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Emamalipour M, Shamdani S, Mansoori B, Uzan G, Naserian S. The implications of the TNFα-TNFR2 immune checkpoint signaling pathway in cancer treatment: From immunoregulation to angiogenesis. Int J Cancer 2025; 156:7-19. [PMID: 39140321 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.35130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Despite the tremendous advances that have been made in biomedical research, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Several therapeutic approaches have been suggested and applied to treat cancer with impressive results. Immunotherapy based on targeting immune checkpoint signaling pathways proved to be one of the most efficient. In this review article, we will focus on the recently discovered TNFα-TNFR2 signaling pathway, which controls the immunological and pro-angiogenic properties of many immunoregulatory and pro-angiogenic cells such as endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Due to their biological properties, these cells can play a major role in cancer progression and metastasis. Therefore, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of an anti-TNFR2 treatment that could carry two faces under one hood. It interrupts the immunosuppressive and pro-angiogenic behaviors of the above-mentioned cells and interferes with tumor growth and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Shamdani
- CellMedEx, Saint Maur Des Fossés, France
- INSERM UMR-S-MD 1197, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France
| | - Behzad Mansoori
- The Wistar Institute, Molecular & Cellular Oncogenesis Program, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Georges Uzan
- INSERM UMR-S-MD 1197, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France
| | - Sina Naserian
- CellMedEx, Saint Maur Des Fossés, France
- INSERM UMR-S-MD 1197, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France
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2
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Yun H, Dong F, Wei X, Yan X, Zhang R, Zhang X, Wang Y. Role and value of the tumor microenvironment in the progression and treatment resistance of gastric cancer (Review). Oncol Rep 2025; 53:14. [PMID: 39611496 PMCID: PMC11622107 DOI: 10.3892/or.2024.8847] [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: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 10/08/2024] [Indexed: 11/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is characterized by a complex and heterogeneous tumor microenvironment (TME) that significantly influences disease progression and treatment outcomes. The tumor stroma, which is composed of a variety of cell types such as cancer‑associated fibroblasts, immune cells and vascular components, displays significant spatial and temporal diversity. These stromal elements engage in dynamic crosstalk with cancer cells, shaping their proliferative, invasive and metastatic potential. Furthermore, the TME is instrumental in facilitating resistance to traditional chemotherapy, specific treatments and immunotherapy strategies. Understanding the underlying mechanisms by which the GC microenvironment evolves and supports tumor growth and therapeutic resistance is critical for developing effective treatment strategies. The present review explores the latest progress in understanding the intricate interactions between cancer cells and their immediate environment in GC, highlighting the implications for disease pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Yun
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Baiyin, Gansu 730900, P.R. China
| | - Fangde Dong
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Baiyin, Gansu 730900, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoqin Wei
- Department of Pain, The Second People's Hospital of Baiyin, Baiyin, Gansu 730900, P.R. China
| | - Xinyong Yan
- Department of Proctology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Baiyin, Gansu 730900, P.R. China
| | - Ronglong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Baiyin, Gansu 730900, P.R. China
| | - Xiuyu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Baiyin, Gansu 730900, P.R. China
| | - Yulin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Baiyin, Gansu 730900, P.R. China
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3
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Chen P, Cheng L, Zhao C, Tang Z, Wang H, Shi J, Li X, Zhou C. Machine learning identifies immune-based biomarkers that predict efficacy of anti-angiogenesis-based therapies in advanced lung cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 143:113588. [PMID: 39556888 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.113588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 10/18/2024] [Accepted: 11/05/2024] [Indexed: 11/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The anti-angiogenic drugs showed remarkable efficacy in the treatment of lung cancer. Nonetheless, the potential roles of the intra-tumoral immune cell abundances and peripheral blood immunological features in prognosis prediction of patients with advanced lung cancer receiving anti-angiogenesis-based therapies remain unknown. In this study, we aimed to develop an immune-based model for early identification of patients with advanced lung cancer who would benefit from anti-angiogenesis-based therapies. METHODS We assembled the real-world cohort of 1058 stage III-IV lung cancer patients receiving the anti-angiogenesis-based therapies. We comprehensively evaluated the tumor immune microenvironment characterizations (CD4, CD8, CD68, FOXP3, and PD-L1) by multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF), as well as calculated the systemic inflammatory index by flow cytometry and medical record review. Based on the light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM) algorithm, a machine-learning model with meaningful parameters was developed and validated in real-world populations. RESULTS In the first-line anti-angiogenic therapy plus chemotherapy cohort (n = 385), the intra-tumoral proportion of CD68 + Macrophages and several circulating inflammatory indexes were significantly related to drug response (p < 0.05). Further, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR), the systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and myeloid to lymphoid ratio (M:L) were identified to construct the non-invasive prediction model with high predictive performance (AUC: 0.799 for treatment response and 0.7006-0.915 for progression-free survival (PFS)). Additionally, based on the unsupervised hierarchical clustering results, the circulating cluster 3 with the highest levels of NLR, MLR, SIRI, and M: L had the worst PFS with the first-line anti-angiogenic therapy plus chemotherapy compared to other circulating clusters (2.5 months, 95 % confidence interval 2.3-2.7 vs. 6.0-9.7 months, 95 % confidence interval 4.9-11.1, p < 0.01). The predictive power of the machine-learning model in PFS was also validated in the anti-angiogenic therapy plus immunotherapy cohort (n = 103), the anti-angiogenic monotherapy cohort (n = 284), and the second-line anti-angiogenic therapy plus chemotherapy cohort (n = 286). CONCLUSIONS Integrating pre-treatment circulating inflammatory biomarkers could non-invasively and early forecast clinical outcomes for anti-angiogenic response in lung cancer. The immune-based prognostic model is a promising tool to reflect systemic inflammatory status and predict clinical prognosis for anti-angiogenic treatment in patients with stage III-IV lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peixin Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China; School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 2000922, China
| | - Lei Cheng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China; Department of Lung Cancer and Immunology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chao Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China; Department of Lung Cancer and Immunology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zhuoran Tang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China; School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 2000922, China
| | - Haowei Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China; School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 2000922, China
| | - Jinpeng Shi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China; School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 2000922, China
| | - Xuefei Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China; Department of Lung Cancer and Immunology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Caicun Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China; School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 2000922, China.
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4
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Lu S, Chen X, Yang Y, Li J. CB2R activation enhances tumor-associated macrophages-mediated phagocytosis of glioma cell. Heliyon 2024; 10:e40806. [PMID: 39691192 PMCID: PMC11650289 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e40806] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 11/25/2024] [Accepted: 11/27/2024] [Indexed: 12/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cannabinoid administration has demonstrated promising anti-tumor effects for glioblastoma (GBM) by inhibiting glioma cell proliferation and inducing glioma cell death. However, the impact of cannabinoids and endocannabinoid receptors on immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains largely unexplored. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), the most abundant immune cells in the TME, and their mediated phagocytosis of tumor cells have shown potential in preclinical xenografts of various human malignancies. This study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of endocannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) on TAMs-mediated phagocytosis in xenografted mice with GL261-GFP cell lines. Methods We measured the phagocytic activity using immunofluorescence and flow cytometry, and we used the IVIS Spectrum System for bioluminescent imaging to track the growth of the tumor. Results Our findings demonstrated that administering JWH133, a selective CB2R agonist, significantly boosted TAMs-mediated phagocytosis. However, administering AM630, a selective CB2R antagonist, significantly inhibited TAMs-mediated phagocytosis. Mechanistically, CB2R activation upregulated the expression of CD36 on TAMs, a scavenger receptor known to facilitate phagocytosis. Furthermore, sulfo-N-succinimidyl oleate (SSO), an irreversible CD36 inhibitor, could reverse the CB2R activation-induced enhancement of phagocytosis by TAMs. Additionally. JHW133 also effectively augmented the chemotherapeutic efficacy of temozolomide. Conclusion Overall, our findings show that CB2R activation promotes TAMs-mediated phagocytosis of tumor cells by enhancing CD36 expression, implying that JWH133 could be a useful therapeutic approach to improving chemotherapeutic efficacy against GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Lu
- Office of Scientific Research Administration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuezhu Chen
- Department of Pathology, Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing, 400036, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Junlong Li
- Office of Scientific Research Administration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Office of Scientific Research Administration, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
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5
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Rinaldi L, Senatore E, Feliciello S, Chiuso F, Insabato L, Feliciello A. Kidney cancer: From tumor biology to innovative therapeutics. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1880:189240. [PMID: 39674419 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 11/21/2024] [Accepted: 12/06/2024] [Indexed: 12/16/2024]
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) constitutes the most frequent kidney cancer of the adult population and one of the most lethal malignant tumors worldwide. RCC often presents without early symptoms, leading to late diagnosis. Prognosis varies widely based on the stage of cancer at diagnosis. In the early-stage, localized RCC has a relatively good prognosis, while advanced or metastatic RCC has a poor outcome. Obesity, smoking, genetic mutations and family history are all considered risk factors for RCC, while inherited disorders, such as Tuberous Sclerosis and von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, are causally associated with RCC development. Genetic screening, deep sequencing analysis, quantitative proteomics and immunostaining analysis on RCC tissues, biological fluids and blood samples have been employed to identify novel biomarkers, predisposing factors and therapeutic targets for RCC with important clinical implications for patient treatment. Combined approaches of gene-targeting strategies coupled to a deep functional analysis of cancer cell biology, both in vitro and in appropriate animal models of RCC, significantly contributed to identify and characterize relevant pathogenic mechanisms underlying development and progression of RCC. These studies provided also important cues for the generation of novel target-specific therapeutics that selectively restore deranged cancer cell signalling and dysfunctional immune checkpoints, positively impacting on the survival rate of treated RCC patients. In this review, we will describe the recent discoveries concerning the most relevant pathogenic mechanisms of RCC and will highlight novel therapeutic strategies that interrupt oncogenic pathways and restore immune defences in RCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuela Senatore
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Stella Feliciello
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131, Italy
| | - Francesco Chiuso
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Insabato
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University Hospital Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Feliciello
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
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6
