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Li YR, Lyu Z, Chen Y, Fang Y, Yang L. Frontiers in CAR-T cell therapy for autoimmune diseases. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:839-857. [PMID: 39147651 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.07.005] [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: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T (CAR-T) cell therapy has demonstrated significant success in treating cancers. The potential of CAR-T cells is now being explored in the context of autoimmune diseases. Recent clinical trials have shown sustained and profound elimination of autoreactive B cells by CAR-T cells, leading to promising autoimmune disease control with minimal safety concerns. These encouraging results have inspired further investigation into CAR-T cell applications for a broader range of autoimmune diseases and the development of advanced cell products with improved efficacy and safety. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms by which CAR-T cells target autoimmune conditions, summarize current preclinical models, and highlight ongoing clinical trials, including CAR-T therapy design, clinical outcomes, and challenges. Additionally, we discuss the limitations and future directions of CAR-T therapy in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ruide Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Zibai Lyu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yuning Chen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ying Fang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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Wyle Y, Lu N, Hepfer J, Sayal R, Martinez T, Wang A. The Role of Biophysical Factors in Organ Development: Insights from Current Organoid Models. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:619. [PMID: 38927855 PMCID: PMC11200479 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11060619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Biophysical factors play a fundamental role in human embryonic development. Traditional in vitro models of organogenesis focused on the biochemical environment and did not consider the effects of mechanical forces on developing tissue. While most human tissue has a Young's modulus in the low kilopascal range, the standard cell culture substrate, plasma-treated polystyrene, has a Young's modulus of 3 gigapascals, making it 10,000-100,000 times stiffer than native tissues. Modern in vitro approaches attempt to recapitulate the biophysical niche of native organs and have yielded more clinically relevant models of human tissues. Since Clevers' conception of intestinal organoids in 2009, the field has expanded rapidly, generating stem-cell derived structures, which are transcriptionally similar to fetal tissues, for nearly every organ system in the human body. For this reason, we conjecture that organoids will make their first clinical impact in fetal regenerative medicine as the structures generated ex vivo will better match native fetal tissues. Moreover, autologously sourced transplanted tissues would be able to grow with the developing embryo in a dynamic, fetal environment. As organoid technologies evolve, the resultant tissues will approach the structure and function of adult human organs and may help bridge the gap between preclinical drug candidates and clinically approved therapeutics. In this review, we discuss roles of tissue stiffness, viscoelasticity, and shear forces in organ formation and disease development, suggesting that these physical parameters should be further integrated into organoid models to improve their physiological relevance and therapeutic applicability. It also points to the mechanotransductive Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling pathway as a key player in the interplay between extracellular matrix stiffness, cellular mechanics, and biochemical pathways. We conclude by highlighting how frontiers in physics can be applied to biology, for example, how quantum entanglement may be applied to better predict spontaneous DNA mutations. In the future, contemporary physical theories may be leveraged to better understand seemingly stochastic events during organogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yofiel Wyle
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (Y.W.); (N.L.); (J.H.); (R.S.); (T.M.)
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Children’s, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Nathan Lu
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (Y.W.); (N.L.); (J.H.); (R.S.); (T.M.)
| | - Jason Hepfer
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (Y.W.); (N.L.); (J.H.); (R.S.); (T.M.)
| | - Rahul Sayal
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (Y.W.); (N.L.); (J.H.); (R.S.); (T.M.)
| | - Taylor Martinez
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (Y.W.); (N.L.); (J.H.); (R.S.); (T.M.)
| | - Aijun Wang
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (Y.W.); (N.L.); (J.H.); (R.S.); (T.M.)
