1
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Rajkumari S, Singh J, Agrawal U, Agrawal S. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells in cancer: Current knowledge and future perspectives. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 142:112949. [PMID: 39236460 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112949] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
MDSCs (myeloid-derived suppressor cells) are crucial for immune system evasion in cancer. They accumulate in peripheral blood and tumor microenvironment, suppressing immune cells like T-cells, natural killer cells and dendritic cells. They promote tumor angiogenesis and metastasis by secreting cytokines and growth factors and contribute to a tumor-promoting environment. The accumulation of MDSCs in cancer patients has been linked to poor prognosis and resistance to various cancer therapies. Targeting MDSCs and their immunosuppressive mechanisms may improve treatment outcomes and enhance immune surveillance by developing drugs that inhibit MDSC function, by preventing their accumulation and by disrupting the tumor-promoting environment. This review presents a detailed overview of the MDSC research in cancer with regulation of their development and function. The relevance of MDSC as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in different types of cancers, along with recent advancements on the therapeutic approaches to target MDSCs are discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunanda Rajkumari
- ICMR National Institute of Medical Statistics, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Jaspreet Singh
- ICMR National Institute of Pathology, Safdarjung Hospital Campus, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Usha Agrawal
- Asian Institute of Public Health University (AIPH) University, 1001 Haridamada, Jatani, Near IIT Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar 751002, India
| | - Sandeep Agrawal
- Discovery Research Division, Indian Council of Medical Research, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, India.
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2
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Hou AJ, Shih RM, Uy BR, Shafer A, Chang ZL, Comin-Anduix B, Guemes M, Galic Z, Phyu S, Okada H, Grausam KB, Breunig JJ, Brown CE, Nathanson DA, Prins RM, Chen YY. IL-13Rα2/TGF-β bispecific CAR-T cells counter TGF-β-mediated immune suppression and potentiate anti-tumor responses in glioblastoma. Neuro Oncol 2024; 26:1850-1866. [PMID: 38982561 PMCID: PMC11449012 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noae126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies targeting glioblastoma (GBM)-associated antigens such as interleukin-13 receptor subunit alpha-2 (IL-13Rα2) have achieved limited clinical efficacy to date, in part due to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) characterized by inhibitory molecules such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). The aim of this study was to engineer more potent GBM-targeting CAR-T cells by countering TGF-β-mediated immune suppression in the TME. METHODS We engineered a single-chain, bispecific CAR targeting IL-13Rα2 and TGF-β, which programs tumor-specific T cells to convert TGF-β from an immunosuppressant to an immunostimulant. Bispecific IL-13Rα2/TGF-β CAR-T cells were evaluated for efficacy and safety against both patient-derived GBM xenografts and syngeneic models of murine glioma. RESULTS Treatment with IL-13Rα2/TGF-β CAR-T cells leads to greater T-cell infiltration and reduced suppressive myeloid cell presence in the tumor-bearing brain compared to treatment with conventional IL-13Rα2 CAR-T cells, resulting in improved survival in both patient-derived GBM xenografts and syngeneic models of murine glioma. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that by reprogramming tumor-specific T-cell responses to TGF-β, bispecific IL-13Rα2/TGF-β CAR-T cells resist and remodel the immunosuppressive TME to drive potent anti-tumor responses in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Hou
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ryan M Shih
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Benjamin R Uy
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Amanda Shafer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - ZeNan L Chang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Begonya Comin-Anduix
- Department of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Miriam Guemes
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Zoran Galic
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Su Phyu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Hideho Okada
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy Center at UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Katie B Grausam
- Board of Governor’s Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Joshua J Breunig
- Board of Governor’s Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Christine E Brown
- Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, California, USA
| | - David A Nathanson
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Robert M Prins
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yvonne Y Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy Center at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
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3
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Wang R, Lan C, Benlagha K, Camara NOS, Miller H, Kubo M, Heegaard S, Lee P, Yang L, Forsman H, Li X, Zhai Z, Liu C. The interaction of innate immune and adaptive immune system. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e714. [PMID: 39286776 PMCID: PMC11401974 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The innate immune system serves as the body's first line of defense, utilizing pattern recognition receptors like Toll-like receptors to detect pathogens and initiate rapid response mechanisms. Following this initial response, adaptive immunity provides highly specific and sustained killing of pathogens via B cells, T cells, and antibodies. Traditionally, it has been assumed that innate immunity activates adaptive immunity; however, recent studies have revealed more complex interactions. This review provides a detailed dissection of the composition and function of the innate and adaptive immune systems, emphasizing their synergistic roles in physiological and pathological contexts, providing new insights into the link between these two forms of immunity. Precise regulation of both immune systems at the same time is more beneficial in the fight against immune-related diseases, for example, the cGAS-STING pathway has been found to play an important role in infections and cancers. In addition, this paper summarizes the challenges and future directions in the field of immunity, including the latest single-cell sequencing technologies, CAR-T cell therapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. By summarizing these developments, this review aims to enhance our understanding of the complexity interactions between innate and adaptive immunity and provides new perspectives in understanding the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyuan Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Caini Lan
- Cancer Center Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Kamel Benlagha
- Alloimmunity, Autoimmunity and Transplantation Université de Paris, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, EMiLy, INSERM U1160 Paris France
| | - Niels Olsen Saraiva Camara
- Department of Immunology Institute of Biomedical Sciences University of São Paulo (USP) São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
| | - Heather Miller
- Coxiella Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology Rocky Mountain Laboratories National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health Hamilton Montana USA
| | - Masato Kubo
- Division of Molecular Pathology Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences (RIBS) Tokyo University of Science Noda Chiba Japan
| | - Steffen Heegaard
- Department of Ophthalmology Rigshospitalet Hospital Copenhagen University Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Pamela Lee
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong China
| | - Lu Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology School of Basic Medicine Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan Hubei China
| | - Huamei Forsman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Xingrui Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Zhimin Zhai
- Department of Hematology The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University Hefei China
| | - Chaohong Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology School of Basic Medicine Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan Hubei China
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Carey AE, Weeraratna AT. Entering the TiME machine: How age-related changes in the tumor immune microenvironment impact melanoma progression and therapy response. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 262:108698. [PMID: 39098769 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108698] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer in the United States, with its incidence rates rising in older populations. As the immune system undergoes age-related changes, these alterations can significantly influence tumor progression and the effectiveness of cancer treatments. Recent advancements in understanding immune checkpoint molecules have paved the way for the development of innovative immunotherapies targeting solid tumors. However, the aging tumor microenvironment can play a crucial role in modulating the response to these immunotherapeutic approaches. This review seeks to examine the intricate relationship between age-related changes in the immune system and their impact on the efficacy of immunotherapies, particularly in the context of melanoma. By exploring this complex interplay, we hope to elucidate potential strategies to optimize treatment outcomes for older patients with melanoma, and draw parallels to other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis E Carey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ashani T Weeraratna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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5
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Haynes NM, Chadwick TB, Parker BS. The complexity of immune evasion mechanisms throughout the metastatic cascade. Nat Immunol 2024; 25:1793-1808. [PMID: 39285252 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-01960-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis, the spread of cancer from a primary site to distant organs, is an important challenge in oncology. This Review explores the complexities of immune escape mechanisms used throughout the metastatic cascade to promote tumor cell dissemination and affect organotropism. Specifically, we focus on adaptive plasticity of disseminated epithelial tumor cells to understand how they undergo phenotypic transitions to survive microenvironmental conditions encountered during metastasis. The interaction of tumor cells and their microenvironment is analyzed, highlighting the local and systemic effects that innate and adaptive immune systems have in shaping an immunosuppressive milieu to foster aggressive metastatic tumors. Effectively managing metastatic disease demands a multipronged approach to target the parallel and sequential mechanisms that suppress anti-tumor immunity. This management necessitates a deep understanding of the complex interplay between tumor cells, their microenvironment and immune responses that we provide with this Review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Haynes
- Cancer Evolution and Metastasis Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thomas B Chadwick
- Cancer Evolution and Metastasis Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Belinda S Parker
- Cancer Evolution and Metastasis Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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Cornillon P, Bouleftour W, Reynaud T, Pigne G, Maillet D, Hamizi S, Beguinot M. Immunogenicity of radiotherapy on bone metastases from prostate adenocarcinoma: What is the future for the combination with radiotherapy/immunotherapy? TUMORI JOURNAL 2024; 110:319-326. [PMID: 38745528 DOI: 10.1177/03008916241249366] [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] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Bone metastatic prostate cancers (PCa) are resistant to usual immunotherapies such as checkpoint inhibitors. The main hypothesis related to this immunoresistance is the lack of antigens to stimulate anti-tumor immunity. External radiation is a potential inducer antigens presentation and thus to immunotherapy proprieties. The aim of this review is to describe the tumor microenvironment specificities, especially in bone metastasis and the immune modifications after radiation therapy on a metastatic castration-resistant PCa population. PCa microenvironment is immunosuppressive because of many tumor factors. The complex interplay between PCa cells and bone microenvironment leads to a 'vicious circle' promoting bone metastasis. Furthermore, the immune and bone systems, are connected through an osteoclastogenic cytokine: the Receptor Activator Nuclear Factor Kappa B ligand. Adapted doses of ionizing radiation play a dual role on the tumor. Indeed, radiotherapy leads to immunogenicity by inducing damage associated with molecular patterns. However, it also induces an immunosuppressive effect by increasing the number of immunosuppressive cells. Interestingly, the abscopal effect could be used to optimize immunotherapy potential, especially on bone metastasis. Radiotherapy and immunotherapy combination is a promising strategy, however further studies are necessary to determine the more efficient types of radiation and to control the abscopal effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Cornillon
- Department of Medical Oncology, North Hospital, University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Wafa Bouleftour
- Department of Medical Oncology, North Hospital, University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Thomas Reynaud
- Department of Radiotherapy, North Hospital, University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Gregoire Pigne
- Department of Radiotherapy, North Hospital, University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Denis Maillet
- Department of Medical Oncology, IMMUCARE, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Institut de Cancérologie des Hospices de Lyon, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Salima Hamizi
- Department of Medical Oncology, North Hospital, University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Marie Beguinot
- Department of Medical Oncology, Medipole Lyon Villeurbanne Mutualist Clinic, Lyon, France
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7
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Liu Y, Nie X, Yao X, Shou H, Yuan Y, Ge Y, Tong X, Lee HY, Gao X. Developing an erythrocyte‒MHC-I conjugate for cancer treatment. Cell Discov 2024; 10:99. [PMID: 39349449 PMCID: PMC11443136 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-024-00713-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 10/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Mature erythrocytes are known to lack major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins. However, the presence of MHC molecules on erythrocytes has been occasionally reported, though without a defined function. In this study, we designed erythrocyte conjugated solely with a fusion protein consisting of an antigenic peptide linked to MHC class I (MHC-I) protein, termed MHC-I‒Ery. The modified erythrocyte, decorated with the peptide derived from human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 oncoprotein E6/E7, effectively activated antigen-specific CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from HPV16+ cervical cancer patients. Additionally, MHC-I‒Ery monotherapy was shown to inhibit antigen-positive tumor growth in mice. This treatment immediately activated CD8+ T cells and reduced suppressive myeloid cells in the spleen, leading to systemic anti-tumor activity. Safety and tolerability evaluations of MHC-I‒Ery in non-human primates further supported its clinical potential. Our results first demonstrated that erythrocytes equipped solely with antigen peptide‒MHC-I complexes can robustly stimulate the immune system, suggesting a novel and promising approach for advancing cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehua Liu
- Zhejiang University, School of Basic Medical Science, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoqian Nie
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xingyun Yao
- Zhejiang University, School of Basic Medical Science, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huafeng Shou
- Department of Gynecology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yang Yuan
- Westlake Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yun Ge
- Westlake Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiangmin Tong
- Department of Hematology, Zhejiang Provincial People's hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Hsiang-Ying Lee
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaofei Gao
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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8
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Ryba-Stanisławowska M. Unraveling Th subsets: insights into their role in immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024:10.1007/s13402-024-00992-0. [PMID: 39325360 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-024-00992-0] [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: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024] Open
Abstract
T helper (Th) cell subsets play pivotal roles in regulating immune responses within the tumor microenvironment, influencing both tumor progression and anti-tumor immunity. Among these subsets, Th1 cells promote cytotoxic responses through the production of IFN-γ, while Th2 cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) exert immunosuppressive effects that support tumor growth. Th9 and Th17 cells have context-dependent roles, contributing to both pro-inflammatory and regulatory processes in tumor immunity. Tumor antigen-specific T cells within the tumor microenvironment often exhibit a dysfunctional phenotype due to increased expression of inhibitory receptors such as CTLA-4 and PD-1, leading to reduced antitumor activity. Monoclonal antibodies that block these inhibitory signals-collectively known as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)-can reactivate these T cells, enhancing their ability to target and destroy cancer cells. Recent advancements have highlighted the critical role of T helper subsets in modulating responses to ICIs, with their interactions remaining a focus of ongoing research. Both positive and negative effects of ICIs have been reported in relation to Th cell subsets, with some effects depending on the type of tumor microenvironment. This review summarizes the crucial roles of different T helper cell subsets in tumor immunity and their complex relationship with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Ryba-Stanisławowska
- Department of Medical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 1, Gdańsk, 80-211, Poland.
