1
|
Li S, Sheng J, Zhang D, Qin H. Targeting tumor-associated macrophages to reverse antitumor drug resistance. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:10165-10196. [PMID: 38787372 PMCID: PMC11210230 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205858] [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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Currently, antitumor drugs show limited clinical outcomes, mainly due to adaptive resistance. Clinical evidence has highlighted the importance of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in tumor response to conventional antitumor drugs. Preclinical studies show that TAMs following antitumor agent can be reprogrammed to an immunosuppressive phenotype and proangiogenic activities through different mechanisms, mediating drug resistance and poor prognosis. Potential extrinsic inhibitors targeting TAMs repolarize to an M1-like phenotype or downregulate proangiogenic function, enhancing therapeutic efficacy of anti-tumor therapy. Moreover, pharmacological modulation of macrophages that restore the immune stimulatory characteristics is useful to reshaping the tumor microenvironment, thus further limiting tumor growth. This review aims to introduce macrophage response in tumor therapy and provide a potential therapeutic combination strategy of TAM-targeting immunomodulation with conventional antitumor drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Li
- The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiyao Sheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hanjiao Qin
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang C, Li Y, Wang L, Han Y, Gao X, Li T, Liu M, Dai L, Du R. SPP1 represents a therapeutic target that promotes the progression of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma by driving M2 macrophage infiltration. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1770-1782. [PMID: 38600327 PMCID: PMC11130281 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02683-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) are an important component of the tumour microenvironment (TME). However, the crosstalk between oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells and TAMs remains largely unexplored. METHODS Clinical samples and the TCGA database were used to evaluate the relevance of SPP1 and TAM infiltration in ESCC. Mouse models were constructed to investigate the roles of macrophages educated by SPP1 in ESCC. Macrophage phenotypes were determined using qRT‒PCR and immunohistochemical staining. RNA sequencing was performed to elucidate the mechanism. RESULTS Increasing expression of SPP1 correlated with M2-like TAM accumulation in ESCC, and they both predicted poor prognosis in the ESCC cohort. Knockdown of SPP1 significantly inhibited the infiltration of M2 TAMs in xenograft tumours. In vivo mouse model experiments showed that SPP1-mediated education of macrophages plays an essential role in the progression of ESCC. Mechanistically, SPP1 recruited macrophages and promoted M2 polarisation via CD44/PI3K/AKT signalling activation and then induced VEGFA and IL6 secretion to sustain ESCC progression. Finally, blockade of SPP1 with RNA aptamer significantly inhibited tumour growth and M2 TAM infiltration in xenograft mouse models. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights SPP1-mediated crosstalk between ESCC cells and TAMs in ESCC. SPP1 could serve as a potential target in ESCC therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wang
- Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xinxiang Central Hospital, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, China
| | - Yutong Li
- Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Henan Key Medical Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biomarkers, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Pharmacology of Liver Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Linhong Wang
- Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Henan Key Medical Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biomarkers, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Pharmacology of Liver Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yu Han
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Xiaohui Gao
- Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Henan Key Medical Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biomarkers, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Pharmacology of Liver Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Tiandong Li
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Man Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Henan Luoyang Orthopedic Hospital (Henan Provincial Orthopedic Hospital), Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Liping Dai
- Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Henan Key Medical Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biomarkers, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Pharmacology of Liver Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Renle Du
- Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
- Henan Key Medical Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biomarkers, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
- Henan Key Laboratory for Pharmacology of Liver Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ji G, Yang Q, Wang S, Yan X, Ou Q, Gong L, Zhao J, Zhou Y, Tian F, Lei J, Mu X, Wang J, Wang T, Wang X, Sun J, Zhang J, Jia C, Jiang T, Zhao MG, Lu Q. Single-cell profiling of response to neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy in surgically resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Genome Med 2024; 16:49. [PMID: 38566201 PMCID: PMC10985969 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-024-01320-9] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacy of neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy (NAT) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is challenged by the intricate interplay within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Unveiling the immune landscape of ESCC in the context of NAT could shed light on heterogeneity and optimize therapeutic strategies for patients. METHODS We analyzed single cells from 22 baseline and 24 post-NAT treatment samples of stage II/III ESCC patients to explore the association between the immune landscape and pathological response to neoadjuvant anti-PD-1 combination therapy, including pathological complete response (pCR), major pathological response (MPR), and incomplete pathological response (IPR). RESULTS Single-cell profiling identified 14 major cell subsets of cancer, immune, and stromal cells. Trajectory analysis unveiled an interesting link between cancer cell differentiation and pathological response to NAT. ESCC tumors enriched with less differentiated cancer cells exhibited a potentially favorable pathological response to NAT, while tumors enriched with clusters of more differentiated cancer cells may resist treatment. Deconvolution of transcriptomes in pre-treatment tumors identified gene signatures in response to NAT contributed by specific immune cell populations. Upregulated genes associated with better pathological responses in CD8 + effector T cells primarily involved interferon-gamma (IFNγ) signaling, neutrophil degranulation, and negative regulation of the T cell apoptotic process, whereas downregulated genes were dominated by those in the immune response-activating cell surface receptor signaling pathway. Natural killer cells in pre-treatment tumors from pCR patients showed a similar upregulation of gene expression in response to IFNγ but a downregulation of genes in the neutrophil-mediated immunity pathways. A decreased cellular contexture of regulatory T cells in ESCC TME indicated a potentially favorable pathological response to NAT. Cell-cell communication analysis revealed extensive interactions between CCL5 and its receptor CCR5 in various immune cells of baseline pCR tumors. Immune checkpoint interaction pairs, including CTLA4-CD86, TIGIT-PVR, LGALS9-HAVCR2, and TNFSF4-TNFRSF4, might serve as additional therapeutic targets for ICI therapy in ESCC. CONCLUSIONS This pioneering study unveiled an intriguing association between cancer cell differentiation and pathological response in esophageal cancer patients, revealing distinct subgroups of tumors for which neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy might be effective. We also delineated the immune landscape of ESCC tumors in the context of clinical response to NAT, which provides clinical insights for better understanding how patients respond to the treatment and further identifying novel therapeutic targets for ESCC patients in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gang Ji
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, No. 169 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Qi Yang
- Precision Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Song Wang
- Geneseeq Research Institute, Nanjing Geneseeq Technology Inc, Nanjing, 210000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaolong Yan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Qiuxiang Ou
- Geneseeq Research Institute, Nanjing Geneseeq Technology Inc, Nanjing, 210000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Gong
- Department of Pathology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Jinbo Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Yongan Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Feng Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Jie Lei
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Xiaorong Mu
- Department of Pathology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Xiaoping Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Jianyong Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Jipeng Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Chenghui Jia
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical College, Xi'an, 710000, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China.
