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Chen Y, Fan X, Lu R, Zeng S, Gan P. PARP inhibitor and immune checkpoint inhibitor have synergism efficacy in gallbladder cancer. Genes Immun 2024:10.1038/s41435-024-00280-9. [PMID: 38866965 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-024-00280-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis. PARP inhibitors (PARPi) target PARP enzymes and have shown efficacy in patients with breast cancer gene (BRCA) mutations. Immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has transformed cancer treatment. However, the combined impact of PARPi and ICIs in GBC remains unclear. We present a groundbreaking case of a GBC patient with BRCA2 mutations who received combination therapy with PARPi and ICIs after failing multiple lines of treatment. Next-generation sequencing (NGS-Seq) identified BRCA gene mutations. To further investigate potential mechanisms, we developed a PARP1-BRCA1-BRCA2 pathway-related risk score (PBscore) system to evaluate the impact of PARPi on the tumor immune microenvironment via RNA-Seq data. Gene expression and functional analysis identified potential mechanisms associated with the PBscore. Experimental validation assessed the impact of the combination therapy on the tumor microenvironment using multiplexed immunofluorescence imaging and immunohistochemistry in patients with BRCA gene wild type or mutations. RNA-Seq analysis revealed correlations between PBscore, immune checkpoint levels, tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs), and the cancer-immunity cycle. Multiplexed immunofluorescence imaging validated that low PBscore patients might have an active tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, upon drug resistance, we observed an upregulation of negative immune checkpoints such as CEACAM1, indicating that the tumor immune microenvironment becomes suppressed after resistance. Our study revealed that PBscore could serve as a biomarker to predict immunotherapy efficacy, offering a promising alternative for BRCA2-mutated GBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Xudong Fan
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Ruohuang Lu
- Department of Stomatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Shan Zeng
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Pingping Gan
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
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2
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Tsai CL, Tang YH, Yang LY, Chao A, Wang CJ, Lin CY, Lai CH. Inhibition of nucleophosmin/B23 sensitizes ovarian cancer cells to immune check-point blockade via PD-L1 in ovarian cancer. J Formos Med Assoc 2024:S0929-6646(24)00256-0. [PMID: 38821736 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2024.05.020] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) that against programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1 have been approved as a promising treatment of many human cancers. However, the responses to these ICIs were limited in patients with ovarian cancer. Studies have indicated that the response to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade might be correlated with the PD-L1 expression level in cancer cells. Nucleophosmin (NPM/B23) was found to be a potential target for immunotherapy. Whether NPM/B23 plays a role in cancer-associated immunity, such as PD-1/PD-L1 axis, and its underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown in ovarian cancer. METHODS We applied ovarian cancer cell lines as research models. The effect of modulating PD-L1 by NPM/B23 was subsequently confirmed via Western blot, flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, luciferase reporter assays, and immunoprecipitation. Protein stability and ubiquitin assay assays were used to analyze the interplay between NPM/B23 and NF-ĸB/p65 in PD-L1 regulation. The MOSEC/Luc xenograft mouse model was used to validate the role of NPM/B23-PD-L1 through tumor growth in vivo. RESULTS Our results revealed that NPM/B23 negatively regulates PD-L1 expression via a protein complex with NF-κB/p65 and through an IFN-γ pathway. Moreover, NPM/B23 inhibitor/modulator sensitized ovarian cancer cells to the anti-PD-1 antibody by regulating PD-L1 expression in the immunocompetent mouse model. Compared to anti-PD-1 antibody alone, a combination of anti-PD-1 antibody and NPM/B23 inhibitor/modulator showed reduced tumorigenesis and increased CD8+ T-cell expansion, thus contributing to prolonged survival on MOSEC/Luc-bearing mouse model. CONCLUSION Targeting NPM/B23 is a novel and potential therapeutic approach to sensitize ovarian cancer cells to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Lung Tsai
- Genomic Medicine Research Core Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Hsin Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Gynecologic Cancer Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taiwan
| | - Lan-Yan Yang
- Genomic Medicine Research Core Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Biostatics Unit, and Clinical Trial Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Clinical Informatics and Medical Statistics Research Center, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Angel Chao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Gynecologic Cancer Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Jung Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Gynecologic Cancer Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-Yun Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Gynecologic Cancer Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taiwan.
| | - Chyong-Huey Lai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Gynecologic Cancer Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taiwan.
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Biskup E, Lopacinska-Jørgensen J, Vestergaard LK, Høgdall E. Validating reference-based algorithms to determine cell-type heterogeneity in ovarian cancer DNA methylation studies. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11048. [PMID: 38745057 PMCID: PMC11094148 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61857-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Information about cell composition in tissue samples is crucial for biomarker discovery and prognosis. Specifically, cancer tissue samples present challenges in deconvolution studies due to mutations and genetic rearrangements. Here, we optimized a robust, DNA methylation-based protocol, to be used for deconvolution of ovarian cancer samples. We compared several state-of-the-art methods (HEpiDISH, MethylCIBERSORT and ARIC) and validated the proposed protocol in an in-silico mixture and in an external dataset containing samples from ovarian cancer patients and controls. The deconvolution protocol we eventually implemented is based on MethylCIBERSORT. Comparing deconvolution methods, we paid close attention to the role of a reference panel. We postulate that a possibly high number of samples (in our case: 247) should be used when building a reference panel to ensure robustness and to compensate for biological and technical variation between samples. Subsequently, we tested the performance of the validated protocol in our own study cohort, consisting of 72 patients with malignant and benign ovarian disease as well as in five external cohorts. In conclusion, we refined and validated a reference-based algorithm to determine cell type composition of ovarian cancer tissue samples to be used in cancer biology studies in larger cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Biskup
- Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark.
| | | | | | - Estrid Høgdall
- Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
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Choi Y, Lee D, Kim NY, Seo I, Park NJY, Chong GO. Role of Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Cervical Cancer: Integrating Classical Perspectives with Recent Technological Advances. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:443. [PMID: 38672714 PMCID: PMC11051155 DOI: 10.3390/life14040443] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a pivotal role in the tumor microenvironment, influencing cancer progression and contributing to poor prognosis. However, in cervical cancer (CC), their significance and involvement are relatively less studied than in other gynecological cancers such as ovarian and endometrial cancer. This review aims to provide an overview of TAMs, covering their origins and phenotypes and their impact on CC progression, along with major TAM-targeted therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, we advocate for the integration of cutting-edge research methodologies, such as single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial RNA sequencing, to enable in-depth and comprehensive investigations into TAMs in CC, which would be beneficial in leading to more personalized and effective immunotherapy strategies for patients with CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeseul Choi
- Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Science, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea; (Y.C.); (D.L.); (N.Y.K.)
| | - Donghyeon Lee
- Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Science, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea; (Y.C.); (D.L.); (N.Y.K.)
| | - Na Young Kim
- Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Science, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea; (Y.C.); (D.L.); (N.Y.K.)
| | - Incheol Seo
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea;
- Clinical Omics Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41405, Republic of Korea;
| | - Nora Jee-Young Park
- Clinical Omics Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41405, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Pathology, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu 41404, Republic of Korea
| | - Gun Oh Chong
- Clinical Omics Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41405, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu 41404, Republic of Korea
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Weng J, Chen J. Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of the role of VWF in the tumor microenvironment of malignant mesothelioma. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35579. [PMID: 37832118 PMCID: PMC10578691 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
To explore the influence and effect of tumor microenvironment on the development of malignant mesothelioma using machine learning methods. 87 open cases were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas database including transcriptome data, clinical data, and mutation data. The immune, stromal, and estimate scores were calculated for each case by using the ESTIMATE algorithm, and then the cases were grouped according to high and low stromal scores to predict all-cause survival in malignant mesothelioma cases. Their mutation data were analyzed to reveal the differences in mutated genes between the 2 groups, and then the von Willebrand factor (VWF) and FCRL3 genes were identified according to the intersection of DEGs and high-frequency mutated genes. Lastly, the correlation between VWF and the immune checkpoint of 22 kinds of immune cells was analyzed by using the CIBERSORT package of R software. A significant difference was found in the survival time of patients between the high and low stromal score groups. High expression of the VWF gene was negatively correlated with the prognosis of malignant mesothelioma, and the expression of VWF was positively correlated with naive B cells and activated CD4 memory T cells and negatively correlated with NK cells. The results revealed that high expression of VWF may involve in the development of malignant mesothelioma, and the anti-CTLA4 immune checkpoint treatment may have certain efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiren Weng
- Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Zhang G, Yin Z, Fang J, Wu A, Chen G, Cao K. Construction of the novel immune risk scoring system related to CD8 + T cells in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:124. [PMID: 37349706 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02966-y] [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: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) is a gynecological malignant tumor with high incidence and poor prognosis. Although immunotherapy has brought significant survival benefits to advanced UCEC patients, traditional evaluation indicators cannot accurately identify all potential beneficiaries of immunotherapy. Consequently, it is necessary to construct a new scoring system to predict patient prognosis and responsiveness of immunotherapy. METHODS CIBERSORT combined with weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), non-negative matrix factorization (NMF), and random forest algorithms to screen the module associated with CD8+ T cells, and key genes related to prognosis were selected out by univariate, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate Cox regression analyses to develop the novel immune risk score (NIRS). Kaplan-Meier (K-M) analysis was used to compare the difference of survival between high- and low- NIRS groups. We also explored the correlations between NIRS, immune infiltration and immunotherapy, and three external validation sets were used to verify the predictive performance of NIRS. Furthermore, clinical subgroup analysis, mutation analysis, differential expression of immune checkpoints, and drug sensitivity analysis were performed to generate individualized treatments for patients with different risk scores. Finally, gene set variation analysis (GSVA) was conducted to explore the biological functions of NIRS, and qRT-PCR was applied to verify the differential expressions of three trait genes at cellular and tissue levels. RESULTS Among the modules clustered by WGCNA, the magenta module was most positively associated with CD8+ T cells. Three genes (CTSW, CD3D and CD48) were selected to construct NIRS after multiple screening procedures. NIRS was confirmed as an independent prognostic factor of UCEC, and patients with high NIRS had significantly worse prognosis compared to those with low NIRS. The high NIRS group showed lower levels of infiltrated immune cells, gene mutations, and expression of multiple immune checkpoints, indicating reduced sensitivity to immunotherapy. Three module genes were identified as protective factors positively correlated with the level of CD8+ T cells. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we constructed NIRS as a novel predictive signature of UCEC. NIRS not only differentiates patients with distinct prognoses and immune responsiveness, but also guides their therapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganghua Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhijing Yin
