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Habib S, Osborn G, Willsmore Z, Chew MW, Jakubow S, Fitzpatrick A, Wu Y, Sinha K, Lloyd-Hughes H, Geh JLC, MacKenzie-Ross AD, Whittaker S, Sanz-Moreno V, Lacy KE, Karagiannis SN, Adams R. Tumor associated macrophages as key contributors and targets in current and future therapies for melanoma. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:895-911. [PMID: 38533720 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2326626] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the success of immunotherapies for melanoma in recent years, there remains a significant proportion of patients who do not yet derive benefit from available treatments. Immunotherapies currently licensed for clinical use target the adaptive immune system, focussing on Tcell interactions and functions. However, the most prevalent immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) of melanoma are macrophages, a diverse immune cell subset displaying high plasticity, to which no current therapies are yet directly targeted. Macrophages have been shown not only to activate the adaptive immune response, and enhance cancer cell killing, but, when influenced by factors within the TME of melanoma, these cells also promote melanoma tumorigenesis and metastasis. AREAS COVERED We present a review of the most up-to-date literatureavailable on PubMed, focussing on studies from within the last 10 years. We also include data from ongoing and recent clinical trials targeting macrophages in melanoma listed on clinicaltrials.gov. EXPERT OPINION Understanding the multifaceted role of macrophages in melanoma, including their interactions with immune and cancer cells, the influence of current therapies on macrophage phenotype and functions and how macrophages could be targeted with novel treatment approaches, are all critical for improving outcomes for patients with melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabana Habib
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Gabriel Osborn
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Zena Willsmore
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Min Waye Chew
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sophie Jakubow
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Amanda Fitzpatrick
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, UK
- Oncology Department, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
- Breast Cancer Now Research Unit, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, Innovation Hub, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Yin Wu
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, UK
- Oncology Department, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Khushboo Sinha
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's, King's and St. Thomas' Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, England
| | - Hawys Lloyd-Hughes
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Guy's, King's and St. Thomas' Hospitals, London, England
| | - Jenny L C Geh
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's, King's and St. Thomas' Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, England
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Guy's, King's and St. Thomas' Hospitals, London, England
| | | | - Sean Whittaker
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Victoria Sanz-Moreno
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, Division of Breast Cancer Research, The Institute of Cancer Research, London
| | - Katie E Lacy
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sophia N Karagiannis
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, UK
- Breast Cancer Now Research Unit, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, Innovation Hub, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Adams
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, UK
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Michielon E, Motta AC, Ogien J, Oranje P, Waaijman T, Thakoersing V, Veldhorst S, de Gruijl TD, Gibbs S. Integration of line-field confocal optical coherence tomography and in situ microenvironmental mapping to investigate the living microenvironment of reconstructed human skin and melanoma models. J Dermatol Sci 2024; 115:85-93. [PMID: 39043504 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2024.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In tissue engineering, real-time monitoring of tumors and of the dynamics of the microenvironment within in vitro models has traditionally been hindered by the need to harvest the cultures to obtain material to analyze. Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) has proven to be useful in evaluating in vivo skin conditions, including melanoma, by capturing dynamic, three-dimensional (3D) information without the need for invasive procedures, such as biopsies. Additionally, the M-Duo Technology® developed by IMcoMET presents a unique opportunity for continuous in situ biomarker sampling, providing insights into local cellular behavior and interactions. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to validate the non-destructive mapping capabilities of two advanced methodologies (LC-OCT by DAMAE Medical and M-Duo Technology® by IMcoMET) to investigate the living microenvironment of in vitro reconstructed human skin (RhS) and melanoma-RhS (Mel-RhS). METHODS LC-OCT and M-Duo Technology® were compared to conventional analysis of the RhS and Mel-RhS microenvironments. RESULTS LC-OCT successfully visualized the distinct layers of the epidermis and tumor structures within the Mel-RhS, identifying keratinocytes, melanocytes, tumor nests, and fibroblasts. The M-Duo Technology® revealed differences in in situ cytokine (IL-6) and chemokine (CCL2, CXCL10, and IL-8) secretion between Mel-RhS and the control RhS. Notably, such differences were not detected through conventional investigation of secreted proteins in culture supernatants. CONCLUSION The combination of LC-OCT's high-resolution imaging and M-Duo Technology®'s in situ microenvironmental mapping has the potential to provide a synergistic platform for non-invasive, real-time analysis, allowing for prolonged observation of processes within Mel-RhS models without the need for culture disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Michielon
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology Program, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Taco Waaijman
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Tanja D de Gruijl
- Amsterdam institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology Program, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Susan Gibbs
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology Program, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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3
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Co IL, Fomina A, Nurse M, McGuigan AP. Applications and evolution of 3D cancer-immune cell models. Trends Biotechnol 2024:S0167-7799(24)00155-0. [PMID: 39025680 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2024.06.008] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the highly complex tumor-immune landscape is an important goal for developing novel immune therapies for solid cancers. To this end, 3D cancer-immune models have emerged as patient-relevant in vitro tools for modeling the tumor-immune landscape and the cellular interactions within it. In this review, we provide an overview of the components and applications of 3D cancer-immune models and discuss their evolution from 2015 to 2023. Specifically, we observe trends in primary cell-sourced, T cell-based complex models used for therapy evaluation and biological discovery. Finally, we describe the challenges of implementing 3D cancer-immune models and the opportunities for maximizing their potential for deciphering the complex tumor-immune microenvironment and identifying novel, clinically relevant drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ileana L Co
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College St., Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Aleksandra Fomina
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College St., Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Michelle Nurse
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College St., Toronto, ON, M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Alison P McGuigan
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College St., Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada; Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College St., Toronto, ON, M5S 3E5, Canada.
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4
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Karras F, Kunz M. Patient-derived melanoma models. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 259:155231. [PMID: 38508996 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma is a very aggressive, rapidly metastasizing tumor that has been studied intensively in the past regarding the underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms. More recently developed treatment modalities have improved response rates and overall survival of patients. However, the majority of patients suffer from secondary treatment resistance, which requires in depth analyses of the underlying mechanisms. Here, melanoma models based on patients-derived material may play an important role. Consequently, a plethora of different experimental techniques have been developed in the past years. Among these are 3D and 4D culture techniques, organotypic skin reconstructs, melanoma-on-chip models and patient-derived xenografts, Every technique has its own strengths but also weaknesses regarding throughput, reproducibility, and reflection of the human situation. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of currently used techniques and discuss their use in different experimental settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Karras
- Institute of Pathology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, Magdeburg 39120, Germany.
| | - Manfred Kunz
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 23, Leipzig 04103, Germany
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Mazzoccoli L, Liu B. Dendritic Cells in Shaping Anti-Tumor T Cell Response. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2211. [PMID: 38927916 PMCID: PMC11201542 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122211] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Among professional antigen-presenting cells, dendritic cells (DCs) orchestrate innate and adaptive immunity and play a pivotal role in anti-tumor immunity. DCs are a heterogeneous population with varying functions in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor-associated DCs differentiate developmentally and functionally into three main subsets: conventional DCs (cDCs), plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), and monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs). There are two major subsets of cDCs in TME, cDC1 and cDC2. cDC1 is critical for cross-presenting tumor antigens to activate cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and is also required for priming earlier CD4+ T cells in certain solid tumors. cDC2 is vital for priming anti-tumor CD4+ T cells in multiple tumor models. pDC is a unique subset of DCs and produces type I IFN through TLR7 and TLR9. Studies have shown that pDCs are related to immunosuppression in the TME through the secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines and by promoting regulatory T cells. MoDCs differentiate separately from monocytes in response to inflammatory cues and infection. Also, MoDCs can cross-prime CD8+ T cells. In this review, we summarize the subsets and functions of DCs. We also discuss the role of different DC subsets in shaping T cell immunity in TME and targeting DCs for potential immunotherapeutic benefits against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Mazzoccoli
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
- The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Bei Liu
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
- The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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6
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Chen MY, Zhang F, Goedegebuure SP, Gillanders WE. Dendritic cell subsets and implications for cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1393451. [PMID: 38903502 PMCID: PMC11188312 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1393451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) play a central role in the orchestration of effective T cell responses against tumors. However, their functional behavior is context-dependent. DC type, transcriptional program, location, intratumoral factors, and inflammatory milieu all impact DCs with regard to promoting or inhibiting tumor immunity. The following review introduces important facets of DC function, and how subset and phenotype can affect the interplay of DCs with other factors in the tumor microenvironment. It will also discuss how current cancer treatment relies on DC function, and survey the myriad ways with which immune therapy can more directly harness DCs to enact antitumor cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Y. Chen
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Felicia Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Simon Peter Goedegebuure
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - William E. Gillanders
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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7
