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Wu Y, Chen D, Gao Y, Xu Q, Zhou Y, Ni Z, Na M. Immunosuppressive regulatory cells in cancer immunotherapy: restrain or modulate? Hum Cell 2024; 37:931-943. [PMID: 38814516 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-024-01083-w] [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: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Immunosuppressive regulatory cells (IRCs) play important roles in negatively regulating immune response, and are mainly divided into myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Large numbers of preclinical and clinical studies have shown that inhibition or reduction of IRCs could effectively elevate antitumor immune responses. However, several studies also reported that excessive inhibition of IRCs function is one of the main reasons causing the side effects of cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, the reasonable regulation of IRCs is crucial for improving the safety and efficiency of cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we summarised the recent research advances in the cancer immunotherapy by regulating the proportion of IRCs, and discussed the roles of IRCs in regulating tumour immune evasion and drug resistance to immunotherapies. Furthermore, we also discussed how to balance the potential opportunities and challenges of using IRCs to improve the safety of cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wu
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 210031, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongfeng Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, 999078, China
| | - Qinggang Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong Ni
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Manli Na
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 210031, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
- International Genome Center, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Hu A, Sun L, Lin H, Liao Y, Yang H, Mao Y. Harnessing innate immune pathways for therapeutic advancement in cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:68. [PMID: 38523155 PMCID: PMC10961329 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01765-9] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The innate immune pathway is receiving increasing attention in cancer therapy. This pathway is ubiquitous across various cell types, not only in innate immune cells but also in adaptive immune cells, tumor cells, and stromal cells. Agonists targeting the innate immune pathway have shown profound changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and improved tumor prognosis in preclinical studies. However, to date, the clinical success of drugs targeting the innate immune pathway remains limited. Interestingly, recent studies have shown that activation of the innate immune pathway can paradoxically promote tumor progression. The uncertainty surrounding the therapeutic effectiveness of targeted drugs for the innate immune pathway is a critical issue that needs immediate investigation. In this review, we observe that the role of the innate immune pathway demonstrates heterogeneity, linked to the tumor development stage, pathway status, and specific cell types. We propose that within the TME, the innate immune pathway exhibits multidimensional diversity. This diversity is fundamentally rooted in cellular heterogeneity and is manifested as a variety of signaling networks. The pro-tumor effect of innate immune pathway activation essentially reflects the suppression of classical pathways and the activation of potential pro-tumor alternative pathways. Refining our understanding of the tumor's innate immune pathway network and employing appropriate targeting strategies can enhance our ability to harness the anti-tumor potential of the innate immune pathway and ultimately bridge the gap from preclinical to clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankang Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Hao Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yuheng Liao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), and Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine (Ministry of Education), and Molecular and Cell Biology Lab, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
| | - Ying Mao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
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3
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Wang Y, Sun Y, Deng S, Liu J, Yu J, Chi H, Han X, Zhang Y, Shi J, Wang Y, Quan Y, Li H, Xu J. Discovery of galectin-8 as an LILRB4 ligand driving M-MDSCs defines a class of antibodies to fight solid tumors. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101374. [PMID: 38232701 PMCID: PMC10829871 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101374] [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: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
LILRB4 is an immunosuppressive receptor, and its targeting drugs are undergoing multiple preclinical and clinical trials. Currently, the absence of a functional LILRB4 ligand in solid tumors not only limits the strategy of early antibody screening but also leads to the lack of companion diagnostic (CDx) criteria, which is critical to the objective response rate in early-stage clinical trials. Here, we show that galectin-8 (Gal-8) is a high-affinity functional ligand of LILRB4, and its ligation induces M-MDSC by activating STAT3 and inhibiting NF-κB. Significantly, Gal-8, but not APOE, can induce MDSC, and both ligands bind LILRB4 noncompetitively. Gal-8 expression promotes in vivo tumor growth in mice, and the knockout of LILRB4 attenuates tumor growth in this context. Antibodies capable of functionally blocking Gal-8 are able to suppress tumor growth in vivo. These results identify Gal-8 as an MDSC-driving ligand of LILRB4, and they redefine a class of antibodies for solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiting Wang
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yufan Sun
- BioTroy Therapeutics, Shanghai, China
| | - Shouyan Deng
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiayang Liu
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jianghong Yu
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hao Chi
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xue Han
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiawei Shi
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yungang Wang
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | | | - Hai Li
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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4
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Chen Z, Xiong M, Tian J, Song D, Duan S, Zhang L. Encapsulation and assessment of therapeutic cargo in engineered exosomes: a systematic review. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:18. [PMID: 38172932 PMCID: PMC10765779 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02259-6] [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: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are nanoscale extracellular vesicles secreted by cells and enclosed by a lipid bilayer membrane containing various biologically active cargoes such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Engineered exosomes generated through genetic modification of parent cells show promise as drug delivery vehicles, and they have been demonstrated to have great therapeutic potential for treating cancer, cardiovascular, neurological, and immune diseases, but systematic knowledge is lacking regarding optimization of drug loading and assessment of delivery efficacy. This review summarizes current approaches for engineering exosomes and evaluating their drug delivery effects, and current techniques for assessing exosome drug loading and release kinetics, cell targeting, biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic outcomes are critically examined. Additionally, this review synthesizes the latest applications of exosome engineering and drug delivery in clinical translation. The knowledge compiled in this review provides a framework for the rational design and rigorous assessment of exosomes as therapeutics. Continued advancement of robust characterization methods and reporting standards will accelerate the development of exosome engineering technologies and pave the way for clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Chen
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Women and Children Diseases, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, 250001, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Jinan, 250001, China
- School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261000, China
| | - Min Xiong
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063000, China
| | - Jiaqi Tian
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Women and Children Diseases, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, 250001, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Jinan, 250001, China
| | - Dandan Song
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Women and Children Diseases, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, 250001, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Jinan, 250001, China
| | - Shuyin Duan
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250001, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Women and Children Diseases, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, 250001, China.
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Jinan, 250001, China.
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5
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Hu A, Sun L, Lin H, Liao Y, Yang H, Mao Y. Harnessing the innate immune system by revolutionizing macrophage-mediated cancer immunotherapy. J Biosci 2024; 49:63. [PMID: 38864238 PMCID: PMC10961329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a promising and safer alternative to conventional cancer therapies. It involves adaptive T-cell therapy, cancer vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) based therapies. However, most of these modalities encounter restrictions in solid tumours owing to a dense, highly hypoxic and immune-suppressive microenvironment as well as the heterogeneity of tumour antigens. The elevated intra-tumoural pressure and mutational rates within fastgrowing solid tumours present challenges in efficient drug targeting and delivery. The tumour microenvironment is a dynamic niche infiltrated by a variety of immune cells, most of which are macrophages. Since they form a part of the innate immune system, targeting macrophages has become a plausible immunotherapeutic approach. In this review, we discuss several versatile approaches (both at pre-clinical and clinical stages) such as the direct killing of tumour-associated macrophages, reprogramming pro-tumour macrophages to anti-tumour phenotypes, inhibition of macrophage recruitment into the tumour microenvironment, novel CAR macrophages, and genetically engineered macrophages that have been devised thus far. These strategies comprise a strong and adaptable macrophage-toolkit in the ongoing fight against cancer and by understanding their significance, we may unlock the full potential of these immune cells in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankang Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Hao Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yuheng Liao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), and Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine (Ministry of Education), and Molecular and Cell Biology Lab, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Ying Mao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
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McMahon RA, D'Souza C, Neeson PJ, Siva S. Innate immunity: Looking beyond T-cells in radiation and immunotherapy combinations. Neoplasia 2023; 46:100940. [PMID: 37913654 PMCID: PMC10637988 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2023.100940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Radiation therapy is an established and effective anti-cancer treatment modality. Extensive pre-clinical experimentation has demonstrated that the pro-inflammatory properties of irradiation may be synergistic with checkpoint immunotherapy. Radiation induces double-stranded DNA breaks (dsDNA). Sensing of the dsDNA activates the cGAS/STING pathway, producing Type 1 interferons essential to recruiting antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Radiation promotes cytotoxic CD8 T-cell recruitment by releasing tumour-associated antigens captured and cross-presented by surveying antigen-presenting cells. Radiation-induced vascular normalisation may further promote T-cell trafficking and drug delivery. Radiation is also immunosuppressive. Recruitment of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and innate cells such as myeloid-derived suppressive cells (m-MDSCs) all counteract the immunostimulatory properties of radiation. Many innate immune cell types operate at the interface of the adaptive immune response. Innate immune cells, such as m-MDSCs, can exert their immunosuppressive effects by expressing immune checkpoints such as PD-L1, further highlighting the potential of combined radiation and checkpoint immunotherapy. Several early-phase clinical studies investigating the combination of radiation and immunotherapy have been disappointing. A greater appreciation of radiotherapy's impact on the innate immune system is essential to optimise radioimmunotherapy combinations. This review will summarise the impact of radiotherapy on crucial cells of the innate immune system and vital immunosuppressive cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A McMahon
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - C D'Souza
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - P J Neeson
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - S Siva
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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7
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Xuan C, Hu R. Chemical Biology Perspectives on STING Agonists as Tumor Immunotherapy. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202300405. [PMID: 37794702 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300405] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is a crucial adaptor protein in the innate immune response. STING activation triggers cytokine secretion, including type I interferon and initiates T cell-mediated adaptive immunity. The activated immune system converts "cold tumors" into "hot tumors" that are highly responsive to T cells by recruiting them to the tumor microenvironment, ultimately leading to potent and long-lasting antitumor effects. Unlike most immune checkpoint inhibitors, STING agonists represent a groundbreaking class of innate immune agonists that hold great potential for effectively targeting various cancer populations and are poised to become a blockbuster in tumor immunotherapy. This review will focus on the correlation between the STING signaling pathway and tumor immunity, as well as explore the impact of STING activation on other biological processes. Ultimately, we will summarize the development and optimization of STING agonists from a medicinal chemistry perspective, evaluate their potential in cancer therapy, and identify possible challenges for future advancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyuan Xuan
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, No 24, TongJiaXiang, Gulou District, Nanjing, 210009, P. R. China
| | - Rong Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, No 24, TongJiaXiang, Gulou District, Nanjing, 210009, P. R. China
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8
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Avşar G, Pir P. An integrated study to decipher immunosuppressive cellular communication in the PDAC environment. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2023; 9:56. [PMID: 37945567 PMCID: PMC10636193 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-023-00320-6] [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: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one the most aggressive cancers and characterized by a highly rigid and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The extensive cellular interactions are known to play key roles in the immune evasion, chemoresistance, and poor prognosis. Here, we used the spatial transcriptomics, scRNA-seq, and bulk RNA-seq datasets to enhance the insights obtained from each to decipher the cellular communication in the TME. The complex crosstalk in PDAC samples was revealed by the single-cell and spatial transcriptomics profiles of the samples. We show that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the central cell types in the regulation of microenvironment in PDAC. They colocalize with the cancer cells and tumor-suppressor immune cells and take roles to provide an immunosuppressive environment. LGALS9 gene which is upregulated in PDAC tumor samples in comparison to healthy samples was also found to be upregulated in TAMs compared to tumor-suppressor immune cells in cancer samples. Additionally, LGALS9 was found to be the primary component in the crosstalk between TAMs and the other cells. The widespread expression of P4HB gene and its interaction with LGALS9 was also notable. Our findings point to a profound role of TAMs via LGALS9 and its interaction with P4HB that should be considered for further elucidation as target in the combinatory immunotherapies for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gülben Avşar
- Department of Bioengineering, Gebze Technical University, Kocaeli, Turkey.