- Department of Oncology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jianing Fang
- Department of Oncology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Anshan Wu
- Zhuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Zhuzhou, China
| | - Guanjun Chen
- Department of Oncology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ke Cao
- Department of Oncology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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7
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Liu Y, Xue R, Duan X, Shang X, Wang M, Wang F, Zhu L, Zhang L, Ge X, Zhao X, Guo H, Wang Z, Zhang L, Gao X, Shen A, Sheng Y, Qin Z. PARP inhibition synergizes with CD47 blockade to promote phagocytosis by tumor-associated macrophages in homologous recombination-proficient tumors. Life Sci 2023; 326:121790. [PMID: 37211345 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
AIMS PARP inhibitors (PARPi) are known to exert anti-tumor effects in patients with BRCA-mutated (BRCAmut) or homologous recombination (HR)-deficient cancer, but recent clinical investigations have suggested that this treatment may also be beneficial in patients with HR-proficient tumors. In this study, we aimed to investigate how PARPi exerts anti-tumor effects in non-BRCAmut tumors. MAIN METHODS BRCA wild-type, HR-deficient-negative ID8 and E0771 murine tumor cells were treated in vitro and in vivo with olaparib, a clinically approved PARPi. The effects on tumor growth in vivo were determined in immune-proficient and -deficient mice and alterations of immune cell infiltrations were analyzed with flow cytometry. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) were further investigated with RNA-seq and flow cytometry. In addition, we confirmed olaparib's effect on human TAMs. KEY FINDINGS Olaparib did not affect HR-proficient tumor cell proliferation and survival in vitro. However, olaparib significantly decreased tumor growth in C57BL/6 and SCID-beige mice (defective in lymphoid development and NK cell activity). Olaparib increased macrophage numbers in the tumor microenvironment, and their depletion diminished the anti-tumor effects of olaparib in vivo. Further analysis revealed that olaparib improved TAM-associated phagocytosis of cancer cells. Notably, this enhancement was not solely reliant on the "Don't Eat Me" CD47/SIRPα signal. In addition, compared to monotherapy, the concomitant administration of αCD47 antibodies with olaparib improved tumor control. SIGNIFICANCE Our work provides evidence for broadening the application of PARPi in HR-proficient cancer patients and paves the way for developing novel combined immunotherapy to upgrade the anti-tumor effects of macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Liu
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Rui Xue
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xixi Duan
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoping Shang
- Department of Medical Records, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ming Wang
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Fazhan Wang
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Linyu Zhu
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lijing Zhang
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xin Ge
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xianlan Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hongjun Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhihong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lindong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Airong Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yuqiao Sheng
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Zhihai Qin
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, CAS-University of Tokyo Joint Laboratory of Structural Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Dilara Fatma Akin, Özkan D. Molecular profiling of TAM tyrosine kinase receptors and ligands in endometrial carcinoma: An in silico-study. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 62:311-324. [PMID: 36965901 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2022.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES TAM Receptors (TYRO3, AXL, and MerTK) and their ligands on tumor-associated macrophages are promising therapeutic targets for most solid cancers. However, in endometrial cancer, the most common invasive gynecologic malignancy, the TAM receptor-mediated activation pathway, its molecular mechanisms, and its pathophysiology are unknown. The goal of this research; to uncover the comprehensive genetic profile of TAM receptors and ligands in endometrial cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS Mutation and expression profiles of the Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma (UCEC) cohort (n = 509) were obtained using bioinformatics tools providing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). PolyPhen-2 and SNAP tools were used to predict the oncogenic/pathogenic properties of the identified mutations for UCEC. STRING network analysis was performed to better understand the functional relationships of the mutant proteins in cellular processes. Furthermore to the mutation profile, gene expression and survival profiles were also determined. Finally, the correlation between target genes and macrophage infiltration was investigated using the tool TIMER. RESULTS A total of 229 mutations were detected in 6 genes, and 81 missense mutations are pathogenic. In the UCEC cohort, the expression level of MerTK, AXL, GAS6, and PROS1 was statistically significantly lower in the patient group, while the expression level of CD47 was higher in the patient group than in the healthy group (p < 0.01). Protein-protein interaction analysis identified target genes, SRC protein responsible for important cellular mechanisms such as cell proliferation, adhesion and migration, ITGB3, ITGAV and THSB1 proteins involved in endothelial mesenchymal transition and tumor metabolism reprogramming, and FOLR1 involved in DNA replication and damage repair. CONCLUSION We believe that TAM receptors and their ligands may be attractive molecular targets for the treatment of endometrial carcinoma because they act as pleiotropic inhibitors of immune cells, effectively regulate phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells, and make the tumor microenvironment a more suitable niche for the tumour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilara Fatma Akin
- Nigde Ömer Halisdemir University, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Biology, Nigde, Turkey.
| | - Didem Özkan
- Istanbul Okan University, Vocational School of Health Service, Istanbul, Turkey
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Luo X, Shen Y, Huang W, Bao Y, Mo J, Yao L, Yuan L. Blocking CD47-SIRPα Signal Axis as Promising Immunotherapy in Ovarian Cancer. Cancer Control 2023; 30:10732748231159706. [PMID: 36826231 PMCID: PMC9969460 DOI: 10.1177/10732748231159706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the three primary gynecological malignancies, ovarian cancer has the lowest incidence but the worst prognosis. Because of the poor prognosis of ovarian cancer patients treated with existing treatments, immunotherapy is emerging as a potentially ideal alternative to surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Among immunotherapies, immune checkpoint inhibitors have been the most thoroughly studied, and many drugs have been successfully used in the clinic. CD47, a novel immune checkpoint, provides insights into ovarian cancer immunotherapy. This review highlights the mechanisms of tumor immune evasion via CD47-mediated inhibition of phagocytosis and provides a comprehensive insight into the progress of the relevant targeted agents in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xukai Luo
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of
Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yini Shen
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of
Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wu Huang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of
Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiting Bao
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of
Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiahang Mo
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of
Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liangqing Yao
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of
Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Yuan
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of
Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Lei Yuan, MD, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hospital, Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200011,
China.
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Correlation between hypoxia and HGF/c-MET expression in the management of pancreatic cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188869. [PMID: 36842767 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188869] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is very deadly and difficult to treat. The presence of hypoxia has been shown to increase the probability of cancer developing and spreading. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC/PC) has traditionally viewed a highly lethal form of cancer due to its high occurrence of early metastases. Desmoplasia/stroma is often thick and collagenous, with pancreatic stellate cells as the primary source (PSCs). Cancer cells and other stromal cells interact with PSCs, promoting disease development. The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-MET pathway have been proposed as a growth factor mechanism mediating this interaction. Human growth factor (HGF) is secreted by pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), and its receptor, c-MET, is generated by pancreatic cancer cells and endothelial cells. Hypoxia is frequent in malignant tumors, particularly pancreatic (PC). Hypoxia results from limitless tumor development and promotes survival, progression, and invasion. Hypoxic is becoming a critical driver and therapeutic target of pancreatic cancer as its hypoxia microenvironment is defined. Recent breakthroughs in cancer biology show that hypoxia promotes tumor proliferation, aggressiveness, and therapeutic resistance. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) stabilize hypoxia signaling. Hypoxia cMet is a key component of pancreatic tumor microenvironments, which also have a fibrotic response, that hypoxia, promotes and modulates. c-Met is a tyrosine-protein kinase. As describe it simply, the MET gene in humans' codes for a protein called hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR). Most cancerous tumors and pancreatic cancer in particular, suffer from a lack of oxygen (PC). Due to unrestrained tumor development, hypoxia develops, actively contributing to tumor survival, progression, and invasion. As the processes by which hypoxia signaling promotes invasion and metastasis become clear, c-MET has emerged as an important determinant of pancreatic cancer malignancy and a potential pharmacological target. This manuscript provides the most current findings on the role of hypoxia and HGF/c-MET expression in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Review Article: Immune Landscape and Immunotherapy Options in Cervical Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184458. [PMID: 36139618 PMCID: PMC9496890 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers with a high mortality rate, especially in women of reproductive age. A lot of treatment modalities are being used in clinical practice but they come with a wide range of toxic side effects, the relapse of cancer, and a low disease-free survival rate. Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment landscape of cervical cancer as it focuses majorly on agents that stimulate the body’s own immune system against tumor cells. A deeper understanding of immune system players and immune perturbations in the onset and progression of cervical cancer can pave the way to better treatment with zero relapse. Immunotherapy holds the key to a cancer-free future. This review summarizes the immune players that are perturbed in cervical cancer, and immunotherapy options that are being exploited, alone or in combination, for the treatment of cervical carcinoma in women. Abstract Carcinoma of the cervix is one of the most common cancers that claims women’s lives every year. Despite preventive HPV vaccines and conventional cancer treatments, approximately 273,000 women succumb to cervical carcinoma every year. Immune system perturbations help malignant cells in immune evasion, tumor establishment, invasion, and metastasis. An insight into immune system players that promote or suppress cervical cancer is important for the development of more targeted therapies with the fewest side effects. Immunotherapy has emerged as the most compliant approach to target cancer because it utilizes a natural course of action to stimulate the immune system against cancer cells. The major immunotherapy approaches for cervical carcinoma include monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint blockade therapy, adoptive cell transfer therapies, and oncolytic viruses. In October 2021 the FDA approved pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy or bevacizumab as a first-line treatment for cervical cancer. A recent breakthrough has been made in the cancer immunotherapy regimen in which a monoclonal antibody dostarlimab was able to completely cure all colorectal cancer patients, with disease-free progression after 6 months and counting. This creates hope that immunotherapy may prove to be the final nail in the coffin of this centuries-long prevalent disease of “cancer”.
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Zhang J, Zhou X, Hao H. Macrophage phenotype-switching in cancer. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 931:175229. [PMID: 36002039 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) have been found to be of great importance in tumorigenesis and in promoting malignant progression, including tumour angiogenesis and metastasis. Moreover, the TAM phenotype is more likely to be an M2 type. Transforming TAMs by M2-polarization into the tumour-suppressive M1-phenotype is an important approach for tumour therapy. In this review, we analysed the effects of the tumour microenvironment on macrophage phenotype-switching, including hypoxia and cytokines, and the mechanisms of drugs targeting TAMs. Furthermore, we analysed the effects of exosomes on macrophage polarization, phenotype switching of macrophages, and the mechanisms of lipid mediators targeting TAMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamin Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, PR China.
| | - Hua Hao
- Department of Pathology, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200090, PR China.
