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Vendramini-Costa DB, Francescone R, Franco-Barraza J, Luong T, Graves M, de Aquino AM, Steele N, Gardiner JC, Dos Santos SAA, Ogier C, Malloy E, Borghaei L, Martinez E, Zhigarev DI, Tan Y, Lee H, Zhou Y, Cai KQ, Klein-Szanto AJ, Wang H, Andrake M, Dunbrack RL, Campbell K, Cukierman E. Netrin G1 Ligand is a new stromal immunomodulator that promotes pancreatic cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.15.594354. [PMID: 38798370 PMCID: PMC11118300 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.15.594354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Understanding pancreatic cancer biology is fundamental for identifying new targets and for developing more effective therapies. In particular, the contribution of the stromal microenvironment to pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis requires further exploration. Here, we report the stromal roles of the synaptic protein Netrin G1 Ligand (NGL-1) in pancreatic cancer, uncovering its pro-tumor functions in cancer-associated fibroblasts and in immune cells. We observed that the stromal expression of NGL-1 inversely correlated with patients' overall survival. Moreover, germline knockout (KO) mice for NGL-1 presented decreased tumor burden, with a microenvironment that is less supportive of tumor growth. Of note, tumors from NGL-1 KO mice produced less immunosuppressive cytokines and displayed an increased percentage of CD8 + T cells than those from control mice, while preserving the physical structure of the tumor microenvironment. These effects were shown to be mediated by NGL-1 in both immune cells and in the local stroma, in a TGF-β-dependent manner. While myeloid cells lacking NGL-1 decreased the production of immunosuppressive cytokines, NGL-1 KO T cells showed increased proliferation rates and overall polyfunctionality compared to control T cells. CAFs lacking NGL-1 were less immunosuppressive than controls, with overall decreased production of pro-tumor cytokines and compromised ability to inhibit CD8 + T cells activation. Mechanistically, these CAFs downregulated components of the TGF-β pathway, AP-1 and NFAT transcription factor families, resulting in a less tumor-supportive phenotype. Finally, targeting NGL-1 genetically or using a functionally antagonistic small peptide phenocopied the effects of chemotherapy, while modulating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), rather than eliminating it. We propose NGL-1 as a new local stroma and immunomodulatory molecule, with pro-tumor roles in pancreatic cancer. Statement of Significance Here we uncovered the pro-tumor roles of the synaptic protein NGL-1 in the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer, defining a new target that simultaneously modulates tumor cell, fibroblast, and immune cell functions. This study reports a new pathway where NGL-1 controls TGF-β, AP-1 transcription factor members and NFAT1, modulating the immunosuppressive microenvironment in pancreatic cancer. Our findings highlight NGL-1 as a new stromal immunomodulator in pancreatic cancer.
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2
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Song N, Cui K, Zeng L, Li M, Fan Y, Shi P, Wang Z, Su W, Wang H. Advance in the role of chemokines/chemokine receptors in carcinogenesis: Focus on pancreatic cancer. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 967:176357. [PMID: 38309677 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176357] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
The chemokines/chemokine receptors pathway significantly influences cell migration, particularly in recruiting immune cells to the tumor microenvironment (TME), impacting tumor progression and treatment outcomes. Emerging research emphasizes the involvement of chemokines in drug resistance across various tumor therapies, including immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. This review focuses on the role of chemokines/chemokine receptors in pancreatic cancer (PC) development, highlighting their impact on TME remodeling, immunotherapy, and relevant signaling pathways. The unique immunosuppressive microenvironment formed by the interaction of tumor cells, stromal cells and immune cells plays an important role in the tumor proliferation, invasion, migration and therapeutic resistance. Chemokines/chemokine receptors, such as chemokine ligand (CCL) 2, CCL3, CCL5, CCL20, CCL21, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL) 1, CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL4, CXCL5, CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCL12, CXCL13, CXCL14, CXCL16, CXCL17, and C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand (CX3CL)1, derived mainly from leukocyte cells, cancer-related fibroblasts (CAFs), pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), contribute to PC progression and treatment resistance. Chemokines recruit myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), regulatory T cells (Tregs), and M2 macrophages, inhibiting the anti-tumor activity of immune cells. Simultaneously, they enhance pathways like epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), Akt serine/threonine kinase (AKT), extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) 1/2, and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), etc., elevating the risk of PC metastasis and compromising the efficacy of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy. Notably, the CCLx-CCR2 and CXCLx-CXCR2/4 axis emerge as potential therapeutic targets in PC. This review integrates recent findings on chemokines and receptors in PC treatment, offering valuable insights for innovative therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Song
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, China; Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453000, China
| | - Kai Cui
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453000, China
| | - Liqun Zeng
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453000, China
| | - Mengxiao Li
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, China
| | - Yanwu Fan
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453000, China
| | - Pingyu Shi
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453000, China
| | - Ziwei Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453000, China
| | - Wei Su
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, China.
| | - Haijun Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, China; Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453000, China.
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3
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Lekan AA, Weiner LM. The Role of Chemokines in Orchestrating the Immune Response to Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:559. [PMID: 38339310 PMCID: PMC10854906 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030559] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemokines are small molecules that function as chemotactic factors which regulate the migration, infiltration, and accumulation of immune cells. Here, we comprehensively assess the structural and functional role of chemokines, examine the effects of chemokines that are present in the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumor microenvironment (TME), specifically those produced by cancer cells and stromal components, and evaluate their impact on immune cell trafficking, both in promoting and suppressing anti-tumor responses. We further explore the impact of chemokines on patient outcomes in PDAC and their role in the context of immunotherapy treatments, and review clinical trials that have targeted chemokine receptors and ligands in the treatment of PDAC. Lastly, we highlight potential strategies that can be utilized to harness chemokines in order to increase cytotoxic immune cell infiltration and the anti-tumor effects of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Louis M. Weiner
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3970 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA;
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4
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van Eijck CWF, Mustafa DAM, Vadgama D, de Miranda NFCC, Groot Koerkamp B, van Tienhoven G, van der Burg SH, Malats N, van Eijck CHJ. Enhanced antitumour immunity following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy mediates a favourable prognosis in women with resected pancreatic cancer. Gut 2024; 73:311-324. [PMID: 37709493 PMCID: PMC10850691 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-330480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigates sex disparities in clinical outcomes and tumour immune profiles in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) who underwent upfront resection or resection preceded by gemcitabine-based neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). METHODS Patients originated from the PREOPANC randomised controlled trial. Upfront surgery was performed in 82 patients, and 66 received nCRT before resection. The impact of sex on overall survival (OS) was investigated using Cox proportional hazards models. The immunological landscape within the tumour microenvironment (TME) was mapped using transcriptomic and spatial proteomic profiling. RESULTS The 5-year OS rate differed between the sexes following resection preceded by nCRT, with 43% for women compared with 22% for men. In multivariate analysis, the female sex was a favourable independent prognostic factor for OS only in the nCRT group (HR 0.19; 95% CI 0.07 to 0.52). Multivariate heterogeneous treatment effects analysis revealed a significant interaction between sex and treatment, implying increased nCRT efficacy among women with resected PDAC. The TME of women contained fewer protumoural CD163+MRC1+M2 macrophages than that of men after nCRT, as indicated by transcriptomic and validated using spatial proteomic profiling. CONCLUSION PDAC tumours of women are more sensitive to gemcitabine-based nCRT, resulting in longer OS after resection compared with men. This may be due to enhanced immunity impeding the infiltration of protumoral M2 macrophages into the TME. Our findings highlight the importance of considering sex disparities and mitigating immunosuppressive macrophage polarisation for personalised PDAC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casper W F van Eijck
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, and CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dana A M Mustafa
- Department of Pathology, Tumour-Immuno Pathology Laboratory, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Disha Vadgama
- Department of Pathology, Tumour-Immuno Pathology Laboratory, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Bas Groot Koerkamp
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sjoerd H van der Burg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Núria Malats
- Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, and CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Casper H J van Eijck
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, and CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
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5