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Qi X, Cheng C, Zhang D, Yu Z, Meng X. Exploring the synergy between tumor microenvironment modulation and STING agonists in cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1488345. [PMID: 39712021 PMCID: PMC11659200 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1488345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 11/21/2024] [Indexed: 12/24/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Qi
- Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
- Department of Oncology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
- Department of Cardiology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Dawei Zhang
- Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Zongjiang Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biobased Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiangwei Meng
- Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
- Department of Drug Clinical Trials, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
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7
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Xu Q, Shao D. Leveraging the synergy between anti-angiogenic therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors to treat digestive system cancers. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1487610. [PMID: 39691707 PMCID: PMC11649667 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1487610] [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: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 11/20/2024] [Indexed: 12/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The response rates to immunotherapy vary widely depending on the type of cancer and the specific treatment used and can be disappointingly low for many solid tumors. Fortunately, due to their complementary mechanisms of action, immunotherapy and anti-angiogenic therapy have synergistic effects in cancer treatment. By normalizing the tumor vasculature, anti-angiogenic therapy can improve blood flow and oxygenation to facilitate better immune cell infiltration into the tumor and enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy. It also reduces immunosuppressive factors and enhances immune activation, to create a more favorable environment for immune cells to attack the tumor. Their combination leverages the strengths of both therapies to enhance anti-tumor effects and improve patient outcomes. This review discusses the vasculature-immunity crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment and summarizes the latest advances in combining anti-angiogenic therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors to treat digestive system tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dong Shao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow
University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
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8
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Domenici G, Lopes NF, Trindade G, Ramella Gal I, Miret Minard J, Rebelo SP, Freitas C, Duarte N, Brito C. Assessing Novel Antibody-Based Therapies in Reconstructive 3D Cell Models of the Tumor Microenvironment. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2400431. [PMID: 39601467 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202400431] [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: 07/23/2024] [Revised: 10/21/2024] [Indexed: 11/29/2024]
Abstract
Targeted, combinatorial, and immunomodulatory therapies, such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and immunomodulatory antibodies (Abs), are powerful weapons against tumor cells and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Therefore, the evaluation of such therapies should be conducted in pre-clinical models able to recapitulate the complex cellular and molecular crosstalk of the TME. To build-in critical hallmarks of the TME, a breast cancer heterotypic 3D cell model (3D-3) is devised using a microencapsulation strategy with an inert biomaterial (alginate) and agitation-based cultures. Both stromal and immune components are added to multicellular tumor spheroids, therefore fostering cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) immunomodulatory interactions. The potential of the methodology to assess Ab-based therapies is then addressed by employing a series of anti-HER2-based ADCs. ADCs induced tumor-cell specific cytotoxicity toward HER2+ breast cancer spheroids while sparing HER2-negative CAFs. In addition, an immunomodulatory blocking Ab against colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) decreases the expression of immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory markers in TAMs, like what is previously observed upon in vivo α-CSF1R administration. Collectively, the human TME-based 3D-3 cell model is a suitable tool to evaluate the anti-tumor and immunomodulatory potential of novel antibody-based therapies directed against TME targets, such as cancer cells and macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Domenici
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, Oeiras, 2780-901, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, Oeiras, 2780-157, Portugal
| | - Nuno F Lopes
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, Oeiras, 2780-901, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, Oeiras, 2780-157, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo Trindade
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, Oeiras, 2780-901, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, Oeiras, 2780-157, Portugal
| | - Isabella Ramella Gal
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, Oeiras, 2780-901, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, Oeiras, 2780-157, Portugal
| | - Joan Miret Minard
- Department of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Plaça Cívica, Bellaterra, 08193, Spain
| | - Sofia P Rebelo
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, Oeiras, 2780-901, Portugal
| | - Catarina Freitas
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, Oeiras, 2780-901, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, Oeiras, 2780-157, Portugal
| | - Nádia Duarte
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, Oeiras, 2780-901, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, Oeiras, 2780-157, Portugal
| | - Catarina Brito
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, Oeiras, 2780-901, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, Oeiras, 2780-157, Portugal
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Wang ZM, Li MK, Yang QL, Duan SX, Lou XY, Yang XY, Liu Y, Zhong YW, Qiao Y, Wang ZS, Sun L, Qian F. Recombinant human adenovirus type 5 promotes anti-tumor immunity via inducing pyroptosis in tumor endothelial cells. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:2646-2656. [PMID: 39030309 PMCID: PMC11579340 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01349-x] [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: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Recombinant human type 5 adenovirus (H101) is an oncolytic virus used to treat nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Owing to the deletion of the E1B-55kD and E3 regions, H101 is believed to selectively inhibit nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Whether H101 inhibits other type of tumors via different mechanisms remains unclear. In this study we investigated the effects of H101 on melanomas. We established B16F10 melanoma xenograft mouse model, and treated the mice with H101 (1 × 108 TCID50) via intratumoral injection for five consecutive days. We found that H101 treatment significantly inhibited B16F10 melanoma growth in the mice. H101 treatment significantly increased the infiltration of CD8+ T cells and reduced the proportion of M2-type macrophages. We demonstrated that H101 exhibited low cytotoxicity against B16F10 cells, but the endothelial cells were more sensitive to H101 treatment. H101 induced endothelial cell pyroptosis in a caspase-1/GSDMD-dependent manner. Furthermore, we showed that the combination of H101 with the immune checkpoint inhibitor PD-L1 antibody (10 mg/kg, i.p., every three days for three times) exerted synergic suppression on B16F10 tumor growth in the mice. This study demonstrates that, in addition to oncolysis, H101 inhibits melanoma growth by promoting anti-tumor immunity and inducing pyroptosis of vascular endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Ming Wang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery; Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Meng-Kai Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery; Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Qing-Ling Yang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233030, China
| | - Shi-Xin Duan
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery; Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xin-Yi Lou
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery; Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xin-Yi Yang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery; Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery; Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yu-Wen Zhong
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery; Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yu Qiao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233030, China
| | - Zi-Shu Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233004, China.
| | - Lei Sun
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery; Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Feng Qian
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery; Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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10
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Novysedlak R, Balko J, Tavandzis J, Tovazhnianska V, Slavcev A, Vychytilova K, Smetanova J, Bohyn A, Vajter J, Borcinova M, Vanaudenaerde BM, Lischke R, Vachtenheim J, Ceulemans LJ, Ozaniak Strizova Z. Elevated PD-L1 and PECAM-1 as Diagnostic Biomarkers of Acute Rejection in Lung Transplantation. Transpl Int 2024; 37:13796. [PMID: 39640249 PMCID: PMC11617192 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2024.13796] [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: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 11/08/2024] [Indexed: 12/07/2024]
Abstract
Acute cellular rejection (ACR) frequently occurs following lung transplantation (LuTx) and represents a risk factor for the development of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) as well as long-term survival. The histopathological diagnosis of ACR carries a burden of interobserver variability. The widespread utilization and cost-effectiveness of immunohistochemistry (IHC) was proven beneficial in diagnosing rejection in human kidney transplantations and LuTx rat models. However, its potential for ACR detection in patients remains unexplored. We analyzed surface markers (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD68, CD47, PD-1, PD-L1, and CD31/PECAM-1) on lung tissue cryobiopsy samples collected within 6 months post-LuTx from 60 LuTx recipients, 48 of whom were diagnosed with ACR. Additionally, serum samples from 51 patients were analyzed using a multiplex bead-based Luminex assay. The cytokines and markers included PD-L1, IL2, TNFα, IFNγ, and Granzyme B. We observed a significant increase in PD-L1 tissue expression within the rejection group, suggesting a concerted effort to suppress immune responses, especially those mediated by T-cells. Furthermore, we noted significant differences in PECAM-1 levels between ACR/non-ACR. Additionally, peripheral blood C-reactive-protein levels tended to be higher in the ACR group, while Luminex serum analyses did not reveal any significant differences between groups. In conclusion, our findings suggest the potential value of PECAM-1 and PD-L1 markers in diagnosing ACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rene Novysedlak
- Prague Lung Transplant Program, 3rd Department of Surgery, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Balko
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| | - Janis Tavandzis
- Prague Lung Transplant Program, 3rd Department of Surgery, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| | - Vira Tovazhnianska
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| | - Antonij Slavcev
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czechia
| | - Katerina Vychytilova
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jitka Smetanova
- Department of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| | - Alexandre Bohyn
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics Center (L-BioStat), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jaromir Vajter
- Department of Anesthesiology, Resuscitation and Intensive Care Medicine, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| | - Martina Borcinova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, General University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| | - Bart M. Vanaudenaerde
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robert Lischke
- Prague Lung Transplant Program, 3rd Department of Surgery, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jiri Vachtenheim
- Prague Lung Transplant Program, 3rd Department of Surgery, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| | - Laurens J. Ceulemans
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Zuzana Ozaniak Strizova
- Department of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
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11