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Garg V, Jayaraj AS, Kumar L. Novel approaches for treatment of endometrial carcinoma. Curr Probl Cancer 2022; 46:100895. [PMID: 35986972 DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2022.100895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is common malignancy in women and its incidence is slowly on the rise. Accurate surgical staging, with aggressive cytoreduction when indicated, remains the most critical step in the treatment. Careful pathological evaluation and/or molecular risk stratification guides for proper systemic adjuvant radiotherapy ± chemotherapy. Recurrent and metastatic EC has dismal prognosis and palliative therapies (chemotherapy, hormonal therapy or radiation) forms the backbone of treatment. There is an unmet need of newer therapies to improve survival in such cases. A number of tyrosine kinase inhibitors are currently under evaluation. Recent data on therapeutic targeting of HER2 positive serous EC is exciting. Data on check point inhibitors particularly based on biomarker select population has raised hope for potentially effective treatment for women with high risk endometrial cancer .
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Garg
- Department of Medical Oncology and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Aarthi S Jayaraj
- Department of Medical Oncology and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Lalit Kumar
- Department of Medical Oncology and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
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14
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Cervical Cancer Outcome and Tumor-Associated Macrophages: Research Evidence. IMMUNO 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/immuno2030028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is a key factor in cancer promotion. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), as part of the tumor microenvironment, are often associated with the progression of tumors and a worse prognosis in many cancers, namely on cervical cancer. This work exhaustively summarizes the conclusions of the different studies published concerning TAMs function in cervical cancer, from in vitro studies using cancer cell lines to the clinical perspective (histological samples-based studies). Most studies have led to the conclusion that TAMs increased density is directly related to increased severity of a malignant cervical lesion. Additionally, TAMs are normally polarized into an M2 phenotype, benefiting and promoting tumor progression, resulting in a worse disease outcome. The tumor microenvironment is also a highly critical contributor that not only influences tumor natural history but also modulates the specific immune response.
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Macrophage-derived CCL23 upregulates expression of T-cell exhaustion markers in ovarian cancer. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:1026-1033. [PMID: 35750747 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01887-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Macrophages are an important component of the tumour immune microenvironment (TME) and can promote tumour growth and metastasis. Macrophage-secreted chemokine-ligand-23 (CCL23) induces ovarian cancer cell migration via chemokine-receptor 1 (CCR1). However, the effect of CCL23 on other immune cells in the TME is unknown. METHODS CCL23 levels were measured by ELISA. The expression of surface markers in exhaustion assays was quantified by flow cytometry. Signalling pathways were identified by phosphokinase array and validated by western blot. RESULTS Ascites from patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) contain high levels of CCL23. Similarly, significantly higher CCL23 levels were found in plasma from HGSC patients compared to healthy individuals. RNA-seq analysis of ovarian cancer tissues from TCGA showed that expression of CCL23 correlated with the presence of macrophages. In tissues with high levels of CCL23 and macrophage content, the fraction of CD8 + T cells expressing exhaustion markers CTLA-4 and PD-1 were significantly higher compared to low-level CCL23 tissues. In vitro, CCL23 induced upregulation of immune checkpoint proteins on CD8 + T cells, including CTLA-4, TIGIT, TIM-3 and LAG-3 via phosphorylation of GSK3β in CD8 + T cells. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that CCL23 produced by macrophages contributes to the immune-suppressive TME in ovarian cancer by inducing an exhausted T-cell phenotype.
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Xin S, Sun X, Jin L, Li W, Liu X, Zhou L, Ye L. The Prognostic Signature and Therapeutic Value of Phagocytic Regulatory Factors in Prostate Adenocarcinoma (PRAD). Front Genet 2022; 13:877278. [PMID: 35706452 PMCID: PMC9190300 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.877278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that phagocytosis regulatory factors (PRFs) play important roles in tumor progression, and therefore, identifying and characterizing these factors is crucial for understanding the mechanisms of cellular phagocytosis in tumorigenesis. Our research aimed to comprehensively characterize PRFs in prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD) and to screen and determine important PRFs in PRAD which may help to inform tumor prognostic and therapeutic signatures based on these key PRFs. Here, we first systematically described the expression of PRFs in PRAD and evaluated their expression patterns and their prognostic value. We then analyzed prognostic phagocytic factors by Cox and Lasso analysis and constructed a phagocytic factor-mediated risk score. We then divided the samples into two groups with significant differences in overall survival (OS) based on the risk score. Then, we performed correlation analysis between the risk score and clinical features, immune infiltration levels, immune characteristics, immune checkpoint expression, IC50 of several classical sensitive drugs, and immunotherapy efficacy. Finally, the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database was used to determine the protein expression of 18 PRF characteristic genes. The aforementioned results confirmed that multilayer alterations of PRFs were associated with the prognosis of patients with PRAD and the degree of macrophage infiltration. These findings may provide us with potential new therapies for PRAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyong Xin
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianchao Sun
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Jin
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiyi Li
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liqing Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Lin Ye
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Tu J, Tan X, Chen Y, Chen Y, Li Z, Zhang Y, Chen X, Yang H, Chen H, Yu Z. GAS5 represses endometrial cancer development via promoting anti-tumor function of tumor-associated macrophages. Cancer Sci 2022; 113:2496-2512. [PMID: 35534987 PMCID: PMC9357663 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor-suppressor role of Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) growth arrest-specific transcript 5 (GAS5) have been proven in various types of cancer. However, the specific function of GAS5 in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) of endometrial cancer (EC) is elusive. qPCR results showed that GAS5 expression increased in EC tissues and primary TAMs from EC tumors. TAMs infiltration was significantly positively associated with the developmental stage of EC. Direct co-culture of GAS5-overexpressing TAMs and EC cells showed that GAS5 enhanced phagocytosis, antigen presentation, and activation of cytotoxic T cells, and repressed "Don't eat me" signals between TAMs and EC cells. Tumor formation in immunodeficient mice showed that GAS5-overexpressing macrophages could repress EC formation in vivo. GAS5 promoted M1 polarization by activating the miR-21-PTEN-AKT signaling pathway and directly repressing the nuclear accumulation and phosphorylation of oncogenic yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) in TAMs. GAS5 inhibited the development of EC from both innate and adaptive immunity by transforming TAMs from a pro-tumor to an anti-tumor phenotype. These anti-tumor effects of GAS5 on TAMs were mediated by the activation of the miR-21-PTEN-AKT pathway and inhibition of YAP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajie Tu
- Department of Gynecology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China.,Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xuewen Tan
- Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhe Li
- The First Clinical Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaochun Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Department of Gynecology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - He Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhiying Yu
- Department of Gynecology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
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Tumor-associated macrophages in cancer: recent advancements in cancer nanoimmunotherapies. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:68. [PMID: 35183252 PMCID: PMC8857848 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02272-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractCancer immunotherapy has emerged as a novel cancer treatment, although recent immunotherapy trials have produced suboptimal outcomes, with durable responses seen only in a small number of patients. The tumor microenvironment (TME) has been shown to be responsible for tumor immune escape and therapy failure. The vital component of the TME is tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which are usually associated with poor prognosis and drug resistance, including immunotherapies, and have emerged as promising targets for cancer immunotherapy. Recently, nanoparticles, because of their unique physicochemical characteristics, have emerged as crucial translational moieties in tackling tumor-promoting TAMs that amplify immune responses and sensitize tumors to immunotherapies in a safe and effective manner. In this review, we mainly described the current potential nanomaterial-based therapeutic strategies that target TAMs, including restricting TAMs survival, inhibiting TAMs recruitment to tumors and functionally repolarizing tumor-supportive TAMs to antitumor type. The current understanding of the origin and polarization of TAMs, their crucial role in cancer progression and prognostic significance was also discussed in this review. We also highlighted the recent evolution of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-macrophage cell therapy.
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Cell-based immunotherapies in gynecologic cancers. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2022; 34:10-14. [PMID: 34967809 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review provides an update on recent developments in cell-based immunotherapy in gynecologic cancers. RECENT FINDINGS Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology has made significant progress allowing now for not only expressing CARs on T-cells, but also on other immune effector cells, such as natural killer cells and macrophages. Cell-based vaccines have started to show promising results in clinical trials. SUMMARY Cell-based immunotherapies in gynecologic cancers continue to evolve with promising clinical efficacy in select patients.
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Guo Y, Jiang F, Yang W, Shi W, Wan J, Li J, Pan J, Wang P, Qiu J, Zhang Z, Li B. Effect of 1α,25(OH) 2D 3-Treated M1 and M2 Macrophages on Cell Proliferation and Migration Ability in Ovarian Cancer. Nutr Cancer 2021; 74:2632-2643. [PMID: 34894920 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2021.2014903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The biological active form of vitamin D3, 1α,25-dehydroxyvitamin D3 [1α,25(OH)2D3], exerts pleiotropic effects including bone mineralization, anti-tumor, as well as immunomodulator. This study aimed to explore the potential impact of 1α,25(OH)2D3 on tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) infiltration in ovarian cancer. Firstly, human monocytic THP-1 cells were differentiated into macrophages (M0) in the presence of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). In Vivo, 1α,25(OH)2D3 not only reversed the polarization of M2 macrophages, but also decreased the proliferation and migration abilities of ovarian cancer cells induced by M2 macrophages supernatant. Furthermore, 1α,25(OH)2D3 dramatically decreased the secretion of TGF-β1 and MMP-9 in M2 macrophages. However, no significant effect was observed in 1α,25(OH)2D3 treated M1 macrophages. In Vivo, vitamin D3 had an inhibitive effect of 1α,25(OH)2D3-treated M2 macrophages on tumorigenesis. In addition, we conducted the association of TAMs with the poor prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer by meta-analysis, which suggested the higher proportion of M2 macrophages was related to the poorer prognosis in ovarian cancer. Collectively, these results identified distinct roles of 1α,25(OH)2D3 treated M1 and M2 macrophages on cell proliferation and migration abilities in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Guo
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Jiangpu Community Healthcare Service, Suzhou, Kunshan, China
| | - Fei Jiang
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Wenqing Yang
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Weiqiang Shi
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jianmei Wan
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jie Li
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jinjing Pan
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Junlan Qiu
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Department of Oncology and Hematology, The Affiliated Suzhou Science and Technology Town Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zengli Zhang
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Bingyan Li
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Abstract
Although endometrial cancer management remains challenging, a deeper understanding of the genetic diversity as well as the drivers of the various pathogenic states of this disease has led to development of divergent management approaches in an effort to improve therapeutic precision in this complex malignancy. This comprehensive review provides an update on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and molecular classification, recent advancements in disease management, as well as important patient quality-of-life considerations and emerging developments in the rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape of endometrial cancers.