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Santana-Hernández S, Suarez-Olmos J, Servitja S, Berenguer-Molins P, Costa-Garcia M, Comerma L, Rea A, Perera-Bel J, Menendez S, Arpí O, Bermejo B, Martínez MT, Cejalvo JM, Comino-Méndez I, Pascual J, Alba E, López-Botet M, Rojo F, Rovira A, Albanell J, Muntasell A. NK cell-triggered CCL5/IFNγ-CXCL9/10 axis underlies the clinical efficacy of neoadjuvant anti-HER2 antibodies in breast cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:10. [PMID: 38167224 PMCID: PMC10763072 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02918-4] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The variability in responses to neoadjuvant treatment with anti-HER2 antibodies prompts to personalized clinical management and the development of innovative treatment strategies. Tumor-infiltrating Natural Killer (TI-NK) cells can predict the efficacy of HER2-targeted antibodies independently from clinicopathological factors in primary HER2-positive breast cancer patients. Understanding the mechanism/s underlying this association would contribute to optimizing patient stratification and provide the rationale for combinatorial approaches with immunotherapy. METHODS We sought to uncover processes enriched in NK cell-infiltrated tumors as compared to NK cell-desert tumors by microarray analysis. Findings were validated in clinical trial-derived transcriptomic data. In vitro and in vivo preclinical models were used for mechanistic studies. Findings were analysed in clinical samples (tumor and serum) from breast cancer patients. RESULTS NK cell-infiltrated tumors were enriched in CCL5/IFNG-CXCL9/10 transcripts. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, IFNG levels underlie the association between TI-NK cells and pathological complete response to neoadjuvant treatment with trastuzumab. Mechanistically, the production of IFN-ɣ by CD16+ NK cells triggered the secretion of CXCL9/10 from cancer cells. This effect was associated to tumor growth control and the conversion of CD16 into CD16-CD103+ NK cells in humanized in vivo models. In human breast tumors, the CD16 and CD103 markers identified lineage-related NK cell subpopulations capable of producing CCL5 and IFN-ɣ, which correlated with tissue-resident CD8+ T cells. Finally, an early increase in serum CCL5/CXCL9 levels identified patients with NK cell-rich tumors showing good responses to anti-HER2 antibody-based neoadjuvant treatment. CONCLUSIONS This study identifies specialized NK cell subsets as the source of IFN-ɣ influencing the clinical efficacy of anti-HER2 antibodies. It also reveals the potential of serum CCL5/CXCL9 as biomarkers for identifying patients with NK cell-rich tumors and favorable responses to anti-HER2 antibody-based neoadjuvant treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sonia Servitja
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Oncology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERonc), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Laura Comerma
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERonc), Madrid, Spain
- Pathology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Rea
- University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julia Perera-Bel
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Menendez
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oriol Arpí
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Begoña Bermejo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERonc), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Oncology, Hospital Clínico de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | - Iñaki Comino-Méndez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERonc), Madrid, Spain
- Hospitales Universitarios Regional y Virgen de La Victoria, Málaga, Spain
- The Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Javier Pascual
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERonc), Madrid, Spain
- Hospitales Universitarios Regional y Virgen de La Victoria, Málaga, Spain
- The Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Emilio Alba
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERonc), Madrid, Spain
- Hospitales Universitarios Regional y Virgen de La Victoria, Málaga, Spain
- The Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Miguel López-Botet
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Federico Rojo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERonc), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pathology, IIS 'Fundación Jimenez Díaz University Hospital', Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Rovira
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Oncology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERonc), Madrid, Spain
| | - Joan Albanell
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Oncology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERonc), Madrid, Spain
- University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aura Muntasell
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERonc), Madrid, Spain.
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Doctor Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain.
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6
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Canel M, Sławińska AD, Lonergan DW, Kallor AA, Upstill-Goddard R, Davidson C, von Kriegsheim A, Biankin AV, Byron A, Alfaro J, Serrels A. FAK suppresses antigen processing and presentation to promote immune evasion in pancreatic cancer. Gut 2023; 73:131-155. [PMID: 36977556 PMCID: PMC10715489 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2022-327927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Immunotherapy for the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has shown limited efficacy. Poor CD8 T-cell infiltration, low neoantigen load and a highly immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment contribute to this lack of response. Here, we aimed to further investigate the immunoregulatory function of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in PDAC, with specific emphasis on regulation of the type-II interferon response that is critical in promoting T-cell tumour recognition and effective immunosurveillance. DESIGN We combined CRISPR, proteogenomics and transcriptomics with mechanistic experiments using a KrasG12Dp53R172H mouse model of pancreatic cancer and validated findings using proteomic analysis of human patient-derived PDAC cell lines and analysis of publicly available human PDAC transcriptomics datasets. RESULTS Loss of PDAC cell-intrinsic FAK signalling promotes expression of the immunoproteasome and Major Histocompatibility Complex class-I (MHC-I), resulting in increased antigen diversity and antigen presentation by FAK-/- PDAC cells. Regulation of the immunoproteasome by FAK is a critical determinant of this response, optimising the physicochemical properties of the peptide repertoire for high affinity binding to MHC-I. Expression of these pathways can be further amplified in a STAT1-dependent manner via co-depletion of FAK and STAT3, resulting in extensive infiltration of tumour-reactive CD8 T-cells and further restraint of tumour growth. FAK-dependent regulation of antigen processing and presentation is conserved between mouse and human PDAC, but is lost in cells/tumours with an extreme squamous phenotype. CONCLUSION Therapies aimed at FAK degradation may unlock additional therapeutic benefit for the treatment of PDAC through increasing antigen diversity and promoting antigen presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Canel
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - David W Lonergan
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ashwin Adrian Kallor
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Rosie Upstill-Goddard
- The Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Catherine Davidson
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Alex von Kriegsheim
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrew V Biankin
- The Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Adam Byron
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Javier Alfaro
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Alan Serrels
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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7
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Burrack AL, Spartz EJ, Rollins MR, Miller EA, Firulyova M, Cruz E, Goldberg MF, Wang IX, Nanda H, Shen S, Zaitsev K, Stromnes IM. Cxcr3 constrains pancreatic cancer dissemination through instructing T cell fate. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:1461-1478. [PMID: 36472588 PMCID: PMC10198906 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03338-7] [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: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is a lethal and metastatic malignancy resistant to therapy. Elucidating how pancreatic tumor-specific T cells differentiate and are maintained in vivo could inform novel therapeutic avenues to promote T cell antitumor activity. Here, we show that the spleen is a critical site harboring tumor-specific CD8 T cells that functionally segregate based on differential Cxcr3 and Klrg1 expression. Cxcr3+ Klrg1- T cells express the memory stem cell marker Tcf1, whereas Cxcr3-Klrg1 + T cells express GzmB consistent with terminal differentiation. We identify a Cxcr3+ Klrg1+ intermediate T cell subpopulation in the spleen that is highly enriched for tumor specificity. However, tumor-specific T cells infiltrating primary tumors progressively downregulate both Cxcr3 and Klrg1 while upregulating exhaustion markers PD-1 and Lag-3. We show that antigen-specific T cell infiltration into PDA is Cxcr3 independent. Further, Cxcr3-deficiency results in enhanced antigen-specific T cell IFNγ production in primary tumors, suggesting that Cxcr3 promotes loss of effector function. Ultimately, however, Cxcr3 was critical for mitigating cancer cell dissemination following immunotherapy with CD40 agonist + anti-PD-L1 or T cell receptor engineered T cell therapy targeting mesothelin. In the absence of Cxcr3, splenic Klrg1 + GzmB + antitumor T cells wain while pancreatic cancer disseminates suggesting a role for these cells in eliminating circulating metastatic tumor cells. Intratumoral myeloid cells are poised to produce Cxcl10, whereas splenic DC subsets produce Cxcl9 following immunotherapy supporting differential roles for these chemokines on T cell differentiation. Together, our study supports that Cxcr3 mitigates tumor cell dissemination by impacting peripheral T cell fate rather than intratumoral T cell trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam L Burrack
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, 2101 6th St SE, 2-186 WMBB, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, USA
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55415, USA
| | - Ellen J Spartz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, 2101 6th St SE, 2-186 WMBB, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, USA
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55415, USA
| | - Meagan R Rollins
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, 2101 6th St SE, 2-186 WMBB, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, USA
