Humoral immune responses: Unsung heroes of the war on cancer

A Bibliometric Analysis of Metabolic Reprogramming in the Tumor Microenvironment From 2003 to 2022

BACKGROUND

Despite considerable progress in cancer immunotherapy, it is not available for many patients. Resistance to immune checkpoint blockers arises from the intricate interactions between cancer and its microenvironment. Metabolic reprogramming in tumor and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) influences anti-tumor immune responses by remodeling the immune microenvironment. Metabolic reprogramming has emerged as an important hallmark of tumorigenesis. However, few studies have focused on the TME and metabolic reprogramming. Therefore, we aimed to explore the current research status and popular topics in TME-related metabolic reprogramming over a 20 years using a bibliometric approach.

METHODS

Studies focusing on metabolic reprogramming and TME were searched using the Web of Science Core Collection database. Bibliometric and visual analyses of the articles and reviews were performed using Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace.

RESULTS

In total, 4726 articles published between 2003 and 2022 were selected. The number of publications and citations has increased annually. Cooperation network analysis indicated that the United States holds the foremost position in metabolic reprogramming and TME research with the highest volume of publications and citations, thus exerting the greatest influence. Among these institutions, Fudan University displayed the highest level of productivity. Frontiers in Immunology showed the highest degree of productivity in this field. Ho Ping-Chih made the most article contributions, and Pearce Edward J. was the most co-cited author. Four clusters were obtained after a cluster analysis of the authors' keywords: TME, metabolic reprogramming, immunometabolism, and immunity. Immunometabolism, glycolysis, immune cells, and tumor-associated macrophages are relatively recent keywords that have attracted increasing attention.

CONCLUSIONS

A comprehensive landscape of advancements in metabolic reprogramming and the TME was evaluated, which provided crucial information for scholars to further advance this promising field. Further research should explore new topics related to immunometabolism in the TME using a transdisciplinary approach.

Prognostic signature based on S100 calcium-binding protein family members for lung adenocarcinoma and its clinical significance

The S100 family proteins (S100s) participate in multiple stages of tumorigenesis and are considered to have potential value as biomarkers for detecting and predicting various cancers. But the role of S100s in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) prognosis is elusive. Transcriptional data of LUAD patients were retrieved from TCGA, and relevant literature was extensively reviewed to collect S100 genes. Differential gene expression analysis was performed on the LUAD data, followed by intersection analysis between the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and S100 genes. Unsupervised consensus clustering analysis identified two clusters. Significant variations in overall survival between the two clusters were shown by Kaplan-Meier analysis. DEGs between the two clusters were analyzed using Lasso regression and univariate/multivariate Cox regression analysis, leading to construction of an 11-gene prognostic signature. The signature exhibited stable and accurate predictive capability in TCGA and GEO datasets. Subsequently, we observed distinct immune cell infiltration, immunotherapy response, and tumor mutation characteristics in high and low-risk groups. Finally, small molecular compounds targeting prognostic genes were screened using CellMiner database, and molecular docking confirmed the binding of AMG-176, Estramustine, and TAK-632 with prognostic genes. In conclusion, we generated a prognostic signature with robust and reliable predictive ability, which may provide guidance for prognosis and treatment of LUAD.

Key players of immunosuppression in epithelial malignancies: Tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells and γδ T cells

BACKGROUND

The tumor microenvironment of solid tumors governs the differentiation of otherwise non-immunosuppressive macrophages and gamma delta (γδ) T cells into strong immunosuppressors while promoting suppressive abilities of known immunosuppressors such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) upon infiltration into the tumor beds.

RECENT FINDINGS

In epithelial malignancies, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), precursor monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSCs), and gamma delta (γδ) T cells often acquire strong immunosuppressive abilities that dampen spontaneous immune responses by tumor-infiltrating T cells and B lymphocytes against cancer. Both M-MDSCs and γδ T cells have been associated with worse prognosis for multiple epithelial cancers.

CONCLUSION

Here we discuss recent discoveries on how tumor-associated macrophages and precursor M-MDSCs as well as tumor associated-γδ T cells acquire immunosuppressive abilities in the tumor beds, promote cancer metastasis, and perspectives on how possible novel interventions could restore the effective adaptive immune responses in epithelial cancers.