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9
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Yumoto S, Horiguchi H, Kadomatsu T, Horino T, Sato M, Terada K, Miyata K, Moroishi T, Baba H, Oike Y. Host ANGPTL2 establishes an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and resistance to immune checkpoint therapy. Cancer Sci 2024. [PMID: 39321028 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16348] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) as cancer immunotherapy has advanced rapidly in the clinic; however, mechanisms underlying resistance to ICI therapy, including impaired T cell infiltration, low immunogenicity, and tumor "immunophenotypes" governed by the host, remain unclear. We previously reported that in some cancer contexts, tumor cell-derived angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2) has tumor-promoting functions. Here, we asked whether ANGPTL2 deficiency could enhance antitumor ICI activity in two inflammatory contexts: a murine syngeneic model of colorectal cancer and a mouse model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. Systemic ANGPTL2 deficiency potentiated ICI efficacy in the syngeneic model, supporting an immunosuppressive role for host ANGPTL2. Relevant to the mechanism, we found that ANGPTL2 induces pro-inflammatory cytokine production in adipose tissues, driving generation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in bone marrow and contributing to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and resistance to ICI therapy. Moreover, HFD-induced obese mice showed impaired responsiveness to ICI treatment, suggesting that obesity-induced chronic inflammation facilitated by high ANGPTL2 expression blocks ICI antitumor effects. Our findings overall provide novel insight into protumor ANGPTL2 functions and illustrate the essential role of the host system in ICI responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinsei Yumoto
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Haruki Horiguchi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Kadomatsu
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Center for Metabolic Regulation of Healthy Aging (CMHA), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Taichi Horino
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Michio Sato
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kazutoyo Terada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Keishi Miyata
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Toshiro Moroishi
- Center for Metabolic Regulation of Healthy Aging (CMHA), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hideo Baba
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Center for Metabolic Regulation of Healthy Aging (CMHA), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yuichi Oike
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Center for Metabolic Regulation of Healthy Aging (CMHA), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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10
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Guan Q, Gilpin SG, Doerksen J, Bath L, Lam T, Li Y, Lambert P, Wall DA. The Interactions of T Cells with Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Grafts. Cells 2024; 13:1545. [PMID: 39329729 PMCID: PMC11429538 DOI: 10.3390/cells13181545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2024] [Revised: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The interaction of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) with T cells within G-CSF-mobilized peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) grafts in patients undergoing autologous or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation remains to be elucidated. Through studying allo- and auto-PBSC grafts, we observed grafts containing large numbers of T cells and MDSCs with intergraft variability in their percentage and number. T cells from autologous grafts compared to allografts expressed relative higher percentages of inhibitory receptors PD-1, CTLA-4, TIM-3, LAG-3, TIGIT and BTLA. Autograft T cells had decreased cell proliferation and IFN-γ secretion, which supported the possible presence of T cell exhaustion. On the contrary, graft monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSCs) expressed multiple inhibitory receptor ligands, including PD-L1, CD86, Galectin-9, HVEM and CD155. The expression of inhibitory receptor ligands on M-MDSCs was correlated with their corresponding inhibitory receptors on T cells in the grafts. Isolated M-MDSCs had the ability to suppress T cell proliferation and IFN-γ secretion and/or promote Treg expansion. Blocking the PD-L1-PD-1 signaling pathway partially reversed the functions of M-MDSCs. Taken together, our data indicated that T cells and M-MDSCs in PBSC grafts express complementary inhibitory receptor-ligand pairing, which may impact the quality of immune recovery and clinical outcome post transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingdong Guan
- Manitoba Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, Departments of Pediatrics and Child Health and Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada (D.A.W.)
- Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
- Manitoba Center for Advanced Cell and Tissue Therapy, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1R9, Canada
- Paul Albreachtsen Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1R9, Canada
| | - Scott G. Gilpin
- Manitoba Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, Departments of Pediatrics and Child Health and Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada (D.A.W.)
| | - James Doerksen
- Manitoba Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, Departments of Pediatrics and Child Health and Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada (D.A.W.)
| | - Lauren Bath
- Manitoba Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, Departments of Pediatrics and Child Health and Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada (D.A.W.)
| | - Tracy Lam
- Manitoba Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, Departments of Pediatrics and Child Health and Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada (D.A.W.)
| | - Yun Li
- Manitoba Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, Departments of Pediatrics and Child Health and Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada (D.A.W.)
| | - Pascal Lambert
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Registry, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1R9, Canada;
| | - Donna A. Wall
- Manitoba Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, Departments of Pediatrics and Child Health and Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada (D.A.W.)
- Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
- Manitoba Center for Advanced Cell and Tissue Therapy, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1R9, Canada
- Paul Albreachtsen Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1R9, Canada
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11
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Kang W, Wang C, Wang M, Liu M, Hu W, Liang X, Yang J, Zhang Y. A key regulator of tumor-associated neutrophils: the CXCR2 chemokine receptor. J Mol Histol 2024:10.1007/s10735-024-10260-y. [PMID: 39269537 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-024-10260-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: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, with the advance of research, the role of tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) in tumors has become a research hotspot. As important effector cells in the innate immune system, neutrophils play a key role in the immune and inflammatory responses of the body. As the first line of defense against bacterial and fungal infections, neutrophils have the ability to kill invading pathogens. In the pathological state of malignant tumors, the phenotype of neutrophils is altered and has an important regulatory function in tumor development. The C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 2(CXCR2) is a key molecule that mediates the migration and aggregation signaling pathway of immune cells, especially neutrophils. This review focuses on the regulation of CXCR2 on TANs in the process of tumorigenesis and development, and emphasizes the application significance of CXCR2 inhibitors in blocking the migration of TANs to tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyan Kang
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang School of Medicine, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, P.R. China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 420001, Hunan, China
| | - Chengkun Wang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 420001, Hunan, China
| | - Minhui Wang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 420001, Hunan, China
| | - Meiqi Liu
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 420001, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 420001, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoqiu Liang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 420001, Hunan, China
| | - Juanli Yang
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang School of Medicine, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, P.R. China.
| | - Yang Zhang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 420001, Hunan, China.
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12
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Ju Y, Xu D, Liao MM, Sun Y, Bao WD, Yao F, Ma L. Barriers and opportunities in pancreatic cancer immunotherapy. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:199. [PMID: 39266715 PMCID: PMC11393360 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00681-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presents a fatal clinical challenge characterized by a dismal 5-year overall survival rate, primarily due to the lack of early diagnosis and limited therapeutic efficacy. Immunotherapy, a proven success in multiple cancers, has yet to demonstrate significant benefits in PDAC. Recent studies have revealed the immunosuppressive characteristics of the PDAC tumor microenvironment (TME), including immune cells with suppressive properties, desmoplastic stroma, microbiome influences, and PDAC-specific signaling pathways. In this article, we review recent advances in understanding the immunosuppressive TME of PDAC, TME differences among various mouse models of pancreatic cancer, and the mechanisms underlying resistance to immunotherapeutic interventions. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of targeting cancer cell-intrinsic pathways and TME components to sensitize PDAC to immune therapies, providing insights into strategies and future perspectives to break through the barriers in improving pancreatic cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Ju
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Biomedicine and Health, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Dongzhi Xu
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Biomedicine and Health, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Miao-Miao Liao
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Biomedicine and Health, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Yutong Sun
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Wen-Dai Bao
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Biomedicine and Health, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Fan Yao
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Biomedicine and Health, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China.
- Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China.
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China.