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55415, USA
| | - Ebony A Miller
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, 2101 6th St SE, 2-186 WMBB, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, USA
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55415, USA
| | - Maria Firulyova
- Computer Technologies Laboratory, ITMO University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Eduardo Cruz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, 2101 6th St SE, 2-186 WMBB, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, USA
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55415, USA
| | - Michael F Goldberg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, 2101 6th St SE, 2-186 WMBB, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, USA
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55415, USA
| | - Iris X Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, 2101 6th St SE, 2-186 WMBB, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, USA
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55415, USA
| | - Hezkiel Nanda
- Institute for Health Informatics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, USA
- Clinical Translational Science Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Steven Shen
- Institute for Health Informatics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, USA
- Clinical Translational Science Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Konstantin Zaitsev
- Computer Technologies Laboratory, ITMO University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ingunn M Stromnes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, 2101 6th St SE, 2-186 WMBB, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, USA.
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55415, USA.
- Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, USA.
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, USA.
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8
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Wang X, Zhang Y, Wang S, Ni H, Zhao P, Chen G, Xu B, Yuan L. The role of CXCR3 and its ligands in cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1022688. [PMID: 36479091 PMCID: PMC9720144 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1022688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemokines are a class of small cytokines or signaling proteins that are secreted by cells. Owing to their ability to induce directional chemotaxis of nearby responding cells, they are called chemotactic cytokines. Chemokines and chemokine receptors have now been shown to influence many cellular functions, including survival, adhesion, invasion, and proliferation, and regulate chemokine levels. Most malignant tumors express one or more chemokine receptors. The CXC subgroup of chemokine receptors, CXCR3, is mainly expressed on the surface of activated T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells, and plays an essential role in infection, autoimmune diseases, and tumor immunity by binding to specific receptors on target cell membranes to induce targeted migration and immune responses. It is vital to treat infections, autoimmune diseases, and tumors. CXCR3 and its ligands, CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11, are closely associated with the development and progression of many tumors. With the elucidation of its mechanism of action, CXCR3 is expected to become a new indicator for evaluating the prognosis of patients with tumors and a new target for clinical tumor immunotherapy. This article reviews the significance and mechanism of action of the chemokine receptor CXCR3 and its specific ligands in tumor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Wang
- Department of Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yangyang Zhang
- Department of Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Sen Wang
- Department of Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongyan Ni
- Department of Surgery, Henan No.3 Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guangyu Chen
- Department of Immunotherapy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Benling Xu
- Department of Immunotherapy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Long Yuan
- Department of Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
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Yu YC, Ahmed A, Lai HC, Cheng WC, Yang JC, Chang WC, Chen LM, Shan YS, Ma WL. Review of the endocrine organ-like tumor hypothesis of cancer cachexia in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1057930. [PMID: 36465353 PMCID: PMC9713001 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1057930] [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: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most fatal types of solid tumors, associated with a high prevalence of cachexia (~80%). PDAC-derived cachexia (PDAC-CC) is a systemic disease involving the complex interplay between the tumor and multiple organs. The endocrine organ-like tumor (EOLT) hypothesis may explain the systemic crosstalk underlying the deleterious homeostatic shifts that occur in PDAC-CC. Several studies have reported a markedly heterogeneous collection of cachectic mediators, signaling mechanisms, and metabolic pathways, including exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, hormonal disturbance, pro-inflammatory cytokine storm, digestive and tumor-derived factors, and PDAC progression. The complexities of PDAC-CC necessitate a careful review of recent literature summarizing cachectic mediators, corresponding metabolic functions, and the collateral impacts on wasting organs. The EOLT hypothesis suggests that metabolites, genetic instability, and epigenetic changes (microRNAs) are involved in cachexia development. Both tumors and host tissues can secrete multiple cachectic factors (beyond only inflammatory mediators). Some regulatory molecules, metabolites, and microRNAs are tissue-specific, resulting in insufficient energy production to support tumor/cachexia development. Due to these complexities, changes in a single factor can trigger bi-directional feedback circuits that exacerbate PDAC and result in the development of irreversible cachexia. We provide an integrated review based on 267 papers and 20 clinical trials from PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov database proposed under the EOLT hypothesis that may provide a fundamental understanding of cachexia development and response to current treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Chun Yu
- Department of Medical Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Gastroenterology, and Chinese Medicine Research and Development Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Tumor Biology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Azaj Ahmed
- Department of Medical Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Gastroenterology, and Chinese Medicine Research and Development Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Chou Lai
- Department of Medical Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Gastroenterology, and Chinese Medicine Research and Development Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chung Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Tumor Biology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Juan-Chern Yang
- Department of Medical Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Gastroenterology, and Chinese Medicine Research and Development Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chun Chang
- Department of Medical Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Gastroenterology, and Chinese Medicine Research and Development Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Tumor Biology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Lu-Min Chen
- Department of Medical Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Gastroenterology, and Chinese Medicine Research and Development Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Shen Shan
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chen Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Lung Ma
- Department of Medical Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Gastroenterology, and Chinese Medicine Research and Development Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Tumor Biology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
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10
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Gorchs L, Oosthoek M, Yucel-Lindberg T, Moro CF, Kaipe H. Chemokine Receptor Expression on T Cells Is Modulated by CAFs and Chemokines Affect the Spatial Distribution of T Cells in Pancreatic Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153826. [PMID: 35954489 PMCID: PMC9367555 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The infiltration of T cells in pancreatic tumors has been correlated with better overall survival. However, the dense desmoplastic stroma, mainly composed by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), can sequester the T cells in the stroma preventing them from reaching the tumor nests. Chemokines are small molecules capable of directing T cell migration. Here, we explored whether CAFs could modulate the expression of chemokine receptors on T cells and examined if the spatial distribution of T cells within tumors was correlated to chemokine secretion patterns. Overall, we found that CXCR3 ligands was associated with an increased number of T cells in tumor rich areas and that CAFs downregulated the expression of CXCR3 on T cells. Understanding the mechanisms by which T cells are prevented from reaching the tumor nests is of great importance for the development of novel targeting therapies. Abstract The accumulation of T cells is associated with a better prognosis in pancreatic cancer. However, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, largely composed by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), can prevent T cells from reaching the tumor nests. We examined how human CAFs modulated chemokine receptors known to be associated with T cell trafficking, CXCR3 and CCR5, and T cell exclusion, CXCR4. CAFs decreased the expression of CXCR3 and CCR5 but increased CXCR4 expression in both 2D and 3D cultures, affecting the migratory capacity of T cells towards CXCL10. An immunohistochemistry analysis showed that very few T cells were found in the tumor nests. Within the stroma, CD8+ T cells were localized more distantly from the malignant cells whereas CD4+ T cells were more equally distributed. Tumor tissues with a high production of chemokines were associated with less T cell infiltration when the whole tissue was analyzed. However, when the spatial localization of CD8+ T cells within the tissue was taken into account, levels of CXCR3 ligands and the CCR5 ligand CCL8 showed a positive association with a high relative T cell infiltration in tumor-rich areas. Thus, CXCR3 ligands could mediate T cell trafficking but CAFs could prevent T cells from reaching the malignant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Gorchs
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence: (L.G.); (H.K.)