A natural IgM hitchhiking strategy for delivery of cancer nanovaccines to splenic marginal zone B cells

B cell-targeted cancer vaccines are receiving increasing attention in immunotherapy due to the combined antibody-secreting and antigen-presenting functions. In this study, we propose a natural IgM-hitchhiking delivery strategy to co-deliver tumor antigens and adjuvants to splenic marginal zone B (MZB) cells. We constructed nanovaccines (FA-sLip/OVA/MPLA) consisting of classical folic acid (FA)-conjugated liposomes co-loaded with ovalbumin (OVA) and toll-like receptor 4 agonists, MPLA. We found that natural IgM absorption could be manipulated at the bio-nano interface on FA-sLip/OVA/MPLA, enabling targeted delivery to splenic MZB cells. Systemic administration of FA-sLip/OVA/MPLA effectively activated splenic MZB cells via IgM-mediated multiplex pathways, eliciting antigen-specific humoral and cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses, and ultimately retarding E.G7-OVA tumor growth. In addition, combining FA-sLip/OVA/MPLA immunization with anti-PD-1 treatments showed improved antitumor efficiency. Overall, this natural IgM-hitchhiking delivery strategy holds great promise for efficient, splenic MZB cell-targeted delivery of cancer vaccines in future applications.

Autoantibody repertoire profiling in tissue and blood identifies colorectal cancer-specific biomarkers

Autoantibodies (AAbs) in the blood of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients have been evaluated for tumor detection. However, it remains uncertain whether these AAbs are specific to tumor-associated antigens. In this study, we explored the IgG and IgM autoantibody repertoires in both the in situ tissue microenvironment and peripheral blood as potential tumor-specific biomarkers. We applied high-density protein arrays to profile AAbs in the tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte supernatants and corresponding serum from four patients with CRC, as well as in the serum of three noncancer controls. Our findings revealed that there were more reactive IgM AAbs than IgG in both the cell supernatant and corresponding serum, with a difference of approximately 3-5 times. Immunoglobulin G was predominant in the serum, while IgM was more abundant in the cell supernatant. We identified a range of AAbs present in both the supernatant and the corresponding serum, numbering between 432 and 780, with an average of 53.3% shared. Only 4.7% (n = 23) and 0.2% (n = 2) of reactive antigens for IgG and IgM AAbs, respectively, were specific to CRC. Ultimately, we compiled a list of 19 IgG AAb targets as potential tumor-specific AAb candidates. Autoantibodies against one of the top candidates, p15INK4b-related sequence/regulation of nuclear pre-mRNA domain-containing protein 1A (RPRD1A), were significantly elevated in 53 CRC patients compared to 119 controls (p < 0.0001). The project revealed that tissue-derived IgG AAbs, rather than IgM, are the primary source of tumor-specific AAbs in peripheral blood. It also identified potential tumor-specific AAbs that could be applied for noninvasive screening of CRC.

Immune landscape in molecular subtypes of human papillomavirus-negative head and neck cancer

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) remain a poorly understood disease clinically and immunologically. HPV is a known risk factor of HNSCC associated with better outcome, whereas HPV-negative HNSCC are more heterogeneous in outcome. Gene expression signatures have been developed to classify HNSCC into four molecular subtypes (classical, basal, mesenchymal, and atypical). However, the molecular underpinnings of treatment response and the immune landscape for these molecular subtypes are largely unknown. Herein, we described a comprehensive immune landscape analysis in three independent HNSCC cohorts (>700 patients) using transcriptomics data. We assigned the HPV- HNSCC patients into these four molecular subtypes and characterized the tumor microenvironment using deconvolution method. We determined that atypical and mesenchymal subtypes have greater immune enrichment and exhibit a T-cell exhaustion phenotype, compared to classical and basal subtypes. Further analyses revealed different B cell maturation and antibody isotypes enrichment patterns, and distinct immune microenvironment crosstalk in the atypical and mesenchymal subtypes. Taken together, our study suggests that treatments that enhances B cell activity may benefit patients with HNSCC of the atypical subtypes. The rationale can be utilized in the design of future precision immunotherapy trials based on the molecular subtypes of HPV- HNSCC.