| | - Ming-Gao Zhao
- Precision Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China.
| | - Qiang Lu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tian Y, Liu Z, Pan H, Zhu H, Zou N, Jiang L, Li Z, Huang J, Hu Y, Luo Q. Perioperative immune checkpoint blockades improve prognosis of resectable non-small cell lung cancer. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2024; 65:ezae110. [PMID: 38530978 DOI: 10.1093/ejcts/ezae110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Immune checkpoint blockades (ICB) have been proven to improve prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer in the neoadjuvant setting, while whether its perioperative use could bring extra benefit remained unidentified. We aimed to demonstrate the prognostic benefit of perioperative ICB over preoperative-only use and investigate who could benefit from this 'sandwich ICB therapy'. METHODS Patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery from 2018 to 2022 were retrospectively reviewed, and were divided into 4 groups based on the perioperative regimens: pre-ICB + post-computed tomography (CT), pre-ICB-only, pre-CT + post-ICB and pre-CT-only. Treatment-related adverse events, surgical outcomes, therapeutic response, recurrence-free survival and overall survival were compared. RESULTS Of 214 enrolled patients with preoperative therapy, 108 underwent immunochemotherapy and 106 underwent platinum-based chemotherapy. Compared with preoperative chemotherapy, preoperative immunochemotherapy was demonstrated with significantly higher major pathologic response (57/108 vs 12/106) and pathologic complete response (35/108 vs 4/106) rates with comparable adverse events. Regarding survival, perioperative ICB significantly improved the recurrence-free survival [versus pre-CT-only hazard ratio (HR) 0.15; 95% CI 0.09-0.27; versus pre-ICB-only HR 0.36; 95% CI 0.15-0.88] and overall survival (versus pre-CT-only HR 0.24; 95% CI 0.08-0.68). In patients without major pathologic response, perioperative ICB was observed to decrease the risk of recurrence (HR 0.31; 95% CI 0.11-0.83) compared with preoperative ICB, and was an independent prognostic factor (P < 0.05) for recurrence-free survival. CONCLUSIONS Perioperative ICB showed promising efficacy in improving pathological response and survival outcomes of resectable non-small cell lung cancer. For patients without major pathologic response after resection followed by preoperative ICB, sequential ICB treatment could be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhichao Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanbo Pan
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongda Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ningyuan Zou
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Long Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziming Li
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingjie Hu
- Nursing Department, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingquan Luo
- Department of Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang Z, Shang B, Mao X, Shi Y, Zhang G, Wang D. Prognostic Risk Models Using Epithelial Cells Identify β-Sitosterol as a Potential Therapeutic Target Against Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Gen Med 2024; 17:1193-1211. [PMID: 38559590 PMCID: PMC10981899 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s447023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is an aggressive and fatal malignancy that leads to epithelial cancer. The association between epithelial cell heterogeneity, prognosis, and immune response in this cancer remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate epithelial cell heterogeneity in ESCC and develop a predictive risk model using the identified cell types. Methods Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and differential ESCC gene data were accessed from the Gene Expression Omnibus. Functional enrichment analysis, inferCNV, cell development trajectories, and intercellular communication were analyzed following epithelial cell characterization. Differentially expressed ESCC (n = 773) and epithelial cell marker genes (n = 3407) were intersected to obtain core genes, and epithelial cell-related prognostic genes were identified. LASSO regression analysis was used to construct a prognostic model. The external dataset GSE53624 was used to further validate the stability of the model. Drug sensitivity predictions, and immune cell infiltration were analyzed. Molecular docking clarified the possible therapeutic role of β-sitosterol in ESCC. Finally, wound healing assay, cell colony, and transwell assay were constructed to detect the effects of the core gene PDLIM2 on ESCC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Results Eight cell clusters were identified, and epithelial cells were categorized into tumor and paratumor groups. The tumor group possessed more chromosomal variants than the paratumor group. Epithelial cells were associated with multiple cell types and significantly correlated with the Wnt, transforming growth factor, and epidermal growth factor signaling pathways. From 231 intersected genes, five core genes were screened for use in the risk model: CTSL, LAPTM4B, MYO10, NCF2, and PDLIM2. These genes may contribute to the cancerous transformation of normal esophageal epithelial cells and thereby act as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in patients with ESCC. β-Sitosterol furthermore displayed excellent docking potential with these genes. Meanwhile, further experiments demonstrated that the gene PDLIM2 plays a major role in the progression of oesophageal squamous carcinoma. Conclusion We successfully developed a risk model for the prognosis of ESCC based on epithelial cells that addresses the response of ESCC to immunotherapy and offers novel cancer treatment options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhu Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Shang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinyu Mao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yamin Shi
- School of Foreign Languages, Shandong University of Finance and Economics, Jinan, 250014, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guodong Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pengjie Y, Rong J, Pengfei N. miR-378a-5p exerts tumor-suppressive effects on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after neoadjuvant immunotherapy by downregulating APOC1/CEP55. Sci Rep 2024; 14:305. [PMID: 38172247 PMCID: PMC10764758 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50938-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic assessment of tumors following neoadjuvant immunotherapy helps identifying targets that mediate anti-tumor immunity. In this study, we explored dysregulated RNAs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma samples after neoadjuvant immunotherapy using deep sequencing and high-throughput screening. We identified 584 differentially expressed messenger RNAs (mRNAs), 67 differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs), and 1,047 differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) using differential expression analysis. Competing endogenous RNAs closely related to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were selected via a combined Pearson's correlation test and weighted correlation network analysis. After validation using survival analysis and dry-lab and wet-lab-based studies, we identified the I-miR-378-5p-APOC1/CEP55 as a critical pathway for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression after neoadjuvant immunotherapy. Tumor immune infiltration analysis showed that APOC1 and CEP55 expression is associated with immune regulatory pathways and the function of multiple infiltrating immune cells. We investigated the mechanism of esophageal squamous carcinoma progression after neoadjuvant immunotherapy from the perspective of the mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA network. Furthermore, we identified accurate novel therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers, introduced novel perspectives to immunotherapy studies, and laid the foundation for the clinical treatment of patients with esophageal squamous carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Pengjie