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Biray Avci C, Goker Bagca B, Nikanfar M, Takanlou LS, Takanlou MS, Nourazarian A. Tumor microenvironment and cancer metastasis: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1442888. [PMID: 39600368 PMCID: PMC11588459 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1442888] [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: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 11/01/2024] [Indexed: 11/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in cancer development and metastasis. This review summarizes the current research on how the TME promotes metastasis through molecular pathways, focusing on key components, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, immune cells, endothelial cells, cytokines, and the extracellular matrix. Significant findings have highlighted that alterations in cellular communication within the TME enable tumor cells to evade immune surveillance, survive, and invade other tissues. This review highlights the roles of TGF-β and VEGF signaling in promoting angiogenesis and extracellular matrix remodeling, which facilitate metastasis. Additionally, we explored how metabolic reprogramming of tumor and stromal cells, influenced by nutrient availability in the TME, drives cancer progression. This study also evaluated the therapeutic strategies targeting these interactions to disrupt metastasis. By providing a multidisciplinary perspective, this study suggests that understanding the molecular basis of the TME can lead to more effective cancer therapies and identify potential avenues for future research. Future research on the TME should prioritize unraveling the molecular and cellular interactions within this complex environment, which could lead to novel therapeutic strategies and personalized cancer treatments. Moreover, advancements in technologies such as single-cell analysis, spatial transcriptomics, and epigenetic profiling offer promising avenues for identifying new therapeutic targets and improving the efficacy of immunotherapies, particularly in the context of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cigir Biray Avci
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Türkiye
| | - Bakiye Goker Bagca
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Türkiye
| | - Masoud Nikanfar
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | | | - Alireza Nourazarian
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Khoy University of Medical Sciences, Khoy, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Khoy University of Medical Sciences, Khoy, Iran
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12
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Sitarek P, Merecz-Sadowska A, Sikora J, Osicka W, Śpiewak I, Picot L, Kowalczyk T. Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Theobroma cacao L.: Insights from In Vitro, In Vivo, and Nanoparticle Studies on Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Effects. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:1376. [PMID: 39594518 PMCID: PMC11590920 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13111376] [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: 10/01/2024] [Revised: 11/02/2024] [Accepted: 11/08/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Theobroma cacao L., commonly known as cocoa, has been an integral part of human culture and diet for thousands of years. However, recent scientific research has highlighted its potential therapeutic properties, particularly in the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases. This comprehensive review analyzes the anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects of Theobroma cacao extracts combined with nanoparticles using in vitro and in vivo studies. Its diverse biological activity can be attributed to its rich phytochemical profile, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids. In vitro studies have found that cocoa extracts, alone or in combination with nanoparticles, inhibit cancer cell proliferation, induce apoptosis and modulate key signaling pathways in various cancer cell lines. The extracts have also been found to reduce tumor growth and enhance the efficacy of conventional chemotherapeutic agents, potentially reducing their side effects, in vivo. Its anti-inflammatory properties are based on its ability to modulate inflammatory mediators, inhibit NF-κB signaling, and regulate macrophage polarization. These effects have been observed in both cellular and animal models of inflammation. This review opens up new possibilities for future research and therapeutic applications, highlighting the potential of Theobroma cacao as a valuable complementary approach in the treatment and prevention of cancer and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Przemysław Sitarek
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Muszynskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Merecz-Sadowska
- Department of Allergology and Respiratory Rehabilitation, Medical University of Lodz, 90-725 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Joanna Sikora
- Department of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Muszynskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Weronika Osicka
- Students Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-151 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Igor Śpiewak
- Students Research Group, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Laurent Picot
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés UMRi CNRS 7266 LIENSs, La Rochelle Université, 17042 La Rochelle, France;
| | - Tomasz Kowalczyk
- Students Research Group, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland;
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13
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Kumari L, Yadav R, Kumar Y, Bhatia A. Role of tight junction proteins in shaping the immune milieu of malignancies. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:1305-1321. [PMID: 39126381 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2391915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tight junctions (TJs) and their constituent proteins play pivotal roles in cellular physiology and anatomy by establishing functional boundaries within and between neighboring cells. While the involvement of TJ proteins, such as claudins, in cancer is extensively studied, studies highlighting their interaction with immune system are still meager. Studies indicate that alterations in cytokines and immune cell populations can affect TJ proteins, compromising TJ barrier function and exacerbating pro-inflammatory conditions, potentially leading to epithelial cell malignancy. Disrupted TJs in established tumors may foster a pro-tumor immune microenvironment, facilitating tumor progression, invasion, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and metastasis. Although previous literature contains many studies describing the involvement of TJs in pathogenesis of malignancies their role in modulating the immune microenvironment of tumors is just beginning to be unleashed. AREAS COVERED This article for the first time attempts to discern the importance of interaction between TJs and immune microenvironment in malignancies. To achieve the above aim a thorough search of databases like PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted to identify the recent and relevant articles on the topic. EXPERT OPINION Breaking the vicious cycle of dysbiosis/infections/chemical/carcinogen-induced inflammation-TJ remodeling-malignancy-TJ dysregulation-more inflammation can be used as a strategy to complement the effect of immunotherapies in various malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laxmi Kumari
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Reena Yadav
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Yashwant Kumar
- Department of Immunopathology, Post Graduate Institute of medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Alka Bhatia
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
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14
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Ye Z, Li G, Lei J. Influencing immunity: role of extracellular vesicles in tumor immune checkpoint dynamics. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:2365-2381. [PMID: 39528800 PMCID: PMC11612210 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01340-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: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint proteins (ICPs) serve as critical regulators of the immune system, ensuring protection against damage due to overly activated immune responses. However, within the tumor environment, excessive ICP activation weakens antitumor immunity. Despite the development of numerous immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) drugs in recent years, their broad application has been inhibited by uncertainties about their clinical efficacy. A thorough understanding of ICP regulation in the tumor microenvironment is essential for advancing the development of more effective and safer ICB therapies. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are pivotal mediators of cell-cell communication, have been extensively studied and found to play key roles in the functionality of ICPs. Nonetheless, a comprehensive review summarizing the current knowledge about the crosstalk between EVs and ICPs in the tumor environment is lacking. In this review, we summarize the interactions between EVs and several widely studied ICPs as well as their potential clinical implications, providing a theoretical basis for further investigation of EV-related ICB therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyang Ye
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Genpeng Li
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianyong Lei
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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15
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Abdalla AM, Miao Y, Ming N, Ouyang C. ADAM10 modulates the efficacy of T-cell-mediated therapy in solid tumors. Immunol Cell Biol 2024; 102:907-923. [PMID: 39417304 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 10/19/2024]
Abstract
T-cell-mediated therapeutic strategies are the most potent effectors of cancer immunotherapy. However, an essential barrier to this therapy in solid tumors is disrupting the anti-cancer immune response, cancer-immunity cycle, T-cell priming, trafficking and T-cell cytotoxic capacity. Thus, reinforcing the anti-cancer immune response is needed to improve the effectiveness of T-cell-mediated therapy. Tumor-associated protease ADAM10, endothelial cells (ECs) and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells engage in complex communication via adhesion, transmigration and chemotactic mechanisms to facilitate an anti-cancer immune response. The precise impact of ADAM10 on the intricate mechanisms underlying these interactions remains unclear. This paper broadly explores how ADAM10, through different routes, influences the efficacy of T-cell-mediated therapy. ADAM10 cleaves CD8+ T-cell-targeting genes and impacts their expression and specificity. In addition, ADAM10 mediates the interactions of adhesion molecules with T cells and influences CD8+ T-cell activity and trafficking. Thus, understanding the role of ADAM10 in these events may lead to innovative strategies for advancing T-cell-mediated therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Me Abdalla
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, China
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Applied Science, University of Bahri, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Yu Miao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine for Surgical Oncology in Gansu Province, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Department of Phase 1 Clinical and Research Ward, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ning Ming
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, China
| | - Chenxi Ouyang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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16
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Abdallah FM, Ghoneim AI, Abd-Alhaseeb MM, Abdel-Raheem IT, Helmy MW. Unveiling the antitumor synergy between pazopanib and metformin on lung cancer through suppressing p-Akt/ NF-κB/ STAT3/ PD-L1 signal pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 180:117468. [PMID: 39332188 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117468] [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: 07/06/2024] [Revised: 09/01/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Pazopanib, an inhibitor of the VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase, has demonstrated significant antitumor effects in lung cancer. However, its application as a standard treatment for this type of cancer is limited by its drug resistance and toxicity. Metformin has the potential to combat lung cancer by modifying the tumor's immune microenvironment. In this study, we investigated the potential antitumor effects and the associated underlying molecular mechanisms of the combination of pazopanib and metformin in lung cancer. In vitro studies were conducted using the A549 and H460 lung cancer cell lines, whereas urethane-induced lung cancer-bearing mice were used for in vivo assessments. The urethane-induced mice received oral administration of pazopanib (50 mg/kg) and/or metformin (250 mg/kg) for a duration of 21 days. The results indicated that the MTT assay demonstrated a combined cytotoxic effect of the pazopanib/metformin combination in H460 and A549 cells, as evidenced by CI and DRI analyses. The observed increase in annexin V levels and the corresponding increase in Caspase-3 activity strongly suggest that this combination induced apoptosis. Furthermore, the pazopanib/metformin combination significantly inhibited the p-Akt/NF-κB/IL-6/STAT3, HIF1α/VEGF, and TLR2/TGF-β/PD-L1 pathways while also increasing CD8 expression in vivo. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that these antitumor mechanisms were manifested by the suppression of the proliferation marker Ki67. In conclusion, these findings revealed that metformin augments the antitumor efficacy of pazopanib in lung cancer by simultaneously targeting proliferative, angiogenic, and immunogenic signaling pathways, metformin enhances the antitumor effectiveness of pazopanib in lung cancer, making it a promising therapeutic option for lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma M Abdallah
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, 22511, Egypt; Faculty of Health Sciences Technology, Borg Al Arab Technological University, New Borg El Arab, Egypt.
| | - Asser I Ghoneim
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, 22511, Egypt.
| | - Mohammad M Abd-Alhaseeb
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, 22511, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA.
| | - Ihab T Abdel-Raheem
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, 22511, Egypt.
| | - Maged W Helmy
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, 22511, Egypt.