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Subtil B, van der Hoorn IAE, Cuenca-Escalona J, Becker AMD, Alvarez-Begue M, Iyer KK, Janssen J, van Oorschot T, Poel D, Gorris MAJ, van den Dries K, Cambi A, Tauriello DVF, de Vries IJM. cDC2 plasticity and acquisition of a DC3-like phenotype mediated by IL-6 and PGE2 in a patient-derived colorectal cancer organoids model. Eur J Immunol 2024:e2350891. [PMID: 38509863 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202350891] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) is highly resistant to therapy and prone to recur. The tumor-induced local and systemic immunosuppression allows cancer cells to evade immunosurveillance, facilitating their proliferation and dissemination. Dendritic cells (DCs) are required for the detection, processing, and presentation of tumor antigens, and subsequently for the activation of antigen-specific T cells to orchestrate an effective antitumor response. Notably, successful tumors have evolved mechanisms to disrupt and impair DC functions, underlining the key role of tumor-induced DC dysfunction in promoting tumor growth, metastasis initiation, and treatment resistance. Conventional DC type 2 (cDC2) are highly prevalent in tumors and have been shown to present high phenotypic and functional plasticity in response to tumor-released environmental cues. This plasticity reverberates on both the development of antitumor responses and on the efficacy of immunotherapies in cancer patients. Uncovering the processes, mechanisms, and mediators by which CRC shapes and disrupts cDC2 functions is crucial to restoring their full antitumor potential. In this study, we use our recently developed 3D DC-tumor co-culture system to investigate how patient-derived primary and metastatic CRC organoids modulate cDC2 phenotype and function. We first demonstrate that our collagen-based system displays extensive interaction between cDC2 and tumor organoids. Interestingly, we show that tumor-corrupted cDC2 shift toward a CD14+ population with defective expression of maturation markers, an intermediate phenotype positioned between cDC2 and monocytes, and impaired T-cell activating abilities. This phenotype aligns with the newly defined DC3 (CD14+ CD1c+ CD163+) subset. Remarkably, a comparable population was found to be present in tumor lesions and enriched in the peripheral blood of metastatic CRC patients. Moreover, using EP2 and EP4 receptor antagonists and an anti-IL-6 neutralizing antibody, we determined that the observed phenotype shift is partially mediated by PGE2 and IL-6. Importantly, our system holds promise as a platform for testing therapies aimed at preventing or mitigating tumor-induced DC dysfunction. Overall, our study offers novel and relevant insights into cDC2 (dys)function in CRC that hold relevance for the design of therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Subtil
- Department of Medical BioSciences (MBS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Iris A E van der Hoorn
- Department of Medical BioSciences (MBS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jorge Cuenca-Escalona
- Department of Medical BioSciences (MBS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Anouk M D Becker
- Department of Medical BioSciences (MBS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Mar Alvarez-Begue
- Department of Medical BioSciences (MBS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Kirti K Iyer
- Department of Medical BioSciences (MBS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jorien Janssen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Tom van Oorschot
- Department of Medical BioSciences (MBS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis Poel
- Department of Medical BioSciences (MBS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Mark A J Gorris
- Department of Medical BioSciences (MBS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Koen van den Dries
- Department of Medical BioSciences (MBS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Alessandra Cambi
- Department of Medical BioSciences (MBS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Daniele V F Tauriello
- Department of Medical BioSciences (MBS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - I Jolanda M de Vries
- Department of Medical BioSciences (MBS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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8
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Liu YC, Chen P, Chang R, Liu X, Jhang JW, Enkhbat M, Chen S, Wang H, Deng C, Wang PY. Artificial tumor matrices and bioengineered tools for tumoroid generation. Biofabrication 2024; 16:022004. [PMID: 38306665 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad2534] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is critical for tumor growth and metastasis. The TME contains cancer-associated cells, tumor matrix, and tumor secretory factors. The fabrication of artificial tumors, so-called tumoroids, is of great significance for the understanding of tumorigenesis and clinical cancer therapy. The assembly of multiple tumor cells and matrix components through interdisciplinary techniques is necessary for the preparation of various tumoroids. This article discusses current methods for constructing tumoroids (tumor tissue slices and tumor cell co-culture) for pre-clinical use. This article focuses on the artificial matrix materials (natural and synthetic materials) and biofabrication techniques (cell assembly, bioengineered tools, bioprinting, and microfluidic devices) used in tumoroids. This article also points out the shortcomings of current tumoroids and potential solutions. This article aims to promotes the next-generation tumoroids and the potential of them in basic research and clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Chiang Liu
- Oujiang Laboratory; Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325024, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Chen
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, MOE Frontier Science Centre for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Ray Chang
- Oujiang Laboratory; Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325024, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingjian Liu
- Oujiang Laboratory; Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325024, People's Republic of China
| | - Jhe-Wei Jhang
- Oujiang Laboratory; Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325024, People's Republic of China
| | - Myagmartsend Enkhbat
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Shan Chen
- Oujiang Laboratory; Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325024, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongxia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuxia Deng
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, MOE Frontier Science Centre for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng-Yuan Wang
- Oujiang Laboratory; Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325024, People's Republic of China
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9
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Cuenca-Escalona J, Flórez-Grau G, van den Dries K, Cambi A, de Vries IJM. PGE2-EP4 signaling steers cDC2 maturation toward the induction of suppressive T-cell responses. Eur J Immunol 2024; 54:e2350770. [PMID: 38088451 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202350770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) shape adaptive immunity in response to environmental cues such as cytokines or lipid mediators, including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). In cancer, tumors are known to establish an enriched PGE2 microenvironment. Tumor-derived PGE2 primes regulatory features across immune cells, including DCs, facilitating tumor progression. PGE2 shapes DC function by providing signaling via its two so-called E-prostanoid receptors (EPs) EP2 and EP4. Although studies with monocyte-derived DCs have shown the importance of PGE2 signaling, the role of PGE2-EP2/EP4 on conventional DCs type 2 (cDC2s), is still poorly defined. In this study, we investigated the function of EP2 and EP4 using specific EP antagonists on human cDC2s. Our results show that EP2 and EP4 exhibit different functions in cDC2s, with EP4 modulating the upregulation of activation markers (CD80, CD86, CD83, MHC class II) and the production of IL-10 and IL-23. Furthermore, PGE2-EP4 boosts CCR type 7-based migration as well as a higher T-cell expansion capacity, characterized by the enrichment of suppressive rather than pro-inflammatory T-cell populations. Our findings are relevant to further understanding the role of EP receptors in cDC2s, underscoring the benefit of targeting the PGE2-EP2/4 axis for therapeutic purposes in diseases such as cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Cuenca-Escalona
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 26-28, Nijmegen, 6525GA, the Netherlands
| | - Georgina Flórez-Grau
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 26-28, Nijmegen, 6525GA, the Netherlands
| | - Koen van den Dries
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 26-28, Nijmegen, 6525GA, the Netherlands
| | - Alessandra Cambi
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 26-28, Nijmegen, 6525GA, the Netherlands
| | - I Jolanda M de Vries
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 26-28, Nijmegen, 6525GA, the Netherlands
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10
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Becker AMD, Decker AH, Flórez-Grau G, Bakdash G, Röring RJ, Stelloo S, Vermeulen M, Piet B, Aarntzen EHJG, Verdoes M, de Vries IJM. Inhibition of CSF-1R and IL-6R prevents conversion of cDC2s into immune incompetent tumor-induced DC3s boosting DC-driven therapy potential. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101386. [PMID: 38242119 PMCID: PMC10897516 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101386] [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: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
The human dendritic cell (DC) family has recently been expanded by CD1c+CD14+CD163+ DCs, introduced as DC3s. DC3s are found in tumors and peripheral blood of cancer patients. Here, we report elevated frequencies of CD14+ cDC2s, which restore to normal frequencies after tumor resection, in non-small cell lung cancer patients. These CD14+ cDC2s phenotypically resemble DC3s and exhibit increased PD-L1, MERTK, IL-10, and IDO expression, consistent with inferior T cell activation ability compared with CD14- cDC2s. In melanoma patients undergoing CD1c+ DC vaccinations, increased CD1c+CD14+ DC frequencies correlate with reduced survival. We demonstrate conversion of CD5+/-CD1c+CD14- cDC2s to CD14+ cDC2s by tumor-associated factors, whereas monocytes failed to express CD1c under similar conditions. Targeted proteomics identified IL-6 and M-CSF as dominant drivers, and we show that IL-6R and CSF1R inhibition prevents tumor-induced CD14+ cDC2s. Together, this indicates cDC2s as direct pre-cursors of DC3-like CD1c+CD14+ DCs and provides insights into the importance and modulation of CD14+ DC3s in anti-tumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk M D Becker
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Annika H Decker
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Georgina Flórez-Grau
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ghaith Bakdash
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Rutger J Röring
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Suzan Stelloo
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Michiel Vermeulen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Berber Piet
- Department of Pulmonology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Erik H J G Aarntzen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn Verdoes
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Institute for Chemical Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - I Jolanda M de Vries
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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11
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van der Hoorn IAE, Martynova E, Subtil B, Meek J, Verrijp K, Textor J, Flórez-Grau G, Piet B, van den Heuvel MM, de Vries IJM, Gorris MAJ. Detection of dendritic cell subsets in the tumor microenvironment by multiplex immunohistochemistry. Eur J Immunol 2024; 54:e2350616. [PMID: 37840200 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202350616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are essential in antitumor immunity. In humans, three main DC subsets are defined: two types of conventional DCs (cDC1s and cDC2s) and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs). To study DC subsets in the tumor microenvironment (TME), it is important to correctly identify them in tumor tissues. Tumor-derived DCs are often analyzed in cell suspensions in which spatial information about DCs which can be important to determine their function within the TME is lost. Therefore, we developed the first standardized and optimized multiplex immunohistochemistry panel, simultaneously detecting cDC1s, cDC2s, and pDCs within their tissue context. We report on this panel's development, validation, and quantitative analysis. A multiplex immunohistochemistry panel consisting of CD1c, CD303, X-C motif chemokine receptor 1, CD14, CD19, a tumor marker, and DAPI was established. The ImmuNet machine learning pipeline was trained for the detection of DC subsets. The performance of ImmuNet was compared with conventional cell phenotyping software. Ultimately, frequencies of DC subsets within several tumors were defined. In conclusion, this panel provides a method to study cDC1s, cDC2s, and pDCs in the spatial context of the TME, which supports unraveling their specific roles in antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris A E van der Hoorn