- Inner Mongolia Medical University, Jinshan Development Zone, Hohhot, 010110, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
- Thoracic Surgery Department, Peking University Cancer Hospital Inner Mongolia Hospital (Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Inner Mongolia Medical University), Hohhot, 010110, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jia Rong
- Inner Mongolia Medical University, Jinshan Development Zone, Hohhot, 010110, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Ning Pengfei
- Inner Mongolia Medical University, Jinshan Development Zone, Hohhot, 010110, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Guo X, Sun M, Yang P, Meng X, Liu R. Role of mast cells activation in the tumor immune microenvironment and immunotherapy of cancers. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 960:176103. [PMID: 37852570 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
The mast cell is an important cellular component that plays a crucial role in the crosstalk between innate and adaptive immune responses within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Recently, numerous studies have indicated that mast cells related to tumors play a dual role in regulating cancers, with conflicting results seemingly determined by the degranulation medium. As such, mast cells are an ignored but very promising potential target for cancer immunotherapy based on their immunomodulatory function. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the roles and mechanisms of mast cells in diverse cancer types. Firstly, we evaluated the infiltration density and location of mast cells on tumor progression. Secondly, mast cells are activated by the TME and subsequently release a range of inflammatory mediators, cytokines, chemokines, and lipid products that modulate their pro-or anti-tumor functions. Thirdly, activated mast cells engage in intercellular communication with other immune or stromal cells to modulate the immune status or promote tumor development. Finally, we deliberated on the clinical significance of targeting mast cells as a therapeutic approach to restrict tumor initiation and progression. Overall, our review aims to provide insights for future research on the role of mast cells in tumors and their potential as therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Guo
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, China
| | - Mingjun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peiyan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xingchen Meng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ran Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nagl L, Horvath L, Salcher S, Wolf D, Pircher A. Characterization of the tumor microenvironment by single-cell RNA sequencing in non-small cell lung cancer treated with neo-adjuvant immunotherapy. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2023; 12:1959-1965. [PMID: 37854164 PMCID: PMC10579825 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-23-413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Laurenz Nagl
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Internal Medicine V, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI), Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI), Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lena Horvath
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Internal Medicine V, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI), Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI), Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Stefan Salcher
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Internal Medicine V, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI), Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI), Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dominik Wolf
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Internal Medicine V, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI), Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI), Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Pircher
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Internal Medicine V, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI), Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI), Innsbruck, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang Z, Jin G, Zhao J, Deng S, Chen F, Wuyun G, Zhao L, Li Q. Mitochondrial energy metabolism correlates with an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and poor prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:4118-4133. [PMID: 37664173 PMCID: PMC10474161 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Reprogramming of mitochondrial energy metabolism (MEM) is an important hallmark of tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Currently, there are no studies that have examined MEM in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and relevant drug targets have not yet been identified. Methods The ESCC single-cell transcriptome sequencing dataset, GSE145370, was analyzed, using the AUCell R package to screen for MEM-related genes in high-scoring cell populations. Monocle was used to infer cell differentiation and CellChat to analyze intercellular communication networks. Finally, transcription levels of prognostic genes were analyzed using a complementary DNA microarray from 15 patients with ESCC. Results A total of 121 MEM-related genes were differentially expressed in seven cell populations in the TME, and four high-scoring cell populations were identified. As a result, the MEM state of T cells is significantly different from that of macrophages and epithelial cells, and signaling communication between T cells and macrophages is the strongest. These findings suggest that immunosuppression is related to metabolic reprogramming. Additionally, marker genes of high-scoring cells and the top10 receptor-ligand pairs may become new targets for rebuilding immune cell metabolism. Furthermore, the 4-MEM gene risk signature had good predictive power for overall survival and drug sensitivity. MAP1LC3A, APOE, APPL1, and NDUFA are novel potential immunotherapeutic targets for remodeling the TME. Finally, teal-time quantitative PCR was used to verify APOE and MAP1LC3A expression. Conclusion MEM heterogeneity was observed in the immunosupressive TME of ESCC. Prognostic models based on MEM-related genes are helpful for screening early treatment patient groups and realizing personalized treatment. APOE and MAP1LC3A are potential target genes for the development of anti-ESCC drugs based on MEM-related genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zewei Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gaowa Jin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ordos Central Hospital, Ordos, China
| | - Juan Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ordos Central Hospital, Ordos, China
| | - Shuqin Deng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ordos Central Hospital, Ordos, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ordos Central Hospital, Ordos, China
| | - Gaowa Wuyun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ordos Central Hospital, Ordos, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Quanfu Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ordos Central Hospital, Ordos, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yang Y, Li Y, Yu H, Ding Z, Chen L, Zeng X, He S, Liao Q, Zhao Y, Yuan Y. Comprehensive landscape of resistance mechanisms for neoadjuvant therapy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by single-cell transcriptomics. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:298. [PMID: 37563120 PMCID: PMC10415278 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01518-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Grants