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17
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Alnaqbi H, Becker LM, Mousa M, Alshamsi F, Azzam SK, Emini Veseli B, Hymel LA, Alhosani K, Alhusain M, Mazzone M, Alsafar H, Carmeliet P. Immunomodulation by endothelial cells: prospects for cancer therapy. Trends Cancer 2024; 10:1072-1091. [PMID: 39289084 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
Growing evidence highlights the importance of tumor endothelial cells (TECs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) for promoting tumor growth and evading immune responses. Immunomodulatory endothelial cells (IMECs) represent a distinct plastic phenotype of ECs that exerts the ability to modulate immunity in health and disease. This review discusses our current understanding of IMECs in cancer biology, scrutinizing insights from single-cell reports to compare their characteristics and function dynamics across diverse tumor types, conditions, and species. We investigate possible implications of exploiting IMECs in the context of cancer treatment, particularly examining their influence on the efficacy of existing therapies and the potential to leverage them as targets in optimizing immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halima Alnaqbi
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Lisa M Becker
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Department of Oncology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mira Mousa
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fatima Alshamsi
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Department of Oncology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sarah K Azzam
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Besa Emini Veseli
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Department of Oncology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lauren A Hymel
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Department of Oncology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Khalood Alhosani
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Marwa Alhusain
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Massimiliano Mazzone
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Habiba Alsafar
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Department of Oncology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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18
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Tomassetti C, Insinga G, Gimigliano F, Morrione A, Giordano A, Giurisato E. Insights into CSF-1R Expression in the Tumor Microenvironment. Biomedicines 2024; 12:2381. [PMID: 39457693 PMCID: PMC11504891 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12102381] [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: 08/22/2024] [Revised: 09/30/2024] [Accepted: 10/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R) plays a pivotal role in orchestrating cellular interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Although the CSF-1R has been extensively studied in myeloid cells, the expression of this receptor and its emerging role in other cell types in the TME need to be further analyzed. This review explores the multifaceted functions of the CSF-1R across various TME cellular populations, including tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), dendritic cells (DCs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), endothelial cells (ECs), and cancer stem cells (CSCs). The activation of the CSF-1R by its ligands, colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) and Interleukin-34 (IL-34), regulates TAM polarization towards an immunosuppressive M2 phenotype, promoting tumor progression and immune evasion. Similarly, CSF-1R signaling influences MDSCs to exert immunosuppressive functions, hindering anti-tumor immunity. In DCs, the CSF-1R alters antigen-presenting capabilities, compromising immune surveillance against cancer cells. CSF-1R expression in CAFs and ECs regulates immune modulation, angiogenesis, and immune cell trafficking within the TME, fostering a pro-tumorigenic milieu. Notably, the CSF-1R in CSCs contributes to tumor aggressiveness and therapeutic resistance through interactions with TAMs and the modulation of stemness features. Understanding the diverse roles of the CSF-1R in the TME underscores its potential as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment, aiming at disrupting pro-tumorigenic cellular crosstalk and enhancing anti-tumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Tomassetti
- Department of Biotechnology Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Gaia Insinga
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (G.I.); (F.G.)
| | - Francesca Gimigliano
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (G.I.); (F.G.)
| | - Andrea Morrione
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
| | - Emanuele Giurisato
- Department of Biotechnology Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
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19
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Lagarde CB, Thapa K, Cullen NM, Hawes ML, Salim K, Benz MC, Dietrich SR, Burow BE, Bunnell BA, Martin EC, Collins-Burow BM, Lynch RM, Hoang VT, Burow ME, Fang JS. Obesity and leptin in breast cancer angiogenesis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1465727. [PMID: 39439572 PMCID: PMC11493622 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1465727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 10/25/2024] Open
Abstract
At the time of breast cancer diagnosis, most patients meet the diagnostic criteria to be classified as obese or overweight. This can significantly impact patient outcome: breast cancer patients with obesity (body mass index > 30) have a poorer prognosis compared to patients with a lean BMI. Obesity is associated with hyperleptinemia, and leptin is a well-established driver of metastasis in breast cancer. However, the effect of hyperleptinemia on angiogenesis in breast cancer is less well-known. Angiogenesis is an important process in breast cancer because it is essential for tumor growth beyond 1mm3 in size as well as cancer cell circulation and metastasis. This review investigates the role of leptin in regulating angiogenesis, specifically within the context of breast cancer and the associated tumor microenvironment in obese patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney B. Lagarde
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Tulane University Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Kapil Thapa
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Science and Engineering, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Nicole M. Cullen
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Tulane University Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Mackenzie L. Hawes
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Tulane University Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Khudeja Salim
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Tulane University Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Megan C. Benz
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Tulane University Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Sophie R. Dietrich
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Tulane University Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
- United States Department of Agriculture Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Brandon E. Burow
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Science and Engineering, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Bruce A. Bunnell
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Elizabeth C. Martin
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Tulane University Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Bridgette M. Collins-Burow
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Tulane University Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Ronald M. Lynch
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Van T. Hoang
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Tulane University Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Matthew E. Burow
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Tulane University Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Jennifer S. Fang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Science and Engineering, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Physiology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
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20
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Nguyen TNH, Horowitz LF, Nguyen B, Lockhart E, Zhu S, Gujral TS, Folch A. Microfluidic Modulation of Microvasculature in Microdissected Tumors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.09.26.615278. [PMID: 39386436 PMCID: PMC11463410 DOI: 10.1101/2024.09.26.615278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Abstract
The microvasculature within the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an essential role in cancer signaling beyond nutrient delivery. However, it has been challenging to control the generation and/or maintenance of microvasculature in ex vivo systems, a critical step for establishing cancer models of high clinical biomimicry. There have been great successes in engineering tissues incorporating microvasculature de novo (e.g., organoids and organs-on-chip), but these reconstituted tissues are formed with non-native cellular and molecular components that can skew certain outcomes such as drug efficacy. Microdissected tumors, on the other hand, show promise in preserving the TME, which is key for creating cancer models that can bridge the gap between bench and bedside. However, microdissected tumors are challenging to perfuse. Here, we developed a microfluidic platform that allows for perfusing the microvasculature of microdissected tumors. We demonstrate that, compared to diffusive transport, microfluidically perfused tissues feature larger and longer microvascular structures, with a better expression of CD31, a marker for endothelial cells, as analyzed by 3D imaging. This study also explores the effects of nitric oxide pathway-related drugs on endothelial cells, which are sensitive to shear stress and can activate endothelial nitric oxide synthase, producing nitric oxide. Our findings highlight the critical role of controlled perfusion and biochemical modulation in preserving tumor microvasculature, offering valuable insights for developing more effective cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tran N. H. Nguyen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, 98105, United States
| | - Lisa F. Horowitz
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, 98105, United States
| | - Brandon Nguyen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, 98105, United States
| | - Ethan Lockhart
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, 98105, United States
| | - Songli Zhu
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, 98109, United States
| | - Taranjit S. Gujral
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, 98109, United States
| | - Albert Folch
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, 98105, United States
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21
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Gaebler D, Hachey SJ, Hughes CCW. Improving tumor microenvironment assessment in chip systems through next-generation technology integration. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1462293. [PMID: 39386043 PMCID: PMC11461320 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1462293] [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: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) comprises a diverse array of cells, both cancerous and non-cancerous, including stromal cells and immune cells. Complex interactions among these cells play a central role in driving cancer progression, impacting critical aspects such as tumor initiation, growth, invasion, response to therapy, and the development of drug resistance. While targeting the TME has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy, there is a critical need for innovative approaches that accurately replicate its complex cellular and non-cellular interactions; the goal being to develop targeted, personalized therapies that can effectively elicit anti-cancer responses in patients. Microfluidic systems present notable advantages over conventional in vitro 2D co-culture models and in vivo animal models, as they more accurately mimic crucial features of the TME and enable precise, controlled examination of the dynamic interactions among multiple human cell types at any time point. Combining these models with next-generation technologies, such as bioprinting, single cell sequencing and real-time biosensing, is a crucial next step in the advancement of microfluidic models. This review aims to emphasize the importance of this integrated approach to further our understanding of the TME by showcasing current microfluidic model systems that integrate next-generation technologies to dissect cellular intra-tumoral interactions across different tumor types. Carefully unraveling the complexity of the TME by leveraging next generation technologies will be pivotal for developing targeted therapies that can effectively enhance robust anti-tumoral responses in patients and address the limitations of current treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Gaebler
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Stephanie J. Hachey
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Christopher C. W. Hughes
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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22
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Benboubker V, Ramzy GM, Jacobs S, Nowak-Sliwinska P. Challenges in validation of combination treatment strategies for CRC using patient-derived organoids. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:259. [PMID: 39261955 PMCID: PMC11389238 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03173-x] [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: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) established from tissues from various tumor types gave the foundation of ex vivo models to screen and/or validate the activity of many cancer drug candidates. Due to their phenotypic and genotypic similarity to the tumor of which they were derived, PDOs offer results that effectively complement those obtained from more complex models. Yet, their potential for predicting sensitivity to combination therapy remains underexplored. In this review, we discuss the use of PDOs in both validation and optimization of multi-drug combinations for personalized treatment strategies in CRC. Moreover, we present recent advancements in enriching PDOs with diverse cell types, enhancing their ability to mimic the complexity of in vivo environments. Finally, we debate how such sophisticated models are narrowing the gap in personalized medicine, particularly through immunotherapy strategies and discuss the challenges and future direction in this promising field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Benboubker
- Molecular Pharmacology Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel-Servet, Geneva, 4 1211, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland
- Translational Research Center in Oncohaematology, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland
| | - George M Ramzy
- Molecular Pharmacology Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel-Servet, Geneva, 4 1211, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland
- Translational Research Center in Oncohaematology, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland
| | - Sacha Jacobs
- Molecular Pharmacology Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel-Servet, Geneva, 4 1211, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland
- Translational Research Center in Oncohaematology, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland
| | - Patrycja Nowak-Sliwinska
- Molecular Pharmacology Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel-Servet, Geneva, 4 1211, Switzerland.
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland.
- Translational Research Center in Oncohaematology, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland.
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23
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Wu C, Zhang G, Wang L, Hu J, Ju Z, Tao H, Li Q, Li J, Zhang W, Sheng J, Hou X, Hu Y. Spatial proteomic profiling elucidates immune determinants of neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Oncogene 2024; 43:2751-2767. [PMID: 39122893 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03123-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) presents significant clinical and therapeutic challenges due to its aggressive nature and generally poor prognosis. We initiated a Phase II clinical trial (ChiCTR1900027160) to assess the efficacy of a pioneering neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy regimen comprising programmed death-1 (PD-1) blockade (Toripalimab), nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel), and the oral fluoropyrimidine derivative S-1, in patients with locally advanced ESCC. This study uniquely integrates clinical outcomes with advanced spatial proteomic profiling using Imaging Mass Cytometry (IMC) to elucidate the dynamics within the tumor microenvironment (TME), focusing on the mechanistic interplay of resistance and response. Sixty patients participated, receiving the combination therapy prior to surgical resection. Our findings demonstrated a major pathological response (MPR) in 62% of patients and a pathological complete response (pCR) in 29%. The IMC analysis provided a detailed regional assessment, revealing that the spatial arrangement of immune cells, particularly CD8+ T cells and B cells within tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS), and S100A9+ inflammatory macrophages in fibrotic regions are predictive of therapeutic outcomes. Employing machine learning approaches, such as support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF) analysis, we identified critical spatial features linked to drug resistance and developed predictive models for drug response, achieving an area under the curve (AUC) of 97%. These insights underscore the vital role of integrating spatial proteomics into clinical trials to dissect TME dynamics thoroughly, paving the way for personalized and precise cancer treatment strategies in ESCC. This holistic approach not only enhances our understanding of the mechanistic basis behind drug resistance but also sets a robust foundation for optimizing therapeutic interventions in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, The Fifth Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Guoqing Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, The Fifth Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Wang
- College of Artificial Intelligence, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinlong Hu
- Department of Oncology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhongjian Ju
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, The First Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Haitao Tao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, The Fifth Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Li
- The Shapingba Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Li
- Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
| | - Jianpeng Sheng
- College of Artificial Intelligence, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, China.