- Turkish Academy of Sciences, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Pınar Pir
- Department of Bioengineering, Gebze Technical University, Kocaeli, Turkey
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9
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Siak PY, Heng WS, Teoh SSH, Lwin YY, Cheah SC. Precision medicine in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: comprehensive review of past, present, and future prospect. J Transl Med 2023; 21:786. [PMID: 37932756 PMCID: PMC10629096 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04673-8] [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: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an aggressive malignancy with high propensity for lymphatic spread and distant metastasis. It is prominent as an endemic malignancy in Southern China and Southeast Asia regions. Studies on NPC pathogenesis mechanism in the past decades such as through Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) infection and oncogenic molecular aberrations have explored several potential targets for therapy and diagnosis. The EBV infection introduces oncoviral proteins that consequently hyperactivate many promitotic pathways and block cell-death inducers. EBV infection is so prevalent in NPC patients such that EBV serological tests were used to diagnose and screen NPC patients. On the other hand, as the downstream effectors of oncogenic mechanisms, the promitotic pathways can potentially be exploited therapeutically. With the apparent heterogeneity and distinct molecular aberrations of NPC tumor, the focus has turned into a more personalized treatment in NPC. Herein in this comprehensive review, we depict the current status of screening, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in NPC. Subsequently, based on the limitations on those aspects, we look at their potential improvements in moving towards the path of precision medicine. The importance of recent advances on the key molecular aberration involved in pathogenesis of NPC for precision medicine progression has also been reported in the present review. Besides, the challenge and future outlook of NPC management will also be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pui Yan Siak
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University, Bandar Springhill, 71010, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Win Sen Heng
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University, Bandar Springhill, 71010, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Sharon Siew Hoon Teoh
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University, Bandar Springhill, 71010, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Yu Yu Lwin
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Medicine, Mandalay, Myanmar
| | - Shiau-Chuen Cheah
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University, Bandar Springhill, 71010, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.
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10
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Nambiar DK, Viswanathan V, Cao H, Zhang W, Guan L, Chamoli M, Holmes B, Kong C, Hildebrand R, Koong AJ, von Eyben R, Plevritis S, Li L, Giaccia A, Engleman E, Le QT. Galectin-1 Mediates Chronic STING Activation in Tumors to Promote Metastasis through MDSC Recruitment. Cancer Res 2023; 83:3205-3219. [PMID: 37409887 PMCID: PMC10592379 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-0046] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
The immune system plays a crucial role in the regulation of metastasis. Tumor cells systemically change immune functions to facilitate metastatic progression. Through this study, we deciphered how tumoral galectin-1 (Gal1) expression shapes the systemic immune environment to promote metastasis in head and neck cancer (HNC). In multiple preclinical models of HNC and lung cancer in immunogenic mice, Gal1 fostered the establishment of a premetastatic niche through polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSC), which altered the local microenvironment to support metastatic spread. RNA sequencing of MDSCs from premetastatic lungs in these models demonstrated the role of PMN-MDSCs in collagen and extracellular matrix remodeling in the premetastatic compartment. Gal1 promoted MDSC accumulation in the premetastatic niche through the NF-κB signaling axis, triggering enhanced CXCL2-mediated MDSC migration. Mechanistically, Gal1 sustained NF-κB activation in tumor cells by enhancing stimulator of interferon gene (STING) protein stability, leading to prolonged inflammation-driven MDSC expansion. These findings suggest an unexpected protumoral role of STING activation in metastatic progression and establish Gal1 as an endogenous-positive regulator of STING in advanced-stage cancers. SIGNIFICANCE Galectin-1 increases STING stability in cancer cells that activates NF-κB signaling and CXCL2 expression to promote MDSC trafficking, which stimulates the generation of a premetastatic niche and facilitates metastatic progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhanya K. Nambiar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Vignesh Viswanathan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Hongbin Cao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Weiruo Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Li Guan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Brittany Holmes
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Christina Kong
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Rachel Hildebrand
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Amanda Jeanette Koong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Rie von Eyben
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sylvia Plevritis
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lingyin Li
- Department of Biochemistry; Program in Chemistry, Engineering, and Medicine for Human Health (ChEM-H), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Amato Giaccia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Edgar Engleman
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Quynh Thu Le
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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11
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Sun X, Wang WJ, Lang J, Yang R, Shen WJ, Sun L, Hsu JM, Chan LC, Li CW, Xia W, Ke B, Yao G, Huang K, Lee PC, Koller PB, Hung MC. Inhibition of Galectin-9 sensitizes tumors to anthracycline treatment via inducing antitumor immunity. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:4644-4656. [PMID: 37781042 PMCID: PMC10535704 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.84108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthracyclines are a class of conventionally and routinely used first-line chemotherapy drugs for cancer treatment. In addition to the direct cytotoxic effects, increasing evidence indicates that the efficacy of the drugs also depends on immunomodulatory effects with unknown mechanisms. Galectin-9 (Gal-9), a member of the β-galactoside-binding protein family, has been demonstrated to induce T-cell death and promote immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. Here, we asked whether anthracycline-mediated immunomodulatory activity might be related to Gal-9. We found that combining doxorubicin with anti-Gal-9 therapy significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged overall survival in immune-competent syngeneic mouse models. Moreover, Gal-9 expression was increased in response to doxorubicin in various human and murine cancer cell lines. Mechanistically, doxorubicin induced tumoral Gal-9 by activating the STING/interferon β pathway. Clinically, Gal-9 and p-STING levels were elevated in the tumor tissues of breast cancer patients treated with anthracyclines. Our study demonstrates Gal-9 upregulation in response to anthracyclines as a novel mechanism mediating immune escape and suggests targeting Gal-9 in combination with anthracyclines as a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Sun
- Department of Oncology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, P. R. China
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Wei-Jan Wang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, College of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Cancer Biology and Precision Therapeutics Center and Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jilu Lang
- Department of Cardiac Vascular Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Riyao Yang
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Antibody Therapeutics, Inc., Hayward, CA 94545, USA
| | - Wan-Jou Shen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Linlin Sun
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jung-Mao Hsu
- Cancer Biology and Precision Therapeutics Center and Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Li-Chuan Chan
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chia-Wei Li
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Weiya Xia
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Baozhen Ke
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Guodong Yao
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, P. R. China
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Kebin Huang
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi, P. R. China
| | - Pei-Chih Lee
- Cancer Biology and Precision Therapeutics Center and Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Paul B. Koller
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Mien-Chie Hung
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Cancer Biology and Precision Therapeutics Center and Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Molecular Medicine Center, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
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12
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Bruss C, Kellner K, Albert V, Hutchinson JA, Seitz S, Ortmann O, Brockhoff G, Wege AK. Immune Checkpoint Profiling in Humanized Breast Cancer Mice Revealed Cell-Specific LAG-3/PD-1/TIM-3 Co-Expression and Elevated PD-1/TIM-3 Secretion. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092615. [PMID: 37174080 PMCID: PMC10177290 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092615] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Checkpoint blockade is particularly based on PD-1/PD-L1-inhibiting antibodies. However, an efficient immunological tumor defense can be blocked not only by PD-(L)1 but also by the presence of additional immune checkpoint molecules. Here, we investigated the co-expression of several immune checkpoint proteins and the soluble forms thereof (e.g., PD-1, TIM-3, LAG-3, PD-L1, PD-L2 and others) in humanized tumor mice (HTM) simultaneously harboring cell line-derived (JIMT-1, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7) or patient-derived breast cancer and a functional human immune system. We identified tumor-infiltrating T cells with a triple-positive PD-1, LAG-3 and TIM-3 phenotype. While PD-1 expression was increased in both the CD4 and CD8 T cells, TIM-3 was found to be upregulated particularly in the cytotoxic T cells in the MDA-MB-231-based HTM model. High levels of soluble TIM-3 and galectin-9 (a TIM-3 ligand) were detected in the serum. Surprisingly, soluble PD-L2, but only low levels of sPD-L1, were found in mice harboring PD-L1-positive tumors. Analysis of a dataset containing 3039 primary breast cancer samples on the R2 Genomics Analysis Platform revealed increased TIM-3, galectin-9 and LAG-3 expression, not only in triple-negative breast cancer but also in the HER2+ and hormone receptor-positive breast cancer subtypes. These data indicate that LAG-3 and TIM-3 represent additional key molecules within the breast cancer anti-immunity landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Bruss
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Kellner
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Veruschka Albert
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - James A Hutchinson
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Seitz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Olaf Ortmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gero Brockhoff
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Anja K Wege
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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13
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Alimu X, Zhang J, Pang N, Zhang R, Chen R, Zeng X, Tudahong S, Chen G, Muhashi M, Zhao F, Ding J, Qu J. Galectin-9 and myeloid-derived suppressor cell as prognostic indicators for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Immun Inflamm Dis 2023; 11:e853. [PMID: 37249287 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.853] [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: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Galectin-9 and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have an important role in tumors, but their clinical values in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to analyze the prognosis values of Galectin-9 and MDSCs in CLL. METHODS The concentrations of Galectin-9, argininase-1, and inducible nitric oxide synthase in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay. The expression of Tim-3 protein in peripheral blood mononuclear cell was detected by Western blot. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the percentages of Tim-3 on T-cells (CD3+ T, CD4+ T, and CD8+ T cells) and MDSCs. RESULTS Our results showed that Galectin-9 and MDSCs significantly increased in CLL patients and were closely related to the disease progression. Patient's receiver operating characteristic, progression-free survival, and Cox regression analysis showed that Galectin9 and MDSCs were poor prognostic factors of CLL. CONCLUSION Galectin-9 and MDSCs were associated with clinical progression and could be important prognostic indicators for CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xierenguli Alimu
- Center of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Senior Department of Hematology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Nannan Pang
- CAS Key Lab of Bio-Medical Diagnostics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
- Hematology Institute of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Center of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
- Hematology Institute of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Rong Chen
- Center of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
- Hematology Institute of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xuejiao Zeng
- Center of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Shabaaiti Tudahong
- Center of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Center of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
- Hematology Institute of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Maliya Muhashi
- Center of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
- Hematology Institute of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Fang Zhao
- Center of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
- Hematology Institute of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jianbing Ding
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jianhua Qu
- Center of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
- Hematology Institute of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
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14