- National Natural Science Foundation of China,81970481 key projects of Sichuan Provincial Department of science and technology,2022YFS0048 1•3•5 project for disciplines of excellence–Clinical Research Incubation Project, West China Hospital, Sichuan University,2020HXFH047 and 2020HXJS005
- National Natural Science Foundation of China,82000514 key projects of Sichuan Provincial Department of science and technology,2021YFS0222
- National Natural Science Foundation of China,31970630 Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China,LY21C060002 the Fundamental Research Funds for the Provincial Universities of Zhejiang,SJLZ2021001
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yushang Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanguo Li
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haopeng Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhenyu Ding
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Longqi Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoxi Zeng
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shunmin He
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qi Liao
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yi Zhao
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yong Yuan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zeng Q, Mousa M, Nadukkandy AS, Franssens L, Alnaqbi H, Alshamsi FY, Safar HA, Carmeliet P. Understanding tumour endothelial cell heterogeneity and function from single-cell omics. Nat Rev Cancer 2023:10.1038/s41568-023-00591-5. [PMID: 37349410 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00591-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Anti-angiogenic therapies (AATs) are used to treat different types of cancers. However, their success is limited owing to insufficient efficacy and resistance. Recently, single-cell omics studies of tumour endothelial cells (TECs) have provided new mechanistic insight. Here, we overview the heterogeneity of human TECs of all tumour types studied to date, at the single-cell level. Notably, most human tumour types contain varying numbers but only a small population of angiogenic TECs, the presumed targets of AATs, possibly contributing to the limited efficacy of and resistance to AATs. In general, TECs are heterogeneous within and across all tumour types, but comparing TEC phenotypes across tumours is currently challenging, owing to the lack of a uniform nomenclature for endothelial cells and consistent single-cell analysis protocols, urgently raising the need for a more consistent approach. Nonetheless, across most tumour types, universal TEC markers (ACKR1, PLVAP and IGFBP3) can be identified. Besides angiogenesis, biological processes such as immunomodulation and extracellular matrix organization are among the most commonly predicted enriched signatures of TECs across different tumour types. Although angiogenesis and extracellular matrix targets have been considered for AAT (without the hoped success), the immunomodulatory properties of TECs have not been fully considered as a novel anticancer therapeutic approach. Therefore, we also discuss progress, limitations, solutions and novel targets for AAT development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qun Zeng
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mira Mousa
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Aisha Shigna Nadukkandy
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Heterogeneity, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lies Franssens
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Halima Alnaqbi
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Fatima Yousif Alshamsi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Habiba Al Safar
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Heterogeneity, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sui Q, Hu Z, Jin X, Bian Y, Liang J, Zhang H, Yang H, Lin Z, Wang Q, Zhan C, Chen Z. The genomic signature of resistance to platinum-containing neoadjuvant therapy based on single-cell data. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:103. [PMID: 37291676 PMCID: PMC10249226 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01061-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) becomes the first-line option for advanced tumors, while patients who are not sensitive to it may not benefit. Therefore, it is important to screen patients suitable for NACT. METHODS Single-cell data of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and esophageal squamous carcinoma (ESCC) before and after cisplatin-containing (CDDP) NACT and cisplatin IC50 data of tumor cell lines were analyzed to establish a CDDP neoadjuvant chemotherapy score (NCS). Differential analysis, GO, KEGG, GSVA and logistic regression models were performed by R. Survival analysis were applied to public databases. siRNA knockdown in A549, PC9, TE1 cell lines, qRT-PCR, western-blot, cck8 and EdU experiments were used for further verification in vitro. RESULTS 485 genes were expressed differentially in tumor cells before and after neoadjuvant treatment for LUAD and ESCC. After combining the CDDP-associated genes, 12 genes, CAV2, PHLDA1, DUSP23, VDAC3, DSG2, SPINT2, SPATS2L, IGFBP3, CD9, ALCAM, PRSS23, PERP, were obtained and formed the NCS score. The higher the score, the more sensitive the patients were to CDDP-NACT. The NCS divided LUAD and ESCC into two groups. Based on differentially expressed genes, a model was constructed to predict the high and low NCS. CAV2, PHLDA1, ALCAM, CD9, IGBP3 and VDAC3 were significantly associated with prognosis. Finally, we demonstrated that the knockdown of CAV2, PHLDA1 and VDAC3 in A549, PC9 and TE1 significantly increased the sensitivity to cisplatin. CONCLUSIONS NCS scores and related predictive models for CDDP-NACT were developed and validated to assist in selecting patients who might benefit from it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qihai Sui
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhengyang Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xing Jin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yunyi Bian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiaqi Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Huiqiang Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zongwu Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Cheng Zhan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Zhencong Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhou B, Guo W, Guo L, Li Y, Zheng Z, Huai Q, Tan F, Li Y, Xue Q, Ying J, Zhao L, Gao S, He J. Single-cell RNA-sequencing data reveals the genetic source of extracellular vesicles in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Pharmacol Res 2023; 192:106800. [PMID: 37217040 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is invasive cancer and the complex mechanisms underlying carcinogenesis remain unclear. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), secreted by most cell types, serve as a critical factor in tumorigenesis via intercellular communications. Our study aims to investigate the cellular origin of EVs in ESCC, and unveil the unknown molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cell-cell communications. Six ESCC patients were enrolled and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analyses were conducted to screen different cell subpopulations. The genetic origin of EVs was tracked using the supernatant from different cellular extracts. Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), western blot analysis, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed for validation. Using scRNA-seq analysis, eleven cell subpopulations were identified in ESCC. Differences in gene expression in EVs between malignant and non-malignant esophageal tissues were found. Our findings demonstrated that epithelial cells releasing EVs were the most prevalent in malignant tissues, while endothelial cells and fibroblasts releasing EVs were predominant in non-malignant tissues. Furthermore, the high levels of gene expression in EVs released from these cells were correlated significantly with a worse prognosis. Our findings revealed the genetic origin of EVs in malignant and non-malignant esophageal tissues and provided a comprehensive overview of the associated cell-cell interactions in ESCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bolun Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Therapy Research for Lung Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Guo