- Chinese Institutes for Medical Research, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaobin Hou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, The First Medical Center, Beijing, China.
| | - Yi Hu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, The Fifth Medical Center, Beijing, China.
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24
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Cao W, Xie Y, Cai L, Wang M, Chen Z, Wang Z, Xv J, Wang Y, Li R, Liu X, Wang W. Pan‑cancer analysis on the role of KMT2C expression in tumor progression and immunotherapy. Oncol Lett 2024; 28:444. [PMID: 39091583 PMCID: PMC11292467 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Histone lysine N-methyltransferase 2C (KMT2C) is involved in transcriptional regulation and DNA damage repair. Mutations in KMT2C have been implicated in the progression, metastasis, and drug resistance of multiple cancer types. However, the roles of KMT2C in the regulation of tumor prognosis, immune cell infiltration and the immune microenvironment in these multiple cancer types remain unclear. Therefore, in the present study, data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Genotype-Tissue Expression databases were used for KMT2C expression analyses. Kaplan-Meier and univariate Cox regression analyses were also performed to investigate the prognostic role of KMT2C. In addition, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was conducted to study the KMT2C-related signaling pathways. Tumor immune estimation resource 2 and single-sample GSEA were conducted to investigate the correlation between KMT2C expression and immune cell infiltrations, and Spearman's analysis was conducted to study the correlations among KMT2C, tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, immune regulators, chemokines and immune receptors. Immunohistochemistry of patient kidney tumor samples was performed to verify the correlation between KMT2C and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression. Finally, RNA interference, wound healing and colony formation assays were conducted to evaluate the effects of KMT2C expression on cell proliferation and metastasis. The results of the present study demonstrated that KMT2C was highly expressed in multiple cancer types, was a protective factor in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma and ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma, and a risk factor for lung squamous cell carcinoma and uveal melanoma. In addition, KMT2C levels were negatively correlated with immune-activated pathways and the infiltration of immune cells, and positively correlated with inhibitory immune factors and tumor angiogenesis. Patients with low KMT2C expression had higher objective response rates to immunotherapy, and drug sensitivity analysis indicated that topoisomerase, histone deacetylase, DOT1-like histone H3K79 methyltransferase and G9A nuclear histone lysine methyltransferase inhibitors could potentially be used to treat tumors with high KMT2C expression levels. Finally, the KMT2C and PD-L1 expression levels were shown to be positively correlated, and KMT2C knockdown markedly promoted the proliferation and invasion capacities of A549 cells. In conclusion, the present study revealed that low KMT2C expression may be a promising biomarker for predicting the response of patients with cancer to immunotherapy. Conversely, high KMT2C expression was shown to promote tumor angiogenesis, which may contribute to the formation of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, P.R. China
| | - Yawen Xie
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Li Cai
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Mengqing Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Zhuoying Chen
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Ziteng Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Jiajia Xv
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Yuqing Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Rong Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Xuesong Liu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Wenliang Wang
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
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25
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Ng JWK, Cheung AMS. γδ T-cells in human malignancies: insights from single-cell studies and analytical considerations. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1438962. [PMID: 39281674 PMCID: PMC11392790 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1438962] [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: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024] Open
Abstract
γδ T-cells are a rare population of T-cells with both adaptive and innate-like properties. Despite their low prevalence, they have been found to be implicated various human diseases. γδ T-cell infiltration has been associated with improved clinical outcomes in solid cancers, prompting renewed interest in understanding their biology. To date, their biology remains elusive due to their low prevalence. The introduction of high-resolution single-cell sequencing has allowed various groups to characterize key effector subsets in various contexts, as well as begin to elucidate key regulatory mechanisms directing the differentiation and activity of these cells. In this review, we will review some of insights obtained from single-cell studies of γδ T-cells across various malignancies and highlight some important questions that remain unaddressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Wee Kiat Ng
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alice Man Sze Cheung
- Department of Hematology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Medicine Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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26
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Lv Y, Chen Y, Li X, Li S, Huang Q, Lu R, Ye J, Meng W, Chen X, Mo X. The uncertainties and certainties of gene transcription in a human tumor cell. Heliyon 2024; 10:e35529. [PMID: 39166023 PMCID: PMC11334807 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Previously we have identified that the expression number and levels of oncogenes and antioncogenes are highly positively or negatively associated with major cellular progress in a cancer cell. However, we have not defined any cellular potentials of a human tumor cell at the level of the overall gene expression. Here, we counted the overall number of expression genes and overall counts of mRNA in depth and revealed that the expression levels of mRNA were directly associated with the expression number of genes in a human tumor cell. Gene expression networks revealed steady states of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and ATP production, differentiation potentials that might be disturbed and blocked by uncertain gene expressing networks, and potential capabilities to undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), neurogenesis, angiogenesis, inflammatory response, immune evasion, and metastasis in a human tumor cell. Our analysis identifies unpredictable gene expression characteristics in human tumor cells. The results might profoundly influence mechanisms how a human tumor cell generates and undergoes its progresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinchun Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Gastric Cancer Center, Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yulin Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Gastric Cancer Center, Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xue Li
- Department of General Surgery, Gastric Cancer Center, Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Siying Li
- Department of General Surgery, Gastric Cancer Center, Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiaorong Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Gastric Cancer Center, Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ran Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Gastric Cancer Center, Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Urology and Pelvic Surgery, West China-PUMC C.C. Chen Institute of Health, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Junman Ye
- Department of General Surgery, Gastric Cancer Center, Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wentong Meng
- Department of General Surgery, Gastric Cancer Center, Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaolong Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Gastric Cancer Center, Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianming Mo
- Department of General Surgery, Gastric Cancer Center, Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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27
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Zhou Y, Yang M, Fu R, Liu W, Cai Z, Lin H, Li S, Zong C, Chen Y, Tong Z. Interleukin-17F suppressed colon cancer by enhancing caspase 4 mediated pyroptosis of endothelial cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18363. [PMID: 39112724 PMCID: PMC11306372 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69436-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The combination of anti-angiogenic treatment and immunotherapy presents a promising strategy against colon cancer. Interleukin-17F (IL-17F) emerges as a critical immune cell cytokine expressed in colonic epithelial cells, demonstrating potential in inhibiting angiogenesis. In order to clarify the roles of IL-17F in the colon cancer microenvironment and elucidate its mechanism, we established a mouse colon carcinoma cell line CT26 overexpressing IL-17F and transplanted it subcutaneously into syngeneic BALB/c mice. We also analyzed induced colon tumor in IL-17F knockout and wild type mice. Our results demonstrated that IL-17F could suppress colon tumor growth in vivo with inhibited angiogenesis and enhanced recruitment of cysteine-cysteine motif chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6) positive immune cells. Additionally, IL-17F suppressed the tube formation, cell growth and migration of endothelial cells EOMA in vitro. Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of transcriptome profiles between EOMA cells and those treated with three different concentrations of IL-17F identified 109 differentially expressed genes. Notably, a potential new target, Caspase 4, showed increased expressions after IL-17F treatment in endothelial cells. Further molecular validation revealed a novel downstream signaling for IL-17F: IL-17F enhanced Caspase 4/GSDMD signaling of endothelial cells, CT26 cells and CT26 transplanted tumors, while IL-17F knockout colon tumors exhibited decreased Caspase 4/GSDMD signaling. The heightened expression of the GSDMD N-terminus, coupled with increased cellular propidium iodide (PI) uptake and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, revealed that IL-17F promoted pyroptosis of endothelial cells. Altogether, IL-17F could modulate the colon tumor microenvironment with inhibited angiogenesis, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic target for colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhou
- TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medicine Sciences), Wuhan University, Donghu Road, No. 185, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Mei Yang
- TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medicine Sciences), Wuhan University, Donghu Road, No. 185, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Rishun Fu
- TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medicine Sciences), Wuhan University, Donghu Road, No. 185, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Weihuang Liu
- TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medicine Sciences), Wuhan University, Donghu Road, No. 185, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zihan Cai
- TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medicine Sciences), Wuhan University, Donghu Road, No. 185, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Hanyu Lin
- TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medicine Sciences), Wuhan University, Donghu Road, No. 185, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Siheng Li
- TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medicine Sciences), Wuhan University, Donghu Road, No. 185, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Chuanyu Zong
- TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medicine Sciences), Wuhan University, Donghu Road, No. 185, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yun Chen
- TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medicine Sciences), Wuhan University, Donghu Road, No. 185, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zan Tong
- TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medicine Sciences), Wuhan University, Donghu Road, No. 185, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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28
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Zhuang Z, Zhang C, Tan Y, Zhang J, Zhong C. ELF4 was a prognostic biomarker and related to immune infiltrates in glioma. J Cancer 2024; 15:5101-5117. [PMID: 39132148 PMCID: PMC11310870 DOI: 10.7150/jca.96886] [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: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
ELF4 (E74-like factor 4) is a transcription factor, dysregulation of which has been associated with carcinogenesis and cancer development. Nevertheless, the precise role of ELF4 in glioma pathology and its impact on clinical outcomes remains to be investigated. In the present research, comprehensive analyses demonstrated that elevated expression of ELF4 in glioma tissues correlates with malignant phenotypes and adverse clinical outcomes. Multivariate Cox regression analysis determined that ELF4 expression could serve as a reliable predictor of glioma outcomes. (CGGA, hazard ratio [HR]: 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-1.34, p<0.001; TCGA, HR: 1.19, 95%CI: 1.01-1.41, p=0.043; and Gravendeel, HR: 1.44, 95%CI: 1.15-1.80, p=0.002). Knockdown of ELF4 reduced the cell viability and migration capacity of glioma cells in vitro. In addition to the tumor invasive role, enrichment analysis revealed the overexpressed ELF4 was involved in the immune regulation, characterized by the elevated activity of Il6/Jak/Stat3 signaling, interferon alpha (IFN-α) response, and IL2/Stat5 signaling. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA)-seq and spatial transcriptome (ST)-seq analyses revealed that ELF4 could induce reprogramming of tumor-associated monocytes/macrophages (TAMMs). Molecular docking analysis revealed ELF4 might be targeted by drugs/compounds, including Veliparib (ABT-888), Motesanib (AMG 706), and EHT 1864. Genomic analysis revealed that, in LGG, in the low ELF4 expression subgroup, IDH1 demonstrated a higher mutation rate, and TP53 and ATRX Chromatin Remodeler (ATRX) displayed the lower mutation rates, than the high ELF4 expression group. Conclusion: Our research suggests that ELF4 may contribute to the prognostic assessment of glioma and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongwei Zhuang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunyu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinqiu Tan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute for Advanced Study, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunlong Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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29