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Suszczyk D, Skiba W, Pawłowska A, Polak G, Tarkowski R, Wertel I. Expression of Gal-9 on Dendritic Cells and Soluble Forms of TIM-3/Gal-9 in Patients Suffering from Endometriosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065948. [PMID: 36983021 PMCID: PMC10056739 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune system dysregulation is clinically evident in the pathogenesis of endometriosis (EMS). Changes in the dendritic cells (DCs) activity or phenotype may be involved in the implantation and growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus in the disease. The TIM-3/Gal-9 axis is implicated in the development of immune tolerance. However, the knowledge about the exact role of this pathway in the EMS is extremely poor. In the present study, we evaluated the expression of Gal-9 on myeloid DCs (mDCs) and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) in the peripheral blood (PB) and peritoneal fluid (PF) of both EMS patients (n = 82) and healthy subjects (n = 10) via flow cytometry. We also investigated the concentrations of soluble Gal-9 and TIM-3 in the plasma and PF of EMS patients and the control group using ELISA. We showed significantly elevated percentages of mDCs-Gal-9+ and pDCs-Gal-9+, and significantly higher concentrations of the soluble form of Gal-9 and TIM-3 in the PF of EMS patients than in circulation. Our results led us to conclude that the accumulation of Gal-9 expressing mDCs and pDCs in the PF and high sTIM-3/Gal-9 production in the peritoneal cavity could represent the hallmark of immune regulation in EMS patients, which may augment the inflammatory process and development/maintenance of local immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Suszczyk
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Wiktoria Skiba
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Pawłowska
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Polak
- I Chair and Department of Gynaecologic Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
| | - Rafał Tarkowski
- I Chair and Department of Gynaecologic Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
| | - Iwona Wertel
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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15
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Galectin-9 Facilitates Epstein-Barr Virus Latent Infection and Lymphomagenesis in Human B Cells. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0493222. [PMID: 36622166 PMCID: PMC9927364 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04932-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune regulator galectin-9 (Gal-9) is commonly involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, but with various impacts depending on the cell type. Here, we revealed that Gal-9 expression was persistently increased in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected primary B cells from the stage of early infection to the stage of mature lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs). This sustained upregulation paralleled that of gene sets related to cell proliferation, such as oxidative phosphorylation, cell cycle activation, and DNA replication. Knocking down or blocking Gal-9 expression obstructed the establishment of latent infection and outgrowth of EBV-infected B cells, while exogenous Gal-9 protein promoted EBV acute and latent infection and outgrowth of EBV-infected B cells at the early infection stage. Mechanically, stimulator of interferon gene (STING) activation or signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) inhibition impeded the outgrowth of EBV-infected B cells and promotion of Gal-9-induced lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL) transformation. Accordingly, Gal-9 expression was upregulated by forced EBV nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) expression in 293T cells in vitro. Clinical data showed that Gal-9 expression in B-cell lymphomas (BCLs) correlated positively with EBNA1 and disease stage. Targeting Gal-9 slowed LCL tumor growth and metastasis in xenografted immunodeficient mice. These findings highlight an oncogenic role of Gal-9 in EBV-associated BCLs, indicating that Gal-9 boosts the transformation of EBV-infected B cells. IMPORTANCE The cross talk between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and the host cell transcriptome assumes important roles in the oncogenesis of EBV-associated malignancies. Here, we first observed that endogenous Gal-9 expression was persistently increased along with an overturned V-type change in antivirus signaling during the immortalization of EBV-transformed B cells. Upregulation of Gal-9 promoted the outgrowth and latent infection of EBV-infected B cells, which was linked to B-cell-origin tumors by suppressing STING signaling and subsequently promoting STAT3 phosphorylation. EBV nuclear antigen EBNA1 induced Gal-9 expression and formed a positive feedback loop with Gal-9 in EBV-infected B cells. Tumor Gal-9 levels were positively correlated with disease stage and EBNA1 expression in patients with B-cell lymphomas (BCLs). Targeting Gal-9 slowed the growth and metastases of LCL tumors in immunodeficient mice. Altogether, our findings indicate that Gal-9 is involved in the lymphomagenesis of EBV-positive BCLs through cross talk with EBNA1 and STING signals.
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16
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Kapetanakis NI, Busson P. Galectins as pivotal components in oncogenesis and immune exclusion in human malignancies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1145268. [PMID: 36817445 PMCID: PMC9935586 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1145268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Galectins are galactoside-binding proteins, exerting numerous functions inside and outside the cell, particularly conferring adaptation to stress factors. For most of them, aberrant expression profiles have been reported in the context of cancer. Albeit not being oncogenic drivers, galectins can be harnessed to exacerbate the malignant phenotype. Their impact on disease establishment and progression is not limited to making cancer cells resistant to apoptosis, but is prominent in the context of the tumor microenvironment, where it fosters angiogenesis, immune escape and exclusion. This review focuses mainly on Gal-1, Gal-3 and Gal-9 for which the involvement in cancer biology is best known. It presents the types of galectin dysregulations, attempts to explain the mechanisms behind them and analyzes the different ways in which they favor tumour growth. In an era where tumour resistance to immunotherapy appears as a major challenge, we highlight the crucial immunosuppressive roles of galectins and the potential therapeutic benefits of combinatorial approaches including galectin inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikiforos-Ioannis Kapetanakis
- Research & Development (R&D), 4D Lifetec, Cham, Switzerland,*Correspondence: Nikiforos-Ioannis Kapetanakis, ; Pierre Busson,
| | - Pierre Busson
- Host-Tumor Interactions in Head and Neck Carcinoma: Exploration and Therapeutic Modulations, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Unité Mixte de Recherche(UMR) 9018 - METabolic and SYstemic aspects of oncogenesis for new therapeutic approaches (METSY), Gustave Roussy and Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France,*Correspondence: Nikiforos-Ioannis Kapetanakis, ; Pierre Busson,
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17
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Hou B, Chen T, Zhang H, Li J, Wang P, Shang G. The E3 ubiquitin ligases regulate PD-1/PD-L1 protein levels in tumor microenvironment to improve immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1123244. [PMID: 36733484 PMCID: PMC9887025 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1123244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is the tumor surrounding environment, which is critical for tumor development and progression. TME is also involved in clinical intervention and treatment outcomes. Modulation of TME is useful for improving therapy strategies. PD-L1 protein on tumor cells interacts with PD-1 protein on T cells, contributing to T cell dysfunction and exhaustion, blockage of the immune response. Evidence has demonstrated that the expression of PD-1/PD-L1 is associated with clinical response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in cancer patients. It is important to discuss the regulatory machinery how PD-1/PD-L1 protein is finely regulated in tumor cells. In recent years, studies have demonstrated that PD-1/PD-L1 expression was governed by various E3 ubiquitin ligases in TME, contributing to resistance of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in human cancers. In this review, we will discuss the role and molecular mechanisms of E3 ligases-mediated regulation of PD-1 and PD-L1 in TME. Moreover, we will describe how E3 ligases-involved PD-1/PD-L1 regulation alters anti-PD-1/PD-L1 efficacy. Altogether, targeting E3 ubiquitin ligases to control the PD-1/PD-L1 protein levels could be a potential strategy to potentiate immunotherapeutic effects in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Hou
- Department of Orthopedics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ting Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - He Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jiatong Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Peter Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Guanning Shang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China,*Correspondence: Guanning Shang,
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18
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Wang T, Hu Y, Dusi S, Qi F, Sartoris S, Ugel S, De Sanctis F. "Open Sesame" to the complexity of pattern recognition receptors of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1130060. [PMID: 36911674 PMCID: PMC9992799 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1130060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Pattern recognition receptors are primitive sensors that arouse a preconfigured immune response to broad stimuli, including nonself pathogen-associated and autologous damage-associated molecular pattern molecules. These receptors are mainly expressed by innate myeloid cells, including granulocytes, monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. Recent investigations have revealed new insights into these receptors as key players not only in triggering inflammation processes against pathogen invasion but also in mediating immune suppression in specific pathological states, including cancer. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells are preferentially expanded in many pathological conditions. This heterogeneous cell population includes immunosuppressive myeloid cells that are thought to be associated with poor prognosis and impaired response to immune therapies in various cancers. Identification of pattern recognition receptors and their ligands increases the understanding of immune-activating and immune-suppressive myeloid cell functions and sheds light on myeloid-derived suppressor cell differences from cognate granulocytes and monocytes in healthy conditions. This review summarizes the different expression, ligand recognition, signaling pathways, and cancer relations and identifies Toll-like receptors as potential new targets on myeloid-derived suppressor cells in cancer, which might help us to decipher the instruction codes for reverting suppressive myeloid cells toward an antitumor phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Wang
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Yushu Hu
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Silvia Dusi
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Fang Qi
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Silvia Sartoris
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefano Ugel
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesco De Sanctis
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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19
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Chen R, Liu M, Jiang Q, Meng X, Wei J. The cyclic guanosine monophosphate synthase-stimulator of interferon genes pathway as a potential target for tumor immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1121603. [PMID: 37153627 PMCID: PMC10160662 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1121603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS) detects infections or tissue damage by binding to microbial or self-DNA in the cytoplasm. Upon binding DNA, cGAS produces cGAMP that binds to and activates the adaptor protein stimulator of interferon genes (STING), which then activates the kinases IKK and TBK1 to induce the secretion of interferons and other cytokines. Recently, a series of studies demonstrated that the cGAS-STING pathway, a vital component of host innate immunity, might play an important role in anticancer immunity, though its mechanism remains to be elucidated. In this review, we highlight the latest understanding of the cGAS-STING pathway in tumor development and the advances in combination therapy of STING agonists and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Mingxia Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Quanhong Jiang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Meili Lake Translational Research Park, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiangbo Meng
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Meili Lake Translational Research Park, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- *Correspondence: Junmin Wei, ; Xiangbo Meng,
| | - Junmin Wei
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- *Correspondence: Junmin Wei, ; Xiangbo Meng,
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20
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Shen M, Kang Y. Cancer fitness genes: emerging therapeutic targets for metastasis. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:69-82. [PMID: 36184492 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.08.007] [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: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Development of cancer therapeutics has traditionally focused on targeting driver oncogenes. Such an approach is limited by toxicity to normal tissues and treatment resistance. A class of 'cancer fitness genes' with crucial roles in metastasis have been identified. Elevated or altered activities of these genes do not directly cause cancer; instead, they relieve the stresses that tumor cells encounter and help them adapt to a changing microenvironment, thus facilitating tumor progression and metastasis. Importantly, as normal cells do not experience high levels of stress under physiological conditions, targeting cancer fitness genes is less likely to cause toxicity to noncancerous tissues. Here, we summarize the key features and function of cancer fitness genes and discuss their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhong Shen
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Michigan, MI, USA; Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Tumor Biology and Microenvironment Research Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Michigan, MI, USA.
| | - Yibin Kang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Princeton Branch, Princeton, NJ, USA.