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | | | - Qilin Huai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Fengwei Tan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Therapy Research for Lung Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yin Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Xue
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Therapy Research for Lung Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianming Ying
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Shugeng Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Therapy Research for Lung Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Jie He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Liu X, Liu Y, Xu J, Zhang Y, Ruan Y, Zhao Y, Wu L, Hu J, Zhang Z, He M, Chen T, Xu X, Zhang J, Zhang Y, Zhou P. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis deciphers key transitional signatures associated with oncogenic evolution in human intramucosal oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1203. [PMID: 36855810 PMCID: PMC9975454 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The early diagnosis and intervention of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are particularly important because of the lack of effective therapies and poor prognosis. Comprehensive research on early ESCC at the single-cell level is rare due to the need for fresh and high-quality specimens obtained from ESD. This study aims to systematically describe the cellular atlas of human intramucosal ESCC. METHODS Five paired samples of intramucosal ESCC, para-ESCC oesophageal tissues from endoscopically resected specimens and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were adopted for scRNA-seq analysis. Computational pipeline scMetabolism was applied to quantify the metabolic diversity of single cells. RESULTS A total of 164 715 cells were profiled. Epithelial cells exhibited high intra-tumoural heterogeneity and two evolutionary trajectories during ESCC tumorigenesis initiated from proliferative cells, and then through an intermediate state, to two different terminal states of normally differentiated epithelial cells or malignant cells, respectively. The abundance of CD8+ TEX s, Tregs and PD1+ CD4+ T cells suggested an exhausted and suppressive immune microenvironment. Several genes in immune cells, such as CXCL13, CXCR5 and PADI4, were identified as new biomarkers for poor prognosis. A new subcluster of malignant cells associated with metastasis and angiogenesis that appeared at an early stage compared with progressive ESCC was also identified in this study. Intercellular interaction analysis based on ligand-receptor pairs revealed the subcluster of malignant cells interacting with CAFs via the MDK-NCL pathway, which was verified by cell proliferation assay and IHC. This indicates that the interaction may be an important hallmark in the early change of tumour microenvironment and serves as a sign of CAF activation to stimulate downstream pathways for facilitating tumour invasion. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the changes of cell subsets and transcriptional levels in human intramucosal ESCC, which may provide unique insights into the development of novel biomarkers and potential intervention strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin‐Yang Liu
- Department of Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of EndoscopyShanghai Collaborative Innovation CenterShanghaiChina
| | - Yan‐Bo Liu
- Department of Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of EndoscopyShanghai Collaborative Innovation CenterShanghaiChina
| | - Jia‐Cheng Xu
- Department of Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of EndoscopyShanghai Collaborative Innovation CenterShanghaiChina
| | - Yi‐Fei Zhang
- Department of Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of EndoscopyShanghai Collaborative Innovation CenterShanghaiChina
| | - Yuan‐Yuan Ruan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | | | - Lin‐Feng Wu
- Department of Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of EndoscopyShanghai Collaborative Innovation CenterShanghaiChina
| | - Jian‐Wei Hu
- Department of Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of EndoscopyShanghai Collaborative Innovation CenterShanghaiChina
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of EndoscopyShanghai Collaborative Innovation CenterShanghaiChina
| | - Meng‐Jiang He
- Department of Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of EndoscopyShanghai Collaborative Innovation CenterShanghaiChina
| | - Tian‐Yin Chen
- Department of Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of EndoscopyShanghai Collaborative Innovation CenterShanghaiChina
| | - Xiao‐Yue Xu
- Department of Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of EndoscopyShanghai Collaborative Innovation CenterShanghaiChina
| | - Jing‐Wei Zhang
- Department of Genetic Engineering State Key LaboratorySchool of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yi‐Qun Zhang
- Department of Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of EndoscopyShanghai Collaborative Innovation CenterShanghaiChina
| | - Ping‐Hong Zhou
- Department of Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research InstituteZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of EndoscopyShanghai Collaborative Innovation CenterShanghaiChina
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Li J, Li L, You P, Wei Y, Xu B. Towards artificial intelligence to multi-omics characterization of tumor heterogeneity in esophageal cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 91:35-49. [PMID: 36868394 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.02.009] [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: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal cancer is a unique and complex heterogeneous malignancy, with substantial tumor heterogeneity: at the cellular levels, tumors are composed of tumor and stromal cellular components; at the genetic levels, they comprise genetically distinct tumor clones; at the phenotypic levels, cells in distinct microenvironmental niches acquire diverse phenotypic features. This heterogeneity affects almost every process of esophageal cancer progression from onset to metastases and recurrence, etc. Intertumoral and intratumoral heterogeneity are major obstacles in the treatment of esophageal cancer, but also offer the potential to manipulate the heterogeneity themselves as a new therapeutic strategy. The high-dimensional, multi-faceted characterization of genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabonomics, etc. of esophageal cancer has opened novel horizons for dissecting tumor heterogeneity. Artificial intelligence especially machine learning and deep learning algorithms, are able to make decisive interpretations of data from multi-omics layers. To date, artificial intelligence has emerged as a promising computational tool for analyzing and dissecting esophageal patient-specific multi-omics data. This review provides a comprehensive review of tumor heterogeneity from a multi-omics perspective. Especially, we discuss the novel techniques single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, which have revolutionized our understanding of the cell compositions of esophageal cancer and allowed us to determine novel cell types. We focus on the latest advances in artificial intelligence in integrating multi-omics data of esophageal cancer. Artificial intelligence-based multi-omics data integration computational tools exert a key role in tumor heterogeneity assessment, which will potentially boost the development of precision oncology in esophageal cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junyu Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, Nanchang 330029, Jiangxi, China; Jiangxi Health Committee Key (JHCK) Laboratory of Tumor Metastasis, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, Nanchang 330029, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, Nanchang 330029, Jiangxi, China