Targeting intracellular oncoproteins with dimeric IgA promotes expulsion from the cytoplasm and immune-mediated control of epithelial cancers

Dimeric IgA (dIgA) can move through cells via the IgA/IgM polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR), which is expressed mainly on mucosal epithelia. Here, we studied the ability of dIgA to target commonly mutated cytoplasmic oncodrivers. Mutation-specific dIgA, but not IgG, neutralized KRASG12D within ovarian carcinoma cells and expelled this oncodriver from tumor cells. dIgA binding changed endosomal trafficking of KRASG12D from accumulation in recycling endosomes to aggregation in the early/late endosomes through which dIgA transcytoses. dIgA targeting of KRASG12D abrogated tumor cell proliferation in cell culture assays. In vivo, KRASG12D-specific dIgA1 limited the growth of KRASG12D-mutated ovarian and lung carcinomas in a manner dependent on CD8+ T cells. dIgA specific for IDH1R132H reduced colon cancer growth, demonstrating effective targeting of a cytoplasmic oncodriver not associated with surface receptors. dIgA targeting of KRASG12D restricted tumor growth more effectively than small-molecule KRASG12D inhibitors, supporting the potential of this approach for the treatment of human cancers.

CD19 (+) B Cell Combined with Prognostic Nutritional Index Predicts the Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Gastric Cancer Who Underwent Surgery

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to explore the predictive ability of lymphocyte subsets for the prognosis of gastric cancer patients who underwent surgery and the prognostic value of CD19 (+) B cell combined with the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI). (2) Methods: This study involved 291 patients with gastric cancer who underwent surgery at our institution between January 2016 and December 2017. All patients had complete clinical data and peripheral lymphocyte subsets. Differences in clinical and pathological characteristics were examined using the Chi-square test or independent sample t-tests. The difference in survival was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and the Log-rank test. Cox's regression analysis was performed to identify independent prognostic indicators, and nomograms were used to predict survival probabilities. (3) Results: Patients were categorized into three groups based on their CD19 (+) B cell and PNI levels, with 56 cases in group one, 190 cases in group two, and 45 cases in group three. Patients in group one had a shorter progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 0.444, p < 0.001) and overall survival (OS) (HR = 0.435, p < 0.001). CD19 (+) B cell-PNI had the highest area under the curve (AUC) compared with other indicators, and it was also identified as an independent prognostic factor. Moreover, CD3 (+) T cell, CD3 (+) CD8 (+) T cell, and CD3 (+) CD16 (+) CD56 (+) NK T cell were all negatively correlated with the prognosis, while CD19 (+) B cell was positively associated with the prognosis. The C-index and 95% confidence interval (CI) of nomograms for PFS and OS were 0.772 (0.752-0.833) and 0.773 (0.752-0.835), respectively. (4) Conclusions: Lymphocyte subsets including CD3 (+) T cell, CD3 (+) CD8 (+) T cell, CD3 (+) CD16 (+) CD56 (+) NK T cell, and CD19 (+) B cell were related to the clinical outcomes of patients with gastric cancer who underwent surgery. Additionally, PNI combined with CD19 (+) B cell had higher prognostic value and could be used to identify patients with a high risk of metastasis and recurrence after surgery.

Neglected no more: B cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity

Immuno-oncology has traditionally focused on the cellular arm of the adaptive immune response, while attributing tumor-promoting activity to humoral responses in tumor-bearing hosts. This view stems from mouse models that do not necessarily recapitulate the antibody response process consistently observed in most human cancers. In recent years, the field has reconsidered the coordinated action of T and B cell responses in the context of anti-tumor immunity, as in any other immune response. Thus, recent studies in human cancer identify B cell responses with better outcome, typically in association with superior T cell responses. An area of particular interest is tertiary lymphoid structures, where germinal centers produce isotype switched antibodies and B cells and T lymphocytes interact with other immune cell types. The presence of these lymphoid structures is associated with better immunotherapeutic responses and remain poorly understood. Here, we discuss recent discoveries on how coordination between humoral and cellular responses is required for effective immune pressure against malignant progression, providing a perspective on the role of tertiary lymphoid structures and interventions to elicit their formation in unresectable tumors.