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21
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Zheng H, Wu L, Xiao Q, Meng X, Hafiz A, Yan Q, Lu R, Cao J. Epigenetically suppressed tumor cell intrinsic STING promotes tumor immune escape. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 157:114033. [PMID: 36436495 PMCID: PMC9826630 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA sensing through the cGAS-STING pathway plays an important role in cancer immunosurveillance. Pharmaceutical activation of STING in the tumor environment is considered an attractive approach to induce anti-tumor immunity, but had limited efficacy in the clinic. Several studies have found that STING is epigenetically silenced in many tumors, including colon cancer. This suggests that STING silencing in tumor cells contributes to immune escape and may limit the application of STING agonists. We previously found that inhibition of the KDM5 family histone demethylases restored STING expression in human breast cancer cells and activated the cGAS-STING pathway. In this study, we used MC38 and CT26 syngeneic mouse colorectal cancer models to show that loss of STING in tumor cells accelerates tumor growth. KDM5 inhibitors activate STING expression in mouse colorectal cancer cells and suppress colon cancer growth in immune competent mice in a STING-dependent manner. This study highlights KDM5 inhibitors as novel immune modulators in cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Lizhen Wu
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
| | - Qian Xiao
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Xin Meng
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Alex Hafiz
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Qin Yan
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Yale Center for Immuno-Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Renquan Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Jian Cao
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
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22
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Myeloid-derived suppressor cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 375:33-92. [PMID: 36967154 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which originated from hematopoietic stem cells, are heterogeneous population of cells that have different differentiation patterns and widely presented in tumor microenvironment. For tumor research, myeloid suppressor cells have received extensive attention since their discovery due to their specific immunosuppressive properties, and the mechanisms of immunosuppression and therapeutic approaches for MDSCs have been investigated in a variety of different types of malignancies. To improve the efficacy of treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a disease with a high occurrence, immunotherapy has gradually emerged in after traditional surgery and subsequent radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and has made some progress. In this review, we introduced the mechanisms on the development, differentiation, and elimination of MDSCs and provided a detailed overview of the mechanisms behind the immunosuppressive properties of MDSCs. We summarized the recent researches on MDSCs in HNSCC, especially for targeting-MDSCs therapy and combination with other types of therapy such as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Furthermore, we looked at drug delivery patterns and collected the current diverse drug delivery systems for the improvement that contributed to therapy against MDSCs in HNSCC. Most importantly, we made possible outlooks for the future research priorities, which provide a basis for further study on the clinical significance and therapeutic value of MDSCs in HNSCC.
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23
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Zhang Z, Zhou H, Ouyang X, Dong Y, Sarapultsev A, Luo S, Hu D. Multifaceted functions of STING in human health and disease: from molecular mechanism to targeted strategy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:394. [PMID: 36550103 PMCID: PMC9780328 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01252-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) as an important pivot for cytosolic DNA sensation and interferon (IFN) induction, intensive efforts have been endeavored to clarify the molecular mechanism of its activation, its physiological function as a ubiquitously expressed protein, and to explore its potential as a therapeutic target in a wide range of immune-related diseases. With its orthodox ligand 2'3'-cyclic GMP-AMP (2'3'-cGAMP) and the upstream sensor 2'3'-cGAMP synthase (cGAS) to be found, STING acquires its central functionality in the best-studied signaling cascade, namely the cGAS-STING-IFN pathway. However, recently updated research through structural research, genetic screening, and biochemical assay greatly extends the current knowledge of STING biology. A second ligand pocket was recently discovered in the transmembrane domain for a synthetic agonist. On its downstream outputs, accumulating studies sketch primordial and multifaceted roles of STING beyond its cytokine-inducing function, such as autophagy, cell death, metabolic modulation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and RNA virus restriction. Furthermore, with the expansion of the STING interactome, the details of STING trafficking also get clearer. After retrospecting the brief history of viral interference and the milestone events since the discovery of STING, we present a vivid panorama of STING biology taking into account the details of the biochemical assay and structural information, especially its versatile outputs and functions beyond IFN induction. We also summarize the roles of STING in the pathogenesis of various diseases and highlight the development of small-molecular compounds targeting STING for disease treatment in combination with the latest research. Finally, we discuss the open questions imperative to answer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zili Zhang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022 Wuhan, China
| | - Haifeng Zhou
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022 Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaohu Ouyang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022 Wuhan, China
| | - Yalan Dong
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022 Wuhan, China
| | - Alexey Sarapultsev
- grid.426536.00000 0004 1760 306XInstitute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 620049 Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Shanshan Luo
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Desheng Hu
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022 Wuhan, China ,grid.419897.a0000 0004 0369 313XKey Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, The Ministry of Education, 430022 Wuhan, China ,Clinical Research Center of Cancer Immunotherapy, 430022 Hubei Wuhan, China
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24
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Tran BTT, Gelin A, Durand S, Texier M, Daste A, Toullec C, Benihoud K, Breuskin I, Gorphe P, Garic F, Brenner C, Le Tourneau C, Fayette J, Niki T, David M, Busson P, Even C. Plasma galectins and metabolites in advanced head and neck carcinomas: evidence of distinct immune characteristics linked to hypopharyngeal tumors. Oncoimmunology 2022; 12:2150472. [PMID: 36545254 PMCID: PMC9762837 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2150472] [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] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Extra-cellular galectins 1, 3 and 9 (gal-1, -3 and -9) are known to act as soluble immunosuppressive agents in various malignancies. Previous publications have suggested that their expression is dependent on the metabolic status of producing cells and reciprocally that they can influence metabolic pathways in their target cells. Very little is known about the status of gal-1, -3 and -9 in patients bearing head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) and about their relationships with the systemic metabolic condition. This study was conducted in plasma samples from a prospective cohort of 83 HNSCC patients with advanced disease. These samples were used to explore the distribution of gal-1, -3 and -9 and simultaneously to profile a series of 87 metabolites assessed by mass spectrometry. We identified galectin and metabolic patterns within five disease categories defined according to the primary site and human papillomavirus (HPV) status (HPV-positive and -negative oropharyngeal carcinomas, carcinomas of the oral cavity, hypopharynx and larynx carcinomas). Remarkably, samples related to hypopharyngeal carcinomas displayed the highest average concentration of gal-9 (p = .017) and a trend toward higher concentrations of kynurenine, a potential factor of tumor growth and immune suppression. In contrast, there was a tendency toward higher concentrations of fatty acids in samples related to oral cavity. These observations emphasize the diversity of HPV-negative HNSCCs. Depending on their primary site, they evolve into distinct types of immune and metabolic landscapes that seem to be congruent with specific oncogenic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Tram Thi Tran
- CNRS UMR 9018-METSY, Gustave Roussy and Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Aurore Gelin
- CNRS UMR 9018-METSY, Gustave Roussy and Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Sylvère Durand
- Plateforme de Métabolomique/UMR 1138, Gustave Roussy and Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Matthieu Texier
- Service d’Epidémiologie et de Biostatistiques, Gustave Roussy and Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Amaury Daste
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hôpital Saint André, Bordeaux, France
| | - Clémence Toullec
- GI and Liver/Head and Neck unit, Institut du Cancer-Avignon Provence, Avignon, France
| | - Karim Benihoud
- CNRS UMR 9018-METSY, Gustave Roussy and Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Ingrid Breuskin
- Service de Cancérologie Cervico-Faciale, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Philippe Gorphe
- Service de Cancérologie Cervico-Faciale, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Catherine Brenner
- CNRS UMR 9018-METSY, Gustave Roussy and Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Christophe Le Tourneau
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie and Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France
| | - Jérôme Fayette
- Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286 & Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Toshiro Niki
- Department of Immunology, Kagawa University, Kita-gun, Japan
| | - Muriel David
- HiFiBiO Therapeutics, Pépinière Paris Santé Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Busson
- CNRS UMR 9018-METSY, Gustave Roussy and Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France,CONTACT Pierre Busson CNRS UMR 9018-METSY, Gustave Roussy, 39, Rue Camile Desmoulins, F-94805Villejuif, France
| | - Caroline Even
- Service de Cancérologie Cervico-Faciale, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
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25
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Liu J, Rui K, Peng N, Luo H, Zhu B, Zuo X, Lu L, Chen J, Tian J. The cGAS-STING pathway: Post-translational modifications and functional implications in diseases. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2022; 68:69-80. [PMID: 36151014 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have illustrated the functional significance of DNA recognition in the activation of innate immune responses among a variety of diseases. The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway has been found to be modulated by post-translational modifications and can regulate the immune response via type I IFNs. Accumulating evidence indicates a pivotal role of cGAS-STING signaling, being protective or pathogenic, in the development of diseases. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the post-translational modifications of cGAS-STING pathway and their role in disease development will provide insights in predicting individual disease outcomes and developing appropriate therapies. In this review, we will discuss the regulation of the cGAS-STING pathway and its implications in disease pathologies, as well as pharmacologic strategies to target the cGAS-STING pathway for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Ke Rui