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Evgenia Martynova
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Data Science, Institute for Computing and Information Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Beatriz Subtil
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jelena Meek
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Kiek Verrijp
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Division of Immunotherapy, Oncode Institute, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Johannes Textor
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Data Science, Institute for Computing and Information Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Georgina Flórez-Grau
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Berber Piet
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Michel M van den Heuvel
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - I Jolanda M de Vries
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Mark A J Gorris
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Division of Immunotherapy, Oncode Institute, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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12
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Heger L, Heidkamp GF, Amon L, Nimmerjahn F, Bäuerle T, Maier A, Erber R, Hartmann A, Hack CC, Ruebner M, Huebner H, Fasching P, Beckmann MW, Dudziak D. Unbiased high-dimensional flow cytometry identified NK and DC immune cell signature in Luminal A-type and triple negative breast cancer. Oncoimmunology 2023; 13:2296713. [PMID: 38170155 PMCID: PMC10761100 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2296713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide and a highly heterogeneous disease. Four different subtypes are described that differ in the expression of hormone receptors as well as the growth factor receptor HER2. Treatment modalities and survival rate depend on the subtype of breast cancer. However, it is still not clear which patients benefit from immunotherapeutic approaches such as checkpoint blockade. Thus, we aimed to decipher the immune cell signature of the different breast cancer subtypes based on high-dimensional flow cytometry followed by unbiased approaches. Here, we show that the frequency of NK cells is reduced in Luminal A and B as well as triple negative breast cancer and that the phenotype of residual NK cells is changed toward regulatory CD11b-CD16- NK cells. Further, we found higher frequencies of PD-1+ CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in triple negative breast cancer. Moreover, while Luminal A-type breast cancer was enriched for CD14+ cDC2 (named type 3 DC (DC3)), CD14- cDC2 (named DC2) were more frequent in triple negative breast cancer. In contrast, HER2-enriched breast cancer did not show major alterations in the composition of the immune cell compartment in the tumor microenvironment. These findings suggest that patients with Luminal A- and B-type as well as triple negative breast cancer might benefit from immunotherapeutic approaches targeting NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Heger
- Department of Dermatology, Laboratory of Dendritic Cell Biology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gordon F. Heidkamp
- Department of Dermatology, Laboratory of Dendritic Cell Biology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lukas Amon
- Department of Dermatology, Laboratory of Dendritic Cell Biology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Falk Nimmerjahn
- Chair of Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tobias Bäuerle
- Institute of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Maier
- Chair of Computer Science 5 (Pattern Recognition), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ramona Erber
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carolin C. Hack
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias Ruebner
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hanna Huebner
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter Fasching
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias W. Beckmann
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Diana Dudziak
- Department of Dermatology, Laboratory of Dendritic Cell Biology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
- FAU Profile Center Immunomedicine (FAU I-MED), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Erlangen, Germany
- Institute of Immunology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Central Germany Jena/Leipzig, Jena, Germany
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13
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Nomdedeu-Sancho G, Gorkun A, Mahajan N, Willson K, Schaaf CR, Votanopoulos KI, Atala A, Soker S. In Vitro Three-Dimensional (3D) Models for Melanoma Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5779. [PMID: 38136325 PMCID: PMC10741426 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245779] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is responsible for the majority of skin cancer-related fatalities. Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatments have revolutionized the management of the disease by significantly increasing patient survival rates. However, a considerable number of tumors treated with these drugs fail to respond or may develop resistance over time. Tumor growth and its response to therapies are critically influenced by the tumor microenvironment (TME); it directly supports cancer cell growth and influences the behavior of surrounding immune cells, which can become tumor-permissive, thereby rendering immunotherapies ineffective. Ex vivo modeling of melanomas and their response to treatment could significantly advance our understanding and predictions of therapy outcomes. Efforts have been directed toward developing reliable models that accurately mimic melanoma in its appropriate tissue environment, including tumor organoids, bioprinted tissue constructs, and microfluidic devices. However, incorporating and modeling the melanoma TME and immune component remains a significant challenge. Here, we review recent literature regarding the generation of in vitro 3D models of normal skin and melanoma and the approaches used to incorporate the immune compartment in such models. We discuss how these constructs could be combined and used to test immunotherapies and elucidate treatment resistance mechanisms. The development of 3D in vitro melanoma models that faithfully replicate the complexity of the TME and its interaction with the immune system will provide us with the technical tools to better understand ICI resistance and increase its efficacy, thereby improving personalized melanoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Nomdedeu-Sancho
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA; (G.N.-S.); (A.G.); (N.M.); (K.W.); (C.R.S.); (K.I.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Anastasiya Gorkun
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA; (G.N.-S.); (A.G.); (N.M.); (K.W.); (C.R.S.); (K.I.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Naresh Mahajan
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA; (G.N.-S.); (A.G.); (N.M.); (K.W.); (C.R.S.); (K.I.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Kelsey Willson
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA; (G.N.-S.); (A.G.); (N.M.); (K.W.); (C.R.S.); (K.I.V.); (A.A.)
| | - Cecilia R. Schaaf
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA; (G.N.-S.); (A.G.); (N.M.); (K.W.); (C.R.S.); (K.I.V.); (A.A.)
- Wake Forest Organoid Research Center (WFORCE), Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Pathology Section, Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Konstantinos I. Votanopoulos
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA; (G.N.-S.); (A.G.); (N.M.); (K.W.); (C.R.S.); (K.I.V.); (A.A.)
- Wake Forest Organoid Research Center (WFORCE), Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Anthony Atala
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA; (G.N.-S.); (A.G.); (N.M.); (K.W.); (C.R.S.); (K.I.V.); (A.A.)
- Wake Forest Organoid Research Center (WFORCE), Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Shay Soker
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA; (G.N.-S.); (A.G.); (N.M.); (K.W.); (C.R.S.); (K.I.V.); (A.A.)
- Wake Forest Organoid Research Center (WFORCE), Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
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14
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Yi M, Li T, Niu M, Mei Q, Zhao B, Chu Q, Dai Z, Wu K. Exploiting innate immunity for cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:187. [PMID: 38008741 PMCID: PMC10680233 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01885-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies have revolutionized the treatment paradigms of various types of cancers. However, most of these immunomodulatory strategies focus on harnessing adaptive immunity, mainly by inhibiting immunosuppressive signaling with immune checkpoint blockade, or enhancing immunostimulatory signaling with bispecific T cell engager and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell. Although these agents have already achieved great success, only a tiny percentage of patients could benefit from immunotherapies. Actually, immunotherapy efficacy is determined by multiple components in the tumor microenvironment beyond adaptive immunity. Cells from the innate arm of the immune system, such as macrophages, dendritic cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, neutrophils, natural killer cells, and unconventional T cells, also participate in cancer immune evasion and surveillance. Considering that the innate arm is the cornerstone of the antitumor immune response, utilizing innate immunity provides potential therapeutic options for cancer control. Up to now, strategies exploiting innate immunity, such as agonists of stimulator of interferon genes, CAR-macrophage or -natural killer cell therapies, metabolic regulators, and novel immune checkpoint blockade, have exhibited potent antitumor activities in preclinical and clinical studies. Here, we summarize the latest insights into the potential roles of innate cells in antitumor immunity and discuss the advances in innate arm-targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yi
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Breast Surgery, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianye Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengke Niu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Mei
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Breast Surgery, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Chu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhijun Dai
- Department of Breast Surgery, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Kongming Wu
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Chang C, Pei Y, Zhang C, Zhang W, Qin Y, Shi S. Combination therapy with dendritic cell loaded-exosomes supplemented with PD-1 inhibition at different time points have superior antitumor effect in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:3727-3738. [PMID: 37665374 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03525-0] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a prevalent cause of cancer-related deaths, is insensitive to traditional treatments. At different time intervals, the combined antitumor effects of DC-TEX and the programmed death protein 1 (PD-1) antibody (Ab) have not been investigated. In this study, HCC models were established and treated at different time intervals with DC-TEX alone or in combination with PD-1 Ab. In addition, we developed an orthotopic HCC model in BALB/c nude mice and restored T cells. Results demonstrated that the PD-1 + CD8 + T-cell population also increased significantly after DC-TEX treatment, in addition to the increased number of CD8 + T cells. The number of CD8 + T cells increased 72 h after DC-TEX administration. Similar observations were made for PD-1 + CD8 + T cells. Subsequently, PD-1 Ab was administered in combination with DC-TEX at different time points (0, 24, 72, 96, 120, or 168 h). Surprisingly, the combination treatment demonstrated a strong antitumor effect, which was very prominent when PD-1 Ab was administered at 72 h. PD-1 Ab significantly reversed the proliferative ability of PD-1 + CD8 + T cells at 72 h in vitro. The combined antitumor effects of PD-1 Ab and DC-TEX occurred mainly by stimulating CD8 + T cell proliferation and inhibiting T cell exhaustion. In conclusion, our results indicate that the combination of DC-TEX and PD-1 Ab significantly inhibits tumor growth in a murine HCC model and that the timing of PD-1 Ab administration impacts the antitumor effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiao Chang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, #440 Jiyan Road, Huaiyin District, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Yanqing Pei
- Department of Infection Management, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Chuangnian Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomaterial Research, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Wenyu Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, #440 Jiyan Road, Huaiyin District, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Yibo Qin
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomaterial Research, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Shengbin Shi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, #440 Jiyan Road, Huaiyin District, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China.
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomaterial Research, Tianjin, 300192, China.