| | - Marlies Oosthoek
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Carlos Fernández Moro
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helen Kaipe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 52 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence: (L.G.); (H.K.)
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11
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Identification of a Novel Risk Model: A Five-Gene Prognostic Signature for Pancreatic Cancer. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:3660110. [PMID: 35845587 PMCID: PMC9286972 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3660110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective. Biomarkers for pancreatic cancer (PCa) prognosis provide evidence for improving the survival outcome of this disease. This study aimed to identify a prognostic risk model based on gene expression profiling of microarray bioinformatics analysis. Methods. Prognostic immune genes in the TCGA-PAAD cohort were identified using the univariate Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Multivariate Cox regression (stepAIC) was used to identify prognostic genes from the top 20 hub genes in the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. A prognostic risk model was established and its performance in predicting the overall survival in PCa was validated in GSE62452. Gene mutations and infiltration immune cells in PCa tumors were analyzed using online databases. Results. Univariate Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier survival analyses identified 128 prognostic genes. Multivariate Cox regression (stepAIC) identified five prognostic genes (PLCG1, MET, TNFSF10, CXCL9, and TLR3) out of the 20 hub genes in the PPI network. A prognostic risk model was established using the signature of five genes. This model had moderate to high accuracies (AUC > 0.700) in predicting 3-year and 5-year overall survival in TCGA and GSE62452 cohorts. The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that high-risk scores were correlated with poor survival outcomes in PCa (
). Also, mutations in the five genes were related to poor survival. The five genes were related to multiple immune cells. Conclusions. The prognostic risk model was significantly correlated with the survival in PCa patients. This model modulated PCa tumor progression and prognosis by regulating immune cell infiltration.
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12
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Kumar D, Rostad CA, Jaggi P, Villacis Nunez DS, Prince C, Lu A, Hussaini L, Nguyen TH, Malik S, Ponder LA, Shenoy SPV, Anderson EJ, Briones M, Sanz I, Prahalad S, Chandrakasan S. Distinguishing immune activation and inflammatory signatures of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) versus hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). J Allergy Clin Immunol 2022; 149:1592-1606.e16. [PMID: 35304157 PMCID: PMC8923010 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a potentially life-threatening sequela of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection characterized by hyperinflammation and multiorgan dysfunction. Although hyperinflammation is a prominent manifestation of MIS-C, there is limited understanding of how the inflammatory state of MIS-C differs from that of well-characterized hyperinflammatory syndromes such as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). OBJECTIVES We sought to compare the qualitative and quantitative inflammatory profile differences between patients with MIS-C, coronavirus disease 2019, and HLH. METHODS Clinical data abstraction from patient charts, T-cell immunophenotyping, and multiplex cytokine and chemokine profiling were performed for patients with MIS-C, patients with coronavirus disease 2019, and patients with HLH. RESULTS We found that both patients with MIS-C and patients with HLH showed robust T-cell activation, markers of senescence, and exhaustion along with elevated TH1 and proinflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 9, and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10. In comparison, the amplitude of T-cell activation and the levels of cytokines/chemokines were higher in patients with HLH when compared with patients with MIS-C. Distinguishing inflammatory features of MIS-C included elevation in TH2 inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-13 and cytokine mediators of angiogenesis, vascular injury, and tissue repair such as vascular endothelial growth factor A and platelet-derived growth factor. Immune activation and hypercytokinemia in MIS-C resolved at follow-up. In addition, when these immune parameters were correlated with clinical parameters, CD8+ T-cell activation correlated with cardiac dysfunction parameters such as B-type natriuretic peptide and troponin and inversely correlated with platelet count. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this study characterizes unique and overlapping immunologic features that help to define the hyperinflammation associated with MIS-C versus HLH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Kumar
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga
| | - Christina A Rostad
- Center for Childhood Infections and Vaccines, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga
| | - Preeti Jaggi
- Center for Childhood Infections and Vaccines, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga
| | - D Sofia Villacis Nunez
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga
| | - Chengyu Prince
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga
| | - Austin Lu
- Center for Childhood Infections and Vaccines, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga
| | - Laila Hussaini
- Center for Childhood Infections and Vaccines, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga
| | - Thinh H Nguyen
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga
| | - Sakshi Malik
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga
| | | | - Sreekala P V Shenoy
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga
| | - Evan J Anderson
- Center for Childhood Infections and Vaccines, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga; Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga
| | - Michael Briones
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga
| | - Ignacio Sanz
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga; Lowance Center for Human Immunology, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga
| | - Sampath Prahalad
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga; Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga
| | - Shanmuganathan Chandrakasan
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga.
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13
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Li Y, Wang J, Wang H, Zhang S, Wei Y, Liu S. The Interplay Between Inflammation and Stromal Components in Pancreatic Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:850093. [PMID: 35493517 PMCID: PMC9046560 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.850093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation involves interactions between various immune cells, inflammatory cells, chemokines and cytokines in pancreatic cancer. Cancer cells as well as surrounding stromal and inflammatory cells establish an inflammatory tumor microenvironment (TME). Inflammation is closely associated with immunity. Meanwhile, immune cells are involved in both inflammation and immune response. Tumor-promoting inflammation and tumor-suppressive immunity are two main characteristics of the tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer. Yet, the mechanism of inflammation and immune response in pancreatic cancer development is still unclear due to the dual role of some cytokines and the complicated crosstalk between tumor and stromal components in TME. In this review, we outline the principal cytokines and stromal cells in the pancreatic TME that are involved in the tumor-promoting and immunosuppressive effects of inflammation, and discuss the interaction between inflammation and stromal components in pancreatic cancer progression. Moreover, the clinical approaches based on targeting TME in pancreatic cancer are also summarized. Defining the mechanisms of interplay between inflammation and stromal components will be essential for further development of anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Operating Room, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shaoqiang Zhang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yingxin Wei
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shanglong Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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14
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Controlling Cell Trafficking: Addressing Failures in CAR T and NK Cell Therapy of Solid Tumours. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040978. [PMID: 35205725 PMCID: PMC8870056 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The precision guiding of endogenous or adoptively transferred lymphocytes to the solid tumour mass is obligatory for optimal anti-tumour effects and will improve patient safety. The recognition and elimination of the tumour is best achieved when anti-tumour lymphocytes are proximal to the malignant cells. For example, the regional secretion of soluble factors, cytotoxic granules, and cell-surface molecule interactions are required for the death of tumour cells and the suppression of neovasculature formation, tumour-associated suppressor, or stromal cells. The resistance of individual tumour cell clones to cellular therapy and the hostile environment of the solid tumours is a major challenge to adoptive cell therapy. We review the strategies that could be useful to overcoming insufficient immune cell migration to the tumour cell mass. We argue that existing 'competitive' approaches should now be revisited as complementary approaches to improve CAR T and NK cell therapy.