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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13
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Hayashi Y, Kamimura-Aoyagi Y, Nishikawa S, Noka R, Iwata R, Iwabuchi A, Watanabe Y, Matsunuma N, Yuki K, Kobayashi H, Harada Y, Harada H. IL36G-producing neutrophil-like monocytes promote cachexia in cancer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7662. [PMID: 39266531 PMCID: PMC11393454 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51873-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Most patients with advanced cancer develop cachexia, a multifactorial syndrome characterized by progressive skeletal muscle wasting. Despite its catastrophic impact on survival, the critical mediators responsible for cancer cachexia development remain poorly defined. Here, we show that a distinct subset of neutrophil-like monocytes, which we term cachexia-inducible monocytes (CiMs), emerges in the advanced cancer milieu and promotes skeletal muscle loss. Unbiased transcriptome analysis reveals that interleukin 36 gamma (IL36G)-producing CD38+ CiMs are induced in chronic monocytic blood cancer characterized by prominent cachexia. Notably, the emergence of CiMs and the activation of CiM-related gene signatures in monocytes are confirmed in various advanced solid cancers. Stimuli of toll-like receptor 4 signaling are responsible for the induction of CiMs. Genetic inhibition of IL36G-mediated signaling attenuates skeletal muscle loss and rescues cachexia phenotypes in advanced cancer models. These findings indicate that the IL36G-producing subset of neutrophil-like monocytes could be a potential therapeutic target in cancer cachexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Hayashi
- Laboratory of Oncology, School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan.
- Laboratory of Cancer Pathobiology and Therapeutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Shiga, Japan.
| | - Yasushige Kamimura-Aoyagi
- Laboratory of Oncology, School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sayuri Nishikawa
- Laboratory of Oncology, School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rena Noka
- Laboratory of Oncology, School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rika Iwata
- Laboratory of Oncology, School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Asami Iwabuchi
- Laboratory of Oncology, School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yushin Watanabe
- Laboratory of Oncology, School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Natsumi Matsunuma
- Laboratory of Oncology, School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kanako Yuki
- Laboratory of Oncology, School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Oncology, School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuka Harada
- Clinical Research Support Center, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center, Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hironori Harada
- Laboratory of Oncology, School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan.
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14
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Zhou Z, Zhang H, Du J, Yang J, Pan W, Zhang Q, Wang H, Tang P, Ba Y, Zhang H. A spatiotemporal comparative analysis on tumor immune microenvironment characteristics between neoadjuvant chemotherapy and preoperative immunotherapy for ESCC. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:663. [PMID: 39256364 PMCID: PMC11387609 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06986-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
The average five-year survival rate for esophageal cancer, a common malignant tumor of the digestive system, is barely 20%. The majority of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients had already progressed to a locally advanced or even advanced stage at initial diagnosis, making routine surgery ineffective. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy are important neoadjuvant treatments for ESCC, however, it remains unknown how treatment will affect the immunological microenvironment, especially at the spatial level. Here, we presented the TME characters of ESCC from the temporal and spatial dimensions using scRNA-seq and ST, investigated the changes of immune cell clusters in the TME under neoadjuvant chemotherapy and preoperative immunotherapy, and explored the potential mechanisms. It was found that compared with chemotherapy, immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy increased the level of T cell proliferation, partially restored the function of exhausted T cells, induced the expansion of specific exhausted CD8 T cells, increased the production of dendritic cells (DCs), and supported the immune hot microenvironment of the tumor. We also found that CD52 and ID3 have potential as biomarkers of ESCC. Particularly, CD52 may be served as a predictor of the efficacy to screen the advantaged population of different regimens. Through multiple pathways, CAF2 and CAF5's antigen-presenting role affected the other fibroblast clusters, resulting in malignant transformation. We analyzed the immune microenvironment differences between the two regimens to provide a more thorough description of the ESCC microenvironment profile and serve as a foundation for customized neoadjuvant treatment of ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyang Zhou
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300202, China
| | - Hongdian Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300202, China
| | - Jian Du
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300202, China
| | - Jiayu Yang
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300202, China
| | - Wen Pan
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300202, China
| | - Qiumo Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300202, China
| | - Huiya Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300202, China
| | - Peng Tang
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300202, China.
| | - Yi Ba
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100032, China.
| | - Haiyang Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Coloproctology, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300121, China.
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15
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Liu M, Liu Q, Hu K, Dong Y, Sun X, Zou Z, Ji D, Liu T, Yu Y. Colorectal cancer with BRAF V600E mutation: Trends in immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 204:104497. [PMID: 39245296 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) with BRAF V600E mutation presents a formidable scientific and clinical challenge due to its aggressive nature and poor response to standard therapeutic approaches. BRAF V600E mutation-induced conspicuous activation of the MAPK pathway contributes to the relentless tumor progression. Nevertheless, the efficacy of multi-targeted MAPK pathway inhibition remains suboptimal in clinical practice. Patients with high microsatellite instability (MSI-H) have shown favorable results with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The combination of the MAPK pathway inhibition with ICIs has recently emerged as a promising regimen to improve clinical outcomes in the microsatellite stable (MSS) subgroup of BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic CRC patients. In this review, we elucidate the unique tumor biology of BRAF V600E-mutant CRC, with a particular focus on the immune features underlying the rationale for ICI treatments in the MSI-H and MSS subpopulations, then highlight the trends in clinical trials of the ICI therapy for BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengling Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Keshu Hu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yu Dong
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xun Sun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhiguo Zou
- Department of Cardiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Dingkun Ji
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Tianshu Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Yiyi Yu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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16
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Zhang Y, Li J, Li J, Wang J. Dysregulation of systemic immunity and its clinical application in gastric cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1450128. [PMID: 39301031 PMCID: PMC11410619 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1450128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has profoundly changed the treatment of gastric cancer, but only a minority of patients benefit from immunotherapy. Therefore, numerous studies have been devoted to clarifying the mechanisms underlying resistance to immunotherapy or developing biomarkers for patient stratification. However, previous studies have focused mainly on the tumor microenvironment. Systemic immune perturbations have long been observed in patients with gastric cancer, and the involvement of the peripheral immune system in effective anticancer responses has attracted much attention in recent years. Therefore, understanding the distinct types of systemic immune organization in gastric cancer will aid personalized treatment designed to pair with traditional therapies to alleviate their detrimental effects on systemic immunity or to directly activate the anticancer response of systemic immunity. Herein, this review aims to comprehensively summarize systemic immunity in gastric cancer, including perturbations in systemic immunity induced by cancer and traditional therapies, and the potential clinical applications of systemic immunity in the detection, prediction, prognosis and therapy of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Hospital of Mianyang, Sichuan Mental Health Center, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Junfeng Li
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Hospital of Mianyang, Sichuan Mental Health Center, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Hospital of Mianyang, Sichuan Mental Health Center, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Jisheng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Hospital of Mianyang, Sichuan Mental Health Center, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
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17
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Kumar D, Da Silva VC, Chaves NL. Myeloid‑derived suppressor cells as targets of emerging therapies and nanotherapies (Review). MEDICINE INTERNATIONAL 2024; 4:46. [PMID: 38983795 PMCID: PMC11228699 DOI: 10.3892/mi.2024.170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. Immunotherapies are a promising approach in cancer treatment, particularly for aggressive forms of BC with high mortality rates. However, the current eligibility for immunotherapy remains limited to a limited fraction of patients with BC. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), originating from myeloid cells, are known for their dual role in immunosuppression and tumor promotion, significantly affecting patient outcomes by fostering the formation of premetastatic niches. Consequently, targeting MDSCs has emerged as a promising avenue for further exploration in therapeutic interventions. Leveraging nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, which excel in accumulating drugs within tumors via passive or active targeting mechanisms, are a promising strategy for the use of MDSCs in the treatment of BC. The present review discusses the immunosuppressive functions of MDSCs, their role in BC, and the diverse strategies for targeting them in cancer therapy. Additionally, the present review discusses future advancements in BC treatments focusing on MDSCs. Furthermore, it elucidates the mechanisms underlying MDSC activation, recruitment and differentiation in BC progression, highlighting the clinical characteristics that render MDSCs suitable candidates for the therapy and targeted nanotherapy of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dileep Kumar
- Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institutes of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Victor Carlos Da Silva
- Microscopy and Microanalysis Laboratory, Institutes of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Natalia Lemos Chaves
- Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institutes of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF 70910-900, Brazil
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18
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Liu Z, Fan Y, Cui M, Wang X, Zhao P. Investigation of tumour environments through advancements in microtechnology and nanotechnology. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 178:117230. [PMID: 39116787 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer has a significant negative social and economic impact on both developed and developing countries. As a result, understanding the onset and progression of cancer is critical for developing therapies that can improve the well-being and health of individuals with cancer. With time, study has revealed, the tumor microenvironment has great influence on this process. Micro and nanoscale engineering techniques can be used to study the tumor microenvironment. Nanoscale and Microscale engineering use Novel technologies and designs with small dimensions to recreate the TME. Knowing how cancer cells interact with one another can help researchers develop therapeutic approaches that anticipate and counteract cancer cells' techniques for evading detection and fighting anti-cancer treatments, such as microfabrication techniques, microfluidic devices, nanosensors, and nanodevices used to study or recreate the tumor microenvironment. Nevertheless, a complicated action just like the growth and in cancer advancement, and their intensive association along the environment around it that has to be studied in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Liu
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China
| | - Yan Fan
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Mengyao Cui
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Breast Surgery, General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Breast Surgery, General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| | - Pengfei Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China.
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19
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Rannikko JH, Hollmén M. Clinical landscape of macrophage-reprogramming cancer immunotherapies. Br J Cancer 2024; 131:627-640. [PMID: 38831013 PMCID: PMC11333586 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02715-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) sustain a tumour-supporting and immunosuppressive milieu and therefore aggravate cancer prognosis. To modify TAM behaviour and unlock their anti-tumoural potential, novel TAM-reprogramming immunotherapies are being developed at an accelerating rate. At the same time, scientific discoveries have highlighted more sophisticated TAM phenotypes with complex biological functions and contradictory prognostic associations. To understand the evolving clinical landscape, we reviewed current and past clinically evaluated TAM-reprogramming cancer therapeutics and summarised almost 200 TAM-reprogramming agents investigated in more than 700 clinical trials. Observable overall trends include a high frequency of overlapping strategies against the same therapeutic targets, development of more complex strategies to improve previously ineffective approaches and reliance on combinatory strategies for efficacy. However, strong anti-tumour efficacy is uncommon, which encourages re-directing efforts on identifying biomarkers for eligible patient populations and comparing similar treatments earlier. Future endeavours will benefit from considering the shortcomings of past treatment strategies and accommodating the emerging complexity of TAM biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna H Rannikko
- MediCity Research Laboratory and InFLAMES Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku Doctoral Program of Molecular Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Maija Hollmén
- MediCity Research Laboratory and InFLAMES Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
- Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Turku, Finland.