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22
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Ghoneum A, Almousa S, Warren B, Abdulfattah AY, Shu J, Abouelfadl H, Gonzalez D, Livingston C, Said N. Exploring the clinical value of tumor microenvironment in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 77:83-98. [PMID: 33476723 PMCID: PMC8286277 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Platinum resistance in epithelial ovarian cancer (OvCa) is rising at an alarming rate, with recurrence of chemo-resistant high grade serous OvCa (HGSC) in roughly 75 % of all patients. Additionally, HGSC has an abysmal five-year survival rate, standing at 39 % and 17 % for FIGO stages III and IV, respectively. Herein we review the crucial cellular interactions between HGSC cells and the cellular and non-cellular components of the unique peritoneal tumor microenvironment (TME). We highlight the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM), ascitic fluid as well as the mesothelial cells, tumor associated macrophages, neutrophils, adipocytes and fibroblasts in platinum-resistance. Moreover, we underscore the importance of other immune-cell players in conferring resistance, including natural killer cells, myeloid-derived suppressive cells (MDSCs) and T-regulatory cells. We show the clinical relevance of the key platinum-resistant markers and their correlation with the major pathways perturbed in OvCa. In parallel, we discuss the effect of immunotherapies in re-sensitizing platinum-resistant patients to platinum-based drugs. Through detailed analysis of platinum-resistance in HGSC, we hope to advance the development of more effective therapy options for this aggressive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alia Ghoneum
- Departments of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Sameh Almousa
- Departments of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Bailey Warren
- Departments of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Ammar Yasser Abdulfattah
- Departments of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, 27157, USA; Alexandria University School of Medicine, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Junjun Shu
- Departments of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, 27157, USA; The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Hebatullah Abouelfadl
- Departments of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, 27157, USA; Department of Genetics, Animal Health Research Institute, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Daniela Gonzalez
- Departments of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Christopher Livingston
- Departments of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Neveen Said
- Departments of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, 27157, USA; Departments of Urology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, 27157, USA; Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
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Qu X, Shi Z, Guo J, Guo C, Qiu J, Hua K. Identification of a novel six-gene signature with potential prognostic and therapeutic value in cervical cancer. Cancer Med 2021; 10:6881-6896. [PMID: 34498424 PMCID: PMC8495282 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cervical cancer has high mortality, high recurrence and poor prognosis. Although prognostic biomarkers such as clinicopathological features have been proposed, their accuracy and precision are far from satisfactory. Therefore, novel biomarkers are urgently needed for disease surveillance, prognosis prediction and treatment selection. Materials Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between cervical cancer and normal tissues from three microarray datasets extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus platform were identified and screened. Based on these DEGs, a six‐gene prognostic signature was constructed using cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Next, the molecular functions and related pathways of the six genes were investigated through gene set enrichment analysis and co‐expression analysis. Additionally, immunophenoscore analysis and the QuartataWeb Server were employed to explore the therapeutic value of the six‐gene signature. Results We discovered 178 overlapping DEGs in three microarray datasets and established a six‐gene (APOC1, GLTP, ISG20, SPP1, SLC24A3 and UPP1) prognostic signature with stable and excellent performance in predicting overall survival in different subgroups. Intriguingly, the six‐gene signature was closely associated with the immune response and tumour immune microenvironment. The six‐gene signature might be used for predicting response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and the six genes may serve as new drug targets for cervical cancer. Conclusion Our study established a novel six‐gene (APOC1, GLTP, ISG20, SPP1, SLC24A3 and UPP1) signature that was closely associated with the immune response and tumour immune microenvironment. The six‐gene signature was indicative of aggressive features of cervical cancer and therefore might serve as a promising biomarker for predicting not only overall survival but also ICI treatment effectiveness. Moreover, three genes (UPP1, ISG20 and GLTP) within the six‐gene signature have the potential to become novel drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Qu
- Department of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiwen Shi
- Department of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjing Guo
- Department of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenyan Guo
- Department of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Junjun Qiu
- Department of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Keqin Hua
- Department of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
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Luo Q, Fan J, Li L. Silencing YKL-40 gene can inhibit inflammatory factor expression and affects the effect of THP-1 cells on endometrial cancer. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2021; 305:467-473. [PMID: 34417838 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-021-06194-5] [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: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effect of silencing the YKL-40 gene on the expression of inflammatory factors and the effect of silencing the YKL-40 gene of THP-1 cells on endometrial cancer. METHODS We used a siRNA targeting a sequence in YKL-40 (si-YKL-40) to transfect HEC-1A and THP-1 cells. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay was performed to investigate the mRNA levels of YKL-40, IL-8 and MMP-9 in HEC-1A and THP-1 cells. Migration, and invasion assays were performed to identify the effects of co-culture with THP-1 cells that silenced YKL-40 gene on the migration and invasion capacity of HEC-1A cells. Tube formation ability were detected by Matrigel-based angiogenesis assay. RESULTS We successfully transfected HEC-1A and THP-1 cells with lentivirus to silence the YKL-40 gene. Compared with the blank control group and NC group, the expression of YKL-40, IL-8 and MMP-9 which were examined by qRT-PCR in YKL-40-siRNA group was significantly reduced in the two cell lines; after co-cultured with the supernatant of transfected THP-1 cells, the migration and invasion ability of HEC-1A cells in YKL-40-siRNA group was significantly reduced; the number of tubes in the YKL-40-siRNA group was significantly reduced, the spacing between the tubes was significantly increased, and the structure of tubes was incomplete. CONCLUSION Silencing the YKL-40 gene in THP-1 cells can inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors, the invasion and migration of human endometrial cancer cells and the capacity of vitro angiogenic. And YKL-40 gene as a marker of inflammation may be an effective therapeutic target for endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Luo
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jiangtao Fan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.
| | - Lili Li
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, China
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Macrophage Polarization States in the Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136995. [PMID: 34209703 PMCID: PMC8268869 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 584] [Impact Index Per Article: 194.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The M1/M2 macrophage paradigm plays a key role in tumor progression. M1 macrophages are historically regarded as anti-tumor, while M2-polarized macrophages, commonly deemed tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), are contributors to many pro-tumorigenic outcomes in cancer through angiogenic and lymphangiogenic regulation, immune suppression, hypoxia induction, tumor cell proliferation, and metastasis. The tumor microenvironment (TME) can influence macrophage recruitment and polarization, giving way to these pro-tumorigenic outcomes. Investigating TME-induced macrophage polarization is critical for further understanding of TAM-related pro-tumor outcomes and potential development of new therapeutic approaches. This review explores the current understanding of TME-induced macrophage polarization and the role of M2-polarized macrophages in promoting tumor progression.
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Metabolic reprogramming due to hypoxia in pancreatic cancer: Implications for tumor formation, immunity, and more. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 141:111798. [PMID: 34120068 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is a common phenomenon in most malignant tumors, especially in pancreatic cancer (PC). Hypoxia is the result of unlimited tumor growth and plays an active role in promoting tumor survival, progression, and invasion. As the part of the hypoxia microenvironment in PC is gradually clarified, hypoxia is becoming a key determinant and an important therapeutic target of pancreatic cancer. To adapt to the severe hypoxia environment, cells have changed their metabolic phenotypes to maintain their survival and proliferation. Enhanced glycolysis is the most prominent feature of cancer cells' metabolic reprogramming in response to hypoxia. It provides the energy source for hypoxic cancer cells (although it provides less than oxidative phosphorylation) and produces metabolites that can be absorbed and utilized by normoxic cancer cells. In addition, the uptake of glutamine and fatty acids by hypoxic cancer cells is also increased, which is also conducive to tumor progression. Their metabolites are pooled in the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP). As a nutrition sensor, HBP, in turn, can coordinate glucose and glutamine metabolism. Its end product, UDP-GlcNAc, is the substrate of protein post-translational modification (PTM) involved in various signaling pathways supporting tumor progression. Adaptive metabolic changes of cancer cells promote their survival and affect tumor immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which contributes to tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment and induces tumor immunotherapy resistance. Here, we summarize the hypoxic microenvironment, its effect on metabolic reprogramming, and its contribution to immunotherapy resistance in pancreatic cancer.
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Rousset-Rouviere S, Rochigneux P, Chrétien AS, Fattori S, Gorvel L, Provansal M, Lambaudie E, Olive D, Sabatier R. Endometrial Carcinoma: Immune Microenvironment and Emerging Treatments in Immuno-Oncology. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9060632. [PMID: 34199461 PMCID: PMC8228955 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) can easily be cured when diagnosed at an early stage. However, advanced and metastatic EC is a common disease, affecting more than 15,000 patients per year in the United Sates. Only limited treatment options were available until recently, with a taxane–platinum combination as the gold standard in first-line setting and no efficient second-line chemotherapy or hormone therapy. EC can be split into four molecular subtypes, including hypermutated cases with POLE mutations and 25–30% harboring a microsatellite instability (MSI) phenotype with mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR). These tumors display a high load of frameshift mutations, leading to increased expression of neoantigens that can be targeted by the immune system, including (but not limited) to T-cell response. Recent data have demonstrated this impact of programmed death 1 and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors on chemo-resistant metastatic EC. The uncontrolled KEYNOTE-158 and GARNET trials have shown high response rates with pembrolizumab and dostarlimab in chemoresistant MSI-high tumors. Most responders experiment long responses that last more than one year. Similar, encouraging results were obtained for MMR proficient (MMRp) cases treated with a combination of pembrolizumab and the angiogenesis inhibitor lenvatinib. Approvals have, thus, been obtained or are underway for EC with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) used as monotherapy, and in combination with antiangiogenic agents. Combinations with other targeted therapies are under evaluation and randomized studies are ongoing to explore the impact of ICI-chemotherapy triplets in first-line setting. We summarize in this review the current knowledge of the immune environment of EC, both for MMRd and MMRp tumors. We also detail the main clinical data regarding PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and discuss the next steps of development for immunotherapy, including various ICI-based combinations planned to limit resistance to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine Rousset-Rouviere
- Immunomonitoring Department, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, 13009 Marseille, France; (S.R.-R.); (P.R.); (A.-S.C.); (S.F.); (L.G.); (E.L.); (D.O.)
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, 13009 Marseille, France
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, CRCM, Inserm U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix Marseille University, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Rochigneux
- Immunomonitoring Department, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, 13009 Marseille, France; (S.R.-R.); (P.R.); (A.-S.C.); (S.F.); (L.G.); (E.L.); (D.O.)