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
| | - Na Peng
- Department of Rheumatology, the Second People's Hospital, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Hui Luo
- Department of Rheumatology and immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bo Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zuo
- Department of Rheumatology and immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liwei Lu
- Department of Pathology and Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong; Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, China
| | - Jixiang Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
| | - Jie Tian
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
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26
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Krautter F, Hussain MT, Zhi Z, Lezama DR, Manning JE, Brown E, Marigliano N, Raucci F, Recio C, Chimen M, Maione F, Tiwari A, McGettrick HM, Cooper D, Fisher EA, Iqbal AJ. Galectin-9: A novel promoter of atherosclerosis progression. Atherosclerosis 2022; 363:57-68. [PMID: 36459823 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2022.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Atherosclerosis is widely accepted to be an inflammatory disease driven by lipid accumulation and leukocyte recruitment. More recently, galectins, a family of β-galactoside binding proteins, have been shown to play a role in leukocyte recruitment among other immunomodulatory functions. Galectin (Gal) -9, a tandem repeat type galectin expressed by the endothelium in inflammatory environments, has been proposed to promote leukocyte recruitment. However, the role of Gal-9 in the context of monocyte recruitment remains elusive. METHODS AND RESULTS Here, we characterise the immunomodulatory role of Gal-9 in context of atherosclerosis. We show that ApoE-/-Gal-9-/- mice have a significantly reduced aortic plaque burden compared to their ApoE-/- littermate controls after 12 weeks of high fat diet. RNA sequencing data from two independent studies reveal Lgals9 expression in leukocyte clusters isolated from murine atherosclerotic plaques. Additionally, soluble Gal-9 protein induces monocyte activation and a pro-inflammatory phenotype in macrophages. Furthermore, we show that immobilised recombinant Gal-9 acts as capture and adhesion molecule for CD14+ monocytes in a β2-integrin and glycan dependent manner, while adhesion of monocytes to stimulated endothelium is reduced when Gal-9 is knocked down. Gal-9 also facilitates enhanced recruitment of leukocytes from peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients compared to healthy young and aged controls. We further characterise the endothelium as source of circulating Gal-9, which is increased in plasma of PAD patients compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight a pathological role for Gal-9 as promoter of monocyte recruitment and atherosclerotic plaque progression, making it a novel target in the prevention of plaque formation and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Krautter
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammed T Hussain
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; The William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zhaogong Zhi
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Danielle R Lezama
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Julia E Manning
- Institute of Inflammation and Aging, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Brown
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, And the Cardiovascular Research Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Noemi Marigliano
- ImmunoPharmaLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Raucci
- ImmunoPharmaLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlota Recio
- Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Farmacología Molecular y Translacional - BIOPharm, Las Palmas de G.C, Spain
| | - Myriam Chimen
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Maione
- ImmunoPharmaLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alok Tiwari
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospitals Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Helen M McGettrick
- Institute of Inflammation and Aging, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Dianne Cooper
- The William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Edward A Fisher
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, And the Cardiovascular Research Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Asif J Iqbal
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; ImmunoPharmaLab, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
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27
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Peng Q, Zhang G, Guo X, Dai L, Xiong M, Zhang Z, Chen L, Zhang Z. Galectin-9/Tim-3 pathway mediates dopaminergic neurodegeneration in MPTP-induced mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1046992. [DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1046992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Galectin-9 (Gal-9) is a crucial immunoregulatory mediator in the central nervous system. Microglial activation and neuroinflammation play a key role in the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) in Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, it remains unknown whether Gal-9 is involved in the pathogenesis of PD. We found that MPP+ treatment promoted the expression of Gal-9 and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and MIP-1α) in a concentration-dependent manner in BV2 cells. Gal-9 enhanced neurodegeneration and oxidative stress induced by MPP+ in SH-SY5Y cells and primary neurons. Importantly, deletion of Gal-9 or blockade of Tim-3 ameliorated microglial activation, reduced dopaminergic neuronal loss, and improved motor performance in an MPTP-induced mouse model of PD. These observations demonstrate a pathogenic role of the Gal-9/Tim-3 pathway in exacerbating microglial activation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the pathogenesis of PD.
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28
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Ura B, Capaci V, Aloisio M, Di Lorenzo G, Romano F, Ricci G, Monasta L. A Targeted Proteomics Approach for Screening Serum Biomarkers Observed in the Early Stage of Type I Endometrial Cancer. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081857. [PMID: 36009404 PMCID: PMC9405144 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecologic malignancy, and it arises in the inner part of the uterus. Identification of serum biomarkers is essential for diagnosing the disease at an early stage. In this study, we selected 44 healthy controls and 44 type I EC at tumor stage 1, and we used the Immuno-oncology panel and the Target 96 Oncology III panel to simultaneously detect the levels of 92 cancer-related proteins in serum, using a proximity extension assay. By applying this methodology, we identified 20 proteins, associated with the outcome at binary logistic regression, with a p-value below 0.01 for the first panel and 24 proteins with a p-value below 0.02 for the second one. The final multivariate logistic regression model, combining proteins from the two panels, generated a model with a sensitivity of 97.67% and a specificity of 83.72%. These results support the use of the proposed algorithm after a validation phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blendi Ura
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (V.C.); (M.A.); (G.D.L.); (F.R.); (G.R.); (L.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Valeria Capaci
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (V.C.); (M.A.); (G.D.L.); (F.R.); (G.R.); (L.M.)
| | - Michelangelo Aloisio
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (V.C.); (M.A.); (G.D.L.); (F.R.); (G.R.); (L.M.)
| | - Giovanni Di Lorenzo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (V.C.); (M.A.); (G.D.L.); (F.R.); (G.R.); (L.M.)
| | - Federico Romano
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (V.C.); (M.A.); (G.D.L.); (F.R.); (G.R.); (L.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Ricci
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (V.C.); (M.A.); (G.D.L.); (F.R.); (G.R.); (L.M.)
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34129 Trieste, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Monasta
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (V.C.); (M.A.); (G.D.L.); (F.R.); (G.R.); (L.M.)
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29
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Zhang X, Meng T, Cui S, Liu D, Pang Q, Wang P. Roles of ubiquitination in the crosstalk between tumors and the tumor microenvironment (Review). Int J Oncol 2022; 61:84. [PMID: 35616129 PMCID: PMC9170352 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2022.5374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction between a tumor and the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a key role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Ubiquitination, a crucial post-translational modification for regulating protein degradation and turnover, plays a role in regulating the crosstalk between a tumor and the TME. Thus, identifying the roles of ubiquitination in the process may assist researchers to investigate the mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis and tumor progression. In the present review article, new insights into the substrates for ubiquitination that are involved in the regulation of hypoxic environments, angiogenesis, chronic inflammation-mediated tumor formation, and the function of cancer-associated fibroblasts and infiltrating immune cells (tumor-associated macrophages, T-cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells) are summarized. In addition, the potential targets of the ubiquitination proteasome system within the TME for cancer therapy and their therapeutic effects are reviewed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuzhen Zhang
- Anti‑aging and Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, P.R. China
| | - Tong Meng
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Shuaishuai Cui
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, P.R. China
| | - Dongwu Liu
- Anti‑aging and Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, P.R. China
| | - Qiuxiang Pang
- Anti‑aging and Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, P.R. China
| | - Ping Wang
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
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Reduced Tripartite Motif-Containing Protein 29 Deteriorates the Severity of Severe Acute Pancreatitis. Pancreas 2022; 51:469-475. [PMID: 35835099 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000002047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is the most serious subtype of acute pancreatitis, manifested as multiple-organ failure resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Based on the role of tripartite motif-containing protein 29 (TRIM29) in immune responses, we aimed to explore its effect on SAP. METHODS Peripheral blood monocyte cells from the SAP or non-SAP patients, as well as bone marrow-derived macrophages from wild-type, TRIM29 -/- , or stimulator of interferon genes (STING) -/- mice after injecting 50 mg/kg of cerulein to induce SAP, were isolated to analyze the role of TRIM29 and STING in the SAP. RESULTS Tripartite motif-containing protein 29 was significantly reduced in SAP patients. Compared with wild-type mice, TRIM29 deficiency mice displayed more severe symptom of acute pancreatitis after cerulein injection, which were lost in TRIM29 -/- STING -/- mice. Moreover, interferon and its related genes, as well as STING degradation, were decreased in TRIM29 -/- mice. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated that TRIM29 negatively regulated the severity of SAP by degrading STING at its downstream, suggesting that TRIM29 and STING might serve as therapeutic targets for SAP.