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20
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Zhou J, Ma X, Liu X, Liu Y, Fu J, Qi Y, Liu H. The impact of histone lactylation on the tumor microenvironment and metabolic pathways and its potential in cancer therapy. Genes Genomics 2024; 46:991-1011. [PMID: 39127851 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-024-01554-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The complexity of cancer is intricately linked to its multifaceted biological processes, including the roles of the tumor microenvironment (TME) as well as genetic and metabolic regulation. Histone lactylation has recently emerged as a novel epigenetic modification mechanism that plays a pivotal role in regulating cancer initiation, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. OBJECTIVE This review aims to elucidate the role of histone lactylation in modulating various aspects of tumor biology, including DNA repair mechanisms, glycolytic metabolic abnormalities, functions of non-tumor cells in the TME, and the promotion of tumor inflammatory responses and immune escape. Additionally, the review explores potential therapeutic strategies targeting histone lactylation. METHODS A comprehensive literature review was performed, analyzing recent findings on histone lactylation and its impact on cancer biology. This involved a systematic examination of studies focusing on biochemical pathways, cellular interactions, and clinical implications related to histone lactylation. RESULTS Histone lactylation was identified as a critical regulator of tumor cell DNA repair mechanisms and glycolytic metabolic abnormalities. It also significantly influences the functions of non-tumor cells within the TME, promoting tumor inflammatory responses and immune escape. Moreover, histone lactylation acts as a multifunctional biological signaling molecule impacting immune responses within the TME. Various cell types within the TME, including T cells and macrophages, were found to regulate tumor growth and immune escape mechanisms through lactylation. CONCLUSION Histone lactylation offers a novel perspective on tumor metabolism and its role in cancer development. It presents promising opportunities for the development of innovative cancer therapies. This review underscores the potential of histone lactylation as a therapeutic target, paving the way for new strategies in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanhong Zhou
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xinyun Ma
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaofeng Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yang Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jiaojiao Fu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yaling Qi
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Huiling Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
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21
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Zeng W, Liu H, Mao Y, Jiang S, Yi H, Zhang Z, Wang M, Zong Z. Myeloid‑derived suppressor cells: Key immunosuppressive regulators and therapeutic targets in colorectal cancer (Review). Int J Oncol 2024; 65:85. [PMID: 39054950 PMCID: PMC11299769 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5673] [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: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer. CRC has no apparent symptoms in the early stages of disease, and most patients receive a confirmed diagnosis in the middle or late disease stages. The incidence of CRC continues to increase, and the affected population tends to be younger. Therefore, determining how to achieve an early CRC diagnosis and treatment has become a top priority for prolonging patient survival. Myeloid‑derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a group of bone marrow‑derived immuno‑negative regulatory cells that are divided into two subpopulations, polymorphonuclear‑MDSCs and monocytic‑MDSCs, based on their phenotypic similarities to neutrophils and monocytes, respectively. These cells can inhibit the immune response and promote cancer cell metastasis in the tumour microenvironment (TME). A large aggregation of MDSCs in the TME is often a marker of cancer and a poor prognosis in inflammatory diseases of the intestine (such as colonic adenoma and ulcerative colitis). In the present review, the phenotypic classification of MDSCs in the CRC microenvironment are first discussed. Then, the amplification, role and metastatic mechanism of MDSCs in the CRC TME are described, focusing on genes, gene modifications, proteins and the intestinal microenvironment. Finally, the progress in CRC‑targeted therapies that aim to modulate the quantity, function and structure of MDSCs are summarized in the hope of identifying potential screening markers for CRC and improving CRC prognosis and therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Zeng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
- HuanKui Academy, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Haohan Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Yuanhao Mao
- Fuzhou Medical College, Nanchang University, Fuzhou, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Shihao Jiang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Hao Yi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Zitong Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
- HuanKui Academy, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Menghui Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
- HuanKui Academy, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Zong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
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22
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Li P, Chen Y, Xiang Y, Guo R, Li X, Liu J, Zhou Y, Fu X. 17β-estradiol promotes myeloid-derived suppressor cells functions and alleviates inflammatory bowel disease by activation of Stat3 and NF-κB signalings. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 242:106540. [PMID: 38719162 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106540] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) describes a group of clinically common autoimmune diseases characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation, with gender differences in prevalence. Estrogen has been previously shown to exert anti-inflammatory action in IBD development, however, the mechanisms remain obscure. Recent research has revealed that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a protective role in IBD pathogenesis. To investigate the molecular mechanisms of estrogen steroid 17β-estradiol (E2) in IBD progression, we established IBD mouse models (DNB-induced) with or without prior ovariectomy (OVX) and E2 implantation. We found that OVX led to worse IBD symptoms and reduced MDSCs frequency, whereas E2 significantly alleviated these effects in vivo. Moreover, in vitro experiments showed that E2 promoted the proliferation and immunosuppressive function of MDSCs through phosphorylation of Stat3 and p65. Mechanistically, E2-mediated Stat3/p65 phosphorylation depends on the interaction between HOTAIR, a long non-coding RNA that are well-known in MDSCs proliferation, and Stat3/p65 respectively. In conclusion, our study revealed that E2 promotes the expansion and immunosuppressive function of MDSCs, and thus diminished the occurrence and development of IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511436, P.R. China; Affiliated Qingyuan Hospital, The Sixth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, Guangdong, 511518, P.R. China
| | - Yiwen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511436, P.R. China
| | - Yixiao Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511436, P.R. China
| | - Ruixin Guo
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511436, P.R. China
| | - Xiaosa Li
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511436, P.R. China
| | - Junxiu Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China.
| | - Yuting Zhou
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511436, P.R. China.
| | - Xiaodong Fu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511436, P.R. China; Affiliated Qingyuan Hospital, The Sixth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, Guangdong, 511518, P.R. China; Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510260, P.R. China.
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23
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Kang W, Wang C, Wang M, Liu M, Hu W, Liang X, Zhang Y. The CXCR2 chemokine receptor: A new target for gastric cancer therapy. Cytokine 2024; 181:156675. [PMID: 38896956 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world, and current treatments are still based on surgery and drug therapy. However, due to the complexity of immunosuppression and drug resistance, the treatment of gastric cancer still faces great challenges. Chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) is one of the most common therapeutic targets in targeted therapy. As a G protein-coupled receptor, CXCR2 and its ligands play important roles in tumorigenesis and progression. The abnormal expression of these genes in cancer plays a decisive role in the recruitment and activation of white blood cells, angiogenesis, and cancer cell proliferation, and CXCR2 is involved in various stages of tumor development. Therefore, interfering with the interaction between CXCR2 and its ligands is considered a possible target for the treatment of various tumors, including gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyan Kang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang Hunan, China
| | - Chengkun Wang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang Hunan, China
| | - Minhui Wang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang Hunan, China
| | - Meiqi Liu
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang Hunan, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoqiu Liang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang Hunan, China.
| | - Yang Zhang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang Hunan, China.
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24
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Liu J, Li B, Li L, Ming X, Xu ZP. Advances in Nanomaterials for Immunotherapeutic Improvement of Cancer Chemotherapy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2403024. [PMID: 38773882 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202403024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Immuno-stimulative effect of chemotherapy (ISECT) is recognized as a potential alternative to conventional immunotherapies, however, the clinical application is constrained by its inefficiency. Metronomic chemotherapy, though designed to overcome these limitations, offers inconsistent results, with effectiveness varying based on cancer types, stages, and patient-specific factors. In parallel, a wealth of preclinical nanomaterials holds considerable promise for ISECT improvement by modulating the cancer-immunity cycle. In the area of biomedical nanomaterials, current literature reviews mainly concentrate on a specific category of nanomaterials and nanotechnological perspectives, while two essential issues are still lacking, i.e., a comprehensive analysis addressing the causes for ISECT inefficiency and a thorough summary elaborating the nanomaterials for ISECT improvement. This review thus aims to fill these gaps and catalyze further development in this field. For the first time, this review comprehensively discusses the causes of ISECT inefficiency. It then meticulously categorizes six types of nanomaterials for improving ISECT. Subsequently, practical strategies are further proposed for addressing inefficient ISECT, along with a detailed discussion on exemplary nanomedicines. Finally, this review provides insights into the challenges and perspectives for improving chemo-immunotherapy by innovations in nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, the University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, 000000, China
- GoodMedX Tech Limited Company, Hong Kong SAR, 000000, China
| | - Bei Li
- Cancer Centre and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, 999078, China
| | - Li Li
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, the University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Xin Ming
- Departments of Cancer Biology and Biomedical Engineering, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, USA
| | - Zhi Ping Xu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, the University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Institute of Biomedical Health Technology and Engineering, and Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518107, China
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25
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Zou D, Xin X, Xu Y, Xu H, Huang L, Xu T. Improving the efficacy of immunotherapy for colorectal cancer: Targeting tumor microenvironment-associated immunosuppressive cells. Heliyon 2024; 10:e36446. [PMID: 39262952 PMCID: PMC11388603 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have changed the treatment paradigm for many malignant tumors. As the most common digestive tract malignancy, colorectal cancer (CRC) shows a good response to ICIs only in a small subset of patients with MSI-H/dMMR CRC. In contrast, patients with MSS/pMMR CRC show minimal response to ICIs. The results of the REGONIVO study suggest that targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME) to improve immunotherapy outcomes in MSS/pMMR CRC patients is a feasible strategy. Therefore, this article focuses on exploring the feasibility of targeting the TME to enhance immunotherapy outcomes in CRC, collecting recent basic research on targeting the TME to enhance immunotherapy outcomes in CRC and analyzing ongoing clinical trials to provide a theoretical basis and future research directions for improving immunotherapy outcomes in MSS/pMMR CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daoyang Zou
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, China
| | - Xi Xin
- Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Yunxian Xu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, China
| | - Huangzhen Xu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, China
| | - Linyan Huang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, China
| | - Tianwen Xu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, China
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26