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, CRCM, Inserm U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix Marseille University, 13009 Marseille, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, 13009 Marseille, France;
| | - Anne-Sophie Chrétien
- Immunomonitoring Department, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, 13009 Marseille, France; (S.R.-R.); (P.R.); (A.-S.C.); (S.F.); (L.G.); (E.L.); (D.O.)
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, CRCM, Inserm U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix Marseille University, 13009 Marseille, France
- Team Immunity and Cancer, CRCM, Inserm U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix Marseille University, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Stéphane Fattori
- Immunomonitoring Department, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, 13009 Marseille, France; (S.R.-R.); (P.R.); (A.-S.C.); (S.F.); (L.G.); (E.L.); (D.O.)
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, CRCM, Inserm U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix Marseille University, 13009 Marseille, France
- Team Immunity and Cancer, CRCM, Inserm U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix Marseille University, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Laurent Gorvel
- Immunomonitoring Department, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, 13009 Marseille, France; (S.R.-R.); (P.R.); (A.-S.C.); (S.F.); (L.G.); (E.L.); (D.O.)
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, CRCM, Inserm U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix Marseille University, 13009 Marseille, France
- Team Immunity and Cancer, CRCM, Inserm U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix Marseille University, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Magali Provansal
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, 13009 Marseille, France;
| | - Eric Lambaudie
- Immunomonitoring Department, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, 13009 Marseille, France; (S.R.-R.); (P.R.); (A.-S.C.); (S.F.); (L.G.); (E.L.); (D.O.)
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, 13009 Marseille, France
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, CRCM, Inserm U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix Marseille University, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Daniel Olive
- Immunomonitoring Department, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, 13009 Marseille, France; (S.R.-R.); (P.R.); (A.-S.C.); (S.F.); (L.G.); (E.L.); (D.O.)
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, CRCM, Inserm U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix Marseille University, 13009 Marseille, France
- Team Immunity and Cancer, CRCM, Inserm U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix Marseille University, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Renaud Sabatier
- Immunomonitoring Department, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, 13009 Marseille, France; (S.R.-R.); (P.R.); (A.-S.C.); (S.F.); (L.G.); (E.L.); (D.O.)
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, CRCM, Inserm U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix Marseille University, 13009 Marseille, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, 13009 Marseille, France;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-4-9122-3537
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Nucleophosmin/B23 promotes endometrial cancer cell escape from macrophage phagocytosis by increasing CD24 expression. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 99:1125-1137. [PMID: 33954835 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02079-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite recent therapeutic breakthroughs, advanced and/or recurrent endometrial cancer still poses a significant health burden globally. While immunotherapy can theoretically lead to durable responses, the benefits to patients remain limited. In an effort to identify novel immunotherapeutic targets, we specifically focused on the potential role of nucleophosmin (NPM, also known as B23) - a nucleolar phosphoprotein involved in tumorigenesis - in cancer immune evasion. Expression profiling with oligonucleotide microarrays was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes in NPM/B23-silenced endometrial cancer cells. CD24 - a heat-stable antigen commonly overexpressed in solid tumors and a target for cancer immunotherapy - was identified as one of the key NPM/B23-regulated molecules. We found that NPM/B23 was capable of inducing CD24 expression, with the Sp1 binding site in the CD24 promoter being essential for NPM/B23-mediated transcriptional activation. Interestingly, NPM/B23 silencing in endometrial cancer cells enhanced phagocytic removal by macrophages through a decreased exposure of CD24 on the cell surface. Conversely, restoration of CD24 expression in NPM/B23-silenced endometrial cancer cells inhibited macrophage-mediated phagocytosis. These results indicate that NPM/B23-driven CD24 overexpression enables endometrial cancer cells to evade from phagocytosis. We further suggest that CD24 may serve as a novel target for endometrial cancer immunotherapy. KEY MESSAGES: NPM/B23 induced CD24 expression in endometrial tumorigenesis. Sp1 binding site in the CD24 promoter is essential for the activation. NPM/B23 silencing enhanced phagocytosis by macrophages through decrease of CD24 on cancer cells. Restoration of CD24 expression in NPM/B23-silenced cancer cells inhibited macrophage-mediated phagocytosis.
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R S J. The Immune Microenvironment in Human Papilloma Virus-Induced Cervical Lesions-Evidence for Estrogen as an Immunomodulator. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:649815. [PMID: 33996630 PMCID: PMC8120286 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.649815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is a common sexually transmitted disease. However, most of the HPV infections eventually resolve aided by the body’s efficient cell-mediated immune responses. In the vast majority of the small group of patients who develop overt disease too, it is the immune response that culminates in regression of lesions. It is therefore a rarity that persistent infection by high-risk genotypes of HPV compounded by other risk factors progresses through precancer (various grades of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia—CIN) to cervical cancer (CxCa). Hence, although CxCa is a rare culmination of HPV infection, the latter is nevertheless causally linked to >90% of cancer. The three ‘Es’ of cancer immunoediting viz. elimination, equilibrium, and escape come into vogue during the gradual evolution of CIN 1 to CxCa. Both cell-intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms operate to eliminate virally infected cells: cell-extrinsic players are anti-tumor/antiviral effectors like Th1 subset of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, Natural Killer cells, etc. and pro-tumorigenic/immunosuppressive cells like regulatory T cells (Tregs), Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs), type 2 macrophages, etc. And accordingly, when immunosuppressive cells overpower the effectors e.g., in high-grade lesions like CIN 2 or 3, the scale is tilted towards immune escape and the disease progresses to cancer. Estradiol has long been considered as a co-factor in cervical carcinogenesis. In addition to the gonads, the Peyer’s patches in the gut synthesize estradiol. Over and above local production of the hormone in the tissues, estradiol metabolism by the gut microbiome: estrobolome versus tryptophan non-metabolizing microbiome, regulates free estradiol levels in the intestine and extraintestinal mucosal sites. Elevated tissue levels of the hormone serve more than one purpose: besides a direct growth-promoting action on cervical epithelial cells, estradiol acting genomically via Estrogen Receptor-α also boosts the function of the stromal and infiltrating immunosuppressive cells viz. Tregs, MDSCs, and carcinoma-associated fibroblasts. Hence as a corollary, therapeutic repurposing of Selective Estrogen Receptor Disruptors or aromatase inhibitors could be useful for modulating immune function in cervical precancer/cancer. The immunomodulatory role of estradiol in HPV-mediated cervical lesions is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayshree R S
- Department of Microbiology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, India
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Kutryb-Zajac B, Harasim G, Jedrzejewska A, Krol O, Braczko A, Jablonska P, Mierzejewska P, Zielinski J, Slominska EM, Smolenski RT. Macrophage-Derived Adenosine Deaminase 2 Correlates with M2 Macrophage Phenotype in Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3764. [PMID: 33916440 PMCID: PMC8038600 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Several lines of evidence suggest that altered adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity, especially its ADA2 iso-enzyme, is associated with malignant breast cancer (BC) development. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is currently the most challenging BC subtype due to its metastatic potential and recurrence. Herein, we analyzed the sources of ADA iso-enzymes in TNBC by investigating the effects of cell-to-cell interactions between TNBC cells, macrophages, lymphocytes, and endothelial cells. We also examined the potential relationship between ADA activity and cancer progression in TNBC patients. In vitro analyses demonstrated that the interactions of immune and endothelial cells with MDA-MB-231 triple negative BC cells modulated their extracellular adenosine metabolism pattern. However, they caused an increase in the ADA1 activity, and did not alter ADA2 activity in cancer cells. In turn, the co-culture of MDA-MB-231 cells with THP-1 monocyte/macrophages, Jurkat cells, and human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HULEC) caused the increase in ADA2 activity on THP-1 cells and ADA1 activity on Jurkat cells and HULEC. Clinical sample analysis revealed that TNBC patients had higher plasma ADA2 activities and lower ADA1/ADA2 ratio at advanced stages of cancer development than in the initial stages, while patients with hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative (HR+HER2-), and triple positive (HR+HER2+) breast cancers at the same stages showed opposite trends. TNBC patients also demonstrated positive associations between plasma ADA2 activity and pro-tumor M2 macrophage markers, as well as between ADA1 activity and endothelial dysfunction or inflammatory parameters. The analysis of TNBC patients, at 6 and 12 months following cancer treatment, did not showed significant changes in plasma ADA activities and macrophage polarization markers, which may be the cause of their therapeutic failure. We conclude that alterations in both ADA iso-enzymes can play a role in breast cancer development and progression by the modulation of extracellular adenosine-dependent pathways. Additionally, the changes in ADA2 activity that may contribute to the differentiation of macrophages into unfavorable pro-tumor M2 phenotype deserve special attention in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriela Harasim
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Agata Jedrzejewska
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Oliwia Krol
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Alicja Braczko
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Patrycja Jablonska
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
| | | | - Jacek Zielinski
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Ewa M Slominska
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Ryszard T Smolenski
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
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Motohara T, Yoshida GJ, Katabuchi H. The hallmarks of ovarian cancer stem cells and niches: Exploring their harmonious interplay in therapy resistance. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 77:182-193. [PMID: 33812986 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The concept of a "cancer stem cell" has evolved over the past decades, and research on cancer stem cell biology has entered into a stage of remarkable progress. Cancer stem cells are a major determining factor contributing to the establishment of phenotypic and functional intratumoral heterogeneity in synchronization with their surrounding "cancer stem cell niches." They serve as the driving force for cancer initiation, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance in various types of malignancies. In verity, reciprocal interplay between ovarian cancer stem cells and their niches involves a complex but ingeniously orchestrated tumor microenvironment within the intraperitoneal milieu and especially contribute to chemotherapy resistance in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Herein, we review the principles of our current understanding of the biological features of ovarian cancer stem cells, focusing mainly on the precise mechanisms underlying acquired chemotherapy resistance. Furthermore, we highlight the specific roles of various cancer-associated stromal and immune cells in creating possible cancer stem cell niches that regulate ovarian cancer stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Motohara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan.