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16
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Lang M, Krump C, Meshcheryakova A, Tam-Amersdorfer C, Schwarzenberger E, Passegger C, Connolly S, Mechtcheriakova D, Strobl H. Microenvironmental and cell intrinsic factors governing human cDC2 differentiation and monocyte reprogramming. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1216352. [PMID: 37539048 PMCID: PMC10395083 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1216352] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
cDC2s occur abundantly in peripheral tissues and arise from circulating blood cDC2s. However, the factors governing cDC2 differentiation in tissues, especially under inflammatory conditions, remained poorly defined. We here found that psoriatic cDC2s express the efferocytosis receptor Axl and exhibit a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and p38MAPK signaling signature. BMP7, strongly expressed within the lesional psoriatic epidermis, cooperates with canonical TGF-β1 signaling for inducing Axl+cDC2s from blood cDC2s in vitro. Moreover, downstream induced p38MAPK promotes Axl+cDC2s at the expense of Axl+CD207+ Langerhans cell differentiation from blood cDC2s. BMP7 supplementation allowed to model cDC2 generation and their further differentiation into LCs from CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells in defined serum-free medium. Additionally, p38MAPK promoted the generation of another cDC2 subset lacking Axl but expressing the non-classical NFkB transcription factor RelB in vitro. Such RelB+cDC2s occurred predominantly at dermal sites in the inflamed skin. Finally, we found that cDC2s can be induced to acquire high levels of the monocyte lineage identity factor kruppel-like-factor-4 (KLF4) along with monocyte-derived DC and macrophage phenotypic characteristics in vitro. In conclusion, inflammatory and psoriatic epidermal signals instruct blood cDC2s to acquire phenotypic characteristics of several tissue-resident cell subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Lang
- Division of Immunology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Corinna Krump
- Division of Immunology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Anastasia Meshcheryakova
- Insitute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carmen Tam-Amersdorfer
- Division of Immunology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Elke Schwarzenberger
- Division of Immunology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Christina Passegger
- Division of Immunology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Sally Connolly
- Division of Immunology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Diana Mechtcheriakova
- Insitute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Herbert Strobl
- Division of Immunology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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17
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Wang N, Chai M, Zhu L, Liu J, Yu C, Huang X. Development and validation of polyamines metabolism-associated gene signatures to predict prognosis and immunotherapy response in lung adenocarcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1070953. [PMID: 37334367 PMCID: PMC10272553 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1070953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Polyamines metabolism is closely related to tumor development and progression, as well as tumor microenvironment (TME). In this study, we focused on exploring whether polyamines metabolism-associated genes would provide prognosis and immunotherapy response prediction in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods The expression profile data of polyamines metabolism-associated genes were acquired from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Utilizing the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm, we created a risk score model according to polyamines metabolism-associated gene signatures. Meanwhile, an independent cohort (GSE72094) was employed to validate this model. Through the univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, the independent prognostic factors were identified. Subsequently, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect their expression in LUAD cells. By consensus clustering analysis, polyamines metabolism-associated subgroups were determined in LUAD patients, with differential gene expression, prognosis, and immune characteristics analyses explored. Results A total of 59 polyamines metabolism genes were collected for this study, of which 14 genes were identified for the construction of risk score model using LASSO method. High- and low- risk groups of LUAD patients in TCGA cohort were distinguished via this model, and high-risk group presented dismal clinical outcomes. The same prognostic prediction of this model had been also validated in GSE72094 cohort. Meanwhile, three independent prognostic factors (PSMC6, SMOX, SMS) were determined for constructing the nomogram, and they were all upregulated in LUAD cells. In addition, two distinct subgroups (C1 and C2) were identified in LUAD patients. Comparing the two subgroups, 291 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were acquired, mainly enriching in organelle fission, nuclear division, and cell cycle. Comparing to C1 subgroup, the patients in C2 subgroup had favorable clinical outcomes, increased immune cells infiltration, and effective immunotherapy response. Conclusion This study identified polyamines metabolism-associated gene signatures for predicting the patients' survival, and they were also linked to immune cells infiltration and immunotherapy response in LUAD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Wang
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Key Laboratory of Heart and Lung, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengyu Chai
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Key Laboratory of Heart and Lung, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lingye Zhu
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Key Laboratory of Heart and Lung, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingjing Liu
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Key Laboratory of Heart and Lung, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chang Yu
- Intervention Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoying Huang
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Key Laboratory of Heart and Lung, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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18
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Michielon E, López González M, Stolk DA, Stolwijk JGC, Roffel S, Waaijman T, Lougheed SM, de Gruijl TD, Gibbs S. A Reconstructed Human Melanoma-in-Skin Model to Study Immune Modulatory and Angiogenic Mechanisms Facilitating Initial Melanoma Growth and Invasion. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2849. [PMID: 37345186 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasion, immune modulation, and angiogenesis are crucial in melanoma progression. Studies based on animals or two-dimensional cultures poorly recapitulate the tumor-microenvironmental cross-talk found in humans. This highlights a need for more physiological human models to better study melanoma features. Here, six melanoma cell lines (A375, COLO829, G361, MeWo, RPMI-7951, and SK-MEL-28) were used to generate an in vitro three-dimensional human melanoma-in-skin (Mel-RhS) model and were compared in terms of dermal invasion and immune modulatory and pro-angiogenic capabilities. A375 displayed the most invasive phenotype by clearly expanding into the dermal compartment, whereas COLO829, G361, MeWo, and SK-MEL-28 recapitulated to different extent the initial stages of melanoma invasion. No nest formation was observed for RPMI-7951. Notably, the integration of A375 and SK-MEL-28 cells into the model resulted in an increased secretion of immune modulatory factors (e.g., M-CSF, IL-10, and TGFβ) and pro-angiogenic factors (e.g., Flt-1 and VEGF). Mel-RhS-derived supernatants induced endothelial cell sprouting in vitro. In addition, observed A375-RhS tissue contraction was correlated to increased TGFβ release and α-SMA expression, all indicative of differentiation of fibroblasts into cancer-associated fibroblast-like cells and reminiscent of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, consistent with A375's most prominent invasive behavior. In conclusion, we successfully generated several Mel-RhS models mimicking different stages of melanoma progression, which can be further tailored for future studies to investigate individual aspects of the disease and serve as three-dimensional models to assess efficacy of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Michielon
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marta López González
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dorian A Stolk
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joeke G C Stolwijk
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne Roffel
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Taco Waaijman
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sinéad M Lougheed
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tanja D de Gruijl
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Susan Gibbs
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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19
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Alharbi B, Qanash H, Binsaleh NK, Alharthi S, Elasbali AM, Gharekhan CH, Mahmoud M, Lioudakis E, O'Leary JJ, Doherty DG, Mohamed BM, Gray SG. Proof of concept nanotechnological approach to in vitro targeting of malignant melanoma for enhanced immune checkpoint inhibition. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7462. [PMID: 37156818 PMCID: PMC10167246 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34638-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, have limitations in their effective treatment of malignancies. The immunosuppressive environment associated with the tumor microenvironment may prevent the achievement of optimal outcomes for immune checkpoint inhibitors alone, and nanotechnology-based platforms for delivery of immunotherapeutic agents are increasingly being investigated for their potential to improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade therapy. In this manuscript, nanoparticles were designed with appropriate size and surface characteristics to enhance their retention of payload so that they can transmit their loaded drugs to the tumor. We aimed to enhance immune cell stimulation by a small molecule inhibitor of PD-1/PD-L1 (BMS202) using nanodiamonds (ND). Melanoma cells with different disease stages were exposed to bare NDs, BMS202-NDs or BMS202 alone for 6 h. Following this, melanoma cells were co-cultured with freshly isolated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs). The effects of this treatment combination on melanoma cells were examined on several biological parameters including cell viability, cell membrane damage, lysosomal mass/pH changes and expression of γHA2X, and caspase 3. Exposing melanoma cells to BMS202-NDs led to a stronger than normal interaction between the hPBMCs and the melanoma cells, with significant anti-proliferative effects. We therefore conclude that melanoma therapy has the potential to be enhanced by non-classical T-cell Immune responses via immune checkpoint inhibitors delivered by nanodiamonds-based nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bandar Alharbi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha'il, Hail, 55476, Saudi Arabia
| | - Husam Qanash
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha'il, Hail, 55476, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Naif K Binsaleh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha'il, Hail, 55476, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salem Alharthi
- Department of Biological Science, College of Arts and Science, Najran University, Najran, 55461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulbaset M Elasbali
- Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences-Qurayyat, Jouf University, Sakaka, 42421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chandranil H Gharekhan
- Amrita Center for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Cochin, India
| | | | - Emmanouil Lioudakis
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John J O'Leary
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Derek G Doherty
- Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bashir M Mohamed
- Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin, Ireland.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
- Department of Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Steven G Gray
- Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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20
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Sosa Cuevas E, Saas P, Aspord C. Dendritic Cell Subsets in Melanoma: Pathophysiology, Clinical Prognosis and Therapeutic Exploitation. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082206. [PMID: 37190135 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Evasion from immunity is a hallmark of cancer development. Dendritic cells (DCs) are strategic immune cells shaping anti-tumor immune responses, but tumor cells exploit DC versatility to subvert their functions. Unveiling the puzzling role of DCs in the control of tumor development and mechanisms of tumor-induced DC hijacking is critical to optimize current therapies and to design future efficient immunotherapies for melanoma. Dendritic cells, crucially positioned at the center of anti-tumor immunity, represent attractive targets to develop new therapeutic approaches. Harnessing the potencies of each DC subset to trigger appropriate immune responses while avoiding their subversion is a challenging yet promising step to achieve tumor immune control. This review focuses on advances regarding the diversity of DC subsets, their pathophysiology and impact on clinical outcome in melanoma patients. We provide insights into the regulation mechanisms of DCs by the tumor, and overview DC-based therapeutic developments for melanoma. Further insights into DCs' diversity, features, networking, regulation and shaping by the tumor microenvironment will allow designing novel effective cancer therapies. The DCs deserve to be positioned in the current melanoma immunotherapeutic landscape. Recent discoveries strongly motivate exploitation of the exceptional potential of DCs to drive robust anti-tumor immunity, offering promising tracks for clinical successes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Sosa Cuevas
- EFS AuRA, R&D Laboratory, 38000 Grenoble, France
- Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team: Epigenetics, Immunity, Metabolism, Cell Signaling and Cancer, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Philippe Saas
- EFS AuRA, R&D Laboratory, 38000 Grenoble, France
- Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team: Epigenetics, Immunity, Metabolism, Cell Signaling and Cancer, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Caroline Aspord
- EFS AuRA, R&D Laboratory, 38000 Grenoble, France
- Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team: Epigenetics, Immunity, Metabolism, Cell Signaling and Cancer, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
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21
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Del Prete A, Salvi V, Soriani A, Laffranchi M, Sozio F, Bosisio D, Sozzani S. Dendritic cell subsets in cancer immunity and tumor antigen sensing. Cell Mol Immunol 2023; 20:432-447. [PMID: 36949244 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-00990-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 90.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) exhibit a specialized antigen-presenting function and play crucial roles in both innate and adaptive immune responses. Due to their ability to cross-present tumor cell-associated antigens to naïve T cells, DCs are instrumental in the generation of specific T-cell-mediated antitumor effector responses in the control of tumor growth and tumor cell dissemination. Within an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, DC antitumor functions can, however, be severely impaired. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms of DC capture and activation by tumor cell antigens and the role of the tumor microenvironment in shaping DC functions, taking advantage of recent studies showing the phenotype acquisition, transcriptional state and functional programs revealed by scRNA-seq analysis. The therapeutic potential of DC-mediated tumor antigen sensing in priming antitumor immunity is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Del Prete
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS Rozzano, Milano, Italy
| | - Valentina Salvi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Soriani
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mattia Laffranchi
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Sozio
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Bosisio
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Silvano Sozzani
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, IS, Italy.