Impact of interaction networks of B cells with other cells on tumorigenesis, progression and response to immunotherapy of renal cell carcinoma: A review

Ample evidence indicates that the development and progression of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are complex pathological processes involving interactions between tumor cells, immune cells and stromal components. Tumor infiltrated immune cells determine whether tumor advancement is promoted or inhibited. Among them, infiltrated B lymphocytes are present in all stages of RCC, playing a major role in determining tumor formation and advancement, as an essential part in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Although the advent of targeted and immune therapies has remarkably improved the survival of patients with advanced RCC, few cases can achieve complete response due to drug resistance. In this review article, we intend to summary the recent studies that outline the interaction networks of B cells with other cells, discuss the role of B cells in RCC development and progression, and assess their impact on RCC immunotherapy.

Molecular Analysis of Short- versus Long-Term Survivors of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma

Despite having similar histologic features, patients with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC) often experience highly variable outcomes. The underlying determinants for long-term survival (LTS, ≥10 years) versus short-term survival (STS, <3 years) are largely unknown. The present study sought to identify molecular predictors of LTS for women with HGSC. A cohort of 24 frozen HGSC samples was collected (12 LTS and 12 STS) and analyzed at DNA, RNA, and protein levels. OVCAR5 and OVCAR8 cell lines were used for in vitro validation studies. For in vivo studies, we injected OVCAR8 cells into the peritoneal cavity of female athymic nude mice. From RNAseq analysis, 11 genes were found to be differentially expressed between the STS and LTS groups (fold change > 2; false discovery rate < 0.01). In the subsequent validation cohort, transmembrane protein 62 (TMEM62) was found to be related to LTS. CIBERSORT analysis showed that T cells (follicular helper) were found at higher levels in tumors from LTS than STS groups. In vitro data using OVCAR5 and OVCAR8 cells showed decreased proliferation with TMEM62 overexpression and positive correlation with a longevity-regulating pathway (KEGG HSA04213) at the RNA level. In vivo analysis using the OVCAR8-TMEM62-TetON model showed decreased tumor burden in mice with high- vs. low-expressing TMEM62 tumors. Our results demonstrate that restoring TMEM62 may be a novel approach for treatment of HGSC. These findings may have implications for biomarker and intervention strategies to help improve patient outcomes

TGF-β-mediated silencing of genomic organizer SATB1 promotes Tfh cell differentiation and formation of intra-tumoral tertiary lymphoid structures

The immune checkpoint receptor PD-1 on T follicular helper (Tfh) cells promotes Tfh:B cell interactions and appropriate positioning within tissues. Here, we examined the impact of regulation of PD-1 expression by the genomic organizer SATB1 on Tfh cell differentiation. Vaccination of CD4^CreSatb1^f/f mice enriched for antigen-specific Tfh cells, and TGF-β-mediated repression of SATB1 enhanced Tfh differentiation of human T cells. Mechanistically, high Icos expression in Satb1^-/- CD4⁺ T cells promoted Tfh cell differentiation by preventing T follicular regulatory cell skewing and resulted in increased isotype-switched B cell responses in vivo. Ovarian tumors in CD4^CreSatb1^f/f mice accumulated tumor antigen-specific, LIGHT⁺CXCL13⁺IL-21⁺ Tfh cells and tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS). TLS formation decreased tumor growth in a CD4⁺ T cell and CXCL13-dependent manner. The transfer of Tfh cells, but not naive CD4⁺ T cells, induced TLS at tumor beds and decreased tumor growth. Thus, TGF-β-mediated silencing of Satb1 licenses Tfh cell differentiation, providing insight into the genesis of TLS within tumors.

Current Perspectives on B Lymphocytes in the Immunobiology of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Immune cells infiltrating tumors are capable of significantly impacting carcinogenesis through cancer promotion and anticancer responses. There are many aspects of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) related T lymphocytes that are undergoing extensive studies, whereas the effect exerted by B lymphocytes remains a less researched area. In this study, the latest research on the effect of B lymphocytes as they infiltrate tumors in relation to HCC is presented. Their prognosis-related importance is analyzed, along with their function in the tumor microenvironment (TME), as well as the way that B cell biology can be employed to help create a B cell therapy strategy for HCC.