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Iovino L, Krenning G, Hadland B. Editorial: Unconventional roles of endothelial cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1439419. [PMID: 39040045 PMCID: PMC11260730 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1439419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Guido Krenning
- University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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30
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Zhang X, Cui X, Li P, Zhao Y, Ren Y, Zhang H, Zhang S, Li C, Wang X, Shi L, Sun T, Hao J, Yao Z, Chen J, Gao X, Yang J. EGC enhances tumor antigen presentation and CD8 + T cell-mediated antitumor immunity via targeting oncoprotein SND1. Cancer Lett 2024; 592:216934. [PMID: 38710299 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The Staphylococcal nuclease and Tudor domain containing 1 (SND1) has been identified as an oncoprotein. Our previous study demonstrated that SND1 impedes the major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) assembly by hijacking the nascent heavy chain of MHC-I to endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation. Herein, we aimed to identify inhibitors to block SND1-MHC-I binding, to facilitate the MHC-I presentation and tumor immunotherapy. Our findings validated the importance of the K490-containing sites in SND1-MHC-I complex. Through structure-based virtual screening and docking analysis, (-)-Epigallocatechin (EGC) exhibited the highest docking score to prevent the binding of MHC-I to SND1 by altering the spatial conformation of SND1. Additionally, EGC treatment resulted in increased expression levels of membrane-presented MHC-I in tumor cells. The C57BL/6J murine orthotopic melanoma model validated that EGC increases infiltration and activity of CD8+ T cells in both the tumor and spleen. Furthermore, the combination of EGC with programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibody demonstrated a superior antitumor effect. In summary, we identified EGC as a novel inhibitor of SND1-MHC-I interaction, prompting MHC-I presentation to improve CD8+ T cell response within the tumor microenvironment. This discovery presents a promising immunotherapeutic candidate for tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, and Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin, China; The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China; State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Tianjin, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoteng Cui
- Laboratory of Neuro-oncology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Peiying Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, and Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin, China; The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China; State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Tianjin, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, and Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin, China; The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China; State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Tianjin, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ren
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, and Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin, China; The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China; State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Tianjin, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shijie Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chufeng Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinting Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, and Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin, China; The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China; State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Tianjin, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, and Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin, China; The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China; State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Tianjin, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jihui Hao
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhi Yao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, and Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin, China; The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China; State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Tianjin, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin, China.
| | - Xingjie Gao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, and Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin, China; The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China; State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Tianjin, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Jie Yang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, and Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin, China; The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China; State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Tianjin, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
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Kong J, Zou Y, Zhou H, Huang Y, Lin Y, Fang S, Chen Z, Zheng J, Huang Y, Shen Z, Xie W, Fan X. Assessing the predictive value of smoking history for immunotherapy outcomes in bladder cancer patients. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1404812. [PMID: 38938564 PMCID: PMC11208302 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1404812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The therapeutic effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in bladder cancer varies among individuals. Identifying reliable predictors of response to these therapies is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes. Methods This retrospective study analyzed 348 bladder cancer patients treated with ICIs, with additional validation using data from 248 patients at our institution who underwent PD-L1 immunohistochemical staining. We examined patient smoking history, clinicopathological characteristics, and immune phenotypes. The main focus was the correlation between smoking history and immunotherapy outcomes. Multivariate logistic and Cox proportional hazard regressions were used to adjust for confounders. Results The study cohort comprised 348 bladder cancer patients receiving ICIs. Among them, 116 (33.3%) were never smokers, 197 (56.6%) were former smokers (median pack-years = 28), and 35 (10.1%) were current smokers (median pack-years = 40). Analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in overall survival across different smoking statuses (objective response rates were 11.4% for current smokers, 17.2% for never smokers, and 22.3% for former smokers; P = 0.142, 0.410, and 0.281, respectively). However, a notable trend indicated a potentially better response to immunotherapy in former smokers compared to current and never smokers. In the validation cohort of 248 patients from our institution, immunohistochemical analysis showed that PD-L1 expression was significantly higher in former smokers (55%) compared to current smokers (37%) and never smokers (47%). This observation underscores the potential influence of smoking history on the tumor microenvironment and its responsiveness to ICIs. Conclusion In conclusion, our study demonstrates the importance of incorporating smoking history in predicting the response to immunotherapy in bladder cancer patients, highlighting its role in personalized cancer treatment approaches. Further research is suggested to explore the comprehensive impact of lifestyle factors on treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqiu Kong
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yitong Zou
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hua Zhou
- Department of Urology, Pu ‘er People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Pu’er, Yunnan, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Lin
- Department of Endocrinology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuogui Fang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhijian Chen
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Junjiong Zheng
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yaqiang Huang
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan City People’s Hospital, Sunwen East Road, Zhongshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Zefeng Shen
- Department of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Weibin Xie
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinxiang Fan
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Mandal SK, Yadav P, Sheth RA. The Neuroimmune Axis and Its Therapeutic Potential for Primary Liver Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6237. [PMID: 38892423 PMCID: PMC11172507 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116237] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The autonomic nervous system plays an integral role in motion and sensation as well as the physiologic function of visceral organs. The nervous system additionally plays a key role in primary liver diseases. Until recently, however, the impact of nerves on cancer development, progression, and metastasis has been unappreciated. This review highlights recent advances in understanding neuroanatomical networks within solid organs and their mechanistic influence on organ function, specifically in the liver and liver cancer. We discuss the interaction between the autonomic nervous system, including sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, and the liver. We also examine how sympathetic innervation affects metabolic functions and diseases like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We also delve into the neurobiology of the liver, the interplay between cancer and nerves, and the neural regulation of the immune response. We emphasize the influence of the neuroimmune axis in cancer progression and the potential of targeted interventions like neurolysis to improve cancer treatment outcomes, especially for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rahul A. Sheth
- Department of Interventional Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 1471, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA; (S.K.M.); (P.Y.)
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Yadav P, Rana K, Chakraborty R, Khan A, Mehta D, Jain D, Aggarwal B, Jha SK, Dasgupta U, Bajaj A. Engineered nanomicelles targeting proliferation and angiogenesis inhibit tumour progression by impairing the synthesis of ceramide-1-phosphate. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:10350-10365. [PMID: 38739006 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr04806c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Tumour cells secrete various proangiogenic factors like VEGF, PDGF, and EGF that result in the formation of highly vascularized tumours with an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment. As tumour growth and metastasis are highly dependent on angiogenesis, targeting tumour vasculature along with rapidly dividing tumour cells is a potential approach for cancer treatment. Here, we specifically engineered sub-100 sized nanomicelles (DTX-CA4 NMs) targeting proliferation and angiogenesis using an esterase-sensitive phosphocholine-tethered docetaxel conjugate of lithocholic acid (LCA) (PC-LCA-DTX) and a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) derivative of an LCA-combretastatin A4 conjugate (PEG-LCA-CA4). DTX-CA4 NMs effectively inhibit the tumour growth in syngeneic (CT26) and xenograft (HCT116) colorectal cancer models, inhibit tumour recurrence, and enhance the percentage survival in comparison with individual drug-loaded NMs. DTX-CA4 NMs enhance the T cell-mediated anti-tumour immune response and DTX-CA4 NMs in combination with an immune checkpoint inhibitor, anti-PDL1 antibody, enhance the anti-tumour response. We additionally showed that DTX-CA4 NMs effectively attenuate the production of ceramide-1-phosphate, a key metabolite of the sphingolipid pathway, by downregulating the expression of ceramide kinase at both transcriptional and translational levels. Therefore, this study presents the engineering of effective DTX-CA4 NMs for targeting the tumour microenvironment that can be explored further for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poonam Yadav
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Chemical Biology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, 3rd Milestone Faridabad-Gurgaon Expressway, Faridabad-121001, Haryana, India.
| | - Kajal Rana
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Chemical Biology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, 3rd Milestone Faridabad-Gurgaon Expressway, Faridabad-121001, Haryana, India.
| | - Ruchira Chakraborty
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Chemical Biology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, 3rd Milestone Faridabad-Gurgaon Expressway, Faridabad-121001, Haryana, India.
| | - Ali Khan
- Amity Institute of Integrative Sciences and Health, Amity University Haryana, Manesar, Gurgaon-122413, Haryana, India
| | - Devashish Mehta
- Amity Institute of Integrative Sciences and Health, Amity University Haryana, Manesar, Gurgaon-122413, Haryana, India
| | - Dolly Jain
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Chemical Biology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, 3rd Milestone Faridabad-Gurgaon Expressway, Faridabad-121001, Haryana, India.
| | - Bharti Aggarwal
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Chemical Biology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, 3rd Milestone Faridabad-Gurgaon Expressway, Faridabad-121001, Haryana, India.
| | - Somesh K Jha
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Chemical Biology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, 3rd Milestone Faridabad-Gurgaon Expressway, Faridabad-121001, Haryana, India.
| | - Ujjaini Dasgupta
- Amity Institute of Integrative Sciences and Health, Amity University Haryana, Manesar, Gurgaon-122413, Haryana, India
| | - Avinash Bajaj
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Chemical Biology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, 3rd Milestone Faridabad-Gurgaon Expressway, Faridabad-121001, Haryana, India.