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22
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Subtil B, Iyer KK, Poel D, Bakkerus L, Gorris MAJ, Escalona JC, van den Dries K, Cambi A, Verheul HMW, de Vries IJM, Tauriello DVF. Dendritic cell phenotype and function in a 3D co-culture model of patient-derived metastatic colorectal cancer organoids. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1105244. [PMID: 36761758 PMCID: PMC9905679 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1105244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most aggressive and lethal cancers, with metastasis accounting for most deaths. As such, there is an unmet need for improved therapies for metastatic CRC (mCRC). Currently, the research focus is shifting towards the reciprocal interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME), which prevent tumor clearance by the immune system. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a key role in the initiation and amplification of anti-tumor immune responses and in driving the clinical success of immunotherapies. Dissecting the interactions between DCs and CRC cells may open doors to identifying key mediators in tumor progression, and possible therapeutic targets. This requires representative, robust and versatile models and tools. Currently, there is a shortage of such in vitro systems to model the CRC TME and its tumor-immune cell interactions. Here we develop and establish a dynamic organotypic 3D co-culture system to recapitulate and untangle the interactions between DCs and patient-derived mCRC tumor organoids. To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating human DCs in co-culture with tumor organoids in a 3D, organotypic setting. This system reveals how mCRC organoids modulate and shape monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs) behavior, phenotype, and function, within a collagen matrix, using techniques such as brightfield and fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Our 3D co-culture model shows high viability and extensive interaction between DCs and tumor organoids, and its structure resembles patient tissue sections. Furthermore, it is possible to retrieve DCs from the co-cultures and characterize their phenotypic and functional profile. In our study, the expression of activation markers in both mature and immature DCs and their ability to activate T cells were impacted by co-culture with tumor organoids. In the future, this direct co-culture platform can be adapted and exploited to study the CRC-DC interplay in more detail, enabling novel and broader insights into CRC-driven DC (dys)function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Subtil
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands,Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Kirti K. Iyer
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands,Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Dennis Poel
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands,Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Lotte Bakkerus
- Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Mark A. J. Gorris
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands,Oncode Institute, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Jorge Cuenca Escalona
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Koen van den Dries
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Alessandra Cambi
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Henk M. W. Verheul
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - I. Jolanda M. de Vries
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands,*Correspondence: I. Jolanda M. de Vries,
| | - Daniele V. F. Tauriello
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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23
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Oudda S, Ali AM, Chien AL, Park S. Leveraging Tissue Engineering for Skin Cancer Models. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1410:97-113. [PMID: 36484897 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2022_755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Bioengineered in vitro three-dimensional (3D) skin model has emerged as a promising tool for recapitulating different types of skin cancer and performing pre-clinical tests. However, a full-thickness 3D model including the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis layers is scarce despite its significance in human physiology and diverse biological processes. In this book chapter, an attempt has been made to summarize various skin cancer models, including utilized skin layers, materials, cell lines, specific treatments, and fabrication techniques for three types of skin cancer: melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Subsequently, current limitations and future directions of skin cancer models are discussed. The knowledge of the current status of skin cancer models can provide various potential applications in cancer research and thus a more effective way for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumayah Oudda
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Abdulla M Ali
- The Thomas C. Jenkins Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anna L Chien
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Seungman Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA.
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24
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Rodolfo M, Huber V, Cossa M, Gallino G, Leone BE, Vallacchi V, Rivoltini L, Vergani E. 3D tumor explant as a novel platform to investigate therapeutic pathways and predictive biomarkers in cancer patients. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1068091. [PMID: 36591316 PMCID: PMC9794575 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1068091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors can induce durable clinical responses in different human malignancies but the number of responding patients remains globally modest. The limited therapeutic efficacy of ICI depends on multiple factors, among which the immune suppressive features of the tumor microenvironment play a key role. For this reason, experimental models that enable dissection of the immune-hostile tumor milieu components are required to unravel how to overcome resistance and obtain full-fledged anti-tumor immunity. Recent evidence supports the usefulness of 3D ex vivo systems in retaining features of tumor microenvironment to elucidate molecular and immunologic mechanisms of response and resistance to immune checkpoint blockade. In this perspective article we discuss the recent advances in patient-derived 3D tumor models and their potential in support of treatment decision making in clinical setting. We will also share our experience with dynamic bioreactor tumor explant culture of samples from melanoma and sarcoma patients as a reliable and promising platform to unravel immune responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Rodolfo
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Translational Immunology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy,*Correspondence: Monica Rodolfo,
| | - Veronica Huber
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Translational Immunology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Mara Cossa
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianfrancesco Gallino
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Surgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Biagio E. Leone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Viviana Vallacchi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Translational Immunology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Licia Rivoltini
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Translational Immunology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Vergani
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Translational Immunology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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25
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Maus RLG, Leontovich AA, Moore RM, Fogarty Z, Guo R, Davidson TM, Tekin B, Atherton C, Schimke JM, Dicke BA, Chen BJ, Markovic SN. Quantitative spatial evaluation of tumor-immune interactions in the immunotherapy setting of metastatic melanoma lymph nodes. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1024039. [PMID: 36544759 PMCID: PMC9760971 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1024039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Immune cell infiltration into the tumor microenvironment is generally associated with favorable clinical outcomes in solid tumors. However, the dynamic interplay among distinct immune cell subsets within the tumor-immune microenvironment as it relates to clinical responses to immunotherapy remains unresolved. In this study, we applied multiplex immunofluorescence (MxIF) to spatially characterize tumor-immune interactions within the metastatic melanoma lymph node. Methods Pretreatment, whole lymph node biopsies were evaluated from 25 patients with regionally metastatic melanoma who underwent subsequent anti-PD1 therapy. Cyclic MxIF was applied to quantitatively and spatially assess expression of 45 pathologist-validated antibodies on a single tissue section. Pixel-based single cell segmentation and a supervised classifier approach resolved 10 distinct tumor, stromal and immune cell phenotypes and functional expression of PD1. Results Single cell analysis across 416 pathologist-annotated tumor core regions of interest yielded 5.5 million cells for spatial evaluation. Cellular composition of tumor and immune cell subsets did not differ in the tumor core with regards to recurrence outcomes (p>0.05) however spatial patterns significantly differed in regional and paracrine neighborhood evaluations. Specifically, a regional community cluster comprised of primarily tumor and dendritic cells was enriched in patients that did not experience recurrence (p=0.009). By an independent spatial approach, cell-centric neighborhood analyses identified an enrichment for dendritic cells in cytotoxic T cell (CTL) and tumor cell-centric neighborhoods in the no recurrence patient response group (p<0.0001). Further evaluation of these neighborhoods identified an enrichment for CTL-dendritic cell interactions in patients that did not experience recurrence (p<0.0001) whereas CTL-macrophage interactions were more prevalent in CTL-centric neighborhoods of patients who experienced recurrence (p<0.0001). Discussion Overall, this study offers a more comprehensive evaluation of immune infiltrates and spatial-immune signatures in the metastatic tumor-immune microenvironment as it informs recurrence risk following immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L. G. Maus
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States,*Correspondence: Rachel L. G. Maus,
| | | | - Raymond M. Moore
- Department of Computational Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Zachary Fogarty
- Department of Computational Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Ruifeng Guo
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Tara M. Davidson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Burak Tekin
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Chathu Atherton
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Jill M. Schimke
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Betty A. Dicke
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Benjamin J. Chen
- Department of Translational Research Pathology, Bristol Myers Squibb, Cambridge, MA, United States
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26