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15
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Abstract
This is the first report demonstrating the safety and lack of efficacy of pembrolizumab treatment in patients with advanced MPNs. Pembrolizumab was associated with changes in the immune milieu that could potentially support antitumor immunity in patients with advanced MPNs.
Myelofibrosis (MF) is a clonal stem cell neoplasm characterized by abnormal JAK-STAT signaling, chronic inflammation, cytopenias, and risk of transformation to acute leukemia. Despite improvements in the therapeutic options for patients with MF, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation remains the only curative treatment. We previously demonstrated multiple immunosuppressive mechanisms in patients with MF, including increased expression of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) on T cells compared with healthy controls. Therefore, we conducted a multicenter, open-label, phase 2, single-arm study of pembrolizumab in patients with Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System category of intermediate-2 or greater primary, post-essential thrombocythemia or post-polycythemia vera myelofibrosis that were ineligible for or were previously treated with ruxolitinib. The study followed a Simon 2-stage design and enrolled a total of 10 patients, 5 of whom had JAK2V617mutation, 2 had CALR mutation, and 6 had additional mutations. Most patients were previously treated with ruxolitinib. Pembrolizumab treatment was well tolerated, but there were no objective clinical responses, so the study closed after the first stage was completed. However, immune profiling by flow cytometry, T-cell receptor sequencing, and plasma proteomics demonstrated changes in the immune milieu of patients, which suggested improved T-cell responses that can potentially favor antitumor immunity. The fact that these changes were not reflected in a clinical response strongly suggests that combination immunotherapeutic approaches rather than monotherapy may be necessary to reverse the multifactorial mechanisms of immune suppression in myeloproliferative neoplasms. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03065400.
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16
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Huang J, Chen Z, Ding C, Lin S, Wan D, Ren K. Prognostic Biomarkers and Immunotherapeutic Targets Among CXC Chemokines in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:711402. [PMID: 34497764 PMCID: PMC8419473 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.711402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pancreatic cancer is one of the principal causes of tumor-related death worldwide. CXC chemokines, a subfamily of functional chemotactic peptides, affect the initiation of tumor cells and clinical outcomes in several human malignant tumors. However, the specific biological functions and clinical significance of CXC chemokines in pancreatic cancer have not been clarified. Methods Bioinformatics analysis tools and databases, including ONCOMINE, GEPIA2, the Human Protein Atlas, DAVID, GeneMANIA, cBioPortal, STRING, DGidb, MethSurv, TRRUST, SurvExpress, SurvivalMeth, and TIMER, were utilized to clarify the clinical significance and biological functions of CXC chemokine in pancreatic cancer. Results Except for CXCL11/12, the transcriptional levels of other CXC chemokines in PAAD tissues were significantly elevated, and the expression level of CXCL16 was the highest among these CXC chemokines. Our findings also suggested that all of the CXC chemokines were linked to tumor-immune dysfunction involving the abundance of immune cell infiltration, and the Cox proportional hazard model confirmed that dendritic and CXCL3/5/7/8/11/17 were significantly associated with the clinical outcome of PAAD patients. Furthermore, increasing expressions of CXCL5/9/10/11/17 were related to unfavorable overall survival (OS), and only CXCL17 was a prognostic factor for disease-free survival (DFS) in PAAD patients. The expression pattern and prognostic power of CXC chemokines were further validated in the independent GSE62452 dataset. For the prognostic value of single CpG of DNA methylation of CXC chemokines in patients with PAAD, we identified 3 CpGs of CXCL1, 2 CpGs of CXCL2, 2 CpGs of CXCL3, 3 CpGs of CXCL4, 10 CpGs of CXCL5, 1 CpG of CXCL6, 1 CpG of CXCL7, 3 CpGs of CXCL12, 3 CpGs of CXCL14, and 5 CpGs of CXCL17 that were significantly associated with prognosis in PAAD patients. Moreover, the prognostic value of CXC chemokine signature in PAAD was explored and tested in two independent cohort, and results indicated that the patients in the low-risk group had a better OS compared with the high-risk group. Survival analysis of the DNA methylation of CXC chemokine signature demonstrated that PAAD patients in the high-risk group had longer survival times. Conclusions These findings reveal the novel insights into CXC chemokine expression and their biological functions in the pancreatic cancers, which might serve as accurate prognostic biomarkers and suitable immunotherapeutic targets for patients with pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacheng Huang
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhitao Chen
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenchen Ding
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shengzhang Lin
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dalong Wan
- First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kuiwu Ren
- First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Fuyang People's Hospital, Fuyang, China
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17
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Gorchs L, Kaipe H. Interactions between Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and T Cells in the Pancreatic Tumor Microenvironment and the Role of Chemokines. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2995. [PMID: 34203869 PMCID: PMC8232575 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13122995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Less than 10% of patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) survive 5 years or more, making it one of the most fatal cancers. Accumulation of T cells in pancreatic tumors is associated with better prognosis, but immunotherapies to enhance the anti-tumor activity of infiltrating T cells are failing in this devastating disease. Pancreatic tumors are characterized by a desmoplastic stroma, which mainly consists of activated cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Pancreatic CAFs have emerged as important regulators of the tumor microenvironment by contributing to immune evasion through the release of chemokines, cytokines, and growth factors, which alters T-cell migration, differentiation and cytotoxic activity. However, recent discoveries have also revealed that subsets of CAFs with diverse functions can either restrain or promote tumor progression. Here, we discuss our current knowledge about the interactions between CAFs and T cells in PDAC and summarize different therapy strategies targeting the CAF-T cell axis with focus on CAF-derived soluble immunosuppressive factors and chemokines. Identifying the functions of different CAF subsets and understanding their roles in T-cell trafficking within the tumor may be fundamental for the development of an effective combinational treatment for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Gorchs
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 14152 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helen Kaipe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 14152 Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, 14152 Stockholm, Sweden
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18
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Huo X, Sun H, Liu S, Liang B, Bai H, Wang S, Li S. Identification of a Prognostic Signature for Ovarian Cancer Based on the Microenvironment Genes. Front Genet 2021; 12:680413. [PMID: 34054929 PMCID: PMC8155613 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.680413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ovarian cancer is highly malignant and has a poor prognosis in the advanced stage. Studies have shown that infiltration of tumor microenvironment cells, immune cells and stromal cells has an important impact on the prognosis of cancers. However, the relationship between tumor microenvironment genes and the prognosis of ovarian cancer has not been studied. Methods: Gene expression profiles and SNP data of ovarian cancer were downloaded from the TCGA database. Cluster analysis, WGCNA analysis and univariate survival analysis were used to identify immune microenvironment genes as prognostic signatures for predicting the survival of ovarian cancer patients. External data were used to evaluate the signature. Moreover, the top five significantly correlated genes were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining of ovarian cancer tissues. Results: We systematically analyzed the relationship between ovarian cancer and immune metagenes. Immune metagenes expression were associated with prognosis. In total, we identified 10 genes related to both immunity and prognosis in ovarian cancer according to the expression of immune metagenes. These data reveal that high expression of ETV7 (OS, HR = 1.540, 95% CI 1.023–2.390, p = 0.041), GBP4 (OS, HR = 1.834, 95% CI 1.242–3.055, p = 0.004), CXCL9 (OS, HR = 1.613, 95% CI 1.080 –2.471, p = 0.021), CD3E (OS, HR = 1.590, 95% CI 1.049 –2.459, p = 0.031), and TAP1 (OS, HR = 1.766, 95% CI 1.163 –2.723, p = 0.009) are associated with better prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer. Conclusion: Our study identified 10 immune microenvironment genes related to the prognosis of ovarian cancer. The list of tumor microenvironment-related genes provides new insights into the underlying biological mechanisms driving the tumorigenesis of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Huo
