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Zhang Z, Wang T, Fang G, Xiao X, Zhang Z, Zhao J. Decitabine suppresses MDSC-induced immunosuppression through dual functional mechanism and inhibits melanoma metastasis. Med Oncol 2024; 41:165. [PMID: 38819590 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02320-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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a crucial role in promoting melanoma metastasis. Reprogramming MDSCs into mature M1 macrophages has emerged as a strategy to inhibit metastasis. Decitabine (Dec) is known to eradicate MDSCs and suppress tumor growth. In this study, we provide evidence that Dec not only reduces the MDSC population by inducing apoptosis, arresting cell cycle, and impairing recruitment, but also suppresses their immunosuppressive function by downregulating related genes and facilitating differentiation into M1 macrophages. Transcriptomic analysis of Dec-treated MDSCs revealed a marked downregulation of immunosuppressive genes including S100a9, S100a8, Vegf, Cxcr2, and Nos2. Meanwhile, M1 macrophage-associated genes involved in immune activation were upregulated, such as Ddx58, Isg15, Tap1, Ccl5, Cxcl9, and Cxcl10. Further bioinformatic analysis indicated that Dec promotes MDSC-to-M1 macrophage differentiation and activates innate immune pathways including NOD-like signaling to enhance anti-tumor immunity. Time-course studies implied that Dec upregulates myeloid transcription factor Irf7 to initiate MDSC differentiation and orchestrate the anti-tumor immune response. Collectively, our study unveils a novel dual-functional mechanism of Dec as both a cytotoxic agent reducing MDSCs and an inducer of their differentiation into M1 macrophages, thereby alleviating immunosuppression. This highlights Dec's potential for clinical melanoma metastasis suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghai Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Phylogenomics and Comparative Genomics, Jiangsu International Joint Center of Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Physiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tianlong Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Phylogenomics and Comparative Genomics, Jiangsu International Joint Center of Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gaochuan Fang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Phylogenomics and Comparative Genomics, Jiangsu International Joint Center of Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xufeng Xiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Phylogenomics and Comparative Genomics, Jiangsu International Joint Center of Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhengkui Zhang
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jiaojiao Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Phylogenomics and Comparative Genomics, Jiangsu International Joint Center of Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu, China.
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2
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Wu Y, Cao Y, Chen L, Lai X, Zhang S, Wang S. Role of Exosomes in Cancer and Aptamer-Modified Exosomes as a Promising Platform for Cancer Targeted Therapy. Biol Proced Online 2024; 26:15. [PMID: 38802766 PMCID: PMC11129508 DOI: 10.1186/s12575-024-00245-2] [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: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are increasingly recognized as important mediators of intercellular communication in cancer biology. Exosomes can be derived from cancer cells as well as cellular components in tumor microenvironment. After secretion, the exosomes carrying a wide range of bioactive cargos can be ingested by local or distant recipient cells. The released cargos act through a variety of mechanisms to elicit multiple biological effects and impact most if not all hallmarks of cancer. Moreover, owing to their excellent biocompatibility and capability of being easily engineered or modified, exosomes are currently exploited as a promising platform for cancer targeted therapy. In this review, we first summarize the current knowledge of roles of exosomes in risk and etiology, initiation and progression of cancer, as well as their underlying molecular mechanisms. The aptamer-modified exosome as a promising platform for cancer targeted therapy is then briefly introduced. We also discuss the future directions for emerging roles of exosome in tumor biology and perspective of aptamer-modified exosomes in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Wu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Aptamers Technology, Affiliated Dongfang Hospital of School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, P. R. China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yue Cao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900 th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Li Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Aptamers Technology, Affiliated Dongfang Hospital of School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, P. R. China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900 th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xiaofeng Lai
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Aptamers Technology, Affiliated Dongfang Hospital of School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, P. R. China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900 th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Shenghang Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Aptamers Technology, Affiliated Dongfang Hospital of School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, P. R. China.
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900 th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China.
| | - Shuiliang Wang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Aptamers Technology, Affiliated Dongfang Hospital of School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, P. R. China.
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900 th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China.