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Michielon E, de Gruijl TD, Gibbs S. From simplicity to complexity in current melanoma models. Exp Dermatol 2022; 31:1818-1836. [PMID: 36103206 PMCID: PMC10092692 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14675] [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: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Despite the recent impressive clinical success of immunotherapy against melanoma, development of primary and adaptive resistance against immune checkpoint inhibitors remains a major issue in a large number of treated patients. This highlights the need for melanoma models that replicate the tumor's intricate dynamics in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and associated immune suppression to study possible resistance mechanisms in order to improve current and test novel therapeutics. While two-dimensional melanoma cell cultures have been widely used to perform functional genomics screens in a high-throughput fashion, they are not suitable to answer more complex scientific questions. Melanoma models have also been established in a variety of experimental (humanized) animals. However, due to differences in physiology, such models do not fully represent human melanoma development. Therefore, fully human three-dimensional in vitro models mimicking melanoma cell interactions with the TME are being developed to address this need for more physiologically relevant models. Such models include melanoma organoids, spheroids, and reconstructed human melanoma-in-skin cultures. Still, while major advances have been made to complement and replace animals, these in vitro systems have yet to fully recapitulate human tumor complexity. Lastly, technical advancements have been made in the organ-on-chip field to replicate functions and microstructures of in vivo human tissues and organs. This review summarizes advancements made in understanding and treating melanoma and specifically aims to discuss the progress made towards developing melanoma models, their applications, limitations, and the advances still needed to further facilitate the development of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Michielon
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tanja D de Gruijl
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Susan Gibbs
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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27
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Park M, Bang C, Yun WS, Jin S, Jeong YM. Transwell-Hypoxia Method Facilitates the Outgrowth of 3D-Printed Collagen Scaffolds Loaded with Cryopreserved Patient-Derived Melanoma Explants. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2022; 5:5302-5309. [PMID: 36265170 PMCID: PMC9682519 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
A previous study from our laboratory demonstrated the effects of in vitro three-dimensional (3D)-printed collagen scaffolds on the maintenance of cryopreserved patient-derived melanoma explants (PDMEs). However, it remains unknown whether 3D-printed collagen scaffolds (3D-PCSs) can be harmonized with any external culture conditions to increase the growth of cryopreserved PDMEs. In this study, 3D-PCSs were manufactured with a 3DX bioprinter. The 3D-printed collagen scaffold-on-frame construction was loaded with fragments of cryopreserved PDMEs (approximately 1-2 mm). 3D-PCSs loaded with patient-derived melanoma explants (3D-PCS-PDMEs) were incubated using two types of methods: (1) in transwells in the presence of a low concentration of oxygen (transwell-hypoxia method) and (2) using a traditional adherent attached to the bottom flat surface of a standard culture dish (traditional flat condition). In addition, we used six different types of media (DMEM high glucose, MEM α, DMEM/F12, RPMI1640, fibroblast basal medium (FBM), and SBM (stem cell basal medium)) for 7 days. The results reveal that the culture conditions of MEM α, DMEM/F12, and FBM using the transwell-hypoxia method show greater synergic effects on the outgrowth of the 3D-PCS-PDME compared to the traditional flat condition. In addition, the transwell-hypoxia method shows a higher expression of the MMP14 gene and the multidrug-resistant gene product 1 (MDR1) than in the typical culture method. Taken together, our findings suggest that the transwell-hypoxia method could serve as an improved, 3D alternative to animal-free testing that better mimics the skin's microenvironment using in vitro PDMEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- MinJi Park
- T&R
Biofab Co., Ltd., Seongnam-si13487, Republic of Korea
| | - ChulHwan Bang
- Department
of Dermatology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul296-12, Korea
| | - Won-Soo Yun
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Tech University
of Korea, 237 Sangidaehak
Street, Si-heung City15115, Republic of Korea
| | - Songwan Jin
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Tech University
of Korea, 237 Sangidaehak
Street, Si-heung City15115, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Mi Jeong
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Tech University
of Korea, 237 Sangidaehak
Street, Si-heung City15115, Republic of Korea,
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Dendritic Cells: The Long and Evolving Road towards Successful Targetability in Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193028. [PMID: 36230990 PMCID: PMC9563837 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are a unique myeloid cell lineage that play a central role in the priming of the adaptive immune response. As such, they are an attractive target for immune oncology based therapeutic approaches. However, targeting these cells has proven challenging with many studies proving inconclusive or of no benefit in a clinical trial setting. In this review, we highlight the known and unknown about this rare but powerful immune cell. As technologies have expanded our understanding of the complexity of DC development, subsets and response features, we are now left to apply this knowledge to the design of new therapeutic strategies in cancer. We propose that utilization of these technologies through a multiomics approach will allow for an improved directed targeting of DCs in a clinical trial setting. In addition, the DC research community should consider a consensus on subset nomenclature to distinguish new subsets from functional or phenotypic changes in response to their environment.
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29
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Kalkusova K, Smite S, Darras E, Taborska P, Stakheev D, Vannucci L, Bartunkova J, Smrz D. Mast Cells and Dendritic Cells as Cellular Immune Checkpoints in Immunotherapy of Solid Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911080. [PMID: 36232398 PMCID: PMC9569882 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer immunotherapy. These inhibitors are game changers in many cancers and for many patients, sometimes show unprecedented therapeutic efficacy. However, their therapeutic efficacy is largely limited in many solid tumors where the tumor-controlled immune microenvironment prevents the immune system from efficiently reaching, recognizing, and eliminating cancer cells. The tumor immune microenvironment is largely orchestrated by immune cells through which tumors gain resistance against the immune system. Among these cells are mast cells and dendritic cells. Both cell types possess enormous capabilities to shape the immune microenvironment. These capabilities stage these cells as cellular checkpoints in the immune microenvironment. Regaining control over these cells in the tumor microenvironment can open new avenues for breaking the resistance of solid tumors to immunotherapy. In this review, we will discuss mast cells and dendritic cells in the context of solid tumors and how these immune cells can, alone or in cooperation, modulate the solid tumor resistance to the immune system. We will also discuss how this modulation could be used in novel immunotherapeutic modalities to weaken the solid tumor resistance to the immune system. This weakening could then help other immunotherapeutic modalities engage against these tumors more efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Kalkusova
- Department of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, V Uvalu 84, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Sindija Smite
- Department of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, V Uvalu 84, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Elea Darras
- Department of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, V Uvalu 84, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Taborska
- Department of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, V Uvalu 84, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Dmitry Stakheev
- Department of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, V Uvalu 84, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Luca Vannucci
- Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jirina Bartunkova
- Department of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, V Uvalu 84, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Smrz
- Department of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, V Uvalu 84, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-224-435-968; Fax: +420-224-435-962
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30
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Scheib N, Tiemann J, Becker C, Probst HC, Raker VK, Steinbrink K. The Dendritic Cell Dilemma in the Skin: Between Tolerance and Immunity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:929000. [PMID: 35837386 PMCID: PMC9275407 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.929000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DC) are uniquely capable of initiating and directing immune responses. The range of their activities grounds in the heterogeneity of DC subsets and their functional plasticity. Numerical and functional DC changes influence the development and progression of disease, and correction of such dysregulations has the potential to treat disease causally. In this review, we discuss the major advances in our understanding of the regulation of DC lineage formation, differentiation, and function in the skin. We describe the alteration of DC in disease as well as possibilities for therapeutic reprogramming with a focus on tolerogenic DC. Because regulatory T cells (Treg) are indispensable partners of DC in the induction and control of tolerance, we pay special attention to the interactions with these cells. Above all, we would like to arouse fascination for this cell type and its therapeutic potential in skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Scheib
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jessica Tiemann
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christian Becker
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Hans Christian Probst
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Verena Katharina Raker
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster, Münster, Germany
- *Correspondence: Verena Katharina Raker,
| | - Kerstin Steinbrink
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster, Münster, Germany
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31
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M-CSF as a therapeutic target in BRAF V600E melanoma resistant to BRAF inhibitors. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:1142-1152. [PMID: 35725813 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01886-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disseminated BRAFV600E melanoma responds to BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) but easily develops resistance with poor prognosis. Secretome plays a pivotal role during tumour progression causing profound effects on therapeutic efficacy. Secreted M-CSF is involved in both cytotoxicity suppression and tumour progression in melanoma. We aimed to analyse the M-CSF contribution in resistant metastatic melanoma to BRAF-targeted therapies. METHODS Conditioned media from melanoma cells were analysed by citoarray. Viability and migration/invasion assays were performed with paired melanoma cells and tumour growth in xenografted SCID mice. We evaluated the impact of M-CSF plasma levels with clinical prognosis from 35 metastatic BRAFV600E-mutant melanoma patients. RESULTS BRAFi-resistant melanoma cells secretome is rich in pro-tumour cytokines. M-CSF secretion is essential to induce a Vemurafenib-resistant phenotype in melanoma cells. Further, we demonstrated that M-CSF mAb in combination with Vemurafenib and autophagy blockers synergistically induce apoptosis, impair migration and reduce tumour growth in BRAFi-resistant melanoma cells. Interestingly, lower M-CSF plasma levels are associated with better prognosis in metastatic melanoma patients. CONCLUSIONS Secreted M-CSF induces a BRAFi-resistant phenotype and means worse prognosis in BRAFV600E metastatic melanoma patients. These results identify secreted M-CSF as a promising therapeutic target toward BRAFi-resistant melanomas.