- Peking University Third Hospital Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Beijing, China
| | - Hengzi Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuangwu Liu
- School of Medicine, ShanDong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bing Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Huimin Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuzhen Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuhong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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19
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Ozga AJ, Chow MT, Luster AD. Chemokines and the immune response to cancer. Immunity 2021; 54:859-874. [PMID: 33838745 PMCID: PMC8434759 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2021.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 257] [Impact Index Per Article: 85.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Chemokines are chemotactic cytokines that regulate the migration of immune cells. Chemokines function as cues for the coordinated recruitment of immune cells into and out of tissue and also guide the spatial organization and cellular interactions of immune cells within tissues. Chemokines are critical in directing immune cell migration necessary to mount and then deliver an effective anti-tumor immune response; however, chemokines also participate in the generation and recruitment of immune cells that contribute to a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment. Here, we review the role of the chemokine system in anti-tumor and pro-tumor immune responses and discuss how malignant cells and the tumor microenvironment regulate the overall chemokine landscape to shape the type and outcome of immune responses to cancer and cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra J Ozga
- Center for Immunology & Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Melvyn T. Chow
- Center for Immunology & Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Andrew D. Luster
- Center for Immunology & Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA,Correspondence:
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20
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Effect of Chemotherapy on CXCL1 and CXCL10 Levels in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients with M4/M5 Subtype. MEDICAL LABORATORY JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.52547/mlj.15.2.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
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21
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Huang H, Zhou W, Chen R, Xiang B, Zhou S, Lan L. CXCL10 is a Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Infiltration Related Prognostic Biomarker in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:611508. [PMID: 33681290 PMCID: PMC7930611 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.611508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is the 10th most common cancer worldwide and the outcomes for patients with the disease remain extremely poor. Precision biomarkers are urgently needed to increase the efficiency of early diagnosis and to improve the prognosis of patients. The tumor microenvironment (TME) and tumor immune infiltration are thought to impact the occurrence, progression, and prognosis of PAAD. Novel biomarkers excavated originating from the TME and immune infiltration may be effective in predicting the prognosis of PAAD patients. In the current study, the ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms were applied to estimate the division of immune and stromal components and the proportion of tumor-infiltrating immune cells in 182 PAAD cases downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Intersection analyses of the Protein-Protein Interaction networks and Cox regression analysis identified the chemokine (CXC-motif) ligand 10 (CXCL10) as a predictive biomarker. We verified that CXCL10 in the TME negatively correlates with prognosis in PAAD and positively correlates with tumor cell differentiation. GSE62452 from the GEO database and cumulative survival analysis were performed to validate CXCL10 expression as an independent prognostic indicator. We also found that memory B cells, regulatory T cells, and macrophages M0 and M1 were correlated with the expression of CXCL10 indicating that expression of CXCL10 influenced the immune activity of the TME. Our data suggest that CXCL10 is beneficial as a prognostic indicator in PAAD patients and highlights the potential for immune targeted therapy in the treatment of PAAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Huang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wangxiao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Renpin Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Bingfeng Xiang
- Department of Emergency Intensive Care Unit, The Cangnan Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shipeng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Linhua Lan
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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22
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Vonderhaar EP, Barnekow NS, McAllister D, McOlash L, Eid MA, Riese MJ, Tarakanova VL, Johnson BD, Dwinell MB. STING Activated Tumor-Intrinsic Type I Interferon Signaling Promotes CXCR3 Dependent Antitumor Immunity in Pancreatic Cancer. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 12:41-58. [PMID: 33548597 PMCID: PMC8081932 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2021.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is a lethal chemoresistant cancer that exhibits early metastatic spread. The highly immunosuppressive PDA tumor microenvironment renders patients resistant to emerging immune-targeted therapies. Building from our prior work, we evaluated stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonist activation of PDA cell interferon-α/β-receptor (IFNAR) signaling in systemic antitumor immune responses. METHODS PDA cells were implanted subcutaneously to wild-type, IFNAR-, or CXCR3-knockout mice. Tumor growth was monitored, and immune responses were comprehensively profiled. RESULTS Human and mouse STING agonist ADU-S100 reduced local and distal tumor burden and activated systemic antitumor immune responses in PDA-bearing mice. Effector T-cell infiltration and inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production, including IFN-dependent CXCR3-agonist chemokines, were elevated, whereas suppressive immune populations were decreased in treated tumors. Intratumoral STING agonist treatment also generated inflammation in distal noninjected tumors and peripheral immune tissues. STING agonist treatment of type I IFN-responsive PDA tumors engrafted to IFNAR-/- recipient mice was sufficient to contract tumors and stimulate local and systemic T-cell activation. Tumor regression and CD8+ T-cell infiltration were abolished in PDA engrafted to CXCR3-/- mice treated with STING agonist. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that STING agonists promote T-cell infiltration and counteract immune suppression in locally treated and distant tumors. Tumor-intrinsic type I IFN signaling initiated systemic STING-mediated antitumor inflammation and required CXCR3 expression. STING-mediated induction of systemic immune responses provides an approach to harness the immune system to treat primary and disseminated pancreatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily P. Vonderhaar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology,Center for Immunology,LaBahn Pancreatic Cancer Program
| | | | - Donna McAllister
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology,Center for Immunology
| | - Laura McOlash
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology,Center for Immunology
| | - Mahmoud Abu Eid
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology,Center for Immunology
| | - Matthew J. Riese
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology,Center for Immunology,LaBahn Pancreatic Cancer Program,Department of Medicine,Versiti Blood Research Institute
| | | | - Bryon D. Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology,Center for Immunology,LaBahn Pancreatic Cancer Program
| | - Michael B. Dwinell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology,Center for Immunology,LaBahn Pancreatic Cancer Program,Department of Medicine,Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Michael B. Dwinell, PhD, Medical College of Wisconsin, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226. fax: (414) 955-6535.