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Su ZY, Siak PY, Leong CO, Cheah SC. Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma and Its Microenvironment: Past, Current, and Future Perspectives. Front Oncol 2022; 12:840467. [PMID: 35311066 PMCID: PMC8924466 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.840467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelial malignancy that raises public health concerns in endemic countries. Despite breakthroughs in therapeutic strategies, late diagnosis and drug resistance often lead to unsatisfactory clinical outcomes in NPC patients. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex niche consisting of tumor-associated cells, such as fibroblasts, endothelial cells, leukocytes, that influences tumor initiation, progression, invasion, and metastasis. Cells in the TME communicate through various mechanisms, of note, exosomes, ligand-receptor interactions, cytokines and chemokines are active players in the construction of TME, characterized by an abundance of immune infiltrates with suppressed immune activities. The NPC microenvironment serves as a target-rich niche for the discovery of potential promising predictive or diagnostic biomarkers and the development of therapeutic strategies. Thus, huge efforts have been made to exploit the role of the NPC microenvironment. The whole picture of the NPC microenvironment remains to be portrayed to understand the mechanisms underlying tumor biology and implement research into clinical practice. The current review discusses the recent insights into the role of TME in the development and progression of NPC which results in different clinical outcomes of patients. Clinical interventions with the use of TME components as potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets, their challenges, and future perspectives will be introduced. This review anticipates to provide insights to the researchers for future preclinical, translational and clinical research on the NPC microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Yi Su
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Pui Yan Siak
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Onn Leong
- Centre of Cancer and Stem Cells Research, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Institute for Research, Development and Innovation, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shiau-Chuen Cheah
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Cattolico C, Bailey P, Barry ST. Modulation of Type I Interferon Responses to Influence Tumor-Immune Cross Talk in PDAC. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:816517. [PMID: 35273962 PMCID: PMC8902310 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.816517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of many cancer types. However, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) exhibit poor responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors with immunotherapy-based trials not generating convincing clinical activity. PDAC tumors often have low infiltration of tumor CD8+ T cells and a highly immunosuppressive microenvironment. These features classify PDAC as immunologically "cold." However, the presence of tumor T cells is a favorable prognostic feature in PDAC. Intrinsic tumor cell properties govern interactions with the immune system. Alterations in tumor DNA such as genomic instability, high tumor mutation burden, and/or defects in DNA damage repair are associated with responses to both immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Cytotoxic or metabolic stress produced by radiation and/or chemotherapy can act as potent immune triggers and prime immune responses. Damage- or stress-mediated activation of nucleic acid-sensing pathways triggers type I interferon (IFN-I) responses that activate innate immune cells and natural killer cells, promote maturation of dendritic cells, and stimulate adaptive immunity. While PDAC exhibits intrinsic features that have the potential to engage immune cells, particularly following chemotherapy, these immune-sensing mechanisms are ineffective. Understanding where defects in innate immune triggers render the PDAC tumor-immune interface less effective, or how T-cell function is suppressed will help develop more effective treatments and harness the immune system for durable outcomes. This review will focus on the pivotal role played by IFN-I in promoting tumor cell-immune cell cross talk in PDAC. We will discuss how PDAC tumor cells bypass IFN-I signaling pathways and explore how these pathways can be co-opted or re-engaged to enhance the therapeutic outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Cattolico
- Bioscience, Early Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Bailey
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Department of Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Section Surgical Research, University Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simon T. Barry
- Bioscience, Early Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Galectin-8, cytokines, and the storm. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:135-149. [PMID: 35015084 PMCID: PMC9022973 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Galectin-8 (Gal-8) belongs to a family of animal lectins that modulate cell adhesion, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and immune responses. Recent studies have shown that mammalian Gal-8 induces in an autocrine and paracrine manner, the expression and secretion of cytokines and chemokines such as RANKL, IL-6, IL-1β, SDF-1, and MCP-1. This involves Gal-8 binding to receptor complexes that include MRC2/uPAR/LRP1, integrins, and CD44. Receptors ligation triggers FAK, ERK, Akt, and the JNK signaling pathways, leading to induction of NF-κB that promotes cytokine expression. Indeed, immune-competent Gal-8 knockout (KO) mice express systemic lower levels of cytokines and chemokines while the opposite is true for Gal-8 transgenic animals. Cytokine and chemokine secretion, induced by Gal-8, promotes the migration of cancer cells toward cells expressing this lectin. Accordingly, Gal-8 KO mice experience reduced tumor size and smaller and fewer metastatic lesions when injected with cancer cells. These observations suggest the existence of a ‘vicious cycle’ whereby Gal-8 expression and secretion promotes the secretion of cytokines and chemokines that further promote Gal-8 expression. This ‘vicious cycle’ could enhance the development of a ‘cytokine storm’ which is a key contributor to the poor prognosis of COVID-19 patients.
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Hsu CY, Yanagi T, Ujiie H. TRIM29 in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:804166. [PMID: 34988104 PMCID: PMC8720877 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.804166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins play important roles in a wide range of cell physiological processes, such as signal transduction, transcriptional regulation, innate immunity, and programmed cell death. TRIM29 protein, encoded by the ATDC gene, belongs to the RING-less group of TRIM protein family members. It consists of four zinc finger motifs in a B-box domain and a coiled-coil domain, and makes use of the B-box domain as E3 ubiquitin ligase in place of the RING. TRIM29 was found to be involved in the formation of homodimers and heterodimers in relation to DNA binding; additional studies have also demonstrated its role in carcinogenesis, DNA damage signaling, and the suppression of radiosensitivity. Recently, we reported that TRIM29 interacts with keratins and FAM83H to regulate keratin distribution. Further, in cutaneous SCC, the expression of TRIM29 is silenced by DNA methylation, leading to the loss of TRIM29 and promotion of keratinocyte migration. This paper reviews the role of TRIM family proteins in malignant tumors, especially the role of TRIM29 in cutaneous SCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che-Yuan Hsu
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Teruki Yanagi
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Ujiie
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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35
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Jiang T, Wang H, Liu L, Song H, Zhang Y, Wang J, Liu L, Xu T, Fan R, Xu Y, Wang S, Shi L, Zheng L, Wang R, Song J. CircIL4R activates the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway via the miR-761/TRIM29/PHLPP1 axis and promotes proliferation and metastasis in colorectal cancer. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:167. [PMID: 34922544 PMCID: PMC8684286 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01474-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating studies have revealed that aberrant expression of circular RNAs (circRNAs) is widely involved in the tumorigenesis and progression of malignant cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Nevertheless, the clinical significance, levels, features, biological function, and molecular mechanisms of novel circRNAs in CRC remain largely unexplored. METHODS CRC-related circRNAs were identified through bioinformatics analysis and verified in clinical specimens by qRT-PCR and in situ hybridization (ISH). Then, in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to determine the clinical significance of, functional roles of, and clinical characteristics associated with circIL4R in CRC specimens and cells. Mechanistically, RNA pull-down, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), luciferase reporter, and ubiquitination assays were performed to confirm the underlying mechanism of circIL4R. RESULTS CircIL4R was upregulated in CRC cell lines and in sera and tissues from CRC patients and was positively correlated with advanced clinicopathological features and poor prognosis. Functional experiments demonstrated that circIL4R promotes CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Mechanistically, circIL4R was regulated by TFAP2C and competitively interacted with miR-761 to enhance the expression of TRIM29, thereby targeting PHLPP1 for ubiquitin-mediated degradation to activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and consequently facilitate CRC progression. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that upregulation of circIL4R plays an oncogenic role in CRC progression and may serve as a promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for CRC detection and as a potential therapeutic target for CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221006, Jiangsu, China.,Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongyu Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221006, Jiangsu, China.,The Graduate School, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lianyu Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221006, Jiangsu, China.,The Graduate School, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hu Song
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221006, Jiangsu, China.,Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221006, Jiangsu, China.,Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221006, Jiangsu, China.,Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221006, Jiangsu, China.,The Graduate School, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Teng Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221006, Jiangsu, China.,Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ruizhi Fan
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221006, Jiangsu, China.,Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yixin Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221006, Jiangsu, China.,Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221006, Jiangsu, China.,The Graduate School, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Linsen Shi
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221006, Jiangsu, China.,Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, China
| | - Renhao Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221006, Jiangsu, China. .,Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jun Song
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221006, Jiangsu, China. .,Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, Jiangsu, China.
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Li K, Shi H, Zhang B, Ou X, Ma Q, Chen Y, Shu P, Li D, Wang Y. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells as immunosuppressive regulators and therapeutic targets in cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:362. [PMID: 34620838 PMCID: PMC8497485 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00670-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 76.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogenic population of immature myeloid cells with immunosuppressive effects, which undergo massive expansion during tumor progression. These cells not only support immune escape directly but also promote tumor invasion via various non-immunological activities. Besides, this group of cells are proved to impair the efficiency of current antitumor strategies such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Therefore, MDSCs are considered as potential therapeutic targets for cancer therapy. Treatment strategies targeting MDSCs have shown promising outcomes in both preclinical studies and clinical trials when administrated alone, or in combination with other anticancer therapies. In this review, we shed new light on recent advances in the biological characteristics and immunosuppressive functions of MDSCs. We also hope to propose an overview of current MDSCs-targeting therapies so as to provide new ideas for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Li
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Houhui Shi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Benxia Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuejin Ou
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Qizhi Ma
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Pei Shu
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Dan Li
- Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, and Precision Medicine Center, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China.
| | - Yongsheng Wang
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, 610041, Chengdu, China. .,Clinical Trial Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China.
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Ju MH, Byun KD, Park EH, Lee JH, Han SH. Association of Galectin 9 Expression with Immune Cell Infiltration, Programmed Cell Death Ligand-1 Expression, and Patient's Clinical Outcome in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101383. [PMID: 34680500 PMCID: PMC8533056 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Galectin-9 (Gal-9) is an immune checkpoint protein that facilitates T cell exhaustion and modulates the tumor-associated microenvironment, and could be a potential target for immune checkpoint inhibition. This study was conducted to assess Gal-9 expression in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and evaluate its association with programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and immune cell infiltration in tumors and the clinical outcome of patients. Overall, 109 patients with TNBC were included. Gal-9 expression was assessed its relationships with tumor clinicopathologic characteristics, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) levels, PD-L1+ immune cells, and tumor cells by tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry. Low Gal-9 expression was statistically correlated with higher tumor stage (p = 0.031) and presence of lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.008). High Gal-9 expression was associated with a high level of stromal TILs (sTIL; p = 0.011) and positive PD-L1 expression on tumor cells (p = 0.004). In survival analyses, low Gal-9 expression was associated with significantly poor OS (p = 0.013) in patients with TNBC with PD-L1 negativity in tumor cells. Our findings suggest that increased Gal-9 expression is associated with changes in the antitumor microenvironment, such as increased immune cell infiltration and antimetastatic changes. This study emphasizes the predictive value and promising clinical applications of Gal-9 in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Ha Ju
- Department of Pathology, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan 49201, Korea;
| | - Kyung-Do Byun
- Department of Surgery, Dong-A University Hospital, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan 49201, Korea; (K.-D.B.); (E.-H.P.)
| | - Eun-Hwa Park
- Department of Surgery, Dong-A University Hospital, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan 49201, Korea; (K.-D.B.); (E.-H.P.)
| | - Jin-Hwa Lee
- Department of Radiology, Dong-A University Hospital, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan 49201, Korea;
| | - Song-Hee Han
- Department of Pathology, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan 49201, Korea;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-51-240-5353
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Kremsreiter SM, Kroell ASH, Weinberger K, Boehm H. Glycan-Lectin Interactions in Cancer and Viral Infections and How to Disrupt Them. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10577. [PMID: 34638920 PMCID: PMC8508825 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycan-lectin interactions play an essential role in different cellular processes. One of their main functions is involvement in the immune response to pathogens or inflammation. However, cancer cells and viruses have adapted to avail themselves of these interactions. By displaying specific glycosylation structures, they are able to bind to lectins, thus promoting pathogenesis. While glycan-lectin interactions promote tumor progression, metastasis, and/or chemoresistance in cancer, in viral infections they are important for viral entry, release, and/or immune escape. For several years now, a growing number of investigations have been devoted to clarifying the role of glycan-lectin interactions in cancer and viral infections. Various overviews have already summarized and highlighted their findings. In this review, we consider the interactions of the lectins MGL, DC-SIGN, selectins, and galectins in both cancer and viral infections together. A possible transfer of ways to target and disrupt them might lead to new therapeutic approaches in different pathological backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Maria Kremsreiter
- Institute for Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Ruprecht Karls University Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.M.K.); (A.-S.H.K.); (K.W.)
| | - Ann-Sophie Helene Kroell
- Institute for Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Ruprecht Karls University Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.M.K.); (A.-S.H.K.); (K.W.)
| | - Katharina Weinberger
- Institute for Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Ruprecht Karls University Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.M.K.); (A.-S.H.K.); (K.W.)