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Ding C, Xu X, Zhang X, Zhang E, Li S, Fan X, Ma J, Yang X, Zang L. Investigating the role of senescence biomarkers in colorectal cancer heterogeneity by bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing. Sci Rep 2024; 14:20083. [PMID: 39209895 PMCID: PMC11362543 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-70300-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of most common tumors worldwide, causing a prominent global health burden. Cell senescence is a complex physiological state, characterized by proliferation arrest. Here, we investigated the role of cellular senescence in the heterogeneity of CRC. Based on senescence-associated genes, CRC samples were classified into different senescence patterns with different survival, cancer-related biological processes and immune cell infiltrations. A senescence-related model was then developed to calculate the senescence-related score to comprehensively explore the heterogeneity of each CRC sample such as stromal activities, immunoreactivities and drug sensitivity. Single-cell analysis revealed there were different immune cell infiltrations between low and high senescence-related model genes enrichment groups, which was confirmed by multiplex immunofluorescence staining. Pseudotime analysis indicated model genes play a pivotal role in the evolution of B cells. Besides, intercellular communication modeled by NicheNet showed tumor cells with higher enrichment of senescence-related model genes highly expressed CXCL2/3 and CCL3/4, which attracted immunosuppressive cell infiltration and promoted tumor metastasis. Finally, top 6 hub genes were identified from senescence-related model genes by PPI analysis. And RT-qPCR revealed the expression differences of hub genes between normal and CRC cell lines, indicating to some extent the clinical practicability of senescence-related model. To sum up, our study explores the impact of cellular senescence on the prognosis, TME and treatment of CRC based on senescence patterns. This provides a new perspective for CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengsheng Ding
- Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
- Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Ximo Xu
- Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
- Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- Department of General Practice, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Enkui Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Shuchun Li
- Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
- Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiaodong Fan
- Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
- Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Junjun Ma
- Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- Department of General Surgery and Carson International Cancer Research Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital and Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Lu Zang
- Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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27
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Liu R, Wang J, Liu Y, Gao Y, Yang R. Regulation of gut microbiota on immune cell ferroptosis: A novel insight for immunotherapy against tumor. Cancer Lett 2024; 598:217115. [PMID: 39025428 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217115] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Gut microbiota contributes to the homeostasis of immune system and is related to various diseases such as tumorigenesis. Ferroptosis, a new type of cell death, is also involved in the disease pathogenesis. Recent studies have found the correlations of gut microbiota mediated ferroptosis and immune cell death. Gut microbiota derived immunosuppressive metabolites, which can promote differentiation and function of immune cells, tend to inhibit ferroptosis through their receptors, whereas inflammatory metabolites from gut microbiota also affect the differentiation and function of immune cells and their ferroptosis. Thus, it is possible for gut microbiota to regulate immune cell ferroptosis. Indeed, gut microbiota metabolite receptor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) can affect ferroptosis of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes, leading to disease pathogenesis. Since immune cell ferroptosis in tumor microenvironment (TME) affects the occurrence and development of tumor, the modulation of gut microbiota in these cell ferroptosis might influence on the tumorigenesis, and also immunotherapy against tumors. Here we will summarize the recent advance of ferroptosis mediated by gut microbiota metabolites, which potentially acts as regulator(s) on immune cells in TME for therapy against tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruobing Liu
- Department of Immunology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Juanjuan Wang
- Department of Immunology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yuqing Liu
- Department of Immunology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yunhuan Gao
- Department of Immunology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Rongcun Yang
- Department of Immunology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; Translational Medicine Institute, Affiliated Tianjin Union Medical Center of Nankai University, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
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28
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Luo M, Li Q, Gu Q, Zhang C. Fusobacterium nucleatum: a novel regulator of antitumor immune checkpoint blockade therapy in colorectal cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2024; 14:3962-3975. [PMID: 39267665 PMCID: PMC11387864 DOI: 10.62347/myza2640] [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: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Neoadjuvant immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has achieved significant success in treating various cancers, leading to improved therapeutic responses and survival rates among patients. However, in colorectal cancer (CRC), ICB has yielded poor results in tumors that are mismatch repair proficient, microsatellite-stable, or have low levels of microsatellite instability (MSI-L), which account for up to 95% of CRC cases. The underlying mechanisms behind the lack of immune response in MSI-negative CRC to immune checkpoint inhibitors remain an open conundrum. Consequently, there is an urgent need to explore the intrinsic mechanisms and related biomarkers to enhance the intratumoral immune response and render the tumor "immune-reactive". Intestinal microbes, such as the oral microbiome member Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum), have recently been thought to play a crucial role in regulating effective immunotherapeutic responses. Herein, we advocate the idea that a complex interplay involving F. nucleatum, the local immune system, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) significantly influences ICB responses. Several mechanisms have been proposed, including the regulation of immune cell proliferation, inhibition of T lymphocyte, natural killer (NK) cell function, and invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell function, as well as modification of the TME. This review aims to summarize the latest potential roles and mechanisms of F. nucleatum in antitumor immunotherapies for CRC. Additionally, it discusses the clinical application value of F. nucleatum as a biomarker for CRC and explores novel strategies, such as nano-delivery systems, for modulating F. nucleatum to enhance the efficacy of ICB therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjie Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Shenzhen Yantian District People's Hospital Shenzhen 518081, Guangdong, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Shenzhen Yantian District People's Hospital Shenzhen 518081, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingdan Gu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Shenzhen Yantian District People's Hospital Shenzhen 518081, Guangdong, China
| | - Chunlei Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Shenzhen Yantian District People's Hospital Shenzhen 518081, Guangdong, China
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29
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Fu Y, Guo X, Sun L, Cui T, Wu C, Wang J, Liu Y, Liu L. Exploring the role of the immune microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma: Implications for immunotherapy and drug resistance. eLife 2024; 13:e95009. [PMID: 39146202 PMCID: PMC11326777 DOI: 10.7554/elife.95009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver tumor, is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and the incidence of liver cancer is still increasing worldwide. Curative hepatectomy or liver transplantation is only indicated for a small population of patients with early-stage HCC. However, most patients with HCC are not candidates for radical resection due to disease progression, leading to the choice of the conventional tyrosine kinase inhibitor drug sorafenib as first-line treatment. In the past few years, immunotherapy, mainly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has revolutionized the clinical strategy for HCC. Combination therapy with ICIs has proven more effective than sorafenib, and clinical trials have been conducted to apply these therapies to patients. Despite significant progress in immunotherapy, the molecular mechanisms behind it remain unclear, and immune resistance is often challenging to overcome. Several studies have pointed out that the complex intercellular communication network in the immune microenvironment of HCC regulates tumor escape and drug resistance to immune response. This underscores the urgent need to analyze the immune microenvironment of HCC. This review describes the immunosuppressive cell populations in the immune microenvironment of HCC, as well as the related clinical trials, aiming to provide insights for the next generation of precision immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Fu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei, China
| | - Xinyu Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Linmao Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei, China
| | - Tianming Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei, China
| | - Chenghui Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei, China
| | - Jiabei Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei, China
| | - Yao Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei, China
| | - Lianxin Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei, China
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30
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Erickson HL, Taniguchi S, Raman A, Leitenberger JJ, Malhotra SV, Oshimori N. Cancer stem cells release interleukin-33 within large oncosomes to promote immunosuppressive differentiation of macrophage precursors. Immunity 2024; 57:1908-1922.e6. [PMID: 39079535 PMCID: PMC11324407 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
In squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), macrophages responding to interleukin (IL)-33 create a TGF-β-rich stromal niche that maintains cancer stem cells (CSCs), which evade chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in part via activation of the NRF2 antioxidant program. Here, we examined how IL-33 derived from CSCs facilitates the development of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. CSCs with high NRF2 activity redistributed nuclear IL-33 to the cytoplasm and released IL-33 as cargo of large oncosomes (LOs). Mechanistically, NRF2 increased the expression of the lipid scramblase ATG9B, which exposed an "eat me" signal on the LO surface, leading to annexin A1 (ANXA1) loading. These LOs promoted the differentiation of AXNA1 receptor+ myeloid precursors into immunosuppressive macrophages. Blocking ATG9B's scramblase activity or depleting ANXA1 decreased niche macrophages and hindered tumor progression. Thus, IL-33 is released from live CSCs via LOs to promote the differentiation of alternatively activated macrophage, with potential relevance to other settings of inflammation and tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L Erickson
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Sachiko Taniguchi
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Anish Raman
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Justin J Leitenberger
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Sanjay V Malhotra
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA; Center for Experimental Therapeutics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA; Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Naoki Oshimori
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA; Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA; Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA; Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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Chong X, Madeti Y, Cai J, Li W, Cong L, Lu J, Mo L, Liu H, He S, Yu C, Zhou Z, Wang B, Cao Y, Wang Z, Shen L, Wang Y, Zhang X. Recent developments in immunotherapy for gastrointestinal tract cancers. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:65. [PMID: 39123202 PMCID: PMC11316403 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01578-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The past few decades have witnessed the rise of immunotherapy for Gastrointestinal (GI) tract cancers. The role of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), particularly programmed death protein 1 (PD-1) and PD ligand-1 antibodies, has become increasingly pivotal in the treatment of advanced and perioperative GI tract cancers. Currently, anti-PD-1 plus chemotherapy is considered as first-line regimen for unselected advanced gastric/gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (G/GEJC), mismatch repair deficient (dMMR)/microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) colorectal cancer (CRC), and advanced esophageal cancer (EC). In addition, the encouraging performance of claudin18.2-redirected chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy in later-line GI tract cancers brings new hope for cell therapy in solid tumour treatment. Nevertheless, immunotherapy for GI tumour remains yet precise, and researchers are dedicated to further maximising and optimising the efficacy. This review summarises the important research, latest progress, and future directions of immunotherapy for GI tract cancers including EC, G/GEJC, and CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Chong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Yelizhati Madeti
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Jieyuan Cai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Wenfei Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Lin Cong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Jialin Lu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Liyang Mo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Huizhen Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Siyi He
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Chao Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Zhiruo Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Boya Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Yanshuo Cao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Zhenghang Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Lin Shen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Beijing Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Yakun Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Beijing Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China.
| | - Xiaotian Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Beijing Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China.
