peptide that selectively binds to and is internalized by in vitro-differentiated murine M2 macrophages as compared to M1 macrophages, termed M2pep, could be used to selectively target TAMs in HCC and breast carcinoma. We confirmed selectivity of M2pep for in vitro M2 polarized macrophages. Upon incubation of suspended mixed 4T1 tumor cells with M2pep, high amounts of the TAMs were found to be associated with M2pep, whereas in mixed tumor cell suspensions from two HCC mouse models, M2pep showed only low-degree binding to TAMs. M2pep also showed low-degree targeting of liver macrophages. This indicates that the TAMs in different tumor entities show different targeting of M2pep and that M2pep is a very promising approach to develop selective M2-TAM-targeting in tumor entities containing M2-TAMs with significant amounts of the so far elusive M2pep receptor(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Kakoschky
- Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Thomas Pleli
- Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Zeuzem
- Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Bernhard Brüne
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Thomas J. Vogl
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Horst-Werner Korf
- Institute of Anatomy 2, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andreas Weigert
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Albrecht Piiper
- Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- * E-mail:
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50
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Iñarrairaegui M, Melero I, Sangro B. Immunotherapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Facts and Hopes. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 24:1518-1524. [PMID: 29138342 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-0289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the advanced stage remains a great challenge, with very few drugs approved. After decades of failure of immune therapies, immune checkpoint inhibitors have emerged as potentially effective treatments for patients with HCC in the advanced stage. Immune checkpoints, including human cancer, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte protein 4 (CTLA-4), and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), are surface proteins expressed in a variety of immune cells and mostly provide immunosuppressive signals. Monoclonal antibodies able to block these molecules have shown antitumor activity against a wide spectrum of human cancers. Clinical experience with checkpoint inhibitors in HCC includes early trials with the anti-CTLA-4 agent tremelimumab and a large phase II trial with the anti-PD-1 agent nivolumab. The latter has shown strong activity particularly as second-line therapy, both in terms of tumor response and patient survival. At least three topics should be the focus of future research: (i) the search for activity in patients at less-advanced stages, including the adjuvant treatment of patients with resectable or ablatable tumors; (ii) the enhanced efficacy of combination therapies, including particularly the combination with those targeted and locoregional therapies that may have a synergistic effect or act upon mechanisms of primary or acquired resistance to checkpoint inhibitors; and (iii) the identification of clinical features and serum or tissue biomarkers that would allow a better patient selection for individual treatments. Hopefully, ongoing trials will help to design better treatments in the future. Clin Cancer Res; 24(7); 1518-24. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Dept of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Clínica Universidad de Navarra-IDISNA and CIBERONC, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Bruno Sangro
- Liver Unit, Clínica Universidad de Navarra-IDISNA and CIBEREHD, Pamplona, Spain.
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