| | - Peimeng You
- Nanchang University, Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, Nanchang 330029, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yiping Wei
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Bin Xu
- Jiangxi Health Committee Key (JHCK) Laboratory of Tumor Metastasis, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, Nanchang 330029, Jiangxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Jia Y, Zhang B, Zhang C, Kwong DL, Chang Z, Li S, Wang Z, Han H, Li J, Zhong Y, Sui X, Fu L, Guan X, Qin Y. Single-Cell Transcriptomic Analysis of Primary and Metastatic Tumor Ecosystems in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2204565. [PMID: 36709495 PMCID: PMC9982558 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202204565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Lymph node metastasis, the leading cause of mortality in esophageal squamous carcinoma (ESCC) with a highly complex tumor microenvironment, remains underexplored. Here, the transcriptomes of 85 263 single cells are analyzed from four ESCC patients with lymph node metastases. Strikingly, it is observed that the metastatic microenvironment undergoes the emergence or expansion of interferon induced IFIT3+ T, B cells, and immunosuppressive cells such as APOC1+ APOE+ macrophages and myofibroblasts with highly expression of immunoglobulin genes (IGKC) and extracellular matrix component and matrix metallopeptidase genes. A poor-prognostic epithelial-immune dual expression program regulating immune effector processes, whose activity is significantly enhanced in metastatic malignant epithelial cells and enriched in CD74+ CXCR4+ and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II genes upregulated malignant epithelia cells is discovered. Comparing with primary tumor, differential intercellular communications of metastatic ESCC microenvironment are revealed and furtherly validated via multiplexed immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry staining, which mainly rely on the crosstalk of APOC1+ APOE+ macrophages with tumor and stromal cell. The data highlight potential molecular mechanisms that shape the lymph-node metastatic microenvironment and may inform drug discovery and the development of new strategies to target these prometastatic nontumor components for inhibiting tumor growth and overcoming metastasis to improve clinical outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongxu Jia
- Department of Clinical OncologyThe First Affiliated HospitalZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou450052P. R. China
| | - Baifeng Zhang
- Departments of Clinical OncologyThe University of Hong Kong‐Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen518009P. R. China
- Departments of Clinical OncologyLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong KongP. R. China
| | - Chunyang Zhang
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryThe First Affiliated HospitalZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou450052P. R. China
| | - Dora Lai‐Wan Kwong
- Departments of Clinical OncologyThe University of Hong Kong‐Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen518009P. R. China
- Departments of Clinical OncologyLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong KongP. R. China
| | - Zhiwei Chang
- Department of Clinical OncologyThe First Affiliated HospitalZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou450052P. R. China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Departments of Clinical OncologyThe University of Hong Kong‐Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen518009P. R. China
| | - Zehua Wang
- Department of Clinical OncologyThe First Affiliated HospitalZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou450052P. R. China
| | - Huiqiong Han
- Department of Clinical OncologyThe First Affiliated HospitalZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou450052P. R. China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Clinical OncologyThe First Affiliated HospitalZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou450052P. R. China
| | - Yali Zhong
- Department of Clinical OncologyThe First Affiliated HospitalZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou450052P. R. China
| | - Xin Sui
- Department of Clinical OncologyThe First Affiliated HospitalZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou450052P. R. China
| | - Li Fu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and DiseasesDepartment of Pharmacology and International Cancer CenterShenzhen University Health Science CenterShenzhen518060P. R. China
| | - Xinyuan Guan
- Departments of Clinical OncologyThe University of Hong Kong‐Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen518009P. R. China
- Departments of Clinical OncologyLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong KongP. R. China
- Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong LaboratoryHuizhou528200China
| | - Yanru Qin
- Department of Clinical OncologyThe First Affiliated HospitalZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou450052P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Upregulation of APOC1 Promotes Colorectal Cancer Progression and Serves as a Potential Therapeutic Target Based on Bioinformatics Analysis. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2023; 2023:2611105. [PMID: 36908705 PMCID: PMC9995190 DOI: 10.1155/2023/2611105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Approximately 10% of cancer patients worldwide have colorectal cancer (CRC), a prevalent gastrointestinal malignancy with substantial mortality and morbidity. The purpose of this work was to investigate the APOC1 gene's expression patterns in the CRC tumor microenvironment and, using the findings from bioinformatics, to assess the biological function of APOC1 in the development of CRC. Methods The TCGA portal was employed in this investigation to find APOC1 expression in CRC. Its correlation with other genes and clinicopathological data was examined using the UALCAN database. To validate APOC1's cellular location, the Human Protein was employed. In order to forecast the relationship between APOC1 expression and prognosis in CRC patients, the Kaplan-Meier plotter database was used. TISIDB was also employed to evaluate the connection between immune responses and APOC1 expression in CRC. The interactions of APOC1 with other proteins were predicted using STRING. In order to understand the factors that contribute to liver metastasis from CRC, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was done on one patient who had the disease. This procedure included sampling preoperative blood and the main colorectal cancer tissues, surrounding colorectal cancer normal tissues, liver metastatic cancer tissues, and normal liver tissues. Finally, an in vitro knockdown method was used to assess how APOC1 expression in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) affected CRC cancer cell growth and migration. Results When compared to paracancerous tissues, APOC1 expression was considerably higher in CRC tissues. The clinicopathological stage and the prognosis of CRC patients had a positive correlation with APOC1 upregulation and a negative correlation, respectively. APOC1 proteins are mostly found in cell cytosols where they may interact with APOE, RAB42, and TREM2. APOC1 was also discovered to have a substantial relationship with immunoinhibitors (CD274, IDO1, and IL10) and immunostimulators (PVR, CD86, and ICOS). According to the results of scRNA-seq, we found that TAMs of CRC tissues had considerably more APOC1 than other cell groups. The proliferation and migration of CRC cells were impeded in vitro by APOC1 knockdown in TAMs. Conclusion Based on scRNA-seq research, the current study shows that APOC1 was overexpressed in TAMs from CRC tissues. By inhibiting APOC1 in TAMs, CRC progression was reduced in vitro, offering a new tactic and giving CRC patients fresh hope.