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Yang F, Lee G, Fan Y. Navigating tumor angiogenesis: therapeutic perspectives and myeloid cell regulation mechanism. Angiogenesis 2024; 27:333-349. [PMID: 38580870 PMCID: PMC11303583 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-024-09913-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Sustained angiogenesis stands as a hallmark of cancer. The intricate vascular tumor microenvironment fuels cancer progression and metastasis, fosters therapy resistance, and facilitates immune evasion. Therapeutic strategies targeting tumor vasculature have emerged as transformative for cancer treatment, encompassing anti-angiogenesis, vessel normalization, and endothelial reprogramming. Growing evidence suggests the dynamic regulation of tumor angiogenesis by infiltrating myeloid cells, such as macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and neutrophils. Understanding these regulatory mechanisms is pivotal in paving the way for successful vasculature-targeted cancer treatments. Therapeutic interventions aimed to disrupt myeloid cell-mediated tumor angiogenesis may reshape tumor microenvironment and overcome tumor resistance to radio/chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Gloria Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Yi Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Feng X, Sun Z, Huang Y, Zhang Y, Chen Y, Deng B. A Low Systemic Inflammatory Response Index Is Associated With Improved Survival in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Patients. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2024; 82:999-1007. [PMID: 38615695 DOI: 10.1016/j.joms.2024.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Predicting the long-term survival in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) patients remains challenging. Inflammatory cell-based indices are emerging as prognostic indicators of oncology. PURPOSE This study aimed to determine the associations between the preoperative systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) and the systemic immunoinflammatory index (SII) and the 10-year survival rates in patients with ACC of the head and neck (ACCHN). STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE This retrospective cohort study comprised ACCHN patients treated at the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital between November 2003 and December 2020. PREDICTOR VARIABLE The inflammatory response, assessed using the SIRI and SII, was the predictor variable. The optimal cutoff values were based on the maximum Youden index values (sensitivity + specificity-1). The patients were divided into two groups each, based on the SIRI (low, ≤ 0.15) and (high, > 0.15), and SII (low, ≤ 562.8 and high, > 562.8) values. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE(S) Overall survival (OS), or the number of days, weeks, or months between treatment initiation and death (or the last follow-up date), was the primary outcome variable. COVARIATES The covariates were classified as demographic (age, gender, body mass index), medical (hypertension, diabetes), inflammatory (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, platelets, lymphocyte-monocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio), and perioperative (tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, tumor size, treatment type). ANALYSES Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate Cox proportional risk regression analyses were performed to determine whether the SIRI and SII were independent prognostic factors for OS. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank tests were used to determine their associations with the OS. RESULTS The study sample comprised 162 patients (mean age, 52 ± 14; males, 39.5%). The median follow-up time was 6.81 ± 0.23, and the 10-year OS rate was 7.68 ± 0.25. The low and high SIRI groups comprised 109 and 53 patients, while the low and high SII groups comprised 116 and 46 patients, respectively. SIRI was identified as a prognostic factor (P < .01; hazard ratio, 2.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.35-4.45). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE The SIRI has the advantages of reproducibility, convenience, noninvasiveness, and affordability, making it a promising prognostic inflammatory index for patients with ACCHN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanqi Feng
- Graduate Student, Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongyang Sun
- Resident Doctor, Department of Infectious Disease Management, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College (Xiamen Second Hospital), Xiamen, China
| | - Yang Huang
- Dentistry, Attending Physician, Department of Stomatology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General, Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Graduate Student, Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Yanru Chen
- Graduate Student, Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Deng
- Dentistry, Associate Chief Physician, Department of Stomatology, Medical School of Chinese PLA, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General, Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.
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Liao KL, Wieler AJ, Gascon PML. Mathematical modeling and analysis of cancer treatment with radiation and anti-PD-L1. Math Biosci 2024; 374:109218. [PMID: 38797473 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2024.109218] [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: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
In cancer treatment, radiation therapy (RT) induces direct tumor cell death due to DNA damage, but it also enhances the deaths of radiosensitive immune cells and is followed by local relapse and up-regulation of immune checkpoint ligand PD-L1. Since the binding between PD-1 and PD-L1 curtails anti-tumor immunities, combining RT and PD-L1 inhibitor, anti-PD-L1, is a potential method to improve the treatment efficacy by RT. Some experiments support this hypothesis by showing that the combination of ionizing irradiation (IR) and anti-PD-L1 improves tumor reduction comparing to the monotherapy of IR or anti-PD-L1. In this work, we create a simplified ODE model to study the order of tumor growths under treatments of IR and anti-PD-L1. Our synergy analysis indicates that both IR and anti-PD-L1 improve the tumor reduction of each other, when IR and anti-PD-L1 are given simultaneously. When giving IR and anti-PD-L1 separately, a high dosage of IR should be given first to efficiently reduce tumor load and then followed by anti-PD-L1 with strong efficacy to maintain the tumor reduction and slow down the relapse. Increasing the duration of anti-PD-L1 improves the tumor reduction, but it cannot prolong the duration that tumor relapses to the level of the control case. Under some simplification, we also prove that the model has an unstable tumor free equilibrium and a locally asymptotically stable tumor persistent equilibrium. Our bifurcation diagram reveals a transition from tumor elimination to tumor persistence, as the tumor growth rate increases. In the tumor persistent case, both anti-PD-L1 and IR can reduce tumor amount in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang-Ling Liao
- Department of Mathematics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Adam J Wieler
- Department of Mathematics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Pedro M Lopez Gascon
- Department of Mathematics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2, Canada
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Ji M, Chen Y, Zhang L, Ying L, Huang C, Liu L. Construction and Evaluation of an M2 Macrophage-Related Prognostic Model for Colon Cancer. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2024; 196:4934-4953. [PMID: 37987949 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04789-z] [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] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Colon cancer (CC) is a primary human malignancy. Recently, the mechanism of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in CC has been a hot topic of research. However, there is uncertainty regarding the contribution of M2 macrophages and related genes to the prognosis for CC. M2 macrophage-related genes (M2RGs) were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Immune cell infiltration in CC tissue was assessed by Cibersort. Based on the TCGA-COAD training set, a Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) Cox risk model was constructed and its efficiency was evaluated by analyzing risk profiles and survival profiles. Using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), the functional distinctions between high-risk and low-risk categories were further investigated. Finally, potential immune checkpoints, immunotherapy efficiency, and clinical treatment of high-risk patients were evaluated. A total of 1063 M2RGs were identified in TCGA-COAD, 32 of these were confirmed to be strongly related to overall survival (OS), and 14 of these were picked to construct an OS-oriented prognostic model in CC patients. The M2RG signature had a positive correlation with unfavorable prognosis according to the survival analysis. Correlation analysis revealed that the risk model was positively associated with clinicopathological characteristics, immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint inhibitor targets, the risk of immune escape, and the efficiency of anti-cancer medications. The risk model created using M2RGs may be useful in predicting the prognosis of CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Ji
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanping Chen
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Oncology, Zhong-Da Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Leqian Ying
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunchun Huang
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Liu
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Oncology, Zhong-Da Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China.
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Niu B, Tian T, Wang L, Tian Y, Tian T, Guo Y, Zhou H, Zhang Z. CCL9/CCR1 axis-driven chemotactic nanovesicles for attenuating metastasis of SMAD4-deficient colorectal cancer by trapping TGF- β. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:3711-3729. [PMID: 39220887 PMCID: PMC11365421 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
SMAD4 deficiency in colorectal cancer (CRC) is highly correlated with liver metastasis and high mortality, yet there are few effective precision therapies available. Here, we show that CCR1+-granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (G-MDSCs) are highly infiltrated in SMAD4-deficient CRC via CCL15/CCR1 and CCL9/CCR1 axis in clinical specimens and mouse models, respectively. The excessive TGF-β, secreted by tumor-infiltrated CCR1+-G-MDSCs, suppresses the immune response of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), thus facilitating metastasis. Hereby, we develop engineered nanovesicles displaying CCR1 and TGFBR2 molecules (C/T-NVs) to chemotactically target the tumor driven by CCL9/CCR1 axis and trap TGF-β through TGF-β-TGFBR2 specific binding. Chemotactic C/T-NVs counteract CCR1+-G-MDSC infiltration through competitive responding CCL9/CCR1 axis. C/T-NVs-induced intratumoral TGF-β exhaustion alleviates the TGF-β-suppressed immune response of CTLs. Collectively, C/T-NVs attenuate liver metastasis of SMAD4-deficient CRC. In further exploration, high expression of programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) is observed in clinical specimens of SMAD4-deficient CRC. Combining C/T-NVs with anti-PD-L1 antibody (aPD-L1) induces tertiary lymphoid structure formation with sustained activation of CTLs, CXCL13+-CD4+ T, CXCR5+-CD20+ B cells, and enhanced secretion of cytotoxic cytokine interleukin-21 and IFN-γ around tumors, thus eradicating metastatic foci. Our strategy elicits pleiotropic antimetastatic immunity, paving the way for nanovesicle-mediated precision immunotherapy in SMAD4-deficient CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boning Niu
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Tianyi Tian
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yinmei Tian
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Tian Tian
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yuanyuan Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Hu Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, High Throughput Drug Screening Platform, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Zhiping Zhang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Centre for Novel Drug Delivery System, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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Liu W, Puri A, Fu D, Chen L, Wang C, Kellis M, Yang J. Dissecting the tumor microenvironment in response to immune checkpoint inhibitors via single-cell and spatial transcriptomics. Clin Exp Metastasis 2024; 41:313-332. [PMID: 38064127 PMCID: PMC11374862 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-023-10246-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is a disease that undergoes selective pressure to evolve during its progression, becoming increasingly heterogeneous. Tumoral heterogeneity can dictate therapeutic response. Transcriptomics can be used to uncover complexities in cancer and reveal phenotypic heterogeneity that affects disease response. This is especially pertinent in the immune microenvironment, which contains diverse populations of immune cells, and whose dynamic properties influence disease response. The recent development of immunotherapies has revolutionized cancer therapy, with response rates of up to 50% within certain cancers. However, despite advances in immune checkpoint blockade specifically, there remains a significant population of non-responders to these treatments. Transcriptomics can be used to profile immune and other cell populations following immune-checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment, generate predictive biomarkers of resistance or response, assess immune effector function, and identify potential immune checkpoints. Single-cell RNA sequencing has offered insight into mRNA expression within the complex and heterogeneous tumor microenvironment at single-cell resolution. Spatial transcriptomics has enabled measurement of mRNA expression while adding locational context. Here, we review single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomic research investigating ICI response within a variety of cancer microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendi Liu
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Anusha Puri
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Doris Fu
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lee Chen
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Cassia Wang
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Manolis Kellis
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jiekun Yang
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Du Z, Xiao Y, Deng G, Song H, Xue Y, Song H. CD3+/CD4+ cells combined with myosteatosis predict the prognosis in patients who underwent gastric cancer surgery. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2024; 15:1587-1600. [PMID: 38894548 PMCID: PMC11294046 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the predictive capacity of lymphocyte subpopulations, sarcopenia and myosteatosis for clinical outcomes in patients who underwent gastric cancer surgery. Additionally, the prognostic significance of CD3+/CD4+ cells in conjunction with myosteatosis was explored. METHODS A cohort of 190 patients with gastric cancer who underwent surgery and received computed tomography scans between July 2016 and December 2017 at our institution was examined. Complete clinical information and peripheral lymphocyte subpopulations were available for all patients. A comprehensive array of statistical methodologies was employed to scrutinize variances in both clinical and pathological characteristics among patients, with the aim of identifying autonomous prognostic determinants requisite for the development of a nomogram. Subsequent assessment of the predictive efficacy of the nomogram was conducted via calibration curve analysis. RESULTS The study comprised a cohort of 190 participants, encompassing 126 males (66.32%) and 64 females (33.68%), with a mean age of 58.47 (±11.37) years. Patients were stratified into three groups based on CD3+/CD4+ cells and myosteatosis, with 24 in Group 1, 87 in Group 2 and 79 in Group 3. Notably, patients in the third group exhibited significantly shorter progression-free survival (PFS) (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.208, P < 0.001) and overall survival (OS) (HR = 0.193, P < 0.001). The subset of peripheral blood lymphocytes exhibited elevated levels of CD3+/CD4+ cells (HR = 2.485, P < 0.001) and heightened CD4+/CD8+ ratios (HR = 1.705, P = 0.038), whereas diminished CD19+ cell counts (HR = 0.210, P = 0.032) correlated with improved OS in patients. The individuals presenting with sarcopenia (HR = 4.089, P = 0.023) and myosteatosis (HR = 2.857, P < 0.001) displayed reduced OS. The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that pathological tumour-node-metastasis stage, CD19+ cells, sarcopenia and CD3+/CD4+ cell-myosteatosis were identified as independent prognostic factors for PFS and OS in patients. The constructed nomograms for PFS and OS yielded C-index values of 0.839 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.798-0.880) and 0.836 (95% CI: 0.792-0.879), respectively. The calibration analysis demonstrated that the nomograms accurately predicted the 3- and 5-year survival rates of PFS and OS in patients. CONCLUSIONS Lymphocyte subsets, including CD3+/CD4+ cells, CD4+/CD8+ ratio and CD19+ cells, are indicative of clinical prognosis in gastric cancer surgery patients. Body composition parameters, such as sarcopenia and myosteatosis, are also associated with the patient's prognosis. The combination of CD3+/CD4+ cells with myosteatosis demonstrates enhanced prognostic value, enabling the identification of patients at high risk of post-operative metastasis and recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongze Du
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryHarbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinHeilongjiangChina
| | - Youming Xiao
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryYaAn People's HospitalYa'anSichuanChina
| | - Guiming Deng
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryHarbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinHeilongjiangChina
| | - Haibin Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryHarbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinHeilongjiangChina
| | - Yingwei Xue
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryHarbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinHeilongjiangChina
| | - Hongjiang Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryHarbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinHeilongjiangChina
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Grande G, Graziani A, De Toni L, Garolla A, Ferlin A. Male Tract Microbiota and Male Infertility. Cells 2024; 13:1275. [PMID: 39120306 PMCID: PMC11312145 DOI: 10.3390/cells13151275] [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: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, several studies have analyzed the composition of the male genital tract microbiota and its changes in infertility or in different situations associated with infertility. The aim of this narrative review is to obtain more insight on this topic; in particular, to describe actual evidence about changes in the semen microbiota in patients with infertility, male tract infections, or HPV infections. In semen, an increase in semen Prevotella spp. is associated with oligozoospermia and with obesity-associated asthenozoospermia; an increase in Pseudomonas is more frequently associated with asthenozoospermia and oligozoospermia; a reduction in Lactobacilli spp. (namely in Lactobacillus crispatus) may represent a marker of low semen quality. However, an increase in Lactobacillus iners is considered a risk factor for a reduced sperm concentration. In patients with prostatitis, there is a reduction in Lactobacillus spp. and an increase in Streptococcus spp., opening important perspectives about the role of probiotic treatments in these patients. Finally, an increase in Fusobacteria spp. was observed in patients with an HPV infection. In the conclusion, we underline the interactions between the seminal and vaginal microbiota, so that further studies should focus on the "couple genital microbiota".