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32
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The Role of Indoleamine 2, 3-Dioxygenase 1 in Regulating Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112756. [PMID: 35681736 PMCID: PMC9179436 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is a rate-limiting enzyme that metabolizes an essential amino acid tryptophan (Trp) into kynurenine (Kyn), and it promotes the occurrence of immunosuppressive effects by regulating the consumption of Trp and the accumulation of Kyn in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Recent studies have shown that the main cellular components of TME interact with each other through this pathway to promote the formation of tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment. Here, we review the role of the immunosuppression mechanisms mediated by the IDO1 pathway in tumor growth. We discuss obstacles encountered in using IDO1 as a new tumor immunotherapy target, as well as the current clinical research progress.
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33
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The Role of Type-2 Conventional Dendritic Cells in the Regulation of Tumor Immunity. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081976. [PMID: 35454882 PMCID: PMC9028336 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Recent studies revealed that type-2 conventional dendritic cells (cDC2s) play an important role in antitumor immunity by promoting cytotoxic T-cell responses and helper T-cell differentiation. This review outlines the role of cDC2s in tumor immunity and summarizes the latest progress regarding their potential in cancer vaccination and cDC2-targeted cancer immunotherapy. Abstract Conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) orchestrate immune responses to cancer and comprise two major subsets: type-1 cDCs (cDC1s) and type-2 cDCs (cDC2s). Compared with cDC1s, which are dedicated to the activation of CD8+ T cells, cDC2s are ontogenically and functionally heterogeneous, with their main function being the presentation of exogenous antigens to CD4+ T cells for the initiation of T helper cell differentiation. cDC1s play an important role in tumor-specific immune responses through cross-presentation of tumor-derived antigens for the priming of CD8+ T cells, whereas little is known of the role of cDC2s in tumor immunity. Recent studies have indicated that human cDC2s can be divided into at least two subsets and have implicated these cells in both anti- and pro-tumoral immune responses. Furthermore, the efficacy of cDC2-based vaccines as well as cDC2-targeted therapeutics has been demonstrated in both mouse models and human patients. Here we summarize current knowledge about the role of cDC2s in tumor immunity and address whether these cells are beneficial in the context of antitumor immune responses.
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34
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Gupta YH, Khanom A, Acton SE. Control of Dendritic Cell Function Within the Tumour Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:733800. [PMID: 35355992 PMCID: PMC8960065 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.733800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumour microenvironment (TME) presents a major block to anti-tumour immune responses and to effective cancer immunotherapy. The inflammatory mediators such as cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and prostaglandins generated in the TME alter the phenotype and function of dendritic cells (DCs) that are critical for a successful adaptive immune response against the growing tumour. In this mini review we discuss how tumour cells and the surrounding stroma modulate DC maturation and trafficking to impact T cell function. Fibroblastic stroma and the associated extracellular matrix around tumours can also provide physical restrictions to infiltrating DCs and other leukocytes. We discuss interactions between the inflammatory TME and infiltrating immune cell function, exploring how the inflammatory TME affects generation of T cell-driven anti-tumour immunity. We discuss the open question of the relative importance of antigen-presentation site; locally within the TME versus tumour-draining lymph nodes. Addressing these questions will potentially increase immune surveillance and enhance anti-tumour immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukti Hari Gupta
- Stromal Immunology Laboratory, MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sophie E. Acton
- Stromal Immunology Laboratory, MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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35
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Godoy-Tena G, Ballestar E. Epigenetics of Dendritic Cells in Tumor Immunology. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051179. [PMID: 35267487 PMCID: PMC8909611 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells with the distinctive property of inducing the priming and differentiation of naïve CD4+ and CD8+ T cells into helper and cytotoxic effector T cells to develop efficient tumor-immune responses. DCs display pathogenic and tumorigenic antigens on their surface through major histocompatibility complexes to directly influence the differentiation of T cells. Cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), including cancer cells and other immune-infiltrated cells, can lead DCs to acquire an immune-tolerogenic phenotype that facilitates tumor progression. Epigenetic alterations contribute to cancer development, not only by directly affecting cancer cells, but also by their fundamental role in the differentiation of DCs that acquire a tolerogenic phenotype that, in turn, suppresses T cell-mediated responses. In this review, we focus on the epigenetic regulation of DCs that have infiltrated the TME and discuss how knowledge of the epigenetic control of DCs can be used to improve DC-based vaccines for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Godoy-Tena
- Epigenetics and Immune Disease Group, Josep Carreras Research Institute (IJC), 08916 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Esteban Ballestar
- Epigenetics and Immune Disease Group, Josep Carreras Research Institute (IJC), 08916 Barcelona, Spain;
- Epigenetics in Inflammatory and Metabolic Diseases Laboratory, Health Science Center (HSC), East China Normal University (ECNU), Shanghai 200241, China
- Correspondence:
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36
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Mancipe JMA, Lobianco FA, Dias ML, da Silva Moreira Thiré RM. Electrospinning: New Strategies for the Treatment of Skin Melanoma. Mini Rev Med Chem 2022; 22:564-578. [PMID: 34254914 DOI: 10.2174/1389557521666210712111809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown a significant growth of skin cancer cases in northern regions of the world, in which its presence was not common. Skin cancer is one of the cancers that mostly affects the world's population, ranking fifth in studies conducted in the United States (USA). Melanoma is cancer that has the highest number of deaths worldwide since it is the most resistant skin cancer to current treatments. This is why alternatives for its treatment has been investigated considering nanomedicine concepts. This study approaches the role of this field in the creation of promising electrospun devices, composed of nanoparticles and nanofibers, among other structures, capable of directing and/or loading active drugs and/or materials with the objective of inhibiting the growth of melanoma cells or even eliminating those cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Mauricio Anaya Mancipe
- Programa de Engenharia Metalúrgica e de Materiais, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - PEMM/COPPE/ UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ. Brazil
- Instituto de Macromolécula Professora Eloisa Mano, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - IMA/UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ. Brazil
| | - Franz Acker Lobianco
- Programa de Engenharia Metalúrgica e de Materiais, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - PEMM/COPPE/ UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ. Brazil
| | - Marcos Lopes Dias
- Instituto de Macromolécula Professora Eloisa Mano, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - IMA/UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ. Brazil
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37
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Xie H, Appelt JW, Jenkins RW. Going with the Flow: Modeling the Tumor Microenvironment Using Microfluidic Technology. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236052. [PMID: 34885161 PMCID: PMC8656483 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The clinical success of cancer immunotherapy targeting immune checkpoints (e.g., PD-1, CTLA-4) has ushered in a new era of cancer therapeutics aimed at promoting antitumor immunity in hopes of offering durable clinical responses for patients with advanced, metastatic cancer. This success has also reinvigorated interest in developing tumor model systems that recapitulate key features of antitumor immune responses to complement existing in vivo tumor models. Patient-derived tumor models have emerged in recent years to facilitate study of tumor–immune dynamics. Microfluidic technology has enabled development of microphysiologic systems (MPSs) for the evaluation of the tumor microenvironment, which have shown early promise in studying tumor–immune dynamics. Further development of microfluidic-based “tumor-on-a-chip” MPSs to study tumor–immune interactions may overcome several key challenges currently facing tumor immunology. Abstract Recent advances in cancer immunotherapy have led a paradigm shift in the treatment of multiple malignancies with renewed focus on the host immune system and tumor–immune dynamics. However, intrinsic and acquired resistance to immunotherapy limits patient benefits and wider application. Investigations into the mechanisms of response and resistance to immunotherapy have demonstrated key tumor-intrinsic and tumor-extrinsic factors. Studying complex interactions with multiple cell types is necessary to understand the mechanisms of response and resistance to cancer therapies. The lack of model systems that faithfully recapitulate key features of the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains a challenge for cancer researchers. Here, we review recent advances in TME models focusing on the use of microfluidic technology to study and model the TME, including the application of microfluidic technologies to study tumor–immune dynamics and response to cancer therapeutics. We also discuss the limitations of current systems and suggest future directions to utilize this technology to its highest potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Xie
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (H.X.); (J.W.A.)
| | - Jackson W. Appelt
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (H.X.); (J.W.A.)
| | - Russell W. Jenkins
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (H.X.); (J.W.A.)