Collapse
|
18
|
Li Y, Ji Y, Shen L, Yin X, Huang T, Deng B, Guo H, Wu Y, Chen Y. Clinical efficacy of combination therapy of an immune checkpoint inhibitor with taxane plus platinum versus an immune checkpoint inhibitor with fluorouracil plus platinum in the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced, metastatic, or recurrent esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1015302. [PMID: 36605427 PMCID: PMC9808083 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1015302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chemotherapy combined with immune checkpoints inhibitors (ICIs) has been established as a standard treatment for locally advanced, metastatic, or recurrent esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC). However, the optimal chemotherapy regimen in combination therapy is still unclear. Purpose To investigate the efficacy and adverse events of the fluorouracil plus platinum (FP) and taxane plus platinum (TP) regimens in ESCC patients receiving chemo-immunotherapy, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods Potentially eligible studies were searched from Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Pooled rates of overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse events were compared between ICIs+TP and ICIs+FP groups in ESCC patients receiving first-line chemo-immunotherapy. Results A total of 10 clinical trials were included, of which 5 were randomized controlled trials. Compared with chemotherapy alone, chemo-immunotherapy significantly improved the OS of ESCC patients (pooled HR=0.69; 95% CI, 0.63-0.76; p<0.01). Pooled analysis revealed that ESCC patients receiving ICIs+TP had significantly higher ORR, DCR, PFS, and OS rates than those receiving ICIs+FP. No statistically significant difference in the pooled incidence rate of treatment-related death was found (2.3% vs 0.9%, P=0.08). ICIs+TP had significantly higher rates of hematologic toxicity but lower rates of gastrointestinal toxicity than ICIs+FP. Conclusions Based on the current data, the first-line treatment using ICIs+TP may be a better option than ICIs+FP in advanced, metastatic, or recurrent ESCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Department of Radio-Chemotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanyan Ji
- Department of Radio-Chemotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Shen
- Department of Radio-Chemotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xudong Yin
- Department of Radio-Chemotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tianyu Huang
- Department of Radio-Chemotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bin Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hong Guo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yunjiang Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Radio-Chemotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China,*Correspondence: Yong Chen,
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Yu F, Zhang Y, Xu H, Li K, Gheng J, Lin C, Li L, Wang N, Wang L. Comparison of McKeown Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy vs sweet esophagectomy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective study. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1009315. [PMID: 36601481 PMCID: PMC9806205 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1009315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
There are two most widely used transthoracic esophagectomy methods: the McKeown Minimally Invasive esophagectomy (McKeown MIE) and the Sweet Esophagectomy. We evaluated and compared the therapeutic effects of these two methods to determine the appropriate method for the treatment of middle and lower third esophageal cancer patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy (NACI). We retrospectively analyzed 43 sweet esophagectomy cases received NACI and 167 cases with McKeown MIE in the fourth hospital of Hebei Medical University from December 2019 to May 2022. This retrospective observational study showed that Sweet esophagectomy and McKeown MIE after NACI therapy for resectable ESCC patients appeared to be safe with low operative mortality and morbidity rate in the current population. In addition, sweet esophagectomy was associated with a lower incidence of severe complications and shorter hospital stay for patients over 70 years of age compared with McKeown MIE. There were no differences were found in length of stay, mortality and complication incidence rate between the two groups. The Sweet approach has advantage in hospital stay for the treatment of the elderly NACI patients with middle or lower third esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. In conclusion, Sweet esophagectomy and McKeown MIE are both safe, effective, and worthwhile approaches for ESCC patients in immunotherapy age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yaozhong Zhang
- Department of infectious disease, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Haidi Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Kuankuan Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jingge Gheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Chenxi Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China,*Correspondence: Lei Wang, ; Na Wang,
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China,*Correspondence: Lei Wang, ; Na Wang,
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Sinha UK, Kast WM, Lin DC. Single-cell genomics identifies immune response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. EBioMedicine 2022; 86:104389. [PMID: 36463779 PMCID: PMC9718959 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Uttam K. Sinha
- Department of Otolaryngology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA,Corresponding author. Department of otolaryngology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1537 Norfolk Street, Suite 5800, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - W. Martin Kast
- Department of Otolaryngology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA,Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - De-Chen Lin
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA,Corresponding author. Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar Street – CSA 207D, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wen J, Fang S, Hu Y, Xi M, Weng Z, Pan C, Luo K, Ling Y, Lai R, Xie X, Lin X, Lin T, Chen J, Liu Q, Fu J, Yang H. Impacts of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy on the immune landscape of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. EBioMedicine 2022; 86:104371. [PMID: 36434949 PMCID: PMC9699982 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (neoCRT) followed by surgery is the most common approach for locally advanced resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. How neoCRT impacts ESCC tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) has not been fully understood. METHODS Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was conducted to examine the neoCRT-driven cellular and molecular dynamics in 8 pre- and 7 post-neoCRT ESCC samples from 8 male patients. FINDINGS scRNA-seq data of about 112,000 cells were obtained. Expression programs of cell cycle, epithelium development, immune response, and extracellular structure in pre-treatment tumor cells were related to neoCRT response. Spearman correlation between CD8+ T cells' cytotoxicity and expression of checkpoint molecules was prominent in pre-neoCRT intermediate activated/exhausted CD8+ T cells. NeoCRT increased CD8+ T cells' infiltration but promoted their exhaustion in both major and minor responders. NeoCRT promoted differentiation of Th but demoted that of Treg cells in major responders. Maturation of cDC1s and expression of M2 macrophage markers increased while the number of cDC2s decreased after neoCRT. Higher activities of immune-related pathways in pre-neoCRT CD8+ T cells and macrophages, as well as a pronounced decrease of them after neoCRT, correlated with better neoCRT response. Interactions between intermediate activated/exhausted CD8+ T and macrophages, cDC1s, and LAMP3+ cDCs decreased after neoCRT. INTERPRETATION Our comprehensive picture of the neoCRT-related immune changes provides deeper insights into immunological mechanisms associated with ESCC response to neoCRT, which may aid in future development of immune-strategies for improving ESCC treatment. FUNDING This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82072607).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China,Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China,Corresponding author. State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China.
| | - Shuogui Fang
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yi Hu
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Mian Xi
- Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China,Department of Radiotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zelin Weng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Chuqing Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Kongjia Luo
- Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China,Department of Thoracic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yihong Ling
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Renchun Lai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xiuying Xie
- Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xiaodan Lin
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Ting Lin
- Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Jiyang Chen
- Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Qianwen Liu
- Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China,Department of Thoracic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China,Corresponding author. Department of Thoracic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China.
| | - Jianhua Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China,Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China,Department of Thoracic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China,Corresponding author. Department of Thoracic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China.