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Alberto Ferlin
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (G.G.); (L.D.T.); (A.G.)
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Wu D, Liu Y, Liu J, Ma L, Tong X. Myeloid cell differentiation-related gene signature for predicting clinical outcome, immune microenvironment, and treatment response in lung adenocarcinoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17460. [PMID: 39075165 PMCID: PMC11286868 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68111-5] [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: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Considering the key role of myeloid cell differentiation-related genes in the tumor microenvironment (TME), we aimed to build a prognostic risk model using these genes for Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). The mRNA gene expression profiles of LUAD patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were downloaded as the training and validation sets. Then, "edgeR" R package was applied to screen out the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and univariate cox regression, backward stepwise selection analyses were performed to construct a prognostic model for LUAD. ESTIMATE, TIMER, XCELL, CIBERSORT abs, QUANTISEQ, MCPCOUNTER, EPIC, and CIBERSORT algorithms were conducted to access the association of risk levels with the stromal and immune cell infiltration levels in LUAD. Six genes (F2RL1, PRKDC, TNFSF11, INHA, PLA2G3 and TUBB1) were utilized to construct the prognostic model. The risk model showed excellent prognostic performance for LUAD in both TCGA and GEO datasets. Also, compared to the low-risk patients, the high-risk patients had higher expression of immune checkpoint molecules and showed a lower IC50 value to the chemotherapy agents. Our findings provided a myeloid cell differentiation-related gene signature that could effectively predict prognosis and guide treatment strategies for LUAD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Experimental Research Center, Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, 201700, China
| | - Yibing Liu
- Experimental Research Center, Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, 201700, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Ma
- Experimental Research Center, Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, 201700, China
| | - Xiaoxia Tong
- Experimental Research Center, Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, 201700, China.
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Spiga M, Martini E, Maffia MC, Ciceri F, Ruggiero E, Potenza A, Bonini C. Harnessing the tumor microenvironment to boost adoptive T cell therapy with engineered lymphocytes for solid tumors. Semin Immunopathol 2024; 46:8. [PMID: 39060547 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-024-01011-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) and T Cell Receptor (TCR) engineered T cells represents an innovative therapeutic approach for the treatment of hematological malignancies, yet its application for solid tumors is still suboptimal. The tumor microenvironment (TME) places several challenges to overcome for a satisfactory therapeutic effect, such as physical barriers (fibrotic capsule and stroma), and inhibitory signals impeding T cell function. Some of these obstacles can be faced by combining ACT with other anti-tumor approaches, such as chemo/radiotherapy and checkpoint inhibitors. On the other hand, cutting edge technological tools offer the opportunity to overcome and, in some cases, take advantage of TME intrinsic characteristics to boost ACT efficacy. These include: the exploitation of chemokine gradients and integrin expression for preferential T-cell homing and extravasation; metabolic changes that have direct or indirect effects on TCR-T and CAR-T cells by increasing antigen presentation and reshaping T cell phenotype; introduction of additional synthetic receptors on TCR-T and CAR-T cells with the aim of increasing T cells survival and fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Spiga
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Martini
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Maffia
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Ciceri
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Eliana Ruggiero
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Potenza
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
| | - Chiara Bonini
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
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Gao Z, Liu S, Xiao H, Li M, Ren WG, Xu L, Peng ZM. IRF8 deficiency-induced myeloid-derived suppressor cell promote immune evasion in lung adenocarcinoma. J Transl Med 2024; 22:678. [PMID: 39049031 PMCID: PMC11270856 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05519-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) have a low response rate to immune checkpoint blockade. It is highly important to explore the tumor immune escape mechanism of LUAD patients and expand the population of patients who may benefit from immunotherapy. METHODS Based on 954 bulk RNA-seq data of LUAD patients and 15 single-cell RNA-seq data, the relationships between tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) scores and survival prognosis in each patient were calculated and evaluated, and the immune escape mechanism affecting the independent prognosis of LUAD patients was identified. Functional enrichment analysis explored the antitumour immune response and biological behavior of tumor cells among different LUAD groups. Single-cell annotation and pseudotemporal analysis were used to explore the target molecules and immune escape mechanisms of LUAD. RESULTS Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and IRF8 were identified as risk and protective factors for the independent prognosis of LUAD patients, respectively. In the tumor microenvironment of patients with high infiltration of MDSCs, the antitumor immune response is significantly suppressed, while tumor cell division, proliferation, and distant metastasis are significantly enhanced. Single-cell RNA-seq analysis revealed that IRF8 is an important regulator of MDSC differentiation in LUAD myeloid cells. In addition, IRF8 may regulate the differentiation of MDSCs through the IL6-JAK-STAT3 signalling pathway. CONCLUSIONS IRF8 deficiency impairs the normal development of LUAD myeloid cells and induces their differentiation into MDSCs, thereby accelerating the immune escape of LUAD cells. IRF8-targeted activation to inhibit the formation of MDSCs may be a new target for immunotherapy in LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Shang Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Xiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wan-Gang Ren
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhong-Min Peng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
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Abunawas D, Abbasy A, Afifi M, Moaaz M, Kamal A, Awaad A, Elsherbini B. MYELOID-DERIVED SUPPRESSOR CELLS TWO YEARS AFTER HEPATITIS C VIRUS ERADICATION USING DIRECTLY ACTING ANTIVIRALS. ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2024; 61:e24004. [PMID: 39046003 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-2803.24612024-004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have immature morphology, relatively weak phagocytic activity, as well as some immunosuppressive functions. The capacity of MDSCs to inhibit T-cell-mediated immunological responses is their most notable functional characteristic. Down-regulating antitumor immune surveillance is one way that the expansion and activation of MDSCs contribute significantly to the occurrence and progression of tumors. Increased levels of MDSCs in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection could suppress T-cell responses, promoting viral escape and hepatitis progression. This may make HCV-infected individuals more vulnerable to severe infections, hepatic and extra-hepatic tumors, and a diminished capacity to react to immunization. It is still unknown if effective HCV eradication with directly acting antivirals (DAAs) can restore immune functions and immune surveillance capacity. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to observe the frequency of M-MDSCs (CD33+, CD11b+, and HLA-DR) in patients with a previous history of HCV, 2-3 years after virus eradication using DAA therapy. METHODS This study was conducted on 110 subjects: fifty-five subjects without liver cirrhosis who were treated with HCV using DAAs and attained SVR for a period of 2-3 years and 55 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. The study was conducted during the period from January to July 2022. Patients were recruited from the National Viral Hepatitis Treatment Unit, Alexandria University Hepatology outpatient clinic, and the Alexandria University Tropical Medicine outpatient clinic. The frequencies of MDSCs (CD33+CD11b + HLA-DR-) by flow cytometry were assessed. RESULTS Even after the virus had been eradicated for longer than two years, MDSC levels in HCV-treated individuals were found to be considerably higher. In the HCV-treated group, the median number of MDSCs was 5, with an interquartile range (IQR) of 3.79-7.69. In contrast, the median for the control group was 3.1, with an IQR of 1.4-3.2 (P˂0.001). CONCLUSION Successful DAA therapy leads to slow and partial immunological reconstitution, as demonstrated by the failure to attain normal levels of MDSC's 2 years after successful HCV eradication despite the normalization of laboratory parameters as well as the absence of liver fibrosis. The clinical implications of these findings should be thoroughly studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dania Abunawas
- Academic fellow, Immunology and Allergy department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Amany Abbasy
- Lecturer of Tropical Medicine, Tropical Medicine department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Afifi
- Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Allergy and Immunology department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mai Moaaz
- Professor of Immunology and Allergy, Immunology and Allergy department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Kamal
- Lecturer of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Internal Medicine department, Hepatology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ashraf Awaad
- Center of Excellence for Research in Regenerative Medicine and Applications, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Basem Elsherbini
- Lecturer of Immunology and Allergy, Immunology and Allergy department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Zhao Q, Wei T, Ma R, Fu Y, Yang R, Su Y, Yu Y, Li B, Li Y. Progress on immuno-microenvironment and immune-related therapies in patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei. Cancer Biol Med 2024; 21:j.issn.2095-3941.2024.0109. [PMID: 39026438 PMCID: PMC11271218 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2024.0109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is an indolent malignant syndrome. The standard treatment for PMP is cytoreductive surgery combined with intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC). However, the high recurrence rate and latent clinical symptoms and signs are major obstacles to further improving clinical outcomes. Moreover, patients in advanced stages receive little benefit from CRS + HIPEC due to widespread intraperitoneal metastases. Another challenge in PMP treatment involves the progressive sclerosis of PMP cell-secreted mucus, which is often increased due to activating mutations in the gene coding for guanine nucleotide-binding protein alpha subunit (GNAS). Consequently, the development of other PMP therapies is urgently needed. Several immune-related therapies have shown promise, including the use of bacterium-derived non-specific immunogenic agents, radio-immunotherapeutic agents, and tumor cell-derived neoantigens, but a well-recognized immunotherapy has not been established. In this review the roles of GNAS mutations in the promotion of mucin secretion and disease development are discussed. In addition, the immunologic features of the PMP microenvironment and immune-associated treatments are discussed to summarize the current understanding of key features of the disease and to facilitate the development of immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qidi Zhao
- School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China
| | - Tian Wei
- School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China
| | - Ru Ma
- Department of Peritoneal Cancer Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Yubin Fu
- Department of Peritoneal Cancer Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Peritoneal Cancer Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Yandong Su
- Department of Peritoneal Cancer Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China
| | - Bing Li
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China
| | - Yan Li
- School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China
- Department of Peritoneal Cancer Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