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Children’s, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Center for Surgical Bioengineering, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, 4625 2nd Ave., Research II, Suite 3005, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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Rong M, Jia JJ, Lin MQ, He XLS, Xie ZY, Wang N, Zhang ZH, Dong YJ, Xu WF, Huang JH, Li B, Jiang NH, Lv GY, Chen SH. The effect of modified Qiyuan paste on mice with low immunity and sleep deprivation by regulating GABA nerve and immune system. Chin Med 2024; 19:84. [PMID: 38867320 PMCID: PMC11167779 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-024-00939-5] [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: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low immunity and sleep disorders are prevalent suboptimal health conditions in contemporary populations, which render them susceptible to the infiltration of pathogenic factors. LJC, which has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine for nourishing the Yin and blood and calming the mind, is obtained by modifying Qiyuan paste. Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo has been shown to improve the immune function in sleep-deprived mice. In this study, based on the traditional Chinese medicine theory, LJC was prepared by adding D. officinale Kimura et Migo to Qiyuan paste decoction. METHODS Indicators of Yin deficiency syndrome, such as back temperature and grip strength, were measured in each group of mice; furthermore, behavioral tests and pentobarbital sodium-induced sleep tests were performed. An automatic biochemical analyzer, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, and other methods were used to determine routine blood parameters, serum immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, and IgM), cont (C3, C4), acid phosphatase (ACP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in the spleen, serum hemolysin, and delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) levels. In addition, serum levels of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (Glu) were detected using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Nissl staining were used to assess the histological alterations in the hypothalamus tissue. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expressions of the GABA pathway proteins GABRA1, GAD, GAT1, and GABAT1 and those of CD4+ and CD8+ proteins in the thymus and spleen tissues. RESULTS The findings indicated that LJC prolonged the sleep duration, improved the pathological changes in the hippocampus, effectively upregulated the GABA content in the serum of mice, downregulated the Glu content and Glu/GABA ratio, enhanced the expressions of GABRA1, GAT1, and GAD, and decreased the expression of GABAT1 to assuage sleep disorders. Importantly, LJC alleviated the damage to the thymus and spleen tissues in the model mice and enhanced the activities of ACP and LDH in the spleen of the immunocompromised mice. Moreover, serum hemolysin levels and serum IgG, IgA, and IgM levels increased after LJC administration, which manifested as increased CD4+ content, decreased CD8+ content, and enhanced DTH response. In addition, LJC significantly increased the levels of complement C3 and C4, increased the number of white blood cells and lymphocytes, and decreased the percentage of neutrophils in the blood. CONCLUSIONS LJC can lead to improvements in immunocompromised mice models with insufficient sleep. The underlying mechanism may involve regulation of the GABA/Glu content and the expression levels of GABA metabolism pathway-related proteins in the brain of mice, enhancing their specific and nonspecific immune functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Rong
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, No. 18, Chaowang Road, Xiacheng District, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Innovative Research and Development and Digital Intelligent Manufacturing of Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Products, Huzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiu-Jie Jia
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, No. 18, Chaowang Road, Xiacheng District, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Innovative Research and Development and Digital Intelligent Manufacturing of Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Products, Huzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Min-Qiu Lin
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, No. 18, Chaowang Road, Xiacheng District, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Innovative Research and Development and Digital Intelligent Manufacturing of Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Products, Huzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xing-Li-Shang He
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, No. 18, Chaowang Road, Xiacheng District, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Innovative Research and Development and Digital Intelligent Manufacturing of Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Products, Huzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhi-Yi Xie
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, No. 18, Chaowang Road, Xiacheng District, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Innovative Research and Development and Digital Intelligent Manufacturing of Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Products, Huzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, No. 18, Chaowang Road, Xiacheng District, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Innovative Research and Development and Digital Intelligent Manufacturing of Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Products, Huzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ze-Hua Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, No. 18, Chaowang Road, Xiacheng District, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Innovative Research and Development and Digital Intelligent Manufacturing of Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Products, Huzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying-Jie Dong
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, No. 18, Chaowang Road, Xiacheng District, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Innovative Research and Development and Digital Intelligent Manufacturing of Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Products, Huzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wan-Feng Xu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, No. 18, Chaowang Road, Xiacheng District, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Innovative Research and Development and Digital Intelligent Manufacturing of Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Products, Huzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jia-Hui Huang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, No. 18, Chaowang Road, Xiacheng District, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Innovative Research and Development and Digital Intelligent Manufacturing of Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Products, Huzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bo Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, No. 18, Chaowang Road, Xiacheng District, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Innovative Research and Development and Digital Intelligent Manufacturing of Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Products, Huzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Ning-Hua Jiang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Gui-Yuan Lv
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548, Binwen Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Su-Hong Chen
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, No. 18, Chaowang Road, Xiacheng District, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Innovative Research and Development and Digital Intelligent Manufacturing of Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Products, Huzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China.