| | - Hong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China,Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China,Department of Thoracic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China,Corresponding author. Department of Thoracic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Croft W, Evans RPT, Pearce H, Elshafie M, Griffiths EA, Moss P. The single cell transcriptional landscape of esophageal adenocarcinoma and its modulation by neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:200. [PMID: 36253784 PMCID: PMC9575245 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01666-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade has recently proven effective in subsets of patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) but little is known regarding the EAC immune microenvironment. We determined the single cell transcriptional profile of EAC in 8 patients who were treatment-naive (n = 4) or had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (n = 4). Analysis of 52,387 cells revealed 10 major cell subsets of tumor, immune and stromal cells. Prior to chemotherapy tumors were heavy infiltrated by T regulatory cells and exhausted effector T cells whilst plasmacytoid dendritic cells were markedly expanded. Two dominant cancer-associated fibroblast populations were also observed whilst endothelial populations were suppressed. Pathological remission following chemotherapy associated with broad reversal of immune abnormalities together with fibroblast transition and an increase in endothelial cells whilst a chemoresistant epithelial stem cell population correlated with poor response. These findings reveal features that underlie and limit the response to current immunotherapy and identify a range of novel opportunities for targeted therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wayne Croft
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Centre for Computational Biology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Richard P T Evans
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- University Hospitals Foundation Trust, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Hayden Pearce
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Mona Elshafie
- University Hospitals Foundation Trust, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ewen A Griffiths
- University Hospitals Foundation Trust, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Paul Moss
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
- University Hospitals Foundation Trust, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Guo W, Zhou B, Yang Z, Liu X, Huai Q, Guo L, Xue X, Tan F, Li Y, Xue Q, Gao S, He J. Integrating microarray-based spatial transcriptomics and single-cell RNA-sequencing reveals tissue architecture in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. EBioMedicine 2022; 84:104281. [PMID: 36162205 PMCID: PMC9519476 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The tumor microenvironment (TME) serves as an important factor in tumorigenesis and metastasis. Although distinct cell subsets can be identified via single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), the spatial composition of cells within the TME is difficult to characterise. Methods Tissue samples were collected from three patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and scRNA-seq was performed to identify distinct cell subsets. In addition, a microarray-based spatial transcriptomics (ST) method was used to characterise the spatial landscape of expression data via an array of spots. Using multimodal intersection analysis (MIA) to integrate scRNA-seq and ST, the exact cellular components of the tumor and stromal regions were annotated. Findings The subpopulations of seven stromal cells were identified within the TME of ESCC, and the architecture of scRNA-seq-determined subsets was mapped in cancer and stromal regions. The distribution of various stromal cells and their subpopulations was heterogeneous. Compared with immune cells, non-immune stromal cells were significantly enriched in the TME. Most subsets of epithelial cells were enriched in the cancer regions, whereas inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts were correlated with the stromal regions. Furthermore, TME features were different between metastatic and non-metastatic samples and between the primary and metastatic sites of the metastatic sample. Interpretation This study revealed the spatial landscape of various cell subsets within the TME and the potential cross-talk among diverse cells, which provides novel insights into cancer intervention. Funding A full list of funding bodies that contributed to this study can be found in the Acknowledgements section.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Guo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Therapy Research for Lung Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bolun Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenlin Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Echo Biotech Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Qilin Huai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Guo
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xuemin Xue
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Fengwei Tan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Therapy Research for Lung Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yin Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Xue
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Therapy Research for Lung Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shugeng Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Therapy Research for Lung Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Jie He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zhang H, Pan E, Zhang Y, Zhao C, Liu Q, Pu Y, Yin L. LncRNA RPL34-AS1 suppresses the proliferation, migration and invasion of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via targeting miR-575/ACAA2 axis. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1017. [PMID: 36162992 PMCID: PMC9511711 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10104-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are abnormally expressed in a broad type of cancers and play significant roles that regulate tumor development and metastasis. However, the pathological roles of lncRNAs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain largely unknown. Here we aimed to investigate the role and regulatory mechanism of the novel lncRNA RPL34-AS1 in the development and progression of ESCC. METHODS The expression level of RPL34-AS1 in ESCC tissues and cell lines was determined by RT-qPCR. Functional experiments in vitro and in vivo were employed to explore the effects of RPL34-AS1 on tumor growth in ESCC cells. Mechanistically, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), bioinformatics analyses, luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay and western blot assays were used to detect the regulatory relationship between RPL34-AS1, miR-575 and ACAA2. RESULTS RPL34-AS1 was significantly down-regulated in ESCC tissues and cells, which was negatively correlated with overall survival in ESCC patients. Functionally, upregulation of RPL34-AS1 dramatically suppressed ESCC cell proliferation, colony formation, invasion and migration in vitro, whereas knockdown of RPL34-AS1 elicited the opposite function. Consistently, overexpression of RPL34-AS1 inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, RPL34-AS1 acted as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-575 to relieve the repressive effect of miR-575 on its target ACAA2, then suppressed the tumorigenesis of ESCC. CONCLUSIONS Our results reveal a role for RPL34-AS1 in ESCC tumorigenesis and may provide a strategy for using RPL34-AS1 as a potential biomarker and an effect target for patients with ESCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao Street, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Enchun Pan
- Huaian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huaian, 223001, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao Street, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao Street, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiwei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao Street, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuepu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao Street, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Lihong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao Street, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Chemoimmunotherapy in advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: optimizing chemotherapy regimens for immunotherapy combinations. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:233. [PMID: 35831276 PMCID: PMC9279420 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01077-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
|
26
|
Wei Y, Li Z. LAG3-PD-1 Combo Overcome the Disadvantage of Drug Resistance. Front Oncol 2022; 12:831407. [PMID: 35494015 PMCID: PMC9048820 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.831407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although PD-1 blockade therapy has been promising in cancer treatment, only 4% (pancreatic cancer) to 70% (melanoma) of patients have a positive response to this blockade therapy, which is one of its important disadvantages. Therefore, it is important to seek out new targets for cancer immunotherapy to improve the overall response rate in patients. Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), an immune checkpoint receptor, is mainly expressed in activated immune cells. LAG-3 maintains the body’s immune homeostasis under physiological conditions while mediating tumour immune escape. Several preclinical and clinical examinations have shown that LAG-3 blockade effectively alleviates the patient’s tolerance to PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitors. Moreover, the combination of LAG-3 and PD-1 blockade has good clinical efficacy in cancers. Hence, synchronous LAG-3 and PD-1 inhibition may be a potential new strategy for tumour immunotherapy.
Collapse
|