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Matveeva K, Vasilieva M, Minskaia E, Rybtsov S, Shevyrev D. T-cell immunity against senescence: potential role and perspectives. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1360109. [PMID: 38504990 PMCID: PMC10948549 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1360109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of age-associated diseases is related to the accumulation of senescent cells in the body. These are old non-functional cells with impaired metabolism, which are unable to divide. Such cells are also resistant to programmed cell death and prone to spontaneous production of some inflammatory factors. The accumulation of senescent cells is related to the age-associated dysfunction of organs and tissues as well as chronic inflammation that enhances with age. In the young organism, senescent cells are removed with the innate immunity system. However, the efficiency of this process decreases with age. Nowadays, more and more evidences are accumulating to support the involvement of specific immunity and T-lymphocytes in the fight against senescent cells. It has great physiological importance since the efficient elimination of senescent cells requires a high diversity of antigen-recognizing receptors to cover the entire spectrum of senescent-associated antigens with high precision and specificity. Developing the approaches of T-cell immunity stimulation to generate or amplify a physiological immune response against senescent cells can provide new perspectives to extend active longevity. In this mini-review, the authors summarize the current understanding of the role of T-cell immunity in the fight against senescent cells and discuss the prospects of stimulating adaptive immunity for combating the accumulation of senescent cells that occurs with age.
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Zhu D, Zeng S, Su C, Li J, Xuan Y, Lin Y, Xu E, Fan Q. The interaction between DNA methylation and tumor immune microenvironment: from the laboratory to clinical applications. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:24. [PMID: 38331927 PMCID: PMC10854038 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01633-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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is a pivotal epigenetic modification that affects gene expression. Tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) comprises diverse immune cells and stromal components, creating a complex landscape that can either promote or inhibit tumor progression. In the TIME, DNA methylation has been shown to play a critical role in influencing immune cell function and tumor immune evasion. DNA methylation regulates immune cell differentiation, immune responses, and TIME composition Targeting DNA methylation in TIME offers various potential avenues for enhancing immune cytotoxicity and reducing immunosuppression. Recent studies have demonstrated that modification of DNA methylation patterns can promote immune cell infiltration and function. However, challenges persist in understanding the precise mechanisms underlying DNA methylation in the TIME, developing selective epigenetic therapies, and effectively integrating these therapies with other antitumor strategies. In conclusion, DNA methylation of both tumor cells and immune cells interacts with the TIME, and thus affects clinical efficacy. The regulation of DNA methylation within the TIME holds significant promise for the advancement of tumor immunotherapy. Addressing these challenges is crucial for harnessing the full potential of epigenetic interventions to enhance antitumor immune responses and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daoqi Zhu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No. 1023 Shatai North Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, PLA, No.111 Liuhua Road, Guangzhou, 510010, China
| | - Siying Zeng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No. 1023 Shatai North Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Chao Su
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No. 1023 Shatai North Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jingjun Li
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yiwen Xuan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, PLA, No.111 Liuhua Road, Guangzhou, 510010, China
| | - Yongkai Lin
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Traditional Chinese Medicine University of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Enwu Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, PLA, No.111 Liuhua Road, Guangzhou, 510010, China.
| | - Qin Fan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No. 1023 Shatai North Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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Omotesho QA, Escamilla A, Pérez-Ruiz E, Frecha CA, Rueda-Domínguez A, Barragán I. Epigenetic targets to enhance antitumor immune response through the induction of tertiary lymphoid structures. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1348156. [PMID: 38333212 PMCID: PMC10851080 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1348156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) are ectopic lymphoid aggregates found in sites of chronic inflammation such as tumors and autoimmune diseases. The discovery that TLS formation at tumor sites correlated with good patient prognosis has triggered extensive research into various techniques to induce their formation at the tumor microenvironment (TME). One strategy is the exogenous induction of specific cytokines and chemokine expression in murine models. However, applying such systemic chemokine expression can result in significant toxicity and damage to healthy tissues. Also, the TLS formed from exogenous chemokine induction is heterogeneous and different from the ones associated with favorable prognosis. Therefore, there is a need to optimize additional approaches like immune cell engineering with lentiviral transduction to improve the TLS formation in vivo. Similarly, the genetic and epigenetic regulation of the different phases of TLS neogenesis are still unknown. Understanding these molecular regulations could help identify novel targets to induce tissue-specific TLS in the TME. This review offers a unique insight into the molecular checkpoints of the different stages and mechanisms involved in TLS formation. This review also highlights potential epigenetic targets to induce TLS neogenesis. The review further explores epigenetic therapies (epi-therapy) and ongoing clinical trials using epi-therapy in cancers. In addition, it builds upon the current knowledge of tools to generate TLS and TLS phenotyping biomarkers with predictive and prognostic clinical potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quadri Ajibola Omotesho