| | - Heike Boehm
- Max-Planck-Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstr. 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Dong S, Shah NK, He J, Han S, Xie M, Wang Y, Cheng T, Liu Z, Shu C. The abnormal expression of Tim-3 is involved in the regulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and its correlation with preeclampsia. Placenta 2021; 114:108-114. [PMID: 34509865 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.08.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maternal immune system tolerance to the semi-allogeneic fetus is critical to a successful pregnancy. We previously reported that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) was associated with maternal immune imbalance. T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-containing protein 3 (Tim-3)/Galectin-9 (Gal-9) pathway modulates function of various immune cells in maternal-fetal interface. However, the regulatory effects of Tim-3/Gal-9 signaling on MDSCs and its role in preeclampsia (PE) remain unclear. METHODS In the current study we investigated the expression of Tim-3 on MDSC in preeclampsia (PE) patients to further explore the pathogenesis of PE. RESULTS The proportion of Tim-3+ M-MDSC (monocytic MDSC) cells was higher in PE patients than in healthy control. Meanwhile, the protein expression of Gal-9, as the ligand of Tim-3, was increased in placenta of PE patients. M-MDSC also expressed a higher level of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and a lower level of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in PE. Furthermore, our study suggested that blocking Tim-3 could attenuate the inhibitory function of MDSC. DISCUSSION The abnormal expression of Tim-3 on MDSC might be involved in the pathogenesis of PE, and could be a marker to evaluate the immune function in PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Dong
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130061, PR China
| | - Neelam Kumari Shah
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130061, PR China
| | - Jin He
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130061, PR China
| | - Shumei Han
- Department of Medical Administration, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, PR China
| | - Min Xie
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130061, PR China
| | - Ying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130061, PR China
| | - Tingting Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130061, PR China
| | - Zitao Liu
- Hope Fertility Center, New York, NY10019, USA
| | - Chang Shu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130061, PR China.
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Vautrot V, Bentayeb H, Causse S, Garrido C, Gobbo J. Tumor-Derived Exosomes: Hidden Players in PD-1/PD-L1 Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184537. [PMID: 34572764 PMCID: PMC8467727 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immunotherapies such as anti-PD-1/PD-L1 have garnered increasing importance in cancer therapy, leading to substantial improvements in patient care and survival. However, a certain proportion of patients present tumors that resist these treatments. Exosomes, small vesicles secreted by almost every cell, including tumor cells, have proven to be key actors in this resistance. In this review, we describe the involvement of immune checkpoints and immune modulators in tumor-derived exosomes (TEXs) in the context of cancer. We will focus on the most promising proteins under scrutiny for use in combination with PD-1 blockade therapy in a clinical setting: PD-L1, CTLA-4, TIM-3, CD73/39, LAG-3, and TIGIT. Finally, we will discuss how they can change the game in immunotherapy, notably through their role in immunoresistance and how they can guide therapeutic decisions, as well as the current obstacles in the field. Abstract Recently, immunotherapy has garnered increasing importance in cancer therapy, leading to substantial improvements in patient care and survival. By blocking the immune checkpoints—protein regulators of the immune system—immunotherapy prevents immune tolerance toward tumors and reactivates the immune system, prompting it to fight cancer cell growth and diffusion. A widespread strategy for this is the blockade of the interaction between PD-L1 and PD-1. However, while patients generally respond well to immunotherapy, a certain proportion of patients present tumors that resist these treatments. This portion can be very high in some cancers and hinders cancer curability. For this reason, current efforts are focusing on combining PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy with the targeting of other immune checkpoints to counter resistance and achieve better results. Exosomes, small vesicles secreted by almost any cell, including tumor cells, have proven to be key actors in this resistance. The exosomes released by tumor cells spread the immune-suppressive properties of the tumor throughout the tumor microenvironment and participate in establishing metastatic niches. In this review, we will describe immune checkpoints and immune modulators whose presence in tumor-derived exosomes (TEXs) has been established. We will focus on the most promising proteins under scrutiny for use in combination with PD-1 blockade therapy in a clinical setting, such as PD-L1, CTLA-4, TIM-3, CD73/39, LAG-3, and TIGIT. We will explore the immunosuppressive impact of these exosomal proteins on a variety of immune cells. Finally, we will discuss how they can change the game in immunotherapy and guide therapeutic decisions, as well as the current limits of this approach. Depending on the viewpoint, these exosomal proteins may either provide key missing information on tumor growth and resistance mechanisms or they may be the next big challenge to overcome in improving cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Vautrot
- Research Center UMR 1231, Label Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer and LipSTIC, INSERM, F-21000 Dijon, France; (V.V.); (H.B.); (S.C.); (C.G.)
- Unité de Formation et de Recherches Sciences de la Santé, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-21000 Dijon, France
- Centre Georges-François Leclerc, F-21079 Dijon, France
| | - Hafidha Bentayeb
- Research Center UMR 1231, Label Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer and LipSTIC, INSERM, F-21000 Dijon, France; (V.V.); (H.B.); (S.C.); (C.G.)
- Unité de Formation et de Recherches Sciences de la Santé, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-21000 Dijon, France
- Centre Georges-François Leclerc, F-21079 Dijon, France
| | - Sébastien Causse
- Research Center UMR 1231, Label Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer and LipSTIC, INSERM, F-21000 Dijon, France; (V.V.); (H.B.); (S.C.); (C.G.)
- Unité de Formation et de Recherches Sciences de la Santé, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Carmen Garrido
- Research Center UMR 1231, Label Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer and LipSTIC, INSERM, F-21000 Dijon, France; (V.V.); (H.B.); (S.C.); (C.G.)
- Unité de Formation et de Recherches Sciences de la Santé, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-21000 Dijon, France
- Centre Georges-François Leclerc, F-21079 Dijon, France
| | - Jessica Gobbo
- Research Center UMR 1231, Label Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer and LipSTIC, INSERM, F-21000 Dijon, France; (V.V.); (H.B.); (S.C.); (C.G.)
- Unité de Formation et de Recherches Sciences de la Santé, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-21000 Dijon, France
- Centre Georges-François Leclerc, F-21079 Dijon, France
- Centre Georges-François Leclerc, Early Phase Unit INCa CLIP², Department of Oncology, F-21079 Dijon, France
- Clinical Investigation Center CIC1432, Module Plurithématique, INSERM, F-21079 Dijon, France
- Correspondence:
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Meggyes M, Nagy DU, Balassa T, Godony K, Peterfalvi A, Szereday L, Polgar B. Influence of Galectin-9 Treatment on the Phenotype and Function of NK-92MI Cells in the Presence of Different Serum Supplements. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11081066. [PMID: 34439744 PMCID: PMC8391477 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Galectins are one of the critical players in the tumor microenvironment-tumor crosstalk and the regulation of local immunity. Galectin-9 has been in the limelight in tumor immunology. Galectin-9 possesses its multiplex biological functions both extracellularly and intracellularly, plays a pivotal role in the modulation of adaptive and innate immunity, and induces immune tolerance. NK-92MI cell lines against different malignancies were extensively studied, and recently published trials used genetically chimeric antigen receptor-transfected NK-92MI cells in tumor immunotherapy. Besides the intensive research in tumor immunotherapy, limited information is available on their immune-checkpoint expression and the impact of checkpoint ligands on their effector functions. To uncover the therapeutic potential of modulating Galectin-9-related immunological pathways in NK-cell-based therapy, we investigated the dose-dependent effect of soluble Galectin-9 on the TIM-3 checkpoint receptor and NKG2D, CD69, FasL, and perforin expression of NK-92MI cells. We also examined how their cytotoxicity and cytokine production was altered after Gal-9 treatment and in the presence of different serum supplements using flow cytometric analysis. Our study provides evidence that the Galectin-9/TIM-3 pathway plays an important role in the regulation of NK cell function, and about the modulatory role of Galectin-9 on the cytotoxicity and cytokine production of NK-92MI cells in the presence of different serum supplements. We hope that our results will aid the development of novel NK-cell-based strategies that target Galectin-9/TIM-3 checkpoint in tumors resistant to T-cell-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matyas Meggyes
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pecs, 12 Szigeti Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (T.B.); (L.S.); (B.P.)
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, 20 Ifjusag Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +3672-536001/1907
| | - David U Nagy
- Medical Centre, Cochrane Hungary, University of Pecs, 7623 Pecs, Hungary;
| | - Timea Balassa
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pecs, 12 Szigeti Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (T.B.); (L.S.); (B.P.)
| | - Krisztina Godony
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, University of Pecs, 17 Edesanyak Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary;
| | - Agnes Peterfalvi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pecs, 13 Ifjusag Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary;
| | - Laszlo Szereday
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pecs, 12 Szigeti Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (T.B.); (L.S.); (B.P.)
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, 20 Ifjusag Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Beata Polgar
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pecs, 12 Szigeti Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (T.B.); (L.S.); (B.P.)
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, 20 Ifjusag Street, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
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Knudsen AM, Rudkjøbing SJ, Sørensen MD, Dahlrot RH, Kristensen BW. Expression and Prognostic Value of the Immune Checkpoints Galectin-9 and PD-L1 in Glioblastomas. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2021; 80:541-551. [PMID: 33990845 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlab041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapeutic targeting of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis has been widely implemented for treatment of several cancer types but shown disappointing results in glioblastomas (GBMs), potentially due to compensatory mechanisms of other expressed immune checkpoints. Galectin-9 is an immune-checkpoint protein that facilitates T-cell exhaustion and apoptosis and could be a potential target for immune-checkpoint inhibition. A total of 163 GBMs IDH wildtype were immunostained with anti-Galectin-9 and PD-L1 antibodies. Software-based quantitation of immunostainings was performed and co-expression was investigated using double immunofluorescence. Both Galectin-9 and PD-L1 protein expression were found in all 163 tumors and showed a significant positive correlation (p = 0.0017). Galectin-9 expression varied from 0.01% to 32% (mean = 6.61%), while PD-L1 membrane expression ranged from 0.003% to 0.14% (mean = 0.048%) of total tumor area. Expression of Galectin-9 and PD-L1 was found on both microglia/macrophages and tumor cells, and colocalization of both markers was found in 88.3% of tumors. In multivariate analysis, neither Galectin-9 (HR = 0.99), PD-L1 (HR = 1.05), nor their combinations showed prognostic value. Galectin-9 and PD-L1 were expressed in all investigated GBMs and the majority of patients had co-expression, which may provide rationale for multi-targeted immune checkpoint inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnon Møldrup Knudsen
- From the Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sisse Josephine Rudkjøbing
- From the Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mia Dahl Sørensen
- From the Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Rikke Hedegaard Dahlrot
- From the Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Bjarne Winther Kristensen
- From the Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Pathology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine and Biotech Research and Innovation Center (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Serial transplantation unmasks galectin-9 contribution to tumor immune escape in the MB49 murine model. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5227. [PMID: 33664349 PMCID: PMC7933353 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84270-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms of tumor immune escape are quite diverse and require specific approaches for their exploration in syngeneic tumor models. In several human malignancies, galectin-9 (gal-9) is suspected to contribute to the immune escape. However, in contrast with what has been done for the infiltrating cells, the contribution of gal-9 produced by malignant cells has never been demonstrated in an animal model. Therefore, we derived isogenic clones—either positive or negative for gal-9—from the MB49 murine bladder carcinoma cell line. A progressive and consistent reduction of tumor growth was observed when gal-9-KO cells were subjected to serial transplantations into syngeneic mice. In contrast, tumor growth was unaffected during parallel serial transplantations into nude mice, thus linking tumor inhibition to the enhancement of the immune response against gal-9-KO tumors. This stronger immune response was at least in part explained by changing patterns of response to interferon-γ. One consistent change was a more abundant production of CXCL10, a major inflammatory factor whose production is often induced by interferon-γ. Overall, these observations demonstrate for the first time that serial transplantation into syngeneic mice can be a valuable experimental approach for the exploration of novel mechanisms of tumor immune escape.