| | - Go J Yoshida
- Department of Immunological Diagnosis, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Katabuchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
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Wang Y, He M, Zhang G, Cao K, Yang M, Zhang H, Liu H. The immune landscape during the tumorigenesis of cervical cancer. Cancer Med 2021; 10:2380-2395. [PMID: 33694292 PMCID: PMC7982625 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Deciphering the determinants of the intralesional immune reaction in cervical carcinogenesis may be conducive to improving the understanding of the disease and then improve outcomes. Methods Public gene‐expression data and full clinical annotation were searched in Gene Expression Omnibus in the joint analysis of the array‐based four eligible cohorts. The infiltrating estimation was quantified using microenvironment cell populations‐counter algorithm and absolute‐mode CIBERSORT and verified by flow cytometry analysis. An unsupervised classification on immune genes strongly associated with progression, designated by linear mixed‐effects regression. We determined immune response and signaling features of the different developmental stages and immune phenotypes by functional annotation and systematically correlated the expression of immune checkpoints with cell‐infiltrating characteristics. Results We identified the lesion‐intrinsic immunosuppression mechanism was triggered at precancerous stages, such as genome instability and mutation, aerobic glycolysis, activation of proto‐oncogene pathways and so forth. Predominant innate and adoptive cells were increasing from normalcy to cancer (B cell, total T cell, regulatory T cells [Tregs], monocytes, neutrophils, and M2‐like macrophages) together with the decrease of CD4+ T cell and CD8+ T cell through the development of cervical cancer. Immune escape initiated on the expression of immunosuppressive molecules from high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) and culminated in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Of note, the expression of immune checkpoints was escalated in the immune‐hot and immune‐warm phenotype largely encompassed by HSIL and SCC under the stress of both activated and suppressive immune responses. Conclusions Immune surveillance is unleashing from low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions onwards and immune‐suppression mechanisms are triggered in HSIL. Thorough knowledge of the immune changing pattern during cervical tumorigenesis contributes to finding the potential therapeutic targets to susceptive patients towards immune checkpoints inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiying Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengdi He
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guodong Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kankan Cao
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Moran Yang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongwei Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiou Liu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Cummings M, Freer C, Orsi NM. Targeting the tumour microenvironment in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 77:3-28. [PMID: 33607246 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer typically presents at an advanced stage, and although the majority of cases initially respond well to platinum-based therapies, chemoresistance almost always occurs leading to a poor long-term prognosis. While various cellular autonomous mechanisms contribute to intrinsic or acquired platinum resistance, the tumour microenvironment (TME) plays a central role in resistance to therapy and disease progression by providing cancer stem cell niches, promoting tumour cell metabolic reprogramming, reducing chemotherapy drug perfusion and promoting an immunosuppressive environment. As such, the TME is an attractive therapeutic target which has been the focus of intense research in recent years. This review provides an overview of the unique ovarian cancer TME and its role in disease progression and therapy resistance, highlighting some of the latest preclinical and clinical data on TME-targeted therapies. In particular, it focuses on strategies targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumour-associated macrophages, cancer stem cells and cancer cell metabolic vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cummings
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, St James's University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom
| | - C Freer
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, St James's University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom
| | - N M Orsi
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, St James's University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom; St James's Institute of Oncology, Bexley Wing, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To provide an update on cell-based immunotherapies in solid tumors particularly in gynecological cancers. RECENT FINDINGS Recent clinical trial results demonstrate safety and tolerability of different cell therapies in gynecological cancers. Novel approaches, such as harnessing the cells of the innate immune system are also under investigation in a phase I trial. SUMMARY Cell-based therapies are gaining widespread attention as evidenced by the increasing number of clinical trials encompassing both, innate and adaptive cells to target gynecological cancers. A majority of these therapeutic approaches are well tolerated and show promising results in early trials.
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35
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Alqassim EY, Sharma S, Khan ANMNH, Emmons TR, Cortes Gomez E, Alahmari A, Singel KL, Mark J, Davidson BA, Robert McGray AJ, Liu Q, Lichty BD, Moysich KB, Wang J, Odunsi K, Segal BH, Baysal BE. RNA editing enzyme APOBEC3A promotes pro-inflammatory M1 macrophage polarization. Commun Biol 2021; 4:102. [PMID: 33483601 PMCID: PMC7822933 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01620-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pro-inflammatory M1 macrophage polarization is associated with microbicidal and antitumor responses. We recently described APOBEC3A-mediated cytosine-to-uracil (C > U) RNA editing during M1 polarization. However, the functional significance of this editing is unknown. Here we find that APOBEC3A-mediated cellular RNA editing can also be induced by influenza or Maraba virus infections in normal human macrophages, and by interferons in tumor-associated macrophages. Gene knockdown and RNA_Seq analyses show that APOBEC3A mediates C>U RNA editing of 209 exonic/UTR sites in 203 genes during M1 polarization. The highest level of nonsynonymous RNA editing alters a highly-conserved amino acid in THOC5, which encodes a nuclear mRNA export protein implicated in M-CSF-driven macrophage differentiation. Knockdown of APOBEC3A reduces IL6, IL23A and IL12B gene expression, CD86 surface protein expression, and TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 cytokine secretion, and increases glycolysis. These results show a key role of APOBEC3A cytidine deaminase in transcriptomic and functional polarization of M1 macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad Y Alqassim
- Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shraddha Sharma
- Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
- Translate Bio, Lexington, MA, 02421, USA
| | - A N M Nazmul H Khan
- Department of Internal Medicine,, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Tiffany R Emmons
- Department of Immunology,, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Eduardo Cortes Gomez
- Department of Biostatistics/Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Abdulrahman Alahmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, 16278, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kelly L Singel
- Department of Immunology,, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
- Office of Evaluation, Performance, and Reporting, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Jaron Mark
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology,, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
- The Start Center for Cancer Care, 4383 Medical Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Bruce A Davidson
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - A J Robert McGray
- Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Biostatistics/Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Brian D Lichty
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, 1200 Main St W, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Kirsten B Moysich
- Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Jianmin Wang
- Department of Biostatistics/Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Kunle Odunsi
- Department of Immunology,, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology,, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
- Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Brahm H Segal
- Department of Internal Medicine,, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
- Department of Immunology,, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
- Departments of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
| | - Bora E Baysal
- Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
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Xu F, Shen J, Xu S. Integrated Bioinformatical Analysis Identifies GIMAP4 as an Immune-Related Prognostic Biomarker Associated With Remodeling in Cervical Cancer Tumor Microenvironment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:637400. [PMID: 33553190 PMCID: PMC7858649 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.637400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME) is emerging as an essential part of cervical cancer (CC) tumorigenesis and development, becoming a hotspot of research these years. However, comprehending the specific composition of TME is still facing enormous challenges, especially the immune and stromal components. In this study, we downloaded the RNA-seq profiles and somatic mutation data of 309 CC cases from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, which were analyzed by integrative bioinformatical methods. Initially, ESTIMATE computational method was employed to calculate the amount of immune and stromal components. Then, based on the high- and low-immunity cohorts, we recognized the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) as well as the differentially mutated genes (DMGs). Additionally, we conducted an intersection analysis of DEGs and DMGs, ultimately determining an immune-related prognostic signature, GTPase, IMAP Family Member 4 (GIMAP4). Moreover, sequential analyses demonstrated that GIMAP4 was a protective factor in CC, positively correlated with the overall survival (OS) and negatively with distant metastasis. Besides, we utilized the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) to explore the enrichment-pathways in high and low-expression cohorts of GIMAP4. The results indicated that the genes of the high-expression cohort had a high enrichment in immune-related biological processes and metabolic activities in the low one. Furthermore, CIBERSORT analysis was applied to evaluate the proportion of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs), illustrating that several activated TICs were strongly associated with GIMAP4 expression, which suggested that GIMAP4 had the potential to be an indicator for the immune state in TME of CC. Hence, GIMAP4 contributed to predicting the CC patients’ clinical outcomes, such as survival rate, distant metastasis and immunotherapy response. Moreover, GIMAP4 could serve as a promising biomarker for TME remodeling, suggesting the possible underlying mechanisms of tumorigenesis and CC progression, which may provide different therapeutic perceptions of CC, and therefore improve treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Xu
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiacheng Shen
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaohua Xu
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Qiao S, Zhao Y, Tian H, Manike I, Ma L, Yan H, Tian W. 3D Co-cultured Endothelial Cells and Monocytes Promoted Cancer Stem Cells' Stemness and Malignancy. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2021; 4:441-450. [PMID: 35014295 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c00927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are self-renewing and constitute the primary cause of cancer relapse post-cancer therapy. The CSC niche is composed of various nonmalignant stromal cells that support CSCs' survival during cancer chemoradiotherapy. Understanding the cross-talk between CSCs and stromal cells could pave the way for developing therapeutic strategies to eradicate CSCs. Traditionally, CSC research has been relying on animal models, which can give rise to complications and poor translation in clinical practice. An efficient model to co-culture CSCs and stromal cells is urgently needed. Hence, we leveraged our expertise in enriching CSCs from in vitro cell lines with a 3D alginate-based platform, as reported previously. We established a 3D co-culture system that allowed us to study the interactions between stromal cells and CSCs over an extended period. We showed that the self-renewal capacity and stemness of CSCs were significantly enhanced when co-cultured with 3D cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) or a human monocyte cell line (THP1). Strikingly, the expression of MDR1 in 3D co-cultured CSCs was upregulated, leading to enhanced chemotoxic drug tolerance. We suggest that our in vitro co-culture model can impact CSC research and clinical practice when the goal is to develop therapeutics that target and eradicate CSCs by targeting stromal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shupei Qiao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, People's Republic of China.,Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150080, People's Republic of China
| | - Yufang Zhao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Tian
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, People's Republic of China
| | - Ishara Manike
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Ma
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongji Yan
- Division of Glycoscience, Department of Chemistry, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH, Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center, Stockholm 106 91, Sweden.,AIMES - Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences, Department of Neuroscience/Biomedicum, Karolinska Institute, Solnavägen 9, Solna 171 77, Sweden
| | - Weiming Tian
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, People's Republic of China
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Hu Z, Cunnea P, Zhong Z, Lu H, Osagie OI, Campo L, Artibani M, Nixon K, Ploski J, Santana Gonzalez L, Alsaadi A, Wietek N, Damato S, Dhar S, Blagden SP, Yau C, Hester J, Albukhari A, Aboagye EO, Fotopoulou C, Ahmed A. The Oxford Classic Links Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition to Immunosuppression in Poor Prognosis Ovarian Cancers. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:1570-1579. [PMID: 33446563 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-2782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Using RNA sequencing, we recently developed the 52-gene-based Oxford classifier of carcinoma of the ovary (Oxford Classic, OxC) for molecular stratification of serous ovarian cancers (SOCs) based on the molecular profiles of their cell of origin in the fallopian tube epithelium. Here, we developed a 52-gene NanoString panel for the OxC to test the robustness of the classifier. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We measured the expression of the 52 genes in an independent cohort of prospectively collected SOC samples (n = 150) from a homogenous cohort who were treated with maximal debulking surgery and chemotherapy. We performed data mining of published expression profiles of SOCs and validated the classifier results on tissue arrays comprising 137 SOCs. RESULTS We found evidence of profound nongenetic heterogeneity in SOCs. Approximately 20% of SOCs were classified as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-high (EMT-high) tumors, which were associated with poor survival. This was independent of established prognostic factors, such as tumor stage, tumor grade, and residual disease after surgery (HR, 3.3; P = 0.02). Mining expression data of 593 patients revealed a significant association between the EMT scores of tumors and the estimated fraction of alternatively activated macrophages (M2; P < 0.0001), suggesting a mechanistic link between immunosuppression and poor prognosis in EMT-high tumors. CONCLUSIONS The OxC-defined EMT-high SOCs carry particularly poor prognosis independent of established clinical parameters. These tumors are associated with high frequency of immunosuppressive macrophages, suggesting a potential therapeutic target to improve clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Hu
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, United Kingdom.,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, United Kingdom
| | - Paula Cunnea
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Zhe Zhong
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, United Kingdom.,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, United Kingdom.,School of Life Science, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Haonan Lu
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, England, United Kingdom.,Cancer Imaging Centre, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Oloruntoba I Osagie
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, United Kingdom.,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, United Kingdom
| | - Leticia Campo
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, United Kingdom
| | - Mara Artibani
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, United Kingdom.,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, United Kingdom.,Gene Regulatory Networks in Development and Disease Laboratory, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Nixon
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Ploski
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Santana Gonzalez
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, United Kingdom.,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, United Kingdom
| | - Abdulkhaliq Alsaadi
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, United Kingdom.,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, United Kingdom
| | - Nina Wietek
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, United Kingdom.,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Damato
- Department of Histopathology, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, England, United Kingdom
| | - Sunanda Dhar
- Department of Histopathology, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, England, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah P Blagden
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Yau
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, England, United Kingdom.,Alan Turing Institute, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna Hester
- Transplantation Research and Immunology Group, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, United Kingdom
| | - Ashwag Albukhari
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eric O Aboagye
- Cancer Imaging Centre, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Christina Fotopoulou
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, England, United Kingdom.