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23
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Qiu X, Hou QH, Shi QY, Jiang HX, Qin SY. Identification of Hub Prognosis-Associated Oxidative Stress Genes in Pancreatic Cancer Using Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis. Front Genet 2020; 11:595361. [PMID: 33363572 PMCID: PMC7753072 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.595361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intratumoral oxidative stress (OS) has been associated with the progression of various tumors. However, OS has not been considered a candidate therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer (PC) owing to the lack of validated biomarkers. Methods We compared gene expression profiles of PC samples and the transcriptome data of normal pancreas tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genome Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases to identify differentially expressed OS genes in PC. PC patients’ gene profile from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used as a validation cohort. Results A total of 148 differentially expressed OS-related genes in PC were used to construct a protein-protein interaction network. Univariate Cox regression analysis, least absolute shrinkage, selection operator analysis revealed seven hub prognosis-associated OS genes that served to construct a prognostic risk model. Based on integrated bioinformatics analyses, our prognostic model, whose diagnostic accuracy was validated in both cohorts, reliably predicted the overall survival of patients with PC and cancer progression. Further analysis revealed significant associations between seven hub gene expression levels and patient outcomes, which were validated at the protein level using the Human Protein Atlas database. A nomogram based on the expression of these seven hub genes exhibited prognostic value in PC. Conclusion Our study provides novel insights into PC pathogenesis and provides new genetic markers for prognosis prediction and clinical treatment personalization for PC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Qiu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Qin-Han Hou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Qiu-Yue Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Hai-Xing Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Shan-Yu Qin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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24
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Bu F, Nie H, Zhu X, Wu T, Lin K, Zhao J, Huang J. A signature of 18 immune-related gene pairs to predict the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients. IMMUNITY INFLAMMATION AND DISEASE 2020; 8:713-726. [PMID: 33128857 PMCID: PMC7654420 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies. With the promising prospects conveyed by immunotherapy in cancers, we aimed to construct an immune‐related gene pairs (IRGPs) signature to predict the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients. We downloaded clinical and transcriptional data of pancreatic cancer patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas data set as the training group and GSE57495 data set as the verification group. We filtered immune‐related transcriptional data by IMMPORT. With the assistance of lasso penalized Cox regression, we constructed our prognostic IRGPs signature and divided all samples into high‐/low‐risk groups by receiver operating characteristic curve for further comparisons. The comparisons between high‐ and low‐risk groups including survival rate, multivariate, and univariate Cox proportional‐hazards analysis, infiltration of immune cells, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) are facilitated to analyze the proceedings in which our IRGPs signature may involve in. The results revealed that 18 IRGPs were defined as our prognostic signature. The prognostic value of this IRGPs signature was verified from the GSE57495 data set. We further demonstrated the independent prognostic value of this IRGPs signature. The contents of six immune cells between high‐/low‐risk groups were different, which was associated with the progression of diverse cancers. Results from GO, KEGG, and GSEA revealed that this IRGPs signature was involved in extracellular space, immune response, cancer pathways, cation channel, and gated channel activities. Evidently, this IRGPs signature will provide remarkable value for the therapy of pancreatic cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanqin Bu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Han Nie
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiaojian Zhu
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Research Center of the Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ting Wu
- Infection Department of Guixi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guixi, Jiangxi, China
| | - Kang Lin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jiefeng Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jun Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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25
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Van Audenaerde JR, Marcq E, von Scheidt B, Davey AS, Oliver AJ, De Waele J, Quatannens D, Van Loenhout J, Pauwels P, Roeyen G, Lardon F, Slaney CY, Peeters M, Kershaw MH, Darcy PK, Smits EL. Novel combination immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer: potent anti-tumor effects with CD40 agonist and interleukin-15 treatment. Clin Transl Immunology 2020; 9:e1165. [PMID: 32821382 PMCID: PMC7428816 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives With the poorest 5‐year survival of all cancers, improving treatment for pancreatic cancer is one of the biggest challenges in cancer research. We sought to explore the potential of combining both priming and activation of the immune system. To achieve this, we combined a CD40 agonist with interleukin‐15 and tested its potential in pancreatic cancer. Methods Response to this combination regimen was assessed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma mouse models, and a thorough analysis of the tumor microenvironment was performed. Results We demonstrated profound reduction in tumor growth and increased survival of mice with the majority of mice being cured when both agents were combined, including an unprecedented 8‐fold dose reduction of CD40 agonist without losing any efficacy. RNAseq analysis showed involvement of natural killer (NK) cell‐ and T‐cell‐mediated anti‐tumor responses and the importance of antigen‐presenting cell pathways. This combination resulted in enhanced infiltration of tumors by both T cells and NK cells, as well as a striking increase in the ratio of CD8+ T cells over Tregs. We also observed a significant increase in numbers of dendritic cells (DCs) in tumor‐draining lymph nodes, particularly CD103+ DCs with cross‐presentation potential. A critical role for CD8+ T cells and involvement of NK cells in the anti‐tumor effect was highlighted. Importantly, strong immune memory was established, with an increase in memory CD8+ T cells only when both interleukin‐15 and the CD40 agonist were combined. Conclusion These novel preclinical data support initiation of a first‐in‐human clinical trial with this combination immunotherapy strategy in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Rm Van Audenaerde
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE) Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON) University of Antwerp Wilrijk Belgium.,Cancer Immunotherapy and Immune Innovation Laboratory Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne VIC Australia
| | - Elly Marcq
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE) Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON) University of Antwerp Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Bianca von Scheidt
- Cancer Immunotherapy and Immune Innovation Laboratory Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne VIC Australia
| | - Ashleigh S Davey
- Cancer Immunotherapy and Immune Innovation Laboratory Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne VIC Australia
| | - Amanda J Oliver
- Cancer Immunotherapy and Immune Innovation Laboratory Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne VIC Australia
| | - Jorrit De Waele
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE) Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON) University of Antwerp Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Delphine Quatannens
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE) Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON) University of Antwerp Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Jinthe Van Loenhout
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE) Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON) University of Antwerp Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Patrick Pauwels
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE) Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON) University of Antwerp Wilrijk Belgium.,Department of Pathology Antwerp University Hospital Edegem Belgium
| | - Geert Roeyen
- Department of Hepatobiliary, Endocrine and Transplantation Surgery Antwerp University Hospital Edegem Belgium
| | - Filip Lardon
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE) Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON) University of Antwerp Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Clare Y Slaney
- Cancer Immunotherapy and Immune Innovation Laboratory Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne VIC Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology The University of Melbourne Parkville VIC Australia
| | - Marc Peeters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE) Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON) University of Antwerp Wilrijk Belgium.,Department of Oncology and Multidisciplinary Oncological Centre Antwerp Antwerp University Hospital Edegem Belgium
| | - Michael H Kershaw
- Cancer Immunotherapy and Immune Innovation Laboratory Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne VIC Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology The University of Melbourne Parkville VIC Australia
| | - Phillip K Darcy
- Cancer Immunotherapy and Immune Innovation Laboratory Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne VIC Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology The University of Melbourne Parkville VIC Australia
| | - Evelien Ljm Smits
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE) Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON) University of Antwerp Wilrijk Belgium.,Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Antwerp University Hospital Edegem Belgium