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Lo AKF, Dawson CW, Lung HL, Wong KL, Young LS. The Role of EBV-Encoded LMP1 in the NPC Tumor Microenvironment: From Function to Therapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:640207. [PMID: 33718235 PMCID: PMC7947715 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.640207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is closely associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. It is also characterized by heavy infiltration with non-malignant leucocytes. The EBV-encoded latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) is believed to play an important role in NPC pathogenesis by virtue of its ability to activate multiple cell signaling pathways which collectively promote cell proliferation and survival, angiogenesis, invasiveness, and aerobic glycolysis. LMP1 also affects cell-cell interactions, antigen presentation, and cytokine and chemokine production. Here, we discuss how LMP1 modulates local immune responses that contribute to the establishment of the NPC tumor microenvironment. We also discuss strategies for targeting the LMP1 protein as a novel therapy for EBV-driven malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hong Lok Lung
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ka-Leung Wong
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lawrence S. Young
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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Zou SS, Qiao Y, Zhu S, Gao B, Yang N, Liu YJ, Chen J. Intrinsic strategies for the evasion of cGAS-STING signaling-mediated immune surveillance in human cancer: How therapy can overcome them. Pharmacol Res 2021; 166:105514. [PMID: 33631336 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) recognizes cytosolic DNA and catalyzes the formation of cyclic GMP-AMP, which upon activation triggers the induction of stimulator of interferon genes (STING), leading to type I interferons production; these events then promote the cross-priming of dendritic cells and the initiation of a tumor-specific CD8+ T cell response. However, cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment cannot trigger intrinsic cGAS-STING signaling, regardless of the expression of cGAS and STING. This dysfunctional cGAS-STING signaling enables cancer cells to evade immune surveillance, thereby promoting tumorigenesis. Here, we review recent advances in the current understanding of the activation of cGAS-STING signaling and immunotherapies based on this pathway and focus on the mechanisms for the inactivation of this pathway in tumor cells to promote the development of cancer immunotherapy. The discovery of inherent resistance and the selection of appropriate combination therapies are of great significance for tumor treatment development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Shan Zou
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuan Qiao
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shan Zhu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bao Gao
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ning Yang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yong-Jun Liu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - Jingtao Chen
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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Kho VM, Mekers VE, Span PN, Bussink J, Adema GJ. Radiotherapy and cGAS/STING signaling: Impact on MDSCs in the tumor microenvironment. Cell Immunol 2021; 362:104298. [PMID: 33592541 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2021.104298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a highly heterogeneous population of immature immune cells with immunosuppressive functions that are recruited to the tumor microenvironment (TME). MDSCs promote tumor growth and progression by inhibiting immune effector cell proliferation and function. MDSCs are affected by both novel anti-cancer therapies targeting the immune system to promote anti-tumor immunity, as well as by conventional treatments such as radiotherapy. Following radiotherapy, cytoplasmic double stranded DNA stimulates the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)/stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway, resulting in type I interferon production. Effectiveness of radiotherapy and cGAS/STING signaling are closely intertwined: activation of cGAS and STING is key to generate systemic anti-tumor immunity after irradiation. This review focuses on how radiotherapy and cGAS/STING signaling in MDSCs and/or tumor cells impact MDSC recruitment, expansion and function. The influence of conventional and ablative radiotherapy treatment schedules, inflammatory response following radiotherapy, and hypoxia are discussed as MDSC modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera M Kho
- Radiotherapy and OncoImmunology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 32, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Vera E Mekers
- Radiotherapy and OncoImmunology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 32, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul N Span
- Radiotherapy and OncoImmunology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 32, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Johan Bussink
- Radiotherapy and OncoImmunology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 32, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gosse J Adema
- Radiotherapy and OncoImmunology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 32, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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The Functional Crosstalk between Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells and Regulatory T Cells within the Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020210. [PMID: 33430105 PMCID: PMC7827203 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/1970] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immunotherapy improved the therapeutic landscape for patients with advanced cancer diseases. However, many patients do not benefit from immunotherapy. The bidirectional crosstalk between myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and regulatory T cells (Treg) contributes to immune evasion, limiting the success of immunotherapy by checkpoint inhibitors. This review aims to outline the current knowledge of the role and the immunosuppressive properties of MDSC and Treg within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, we will discuss the importance of the functional crosstalk between MDSC and Treg for immunosuppression, issuing particularly the role of cell adhesion molecules. Lastly, we will depict the impact of this interaction for cancer research and discuss several strategies aimed to target these pathways for tumor therapy. Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have led to profound and durable tumor regression in some patients with metastatic cancer diseases. However, many patients still do not derive benefit from immunotherapy. Here, the accumulation of immunosuppressive cell populations within the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), and regulatory T cells (Treg), contributes to the development of immune resistance. MDSC and Treg expand systematically in tumor patients and inhibit T cell activation and T effector cell function. Numerous studies have shown that the immunosuppressive mechanisms exerted by those inhibitory cell populations comprise soluble immunomodulatory mediators and receptor interactions. The latter are also required for the crosstalk of MDSC and Treg, raising questions about the relevance of cell–cell contacts for the establishment of their inhibitory properties. This review aims to outline the current knowledge on the crosstalk between these two cell populations, issuing particularly the potential role of cell adhesion molecules. In this regard, we further discuss the relevance of β2 integrins, which are essential for the differentiation and function of leukocytes as well as for MDSC–Treg interaction. Lastly, we aim to describe the impact of such bidirectional crosstalk for basic and applied cancer research and discuss how the targeting of these pathways might pave the way for future approaches in immunotherapy.
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Design and Implementation of NK Cell-Based Immunotherapy to Overcome the Solid Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123871. [PMID: 33371456 PMCID: PMC7767468 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune effectors capable of broad cytotoxicity via germline-encoded receptors and can have conferred cytotoxic potential via the addition of chimeric antigen receptors. Combined with their reduced risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and cytokine release syndrome (CRS), NK cells are an attractive therapeutic platform. While significant progress has been made in treating hematological malignancies, challenges remain in using NK cell-based therapy to combat solid tumors due to their immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments (TMEs). The development of novel strategies enabling NK cells to resist the deleterious effects of the TME is critical to their therapeutic success against solid tumors. In this review, we discuss strategies that apply various genetic and non-genetic engineering approaches to enhance receptor-mediated NK cell cytotoxicity, improve NK cell resistance to TME effects, and enhance persistence in the TME. The successful design and application of these strategies will ultimately lead to more efficacious NK cell therapies to treat patients with solid tumors. This review outlines the mechanisms by which TME components suppress the anti-tumor activity of endogenous and adoptively transferred NK cells while also describing various approaches whose implementation in NK cells may lead to a more robust therapeutic platform against solid tumors.
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Chakraborty A, Staudinger C, King SL, Erickson FC, Lau LS, Bernasconi A, Luscinskas FW, Perlyn C, Dimitroff CJ. Galectin-9 bridges human B cells to vascular endothelium while programming regulatory pathways. J Autoimmun 2020; 117:102575. [PMID: 33285511 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2020.102575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Humoral immunity is reliant on efficient recruitment of circulating naïve B cells from blood into peripheral lymph nodes (LN) and timely transition of naive B cells to high affinity antibody (Ab)-producing cells. Current understanding of factor(s) coordinating B cell adhesion, activation and differentiation within LN, however, is incomplete. Prior studies on naïve B cells reveal remarkably strong binding to putative immunoregulator, galectin (Gal)-9, that attenuates BCR activation and signaling, implicating Gal-9 as a negative regulator in B cell biology. Here, we investigated Gal-9 localization in human tonsils and LNs and unearthed conspicuously high expression of Gal-9 on high endothelial and post-capillary venules. Adhesion analyses showed that Gal-9 can bridge human circulating and naïve B cells to vascular endothelial cells (EC), while decelerating transendothelial migration. Moreover, Gal-9 interactions with naïve B cells induced global transcription of gene families related to regulation of cell signaling and membrane/cytoskeletal dynamics. Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule F7 (SLAMF7) was among key immunoregulators elevated by Gal-9-binding, while SLAMF7's cytosolic adapter EAT-2, which is required for cell activation, was eliminated. Gal-9 also activated phosphorylation of pro-survival factor, ERK. Together, these data suggest that Gal-9 promotes B cell - EC interactions while delivering anergic signals to control B cell reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmi Chakraborty
- Department of Translational Medicine, Translational Glycobiology Institute at FIU, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Caleb Staudinger
- Department of Translational Medicine, Translational Glycobiology Institute at FIU, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Sandra L King
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Frances Clemente Erickson
- Department of Translational Medicine, Translational Glycobiology Institute at FIU, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Lee Seng Lau
- Department of Translational Medicine, Translational Glycobiology Institute at FIU, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Angela Bernasconi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Translational Glycobiology Institute at FIU, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Francis W Luscinskas
- Department of Pathology, Vascular Research Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Chad Perlyn
- Department of Surgery, Nicholas Children's Hospital, Division of Plastic Surgery, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Charles J Dimitroff
- Department of Translational Medicine, Translational Glycobiology Institute at FIU, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
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