| | - Ahmed Ahmed
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, United Kingdom. .,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, United Kingdom
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Yang SL, Tan HX, Niu TT, Liu YK, Gu CJ, Li DJ, Li MQ, Wang HY. The IFN-γ-IDO1-kynureine pathway-induced autophagy in cervical cancer cell promotes phagocytosis of macrophage. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:339-352. [PMID: 33390854 PMCID: PMC7757030 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.51241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cervical cancer is a common malignant disease in female patients accompanied by activation of autophagy in tumor cells. However, the exact regulatory factors of autophagy and its effects on the immune response remain unknown. Methods: The induction of autophagy in HeLa and SiHa cells treated with IFN-γ, tryptophan depletion, kynurenine and epacadostat was detected by western blot analysis and by an autophagy detection kit. Following co-culture with pre-treated HeLa and SiHa cells, U937 cells were analyzed by flow cytometry to detect CD80, CD86, CD163 and CD206 expression and the induction of phagocytosis. Results: IFN-γ caused a significant increase in the autophagy levels of HeLa and SiHa cells by promoting indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1) expression. The induction of phagocytosis in HeLa and SiHa cells and the expression levels of CD80 and CD86 in U937 cells were increased significantly following treatment with recombinant human IFN-γ. This effect was associated with the induction of tumor cell autophagy. IFN-γ treatment and IDO1 overexpression promoted tryptophan depletion and kynurenine accumulation in cervical cancer cells. The latter was more potent in inducing autophagy of cervical cancer cells and promoting phagocytosis of macrophages. In vivo, IDO1 overexpression restricted tumor growth in C57 mice and enhanced the induction of phagocytosis in macrophages. Conclusions: IFN-γ promoted induction of autophagy and macrophage phagocytosis in cervical cancer cells possibly via IDO1 expression and kynurenine metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Liang Yang
- Department of Gynecology of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Xia Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhangye People's Hospital of HeXi College, Zhangye, Gansu, 734000, China
| | - Tian-Tian Niu
- Department of Gynecology of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Kai Liu
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Jie Gu
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Da-Jin Li
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Yan Wang
- Department of Gynecology of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
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40
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He M, Wang Y, Zhang G, Cao K, Yang M, Liu H. The prognostic significance of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in cervical cancer. J Gynecol Oncol 2021; 32:e32. [PMID: 33825354 PMCID: PMC8039170 DOI: 10.3802/jgo.2021.32.e32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To predict the prognosis of cervical cancer, we constructed a novel model with 5 specific cell types and identified a potential biomarker. Methods We employed CIBERSORT and xCell method to evaluate the abundances of 23 cells types in tumor microenvironment. Five specific cell types were filtrated to determine different immunotypes by applying least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression method. The expression of immune checkpoints (ICPs) and effectors were validated by immunohistochemistry. Correlation analysis was performed to examine the relevance between PIK3CA mutational status and ICPs. Results Unsupervised clustering of patients on the basis of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and fibroblasts identified patients with shorter overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR]=3.0729; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.5103–6.2522; p=0.0118). An immunoscore (IS) signature consisting of 5 immune cell types infiltrating in tumor core (CD8T, activated NK cells, neutrophils, activated mast cells, macrophages) was constructed using LASSO Cox regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curves confirmed that the area under the curve of IS was significantly higher to that of International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging alone (0.637 vs. 0.55). Survival analysis revealed patients in high IS group exhibited a poorer OS (HR=3.0113; 95% CI=1.8746–4.8373; p<0.0001). The multivariate analysis indicated the IS was an independent prognostic factor. In addition, the lower IS related to higher expression of ICPs and neoantigen load. Conclusions The identification of IS in cervical cancer tissues could facilitate patient risk stratification and selection of immunotherapeutic responses, but more prospective studies are needed to assess its reliability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengdi He
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiying Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guodong Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kankan Cao
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Moran Yang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiou Liu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Chen YL. Prognostic significance of tumor-associated macrophages in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e21999. [PMID: 32991403 PMCID: PMC7523791 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000021999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore the prognostic value of diverse subsets of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in prognosis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) using meta-analysis. METHODS Relevant studies were searched in the database of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang till November 2019. The relationship between TAMs and survival outcomes was estimated by pooling hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs); and the correlation of TAMs and clinicopathological factors was evaluated by using odds ratios (ORs) and 95%CIs. RESULTS Six studies with 1549 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The high expression of CD68+ TAMs was associated with favorable disease-free survival (DFS) (HR = 0.66, 95%CI = 0.50-0.88, P = .005), whereas the density of M2-like TAMs (CD163+, CD68+CCL18+, and CD206+) was correlated to poor overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.77, 95%CI = 1.22-2.56, P = .003) and DFS (HR = 1.96, 95%CI = 1.00-3.85, P = .050) in patients with NPC. CONCLUSIONS CD68+ TAM density is associated with superior DFS, while CD163+ M2-like TAMs predicted poor prognosis in patients with NPC.
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Physical Activity of ≥7.5 MET-h/Week Is Significantly Associated with a Decreased Risk of Cervical Neoplasia. Healthcare (Basel) 2020; 8:healthcare8030260. [PMID: 32785028 PMCID: PMC7551289 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare8030260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent malignant neoplasms worldwide. We investigated whether leisure-time physical activity is sufficient to decrease the cervical neoplasia risk and provide suggested guidance of metabolic equivalents of task–hours per week (MET-h/week) spent on leisure-time physical activity to prevent cervical neoplasia. Ultimately, 433 participants, including 126 participants with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia I or higher disease (≥CIN 1) and 307 healthy controls, were recruited. All participants completed a standardized questionnaire about leisure-time physical activity engagement (MET-h/week) and a general health questionnaire and had cervical specimens taken to detect human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. CIN 1 staging was identified from the specimens. Participants with physical activity of ≥3.75 MET-h/week had a significantly lower CIN risk compared to those with physical activity of <3.75 MET-h/week (p = 0.01). However, among participants with HPV infection or smokers, the minimal requirement of leisure-time physical actively to lessen the CIN risk was ≥7.5 MET-h/week. Lifetime leisure-time physical activity of ≥0.12 MET-h/week–year also significantly decreased the CIN risk, but women with HPV infection needed ≥13.2 MET-h/week–year to protect them from a CIN risk. We concluded that regular leisure-time physical activity of ≥7.5 MET-h/week and sustained lifetime leisure-time physical activity ≥13.2 MET-h/week–year are vital factors for protecting women against cervical neoplasia risk.