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26
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Li HL, Huang Y, Zhou YL, Teng RH, Zhou SZ, Lin JP, Yang Y, Zhu SM, Xu H, Yao YX. C-X-C Motif Chemokine 10 Contributes to the Development of Neuropathic Pain by Increasing the Permeability of the Blood-Spinal Cord Barrier. Front Immunol 2020; 11:477. [PMID: 32265928 PMCID: PMC7098954 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is among the most debilitating forms of chronic pain. Studies have suggested that chronic pain pathogenesis involves neuroimmune interactions and blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) disruption. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We modeled neuropathic pain in rats by inducing chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve and analyzed the effects on C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10)/CXCR3 activation, BSCB permeability, and immune cell migration from the circulation into the spinal cord. We detected CXCR3 expression in spinal neurons and observed that CCI induced CXCL10/CXCR3 activation, BSCB disruption, and mechanical hyperalgesia. CCI-induced BSCB disruption enabled circulating T cells to migrate into the spinal parenchyma. Intrathecal administration of an anti-CXCL10 antibody not only attenuated CCI-induced hyperalgesia, but also reduced BSCB permeability, suggesting that CXCL10 acts as a key regulator of BSCB integrity. Moreover, T cell migration may play a critical role in the neuroimmune interactions involved in the pathogenesis of CCI-induced neuropathic pain. Our results highlight CXCL10 as a new potential drug target for the treatment of nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Ling Li
- Department of Anesthesia, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Anesthesia, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Anesthesia, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Anesthesia, The Central Hospital of Lishui City, Lishui, China
| | - Ya-Lan Zhou
- Department of Anesthesia, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Run-Hua Teng
- Department of Anesthesia, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shu-Zhuan Zhou
- Department of Anesthesia, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Piao Lin
- Department of Anesthesia, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Centre for Neuroscience, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sheng-Mei Zhu
- Department of Anesthesia, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hua Xu
- Department of Anesthesia, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Xing Yao
- Department of Anesthesia, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Chuan T, Li T, Yi C. Identification of CXCR4 and CXCL10 as Potential Predictive Biomarkers in Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e918281. [PMID: 31924747 PMCID: PMC6977636 DOI: 10.12659/msm.918281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Efficacious therapy for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) continues to be a profound clinical challenge, but the key driven genes and convoluted signaling pathways are still unknown. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 223 samples (163 TNBC and 60 healthy breast tissues) were taken and deeply integrated analyzed by R software from 4 expression profiles in the study, including GSE53752, GSE45827, GSE65194, and GSE38959. We examined differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and screen for critical genes and pathways enrichment. The protein‑protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs-associated was built through the STRING Version: 11.0 database and Cytoscape software to filter the hub gene. Then, we verified hug gene expression levels through the Oncomine database. Also, we analyzed the prognostic value of TNBC patient's hub genes using the Kaplan-Meier plotter database. RESULTS In our study, we filter out 365 DEGs, including 212 upregulated genes and 153 downregulated genes. Then, 10 hub genes were picked out by the intersection of 12 algorithms. At the same time, we discovered that CXCR4 and CXCL10 overexpression are favorable prognostic factors for recurrence-free survival of TNBC through the Kaplan-Meier plotter database. CONCLUSIONS Our research found that CXCR4 and CXCL10 overexpressed, and they were a favorable prognostic factor in patients with TNBC. CXCR4 and CXCL10 might be effective targets for TNBC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Chuan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Tian Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland)
| | - Cui Yi
- Clinical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland)
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28
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Skorda A, Sklirou AD, Sakellaropoulos T, Gianniou DD, Kastritis E, Terpos E, Tsitsilonis OE, Florea BI, Overkleeft HS, Dimopoulos MA, Alexopoulos LG, Trougakos IP. Non-lethal proteasome inhibition activates pro-tumorigenic pathways in multiple myeloma cells. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:8010-8018. [PMID: 31568628 PMCID: PMC6850931 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a haematological malignancy being characterized by clonal plasma cell proliferation in the bone marrow. Targeting the proteasome with specific inhibitors (PIs) has been proven a promising therapeutic strategy and PIs have been approved for the treatment of MM and mantle‐cell lymphoma; yet, while outcome has improved, most patients inevitably relapse. As relapse refers to MM cells that survive therapy, we sought to identify the molecular responses induced in MM cells after non‐lethal proteasome inhibition. By using bortezomib (BTZ), epoxomicin (EPOX; a carfilzomib‐like PI) and three PIs, namely Rub999, PR671A and Rub1024 that target each of the three proteasome peptidases, we found that only BTZ and EPOX are toxic in MM cells at low concentrations. Phosphoproteomic profiling after treatment of MM cells with non‐lethal (IC10) doses of the PIs revealed inhibitor‐ and cell type‐specific readouts, being marked by the activation of tumorigenic STAT3 and STAT6. Consistently, cytokine/chemokine profiling revealed the increased secretion of immunosuppressive pro‐tumorigenic cytokines (IL6 and IL8), along with the inhibition of potent T cell chemoattractant chemokines (CXCL10). These findings indicate that MM cells that survive treatment with therapeutic PIs shape a pro‐tumorigenic immunosuppressive cellular and secretory bone marrow microenvironment that enables malignancy to relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Skorda
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aimilia D Sklirou
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Despoina D Gianniou
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Efstathios Kastritis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Terpos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ourania E Tsitsilonis
- Department of Animal and Human Physiology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Bogdan I Florea
- Gorlaeus Laboratories, Leiden Institute of Chemistry and Netherlands Proteomics Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Herman S Overkleeft
- Gorlaeus Laboratories, Leiden Institute of Chemistry and Netherlands Proteomics Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Meletios A Dimopoulos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Leonidas G Alexopoulos
- School of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis P Trougakos
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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29
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Yang B, Dong K, Guo P, Guo P, Jie G, Zhang G, Li T. Identification of Key Biomarkers and Potential Molecular Mechanisms in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Bioinformatics Analysis. J Comput Biol 2019; 27:40-54. [PMID: 31424263 DOI: 10.1089/cmb.2019.0211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the key genes, microRNA (miRNA), and the pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) at the molecular level through the analysis of bioinformatics, which could provide a theoretical basis for the screening of drug targets. Data of OSCC were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified via GEO2R analysis. Next, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs was constructed through Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Gene and visualized via Cytoscape, whereas the hub genes were screened out with Cytoscape. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were performed by Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery. The miRNA, which might regulate hub genes, were screened out with TargetScan and GO and KEGG analysis of miRNA was performed by DNA Intelligent Analysis-miRPath. Survival analyses of DEGs were conducted via the Kaplan-Meier plotter. Finally, the relationships between gene products and tumors were analyzed by Comparative Toxicogenomics Database. A total of 121 differential genes were identified. One hundred thirty-five GO terms and 56 pathways were obtained, which were mainly related to PI3K-Akt signals pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, cell cycle, p53 signaling pathway, cellular senescence, and other pathways; 10 genes were identified as hub genes through modules analyses in the PPI network. Finally, a survival analysis of 10 hub genes was conducted, which showed that the low expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)1, MMP3, and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL)1 and the high expression of CXCL9 and CXCL10 resulted in a significantly poor 5-year overall survival rate in patients with OSCC. In this study, the DEGs of OSCC was analyzed, which assists us in a systematic understanding of the pathogenicity underlying occurrence and development of OSCC. The MMP1, MMP3, CXCL1, CXCL9, and CXCL10 genes might be used as potential targets to improve diagnosis and as immunotherapy biomarkers for OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao Yang
- Department of Stomatology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Keqin Dong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Peiyuan Guo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Peng Guo
- Department of Orthopedics, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Guo Jie
- Department of Stomatology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Guanhua Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Tianke Li
- Department of Stomatology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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