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Cantoni C, Falco M, Vitale M, Pietra G, Munari E, Pende D, Mingari MC, Sivori S, Moretta L. Human NK cells and cancer. Oncoimmunology 2024; 13:2378520. [PMID: 39022338 PMCID: PMC11253890 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2024.2378520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The long story of NK cells started about 50 y ago with the first demonstration of a natural cytotoxic activity within an undefined subset of circulating leukocytes, has involved an ever-growing number of researchers, fascinated by the apparently easy-to-reach aim of getting a "universal anti-tumor immune tool". In fact, in spite of the impressive progress obtained in the first decades, these cells proved far more complex than expected and, paradoxically, the accumulating findings have continuously moved forward the attainment of a complete control of their function for immunotherapy. The refined studies of these latter years have indicated that NK cells can epigenetically calibrate their functional potential, in response to specific environmental contexts, giving rise to extraordinarily variegated subpopulations, comprehensive of memory-like cells, tissue-resident cells, or cells in various differentiation stages, or distinct functional states. In addition, NK cells can adapt their activity in response to a complex body of signals, spanning from the interaction with either suppressive or stimulating cells (myeloid-derived suppressor cells or dendritic cells, respectively) to the engagement of various receptors (specific for immune checkpoints, cytokines, tumor/viral ligands, or mediating antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity). According to this picture, the idea of an easy and generalized exploitation of NK cells is changing, and the way is opening toward new carefully designed, combined and personalized therapeutic strategies, also based on the use of genetically modified NK cells and stimuli capable of strengthening and redirecting their effector functions against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michela Falco
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Massimo Vitale
- UO Pathology and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- UO Pathology and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Enrico Munari
- Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Daniela Pende
- UO Pathology and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- UO Pathology and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Sui Y, Berzofsky JA. Trained immunity inducers in cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1427443. [PMID: 39081326 PMCID: PMC11286386 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1427443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
While most of the cancer immunotherapy strategies engage adaptive immunity, especially tumor-associated T cells, the small fraction of responding patients and types of cancers amenable, and the possibility of severe adverse effects limit its usage. More effective and general interventions are urgently needed. Recently, a de facto innate immune memory, termed 'trained immunity', has become a new research focal point, and promises to be a powerful tool for achieving long-term therapeutic benefits against cancers. Trained immunity-inducing agents such as BCG and fungal glucan have been shown to be able to avert the suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), enhance T cell responses, and eventually lead to tumor regression. Here, we review the current understating of trained immunity induction and highlight the critical roles of emergency granulopoiesis, interferon γ and tissue-specific induction. Preclinical and clinical studies that have exploited trained immunity inducers for cancer immunotherapy are summarized, and repurposed trained immunity inducers from other fields are proposed. We also outline the challenges and opportunities for trained immunity in future cancer immunotherapies. We envisage that more effective cancer vaccines will combine the induction of trained immunity with T cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjun Sui
- Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
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47
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Xia Y, Wang X, Lin J, Li Y, Dong L, Liang X, Wang HY, Ding X, Wang Q. Gastric cancer fibroblasts affect the effect of immunotherapy and patient prognosis by inducing micro-vascular production. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1375013. [PMID: 39040110 PMCID: PMC11260615 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1375013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Immunotherapy is critical for treating many cancers, and its therapeutic success is linked to the tumor microenvironment. Although anti-angiogenic drugs are used to treat gastric cancer (GC), their efficacy remains limited. Cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-targeted therapies complement immunotherapy; however, the lack of CAF-specific markers poses a challenge. Therefore, we developed a CAF angiogenesis prognostic score (CAPS) system to evaluate prognosis and immunotherapy response in patients with GC, aiming to improve patient stratification and treatment efficacy. Methods We assessed patient-derived GC CAFs for promoting angiogenesis using EdU, cell cycle, apoptosis, wound healing, and angiogenesis analysis. Results We then identified CAF-angiogenesis-associated differentially-expressed genes, leading to the development of CAPS, which included THBS1, SPARC, EDNRA, and VCAN. We used RT-qPCR to conduct gene-level validation, and eight GEO datasets and the HPA database to validate the CAPS system at the gene and protein levels. Six independent GEO datasets were utilized for validation. Overall survival time was shorter in the high- than the low-CAPS group. Immune microenvironment and immunotherapy response analysis showed that the high-CAPS group had a greater tendency toward immune escape and reduced immunotherapy efficacy than the low-CAPS group. Discussion CAPS is closely associated with GC prognosis and immunotherapy outcomes. It is therefore an independent predictor of GC prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xia
- National Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolu Wang
- National Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Lin
- National Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Li
- National Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lidan Dong
- National Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Liang
- National Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Huai-Yu Wang
- National Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Ding
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Wang
- National Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Koumpis E, Papoudou-Bai A, Papathanasiou K, Kolettas E, Kanavaros P, Hatzimichael E. Unraveling the Immune Microenvironment in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Prognostic and Potential Therapeutic Implications. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:7048-7064. [PMID: 39057061 PMCID: PMC11276293 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46070420] [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: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a multifaceted condition characterized by significant diversity in its molecular and pathological subtypes and clinical manifestation. Despite the progress made in the treatment of DLBCL through the development of novel drugs, an estimated one-third of patients encounter relapse or acquire refractory disease. The tumor microenvironment (TME) of DLBCL, a complex network consisting of cellular and noncellular components that engage in interactions with the tumor, is a parameter that is gaining increasing attention. The TME comprises both the immune and nonimmune microenvironments. The immune microenvironment comprises natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells (DCs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), neutrophils, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and T and B lymphocytes. The nonimmune microenvironment consists of the extracellular matrix (ECM), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), mesenchymal stromal cells, and other molecules that are secreted. Despite ongoing research, the exact impact of these components and their interaction on the progression of the disease remains elusive. A comprehensive review of significant discoveries concerning the cellular and noncellular constituents, molecular characteristics, and treatment response and prognosis of the TME in DLBCL, as well as the potential targeting of the TME with novel therapeutic approaches, is provided in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Epameinondas Koumpis
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45 500 Ioannina, Greece; (E.K.); (K.P.)
| | - Alexandra Papoudou-Bai
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45 500 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Konstantina Papathanasiou
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45 500 Ioannina, Greece; (E.K.); (K.P.)
| | - Evangelos Kolettas
- Laboratory of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45 110 Ioannina, Greece;
- Biomedical Research Institute, Foundation for Research and Technology, 45 110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Kanavaros
- Department of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45 110 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Eleftheria Hatzimichael
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45 500 Ioannina, Greece; (E.K.); (K.P.)
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Zhou Y, Meyle J, Groeger S. Periodontal pathogens and cancer development. Periodontol 2000 2024. [PMID: 38965193 DOI: 10.1111/prd.12590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests a significant association between periodontal disease and the occurrence of various cancers. The carcinogenic potential of several periodontal pathogens has been substantiated in vitro and in vivo. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse mechanisms employed by different periodontal pathogens in the development of cancer. These mechanisms induce chronic inflammation, inhibit the host's immune system, activate cell invasion and proliferation, possess anti-apoptotic activity, and produce carcinogenic substances. Elucidating these mechanisms might provide new insights for developing novel approaches for tumor prevention, therapeutic purposes, and survival improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Zhou
- Department of Periodontology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Joerg Meyle
- Department of Periodontology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sabine Groeger
- Department of Periodontology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Department of Orthodontics, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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50
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Zhou Y, Zhang D, Cheng H, Wu J, Liu J, Feng W, Peng C. Repairing gut barrier by traditional Chinese medicine: roles of gut microbiota. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1389925. [PMID: 39027133 PMCID: PMC11254640 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1389925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Gut barrier is not only part of the digestive organ but also an important immunological organ for the hosts. The disruption of gut barrier can lead to various diseases such as obesity and colitis. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained much attention for its rich clinical experiences enriched in thousands of years. After orally taken, TCM can interplay with gut microbiota. On one hand, TCM can modulate the composition and function of gut microbiota. On the other hand, gut microbiota can transform TCM compounds. The gut microbiota metabolites produced during the actions of these interplays exert noticeable pharmacological effects on the host especially gut barrier. Recently, a large number of studies have investigated the repairing and fortifying effects of TCM on gut barriers from the perspective of gut microbiota and its metabolites. However, no review has summarized the mechanism behand this beneficiary effects of TCM. In this review, we first briefly introduce the unique structure and specific function of gut barrier. Then, we summarize the interactions and relationship amidst gut microbiota, gut microbiota metabolites and TCM. Further, we summarize the regulative effects and mechanisms of TCM on gut barrier including physical barrier, chemical barrier, immunological barrier, and microbial barrier. At last, we discuss the effects of TCM on diseases that are associated gut barrier destruction such as ulcerative colitis and type 2 diabetes. Our review can provide insights into TCM, gut barrier and gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaochuan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinlu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Juan Liu
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wuwen Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Standardization of Chinese Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Standardization of Chinese Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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