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Jeffreys N, Brockman JM, Zhai Y, Ingber DE, Mooney DJ. Mechanical forces amplify TCR mechanotransduction in T cell activation and function. APPLIED PHYSICS REVIEWS 2024; 11:011304. [PMID: 38434676 PMCID: PMC10848667 DOI: 10.1063/5.0166848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive T cell immunotherapies, including engineered T cell receptor (eTCR) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapies, have shown efficacy in treating a subset of hematologic malignancies, exhibit promise in solid tumors, and have many other potential applications, such as in fibrosis, autoimmunity, and regenerative medicine. While immunoengineering has focused on designing biomaterials to present biochemical cues to manipulate T cells ex vivo and in vivo, mechanical cues that regulate their biology have been largely underappreciated. This review highlights the contributions of mechanical force to several receptor-ligand interactions critical to T cell function, with central focus on the TCR-peptide-loaded major histocompatibility complex (pMHC). We then emphasize the role of mechanical forces in (i) allosteric strengthening of the TCR-pMHC interaction in amplifying ligand discrimination during T cell antigen recognition prior to activation and (ii) T cell interactions with the extracellular matrix. We then describe approaches to design eTCRs, CARs, and biomaterials to exploit TCR mechanosensitivity in order to potentiate T cell manufacturing and function in adoptive T cell immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yunhao Zhai
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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Xiong J, Xiao R, Zhao J, Zhao Q, Luo M, Li F, Zhang W, Wu M. Matrix stiffness affects tumor-associated macrophage functional polarization and its potential in tumor therapy. J Transl Med 2024; 22:85. [PMID: 38246995 PMCID: PMC10800063 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04810-3] [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: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays critical roles in cytoskeletal support, biomechanical transduction and biochemical signal transformation. Tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) function is regulated by matrix stiffness in solid tumors and is often associated with poor prognosis. ECM stiffness-induced mechanical cues can activate cell membrane mechanoreceptors and corresponding mechanotransducers in the cytoplasm, modulating the phenotype of TAMs. Currently, tuning TAM polarization through matrix stiffness-induced mechanical stimulation has received increasing attention, whereas its effect on TAM fate has rarely been summarized. A better understanding of the relationship between matrix stiffness and macrophage function will contribute to the development of new strategies for cancer therapy. In this review, we first introduced the overall relationship between macrophage polarization and matrix stiffness, analyzed the changes in mechanoreceptors and mechanotransducers mediated by matrix stiffness on macrophage function and tumor progression, and finally summarized the effects of targeting ECM stiffness on tumor prognosis to provide insight into this new field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqiang Xiong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Rourou Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Jiahui Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Qiuyan Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Manwen Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Meng Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430032, China.
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Chen J, Huang Q, Li YQ, Li Z, Zheng J, Hu W, Yang Y, Wu D, Bei JX, Gu B, Wang J, Li Y. Comparative single-cell analysis reveals heterogeneous immune landscapes in adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction and gastric adenocarcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:15. [PMID: 38182569 PMCID: PMC10770337 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06388-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) is a type of tumor that arises at the anatomical junction of the esophagus and stomach. Although AEG is commonly classified as a subtype of gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC), the tumor microenvironment (TME) of AEG remains poorly understood. To address this issue, we conducted single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on tumor and adjacent normal tissues from four AEG patients and performed integrated analysis with publicly available GAC single-cell datasets. Our study for the first time comprehensively deciphered the TME landscape of AEG, where heterogeneous AEG malignant cells were identified with diverse biological functions and intrinsic malignant nature. We also depicted transcriptional signatures and T cell receptor (TCR) repertoires for T cell subclusters, revealing enhanced exhaustion and reduced clone expansion along the developmental trajectory of tumor-infiltrating T cells within AEG. Notably, we observed prominent enrichment of tumorigenic cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the AEG TME compared to GAC. These CAFs played a critical regulatory role in the intercellular communication network with other cell types in the AEG TME. Furthermore, we identified that the accumulation of CAFs in AEG might be induced by malignant cells through FGF-FGFR axes. Our findings provide a comprehensive depiction of the AEG TME, which underlies potential therapeutic targets for AEG patient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jierong Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Qunsheng Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yi-Qi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Jiabin Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Weixian Hu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yuesheng Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Deqing Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jin-Xin Bei
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Bing Gu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Junjiang Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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Trono P, Ottavi F, Rosano' L. Novel insights into the role of Discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) in cancer progression: a new avenue of therapeutic intervention. Matrix Biol 2024; 125:31-39. [PMID: 38081526 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2023.12.003] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Discoidin domain receptors (DDRs), including DDR1 and DDR2, are a unique class of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) activated by collagens at the cell-matrix boundary interface. The peculiar mode of activation makes DDRs as key cellular sensors of microenvironmental changes, with a critical role in all physiological and pathological processes governed by collagen remodeling. DDRs are widely expressed in fetal and adult tissues, and experimental and clinical evidence has shown that their expression is deregulated in cancer. Strong findings supporting the role of collagens in tumor progression and metastasis have led to renewed interest in DDRs. However, despite an increasing number of studies, DDR biology remains poorly understood, particularly the less studied DDR2, whose involvement in cancer progression mechanisms is undoubted. Thus, the understanding of a wider range of DDR2 functions and related molecular mechanisms is expected. To date, several lines of evidence support DDR2 as a promising target in cancer therapy. Its involvement in key functions in the tumor microenvironment makes DDR2 inhibition particularly attractive to achieve simultaneous targeting of tumor and stromal cells, and tumor regression, which is beneficial for improving the response to different types of anti-cancer therapies, including chemo- and immunotherapy. This review summarizes current research on DDR2, focusing on its role in cancer progression through its involvement in tumor and stromal cell functions, and discusses findings that support the rationale for future development of direct clinical strategies targeting DDR2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Trono
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC)-CNR, Via E. Ramarini, 32, Monterotondo Scalo 00015 Rome
| | - Flavia Ottavi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM)-CNR, Via degli Apuli 4, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Laura Rosano'
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM)-CNR, Via degli Apuli 4, Rome 00185, Italy.
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