- Medical Oncology Service (Group of Translational Research in Cancer Immunotherapy and Epigenetics), Regional and Clinical University Hospitals, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Malaga, Spain
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Alejandro Escamilla
- Medical Oncology Service (Group of Translational Research in Cancer Immunotherapy and Epigenetics), Regional and Clinical University Hospitals, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Malaga, Spain
- Department of Human Physiology, Human Histology, Pathological Anatomy and Physical Sport Education, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Pérez-Ruiz
- Medical Oncology Service (Group of Translational Research in Cancer Immunotherapy and Epigenetics), Regional and Clinical University Hospitals, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Malaga, Spain
| | - Cecilia A. Frecha
- Allergy Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Civil Hospital, Malaga, Spain
| | - Antonio Rueda-Domínguez
- Medical Oncology Service (Group of Translational Research in Cancer Immunotherapy and Epigenetics), Regional and Clinical University Hospitals, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Malaga, Spain
| | - Isabel Barragán
- Medical Oncology Service (Group of Translational Research in Cancer Immunotherapy and Epigenetics), Regional and Clinical University Hospitals, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Malaga, Spain
- Group of Pharmacoepigenetics, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Sacdalan DB, Ul Haq S, Lok BH. Plasma Cell-Free Tumor Methylome as a Biomarker in Solid Tumors: Biology and Applications. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:482-500. [PMID: 38248118 PMCID: PMC10814449 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is a fundamental mechanism of epigenetic control in cells and its dysregulation is strongly implicated in cancer development. Cancers possess an extensively hypomethylated genome with focal regions of hypermethylation at CPG islands. Due to the highly conserved nature of cancer-specific methylation, its detection in cell-free DNA in plasma using liquid biopsies constitutes an area of interest in biomarker research. The advent of next-generation sequencing and newer computational technologies have allowed for the development of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers that utilize methylation profiling to diagnose disease and stratify risk. Methylome-based predictive biomarkers can determine the response to anti-cancer therapy. An additional emerging application of these biomarkers is in minimal residual disease monitoring. Several key challenges need to be addressed before cfDNA-based methylation biomarkers become fully integrated into practice. The first relates to the biology and stability of cfDNA. The second concerns the clinical validity and generalizability of methylation-based assays, many of which are cancer type-specific. The third involves their practicability, which is a stumbling block for translating technologies from bench to clinic. Future work on developing pan-cancer assays with their respective validities confirmed using well-designed, prospective clinical trials is crucial in pushing for the greater use of these tools in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Benedict Sacdalan
- Institute of Medical Science, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Medical Sciences Building, Room 2374, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 610 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Sami Ul Haq
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 610 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Benjamin H. Lok
- Institute of Medical Science, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Medical Sciences Building, Room 2374, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 610 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 101 College Street, Room 15-701, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
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Zou Z, Li R, Huang X, Chen M, Tan J, Wu M. Identification and validation of immune-related methylated genes as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Head Neck 2024; 46:192-211. [PMID: 37929674 DOI: 10.1002/hed.27569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common malignancy occurring in the head and neck. Identification of immune-related methylated biomarkers might be helpful for NPC detection and prognostic evaluation. METHODS A co-methylation network based on WGCNA was constructed to identify modules associated with NPC and immune cells. In combination with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and immune-related genes from ImmPort database, the candidate immune-related methylated genes (IRMGs) were obtained. RESULTS Our combined analysis identified 12 IRMGs. Among them, both the methylation and mRNA expression of CCL28, CSK, and PRKCB were correlated with the infiltration of B cells. CD1D, CR2, and GDF10 were favorable markers. Demethylation experiments validated that downregulation of GDF10, PRKCB, SLC40A1, and TGFBR3 in NPC resulted from promoter hypermethylation. Additionally, a diagnostic model was developed and exhibited high discriminative accuracy. CONCLUSIONS These results provided a group of immune-related methylated biomarkers that may help with the diagnosis and prognosis of NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenning Zou
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Rujia Li
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Xueshan Huang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Mei Chen
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Jingyi Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Minhua Wu
- School of Basic Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
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