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Zadka Ł, Grybowski DJ, Dzięgiel P. Modeling of the immune response in the pathogenesis of solid tumors and its prognostic significance. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2020; 43:539-575. [PMID: 32488850 PMCID: PMC7363737 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-020-00519-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor initiation and subsequent progression are usually long-term processes, spread over time and conditioned by diverse aspects. Many cancers develop on the basis of chronic inflammation; however, despite dozens of years of research, little is known about the factors triggering neoplastic transformation under these conditions. Molecular characterization of both pathogenetic states, i.e., similarities and differences between chronic inflammation and cancer, is also poorly defined. The secretory activity of tumor cells may change the immunophenotype of immune cells and modify the extracellular microenvironment, which allows the bypass of host defense mechanisms and seems to have diagnostic and prognostic value. The phenomenon of immunosuppression is also present during chronic inflammation, and the development of cancer, due to its duration, predisposes patients to the promotion of chronic inflammation. The aim of our work was to discuss the above issues based on the latest scientific insights. A theoretical mechanism of cancer immunosuppression is also proposed. CONCLUSIONS Development of solid tumors may occur both during acute and chronic phases of inflammation. Differences in the regulation of immune responses between precancerous states and the cancers resulting from them emphasize the importance of immunosuppressive factors in oncogenesis. Cancer cells may, through their secretory activity and extracellular transport mechanisms, enhance deterioration of the immune system which, in turn, may have prognostic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Zadka
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, ul. Chalubinskiego 6a, 50-368, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Damian J Grybowski
- Orthopedic Surgery, University of Illinois, 900 S. Ashland Avenue (MC944) Room 3356, Molecular Biology Research Building Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Piotr Dzięgiel
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, ul. Chalubinskiego 6a, 50-368, Wroclaw, Poland
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Lee EK, Konstantinopoulos PA. PARP inhibition and immune modulation: scientific rationale and perspectives for the treatment of gynecologic cancers. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2020; 12:1758835920944116. [PMID: 32782491 PMCID: PMC7383615 DOI: 10.1177/1758835920944116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Poly[adenosine diphosphate (ADP) ribose]polymerase (PARP) has multifaceted roles in the maintenance of genomic integrity, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) repair and replication, and the maintenance of immune-system homeostasis. PARP inhibitors are an attractive oncologic therapy, causing direct cancer cell cytotoxicity by propagating DNA damage and indirectly, by various mechanisms of immunostimulation, including activation of the cGAS/STING pathway, paracrine stimulation of dendritic cells, increased T-cell infiltration, and upregulation of death-ligand receptors to increase susceptibility to natural-killer-cell killing. However, these immunostimulatory effects are counterbalanced by PARPi-mediated upregulation of programmed cell-death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), which leads to immunosuppression. Combining PARP inhibition with immune-checkpoint blockade seeks to exploit the immune stimulatory effects of PARP inhibition while negating the immunosuppressive effects of PD-L1 upregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth K Lee
- Department of Medical Oncology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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The Role of Tumor-Associated Macrophages in the Progression and Chemoresistance of Ovarian Cancer. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051299. [PMID: 32456078 PMCID: PMC7290435 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) constitute the main population of immune cells present in the ovarian tumor microenvironment. These cells are characterized by high plasticity and can be easily polarized by colony-stimulating factor-1, which is released by tumor cells, into an immunosuppressive M2-like phenotype. These cells are strongly implicated in both the progression and chemoresistance of ovarian cancer. The main pro-tumoral function of M2-like TAMs is the secretion of a variety of cytokines, chemokines, enzymes and exosomes that reach microRNAs, directly inducing the invasion potential and chemoresistance of ovarian cancer cells by triggering their pro-survival signaling pathways. The M2-like TAMs are also important players in the metastasis of ovarian cancer cells in the peritoneum through their assistance in spheroid formation and attachment of cancer cells to the metastatic area—the omentum. Moreover, TAMs interplay with other immune cells, such as lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells, to inhibit their responsiveness, resulting in the development of immunosuppression. The detrimental character of the M2-like type of TAMs in ovarian tumors has been confirmed by a number of studies, demonstrating the positive correlation between their high level in tumors and low overall survival of patients.
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Xu Y, Guo X, Wang G, Zhou C. Vitamin C Inhibits Metastasis of Peritoneal Tumors By Preventing Spheroid Formation in ID8 Murine Epithelial Peritoneal Cancer Model. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:645. [PMID: 32477126 PMCID: PMC7236773 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
High mortality is associated with exclusively metastasis within the peritoneal cavity among patients with epithelial ovarian cancer that is the most lethal gynecologic cancer. There is an unmet need to develop more effective therapies to prevent metastasis of peritoneal cancer. Multicellular spheroid formation, during which cancer cells migrate and adhere to tumor-associated macrophages, is a critical step of ovarian cancer metastasis. Here, we showed that vitamin C inhibited spheroid formation and metastasis in ID8 ovarian cancer-bearing mice. We further found that vitamin C treatment decreased the levels of M2 macrophages in tumor nodules and suppressed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In vitro studies revealed that vitamin C inhibited proliferation, arrested cell cycle, attenuated migration, and prevented the spheroid formation of ID8 ovarian cancer cells. Vitamin C induced apoptosis of ID8 cells, which was confirmed by membrane potential collapse, cytosolic calcium overload, ATP depletion, and caspase-3 activation in vitamin C-treated cells. Intriguingly, vitamin C treatment caused striking morphological change and apoptosis of macrophages. The presented proof of concept study strategically identifies new anticancer mechanisms of vitamin C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yayun Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, People's Hospital of Rizhao, Rizhao, China
| | - Ganyu Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Changkuo Zhou
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Chen R, Lu X, Li Z, Sun Y, He Z, Li X. Dihydroartemisinin Prevents Progression and Metastasis of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Inhibiting Polarization of Macrophages in Tumor Microenvironment. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:3375-3387. [PMID: 32425545 PMCID: PMC7188074 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s249046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Polarized M2 macrophages are an important type of tumor-associated macrophage (TAM), with roles in the growth, invasion, and migration of cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a traditional Chinese medicine extract, has been shown to inhibit the progression and metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC); however, the effect of DHA on cancer prevention, and the associated mechanism, has not been investigated in the tumor microenvironment. Materials and Methods First, human Thp-1 monocytes were induced and differentiated into M2 macrophages using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-4 (IL-4). Induction success was confirmed by cell morphology evaluation, flow cytometry, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Then, DHA was applied to interfere with M2 macrophage polarization, and conditioned medium (CM), including conditioned medium from M2 macrophages (M2-CM) and conditioned medium from M2 macrophages with DHA (M2-DHA-CM), was obtained. CM was applied to Fadu or Cal-27 cells, and its effects on cancer invasion, migration, and angiogenesis were evaluated using transwell, wound-healing, and tube formation assays, respectively. Finally, Western blotting was used to evaluate the relationship between signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway activation and M2 macrophage polarization. Results Human Thp-1 monocytes were successfully polarized into M2-like TAMs using PMA, IL-6, and IL-4. We found that M2-like TAMs promoted the invasion, migration, and angiogenesis of HNSCC cells; however, DHA significantly inhibited IL-4/IL-6-induced M2 macrophage polarization. Additionally, as DHA induced a decrease in the number of M2-like TAMs, M2-DHA-CM inhibited the induction of invasion, migration, and angiogenesis of Fadu and Cal-27 cells. Finally, DHA inhibited M2 macrophage polarization by blocking STAT3 pathway activation in macrophages. Conclusion DHA inhibits the invasion, migration, and angiogenesis of HNSCC by preventing M2 macrophage polarization via blocking STAT3 phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Chen
- Graduate School of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China.,Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The 980th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuying Lu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The 980th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The 980th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yajing Sun
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The 980th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengxin He
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The 980th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Graduate School of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China.,Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The 980th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China
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Li X, Fu Y, Yang B, Guo E, Wu Y, Huang J, Zhang X, Xiao R, Li K, Wang B, Hu J, Sun C, Chen G. BRD4 Inhibition by AZD5153 Promotes Antitumor Immunity via Depolarizing M2 Macrophages. Front Immunol 2020; 11:89. [PMID: 32184777 PMCID: PMC7058627 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), with its high recurrence rates, urges for reasonable therapeutic strategies that can prolong overall survival. A tumor microenvironment (TME) discloses prognostic and prospective information on cancer, such as the expression level of PD-1 or PD-L1. However, in HGSOC, the impact of the therapies aiming at these targets remains unsatisfying. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in HGSOC make up a large part of the TMEs and transform between diverse phenotypes under different treatments. AZD5153 inhibiting BRD4, as a potential therapeutic strategy for HGSOC, was demonstrated to confer controversial plasticity on TAMs, which shows the need to uncover its impact on TAMs in HGSOC. Therefore, we established models for TAMs and TAMs co-culturing with T lymphocytes in vitro. Via RT-PCR and flow cytometry, we find that AZD5153 resets TAMs from M2-type macrophages to M1-like macrophages, consequently promoting pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and thus activating CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in vitro. This modification occurs on MAF transcripts in TAMs and modified by BRD4, which is the target of AZD5153. Importantly, the 3-D microfluid model demonstrates that AZD5153 sensitizes ovarian cancer to anti-PD-L1 therapy. Our results clarify that besides eliminating tumor cells directly, AZD5153 works as a regulator of the TAM phenotype, providing a novel strategy combining AZD5153 and PD-1/PD-L1 antibody that could benefit HGSOC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Fu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ensong Guo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yifan Wu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia Huang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rourou Xiao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kezhen Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Beibei Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Junbo Hu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chaoyang Sun
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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De Bruyn C, Baert T, Van den Bosch T, Coosemans A. Circulating Transcripts and Biomarkers in Uterine Tumors: Is There a Predictive Role? Curr Oncol Rep 2020; 22:12. [PMID: 31997106 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-020-0864-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Uterine cancer comprises endometrial carcinoma and the uterine sarcoma. Endometrial carcinomas are the most frequent variant and have early symptoms and a solid diagnostic work up, resulting in a rather fair prognosis. However, in case of advanced stage disease and relapse, treatment options are limited and prognosis is impaired. Uterine sarcomas are rare, often lacking symptoms and no diagnostic tool for correct pre-operative diagnosis are available. Prognosis is poor. RECENT FINDINGS Circulating biomarkers as a liquid biopsy could be beneficial as a diagnostic tool in uterine sarcomas. For both carcinomas and sarcomas, circulating biomarkers could be of use in predicting early disease recurrence. This review in endometrial carcinoma and uterine sarcoma focus on circulating biomarkers; such as proteins; circulating tumor cells; circulating tumor DNA; microRNA; and immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine De Bruyn
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, ImmunOvar Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Thaïs Baert
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, ImmunOvar Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Kliniken Essen Mitte (KEM), Essen, Germany
| | - Thierry Van den Bosch
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, ImmunOvar Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - An Coosemans
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, ImmunOvar Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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50
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Do HTT, Lee CH, Cho J. Chemokines and their Receptors: Multifaceted Roles in Cancer Progression and Potential Value as Cancer Prognostic Markers. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E287. [PMID: 31991604 PMCID: PMC7072521 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemokines are chemotactic cytokines that mediate immune cell chemotaxis and lymphoid tissue development. Recent advances have indicated that chemokines and their cognate receptors play critical roles in cancer-related inflammation and cancer progression. On the basis of these findings, the chemokine system has become a new potential drug target for cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize the essential roles of the complex network of chemokines and their receptors in cancer progression. Furthermore, we discuss the potential value of the chemokine system as a cancer prognostic marker. The chemokine system regulates the infiltration of immune cells into the tumor microenvironment, which induces both pro- and anti-immunity and promotes or suppresses tumor growth and proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Increasing evidence indicates the promising prognostic value of the chemokine system in cancer patients. While CCL2, CXCL10, and CX3CL1/CX3CR1 can serve as favorable or unfavorable prognostic factors depending on the cancer types, CCL14 and XCL1 possess good prognostic value. Other chemokines such as CXCL1, CXCL8, and CXCL12 are poor prognostic markers. Despite vast advances in our understanding of the complex nature of the chemokine system in tumor biology, knowledge about the multifaceted roles of the chemokine system in different types of cancers is still limited. Further studies are necessary to decipher distinct roles within the chemokine system in terms of cancer progression and to validate their potential value in cancer prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jungsook Cho
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang, Gyeonggi 10326, Korea; (H.T.T.D.); (C.H.L.)
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