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Zhou H, Shen Y, Zheng G, Zhang B, Wang A, Zhang J, Hu H, Lin J, Liu S, Luan X, Zhang W. Integrating single-cell and spatial analysis reveals MUC1-mediated cellular crosstalk in mucinous colorectal adenocarcinoma. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1701. [PMID: 38778448 PMCID: PMC11111627 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1701] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mucinous colorectal adenocarcinoma (MCA) is a distinct subtype of colorectal cancer (CRC) with the most aggressive pattern, but effective treatment of MCA remains a challenge due to its vague pathological characteristics. An in-depth understanding of transcriptional dynamics at the cellular level is critical for developing specialised MCA treatment strategies. METHODS We integrated single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics data to systematically profile the MCA tumor microenvironment (TME), particularly the interactome of stromal and immune cells. In addition, a three-dimensional bioprinting technique, canonical ex vivo co-culture system, and immunofluorescence staining were further applied to validate the cellular communication networks within the TME. RESULTS This study identified the crucial intercellular interactions that engaged in MCA pathogenesis. We found the increased infiltration of FGF7+/THBS1+ myofibroblasts in MCA tissues with decreased expression of genes associated with leukocyte-mediated immunity and T cell activation, suggesting a crucial role of these cells in regulating the immunosuppressive TME. In addition, MS4A4A+ macrophages that exhibit M2-phenotype were enriched in the tumoral niche and high expression of MS4A4A+ was associated with poor prognosis in the cohort data. The ligand-receptor-based intercellular communication analysis revealed the tight interaction of MUC1+ malignant cells and ZEB1+ endothelial cells, providing mechanistic information for MCA angiogenesis and molecular targets for subsequent translational applications. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides novel insights into communications among tumour cells with stromal and immune cells that are significantly enriched in the TME during MCA progression, presenting potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for MCA. KEY POINTS Tumour microenvironment profiling of MCA is developed. MUC1+ tumour cells interplay with FGF7+/THBS1+ myofibroblasts to promote MCA development. MS4A4A+ macrophages exhibit M2 phenotype in MCA. ZEB1+ endotheliocytes engage in EndMT process in MCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Zhou
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
- Department of Colorectal SurgeryChangzheng HospitalNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yiwen Shen
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Guangyong Zheng
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Beibei Zhang
- Department of DermatologyTongren HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Anqi Wang
- Department of Colorectal SurgeryChangzheng HospitalNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of PathologyChangzheng HospitalNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Hao Hu
- Department of PathologyChanghai HospitalNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jiayi Lin
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Sanhong Liu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xin Luan
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Weidong Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
- Institute of Medicinal Plant DevelopmentChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- School of PharmacyNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
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Xu Y, Miller CP, Tykodi SS, Akilesh S, Warren EH. Signaling crosstalk between tumor endothelial cells and immune cells in the microenvironment of solid tumors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1387198. [PMID: 38726320 PMCID: PMC11079179 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1387198] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated endothelial cells (TECs) are crucial mediators of immune surveillance and immune escape in the tumor microenvironment (TME). TECs driven by angiogenic growth factors form an abnormal vasculature which deploys molecular machinery to selectively promote the function and recruitment of immunosuppressive cells while simultaneously blocking the entry and function of anti-tumor immune cells. TECs also utilize a similar set of signaling regulators to promote the metastasis of tumor cells. Meanwhile, the tumor-infiltrating immune cells further induce the TEC anergy by secreting pro-angiogenic factors and prevents further immune cell penetration into the TME. Understanding the complex interactions between TECs and immune cells will be needed to successfully treat cancer patients with combined therapy to achieve vasculature normalization while augmenting antitumor immunity. In this review, we will discuss what is known about the signaling crosstalk between TECs and tumor-infiltrating immune cells to reveal insights and strategies for therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuexin Xu
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Chris P. Miller
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Scott S. Tykodi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Shreeram Akilesh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Kidney Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Edus H. Warren
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Meng Q, Han J, Wang P, Jia C, Guan M, Zhang B, Zhao W. BMS-794833 reduces anlotinib resistance in osteosarcoma by targeting the VEGFR/Ras/CDK2 pathway. J Bone Oncol 2024; 45:100594. [PMID: 38532893 PMCID: PMC10963651 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbo.2024.100594] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Osteosarcoma, a tumor that originates from bone cells, has a poor prognosis and a high degree of malignancy. Anlotinib, a small-molecule multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), is the first-line drug in treating osteosarcoma, especially in late-stage osteosarcoma. However, patients often develop resistance after using anlotinib for a certain period, which poses a challenge to its further clinical application. Recently, several TKIs, for instance regorafenib and cabozantinib, have showed clinical interest in treating osteosarcoma and target both vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (c-MET). Therefore, the identification of new TKI warrants further investigation. Methods We performed CCK8 aasays to confirm that BMS-794833 sensitization osteosarcoma cells to anlotinib. Bioinformatics analysis and rescue experiments showed that the reduce of resistance were dependent on the VEGFR/Ras/CDK2 pathway. Cell line based xenograft model were used to demonstrate that BMS-794833 and anlotinib could synergistically treat OS. Results Here, we found that BMS-794833 reduced anlotinib resistance in osteosarcoma by targeting the VEGFR/Ras/CDK2 pathway. CCK8 assay showed that BMS-794833 significantly improved the resistance of osteosarcoma cells to anlotinib. The results of rescue experiments showed that the regulatory effects of BMS-794833 on the proliferation and drug resistance of osteosarcoma cells were dependent on the VEGFR/Ras/CDK2 pathway. In addition, BMS-794833 affected the resistance of osteosarcoma cells to anlotinib through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and apoptosis pathways. More importantly, BMS-794833 and anlotinib exerted synergistic therapeutic effects against osteosarcoma in vivo. Conclusion Altogether, this study reveals a new (VEGFR)-targeting drug that can be combined with anlotinib for the treatment of osteosarcoma, which provides an important theoretical basis for overcoming anlotinib resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingtao Meng
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116028, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Dalian NO.3 People’s Hospital, Dalian 116091, China
| | - Jian Han
- Department of Orthopedics, Dalian NO.3 People’s Hospital, Dalian 116091, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Chenxu Jia
- Department of Orthopedics, Dalian NO.3 People’s Hospital, Dalian 116091, China
| | - Mingyang Guan
- Department of Orthopedics, Dalian NO.3 People’s Hospital, Dalian 116091, China
| | - Bolun Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Dalian NO.3 People’s Hospital, Dalian 116091, China
| | - Wenzhi Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116028, China
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Jiang Y, Ning Y, Cheng S, Huang Y, Deng M, Chen C. Single-cell aggrephagy-related patterns facilitate tumor microenvironment intercellular communication, influencing osteosarcoma progression and prognosis. Apoptosis 2024; 29:521-535. [PMID: 38066392 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-023-01922-5] [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] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma, a common malignant tumor in children, has emerged as a major threat to the life and health of pediatric patients. Presently, there are certain limitations in the diagnosis and treatment methods for this disease, resulting in inferior therapeutic outcomes. Therefore, it is of great importance to study its pathogenesis and explore innovative approaches to diagnosis and treatment. In this study, a non-negative matrix decomposition method was employed to conduct a comprehensive investigation and analysis of aggregated autophagy-related genes within 331,394 single-cell samples of osteosarcoma. Through this study, we have elucidated the intricate communication patterns among various cells within the tumor microenvironment. Based on the classification of aggregated autophagy-related genes, we are not only able to more accurately predict patients' prognosis but also offer robust guidance for treatment strategies. The findings of this study hold promise for breakthroughs in the diagnosis and treatment of osteosarcoma, intervention of aggrephagy is expected to improve the survival rate and quality of life of osteosarcoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunsheng Jiang
- College of Medical Informatics, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yun Ning
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Shidi Cheng
- Department of Hematology, Army Medical Center of PLA, Chongqing, 400012, China
| | - Yinde Huang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Muhai Deng
- College of Medical Informatics, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- College of Medical Informatics, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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Kalli M, Stylianopoulos T. Toward innovative approaches for exploring the mechanically regulated tumor-immune microenvironment. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:011501. [PMID: 38390314 PMCID: PMC10883717 DOI: 10.1063/5.0183302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Within the complex tumor microenvironment, cells experience mechanical cues-such as extracellular matrix stiffening and elevation of solid stress, interstitial fluid pressure, and fluid shear stress-that significantly impact cancer cell behavior and immune responses. Recognizing the significance of these mechanical cues not only sheds light on cancer progression but also holds promise for identifying potential biomarkers that would predict therapeutic outcomes. However, standardizing methods for studying how mechanical cues affect tumor progression is challenging. This challenge stems from the limitations of traditional in vitro cell culture systems, which fail to encompass the critical contextual cues present in vivo. To address this, 3D tumor spheroids have been established as a preferred model, more closely mimicking cancer progression, but they usually lack reproduction of the mechanical microenvironment encountered in actual solid tumors. Here, we review the role of mechanical forces in modulating tumor- and immune-cell responses and discuss how grasping the importance of these mechanical cues could revolutionize in vitro tumor tissue engineering. The creation of more physiologically relevant environments that better replicate in vivo conditions will eventually increase the efficacy of currently available treatments, including immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kalli
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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39
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Cho U, Im S, Park HS. Exploring histological predictive biomarkers for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy response in non-small cell lung cancer. J Pathol Transl Med 2024; 58:49-58. [PMID: 38389279 PMCID: PMC10948248 DOI: 10.4132/jptm.2024.01.31] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Treatment challenges persist in advanced lung cancer despite the development of therapies beyond the traditional platinum-based chemotherapy. The early 2000s marked a shift to tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting epidermal growth factor receptor, ushering in personalized genetic-based treatment. A further significant advance was the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), especially for non-small cell lung cancer. These target programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4, which enhanced the immune response against tumor cells. However, not all patients respond, and immune-related toxicities arise. This review emphasizes identifying biomarkers for ICI response prediction. While PD-L1 is a widely used, validated biomarker, its predictive accuracy is imperfect. Investigating tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, tertiary lymphoid structure, and emerging biomarkers such as high endothelial venule, Human leukocyte antigen class I, T-cell immunoreceptors with Ig and ITIM domains, and lymphocyte activation gene-3 counts is promising. Understanding and exploring additional predictive biomarkers for ICI response are crucial for enhancing patient stratification and overall care in lung cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uiju Cho
- Department of Pathology, St. Vincent’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Korea
| | - Soyoung Im
- Department of Pathology, St. Vincent’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Korea
| | - Hyung Soon Park
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Vincent’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Korea
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40
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Leone P, Malerba E, Susca N, Favoino E, Perosa F, Brunori G, Prete M, Racanelli V. Endothelial cells in tumor microenvironment: insights and perspectives. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1367875. [PMID: 38426109 PMCID: PMC10902062 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1367875] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is a highly complex and dynamic mixture of cell types, including tumor, immune and endothelial cells (ECs), soluble factors (cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors), blood vessels and extracellular matrix. Within this complex network, ECs are not only relevant for controlling blood fluidity and permeability, and orchestrating tumor angiogenesis but also for regulating the antitumor immune response. Lining the luminal side of vessels, ECs check the passage of molecules into the tumor compartment, regulate cellular transmigration, and interact with both circulating pathogens and innate and adaptive immune cells. Thus, they represent a first-line defense system that participates in immune responses. Tumor-associated ECs are involved in T cell priming, activation, and proliferation by acting as semi-professional antigen presenting cells. Thus, targeting ECs may assist in improving antitumor immune cell functions. Moreover, tumor-associated ECs contribute to the development at the tumor site of tertiary lymphoid structures, which have recently been associated with enhanced response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). When compared to normal ECs, tumor-associated ECs are abnormal in terms of phenotype, genetic expression profile, and functions. They are characterized by high proliferative potential and the ability to activate immunosuppressive mechanisms that support tumor progression and metastatic dissemination. A complete phenotypic and functional characterization of tumor-associated ECs could be helpful to clarify their complex role within the tumor microenvironment and to identify EC specific drug targets to improve cancer therapy. The emerging therapeutic strategies based on the combination of anti-angiogenic treatments with immunotherapy strategies, including ICI, CAR T cells and bispecific antibodies aim to impact both ECs and immune cells to block angiogenesis and at the same time to increase recruitment and activation of effector cells within the tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Leone
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Malerba
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area-(DiMePRe-J), Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Susca
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Elvira Favoino
- Rheumatic and Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Unit, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Federico Perosa
- Rheumatic and Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Unit, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuliano Brunori
- Centre for Medical Sciences, University of Trento and Nephrology and Dialysis Division, Santa Chiara Hospital, Provincial Health Care Agency (APSS), Trento, Italy
| | - Marcella Prete
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Racanelli
- Centre for Medical Sciences, University of Trento and Internal Medicine Division, Santa Chiara Hospital, Provincial Health Care Agency (APSS), Trento, Italy
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41
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Meo C, de Nigris F. Clinical Potential of YY1-Hypoxia Axis for Vascular Normalization and to Improve Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:491. [PMID: 38339244 PMCID: PMC10854702 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Abnormal vasculature in solid tumors causes poor blood perfusion, hypoxia, low pH, and immune evasion. It also shapes the tumor microenvironment and affects response to immunotherapy. The combination of antiangiogenic therapy and immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach to normalize vasculature and unlock the full potential of immunotherapy. However, the unpredictable and redundant mechanisms of vascularization and immune suppression triggered by tumor-specific hypoxic microenvironments indicate that such combination therapies need to be further evaluated to improve patient outcomes. Here, we provide an overview of the interplay between tumor angiogenesis and immune modulation and review the function and mechanism of the YY1-HIF axis that regulates the vascular and immune tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of targeting YY1 and other strategies, such as nanocarrier delivery systems and engineered immune cells (CAR-T), to normalize tumor vascularization and re-establish an immune-permissive microenvironment to enhance the efficacy of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Filomena de Nigris
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
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42
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de Castilhos J, Tillmanns K, Blessing J, Laraño A, Borisov V, Stein-Thoeringer CK. Microbiome and pancreatic cancer: time to think about chemotherapy. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2374596. [PMID: 39024520 PMCID: PMC11259062 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2374596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive cancer characterized by late diagnosis, rapid progression, and a high mortality rate. Its complex biology, characterized by a dense, stromal tumor environment with an immunosuppressive milieu, contributes to resistance against standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. This comprehensive review explores the dynamic role of the microbiome in modulating chemotherapy efficacy and outcomes in PDAC. It delves into the microbiome's impact on drug metabolism and resistance, and the interaction between microbial elements, drugs, and human biology. We also highlight the significance of specific bacterial species and microbial enzymes in influencing drug action and the immune response in the tumor microenvironment. Cutting-edge methodologies, including artificial intelligence, low-biomass microbiome analysis and patient-derived organoid models, are discussed, offering insights into the nuanced interactions between microbes and cancer cells. The potential of microbiome-based interventions as adjuncts to conventional PDAC treatments are discussed, paving the way for personalized therapy approaches. This review synthesizes recent research to provide an in-depth understanding of how the microbiome affects chemotherapy efficacy. It focuses on elucidating key mechanisms and identifying existing knowledge gaps. Addressing these gaps is crucial for enhancing personalized medicine and refining cancer treatment strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana de Castilhos
- Translational Microbiome Research, Internal Medicine I and M3 Research Center, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections” (CMFI), University of Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Katharina Tillmanns
- Translational Microbiome Research, Internal Medicine I and M3 Research Center, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections” (CMFI), University of Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jana Blessing
- Translational Microbiome Research, Internal Medicine I and M3 Research Center, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections” (CMFI), University of Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Arnelyn Laraño
- Translational Microbiome Research, Internal Medicine I and M3 Research Center, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections” (CMFI), University of Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Vadim Borisov
- Translational Microbiome Research, Internal Medicine I and M3 Research Center, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections” (CMFI), University of Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christoph K. Stein-Thoeringer
- Translational Microbiome Research, Internal Medicine I and M3 Research Center, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections” (CMFI), University of Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Trifylli EM, Kriebardis AG, Koustas E, Papadopoulos N, Vasileiadi S, Fortis SP, Tzounakas VL, Anastasiadi AT, Sarantis P, Papageorgiou EG, Tsagarakis A, Aloizos G, Manolakopoulos S, Deutsch M. The Arising Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Cholangiocarcinoma: A Rundown of the Current Knowledge Regarding Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15563. [PMID: 37958547 PMCID: PMC10649642 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinomas (CCAs) constitute a heterogeneous group of highly malignant epithelial tumors arising from the biliary tree. This cluster of malignant tumors includes three distinct entities, the intrahepatic, perihilar, and distal CCAs, which are characterized by different epidemiological and molecular backgrounds, as well as prognosis and therapeutic approaches. The higher incidence of CCA over the last decades, the late diagnostic time that contributes to a high mortality and poor prognosis, as well as its chemoresistance, intensified the efforts of the scientific community for the development of novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) comprise highly heterogenic, multi-sized, membrane-enclosed nanostructures that are secreted by a large variety of cells via different routes of biogenesis. Their role in intercellular communication via their cargo that potentially contributes to disease development and progression, as well as their prospect as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic tools, has become the focus of interest of several current studies for several diseases, including CCA. The aim of this review is to give a rundown of the current knowledge regarding the emerging role of EVs in cholangiocarcinogenesis and their future perspectives as diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni-Myrto Trifylli
- Laboratory of Reliability and Quality Control in Laboratory Hematology (HemQcR), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Medical Laboratories, School of Health & Caring Sciences, University of West Attica (UniWA), Ag. Spyridonos Str., 12243 Egaleo, Greece; (E.-M.T.); (S.P.F.); (E.G.P.)
- First Department of Internal Medicine, 417 Army Share Fund Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece;
- 2nd Academic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias Avenue Str., 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.V.); (S.M.); (M.D.)
| | - Anastasios G. Kriebardis
- Laboratory of Reliability and Quality Control in Laboratory Hematology (HemQcR), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Medical Laboratories, School of Health & Caring Sciences, University of West Attica (UniWA), Ag. Spyridonos Str., 12243 Egaleo, Greece; (E.-M.T.); (S.P.F.); (E.G.P.)
| | - Evangelos Koustas
- Oncology Department, General Hospital Evangelismos, 10676 Athens, Greece;
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Nikolaos Papadopoulos
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, 401 General Military Hospital, 115 27 Athens, Greece;
| | - Sofia Vasileiadi
- 2nd Academic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias Avenue Str., 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.V.); (S.M.); (M.D.)
| | - Sotirios P. Fortis
- Laboratory of Reliability and Quality Control in Laboratory Hematology (HemQcR), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Medical Laboratories, School of Health & Caring Sciences, University of West Attica (UniWA), Ag. Spyridonos Str., 12243 Egaleo, Greece; (E.-M.T.); (S.P.F.); (E.G.P.)
| | - Vassilis L. Tzounakas
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (V.L.T.); (A.T.A.)
| | - Alkmini T. Anastasiadi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (V.L.T.); (A.T.A.)
| | - Panagiotis Sarantis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Effie G. Papageorgiou
- Laboratory of Reliability and Quality Control in Laboratory Hematology (HemQcR), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Medical Laboratories, School of Health & Caring Sciences, University of West Attica (UniWA), Ag. Spyridonos Str., 12243 Egaleo, Greece; (E.-M.T.); (S.P.F.); (E.G.P.)
| | - Ariadne Tsagarakis
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
| | - Georgios Aloizos
- First Department of Internal Medicine, 417 Army Share Fund Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece;
| | - Spilios Manolakopoulos
- 2nd Academic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias Avenue Str., 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.V.); (S.M.); (M.D.)
| | - Melanie Deutsch
- 2nd Academic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias Avenue Str., 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.V.); (S.M.); (M.D.)
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Kumar V. Editorial: Manipulation of immune-vascular crosstalk in solid tumors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1295953. [PMID: 37868975 PMCID: PMC10585256 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1295953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
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