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +617-726-9372; Fax: +844-542-5959
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38
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Varrone F, Mandrich L, Caputo E. Melanoma Immunotherapy and Precision Medicine in the Era of Tumor Micro-Tissue Engineering: Where Are We Now and Where Are We Going? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5788. [PMID: 34830940 PMCID: PMC8616100 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma still remains a cancer with very poor survival rates, although it is at the forefront of personalized medicine. Most patients show partial responses and disease progressed due to adaptative resistance mechanisms, preventing long-lasting clinical benefits to the current treatments. The response to therapies can be shaped by not only taking into account cancer cell heterogeneity and plasticity, but also by its structural context as well as the cellular component of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we review the recent development in the field of immunotherapy and target-based therapy and how, in the era of tumor micro-tissue engineering, ex-vivo assays could help to enhance our melanoma biology knowledge in its complexity, translating it in the development of successful therapeutic strategies, as well as in the prediction of therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luigi Mandrich
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystem—IRET-CNR Via Pietro Castellino 111, I-80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Emilia Caputo
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics—IGB-CNR, “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, Via Pietro Castellino 111, I-80131 Naples, Italy
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39
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Zhao C, Liu Y, Ju S, Wang X. Pan-Cancer Analysis of the N6-Methyladenosine Eraser FTO as a Potential Prognostic and Immunological Biomarker. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:7411-7422. [PMID: 34744452 PMCID: PMC8565892 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s331752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) is a critical N6-methyladenosine (m6A) demethylase that participates in tumorigenesis and is associated with the prognosis of patients in some cancers. However, the key roles of FTO in pan-cancer are still largely obscure. Methods FTO expression levels in pan-cancer were estimated via the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE), and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. Univariate survival analysis was used to estimate the effects of FTO on prognosis. In addition, we used the Tumor Immune Evaluation Resource (TIMER) to assess the immune cell infiltration of FTO gene across cancers. The association of FTO expression with immune checkpoint genes expression, DNA mismatch repair (MMR) gene mutation, DNA methyltransferases, microsatellite instability (MSI), and tumor mutational burden (TMB) was investigated using Spearman’s correlation analysis. Moreover, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was utilized to identify critical pathways in cancers. The STRING website was used to reveal the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of FTO. Results FTO was aberrantly expressed across cancers and survival analysis demonstrated that its expression was associated with clinical prognosis of many cancer patients. Specifically, FTO expression was significantly associated with immune infiltrating cells in colon adenocarcinoma, kidney renal clear cell carcinoma, and liver hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, FTO expression was significantly associated with immune checkpoint genes expression, MMR, DNA methyltransferases levels, TMB, and MSI in multiple cancers. Moreover, the GSEA unveiled that FTO was involved in the regulation of tumors and immune-related signaling pathways. In addition, several m6A related genes were implicated in the PPI network of FTO. Conclusion FTO was related to patients’ prognosis and tumor immune infiltrates in various cancers, and may serve as a novel and potential prognostic and immune biomarker in human pan-cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengwen Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yonghui Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaoqing Ju
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Department of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xudong Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Department of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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40
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Lecoeur H, Prina E, Gutiérrez-Sanchez M, Späth GF. Going ballistic: Leishmania nuclear subversion of host cell plasticity. Trends Parasitol 2021; 38:205-216. [PMID: 34666937 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular parasites have evolved intricate strategies to subvert host cell functions for their own survival. These strategies are particularly damaging to the host if the infection involves immune cells, as illustrated by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania that thrive inside mononuclear phagocytic cells, causing devastating immunopathologies. While the impact of Leishmania infection on host cell phenotype and functions has been well documented, the regulatory mechanisms underlying host cell subversion were only recently investigated. Here we summarize the current knowledge on how Leishmania infection affects host nuclear activities and propose thought-provoking new concepts on the reciprocal relationship between epigenetic and transcriptional regulation in host cell phenotypic plasticity, its potential subversion by the intracellular parasite, and its relevance for host-directed therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hervé Lecoeur
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, INSERM U1201, Unité de Parasitologie Moléculaire et Signalisation, Paris, France
| | - Eric Prina
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, INSERM U1201, Unité de Parasitologie Moléculaire et Signalisation, Paris, France
| | - Maria Gutiérrez-Sanchez
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, INSERM U1201, Unité de Parasitologie Moléculaire et Signalisation, Paris, France; UMR 8076 CNRS BioCIS, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Gerald F Späth
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, INSERM U1201, Unité de Parasitologie Moléculaire et Signalisation, Paris, France.
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Subtil B, Cambi A, Tauriello DVF, de Vries IJM. The Therapeutic Potential of Tackling Tumor-Induced Dendritic Cell Dysfunction in Colorectal Cancer. Front Immunol 2021; 12:724883. [PMID: 34691029 PMCID: PMC8527179 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.724883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Locally advanced and metastatic disease exhibit resistance to therapy and are prone to recurrence. Despite significant advances in standard of care and targeted (immuno)therapies, the treatment effects in metastatic CRC patients have been modest. Untreatable cancer metastasis accounts for poor prognosis and most CRC deaths. The generation of a strong immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) by CRC constitutes a major hurdle for tumor clearance by the immune system. Dendritic cells (DCs), often impaired in the TME, play a critical role in the initiation and amplification of anti-tumor immune responses. Evidence suggests that tumor-mediated DC dysfunction is decisive for tumor growth and metastasis initiation, as well as for the success of immunotherapies. Unravelling and understanding the complex crosstalk between CRC and DCs holds promise for identifying key mechanisms involved in tumor progression and spread that can be exploited for therapy. The main goal of this review is to provide an overview of the current knowledge on the impact of CRC-driven immunosuppression on DCs phenotype and functionality, and its significance for disease progression, patient prognosis, and treatment response. Moreover, present knowledge gaps will be highlighted as promising opportunities to further understand and therapeutically target DC dysfunction in CRC. Given the complexity and heterogeneity of CRC, future research will benefit from the use of patient-derived material and the development of in vitro organoid-based co-culture systems to model and study DCs within the CRC TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Subtil
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Alessandra Cambi
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Daniele V. F. Tauriello
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - I. Jolanda M. de Vries
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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Tang J, Malachowska B, Wu X, Guha C. Repurposing Radiation Therapy for Immuno-oncology. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2021; 33:683-693. [PMID: 34535358 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2021.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Radiation therapy is traditionally used for the local control of tumour growth, but recent studies suggest that radiation therapy can have immunomodulatory properties that can be applied in combination therapy with immunotherapeutic agents. The paradigm of using radiation therapy for immunomodulation in cancer treatment is a rapidly progressing field, with multiple ongoing clinical trials exploring its use in combination with immune checkpoint blockades to induce an abscopal effect. Permutations of radiation therapy regimens, including variations in radiation dosing, radiation planning parameters and radiation modality, are being tested with varying degrees of success. The relative biological effectiveness was a concept introduced in the early days of radiation biology that allows the comparison of local tumour control across various radiation modalities and energies. Similarly, there remains a need for a new concept of comparing the immunological effectiveness of various radiation modalities. In this review, we will provide an overview of immunobiological models for preclinical and clinical monitoring of radiation therapy regimens and introduce the concept of relative immunological effectiveness to compare and screen for immune-activating functions of these regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Tang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - B Malachowska
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - X Wu
- Department of Medical Physics, Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, Fudan University Cancer Hospital, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Proton and Heavy Ion Radiation Therapy, Shanghai, China
| | - C Guha
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA.
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3D Model of the Early Melanoma Microenvironment Captures Macrophage Transition into a Tumor-Promoting Phenotype. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184579. [PMID: 34572807 PMCID: PMC8471848 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary We developed a “tumor-in-a-dish” experimental system to study the early events favoring tumor growth and suppression of the immune response in metastatic melanoma. We combined murine melanoma tumor cells with fibroblasts and macrophages in a 3D collagen matrix and characterized how interactions between these three cell types, which are present in the early stages of tumorigenesis, drive immune suppression and the tumor-promoting transition in macrophages that is observed in vivo. Over the course of 7 days in the co-cultures, we quantified the dynamics of cues transmitted by direct cell–cell interactions, through the extracellular matrix and through secretion of immune mediators. We found that macrophages acquired features and a functional profile consistent with those present in in vivo murine melanoma tumors. This system will enable future studies of macrophage–stromal cross-talk in the melanoma microenvironment and provide a platform to test potential therapeutic approaches aimed at stimulating immune activity in macrophages. Abstract Tumor immune response is shaped by the tumor microenvironment (TME), which often evolves to be immunosuppressive, promoting disease progression and metastasis. An important example is melanoma tumors, which display high numbers of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) that are immunosuppressive but also have the potential to restore anti-tumor activity. However, to therapeutically target TAMs, there is a need to understand the early events that shape their tumor-promoting profile. To address this, we built and optimized 3D in vitro co-culture systems, composed of a collagen-I matrix scaffolding murine bone-marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), YUMM1.7 melanoma cells, and fibroblasts to recreate the early melanoma TME and study how interactions with fibroblasts and tumor cells modulate macrophage immune activity. We monitored BMDM behavior and interactions through time-lapse imaging and characterized their activation and secretion. We found that stromal cells induced a rapid functional activation, with increased motility and response from BMDMs. Over the course of seven days, BMDMs acquired a phenotype and secretion profile that resembled melanoma TAMs in established tumors. Overall, the direct cell–cell interactions with the stromal components in a 3D environment shape BMDM transition to a TAM-like immunosuppressive state. Our systems will enable future studies of changes in macrophage–stromal cross-talk in the melanoma TME.
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Passeri L, Marta F, Bassi V, Gregori S. Tolerogenic Dendritic Cell-Based Approaches in Autoimmunity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8415. [PMID: 34445143 PMCID: PMC8395087 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) dictate the outcomes of tissue-specific immune responses. In the context of autoimmune diseases, DCs instruct T cells to respond to antigens (Ags), including self-Ags, leading to organ damage, or to becoming regulatory T cells (Tregs) promoting and perpetuating immune tolerance. DCs can acquire tolerogenic properties in vitro and in vivo in response to several stimuli, a feature that opens the possibility to generate or to target DCs to restore tolerance in autoimmune settings. We present an overview of the different subsets of human DCs and of the regulatory mechanisms associated with tolerogenic (tol)DC functions. We review the role of DCs in the induction of tissue-specific autoimmunity and the current approaches exploiting tolDC-based therapies or targeting DCs in vivo for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Finally, we discuss limitations and propose future investigations for improving the knowledge on tolDCs for future clinical assessment to revert and prevent autoimmunity. The continuous expansion of tolDC research areas will lead to improving the understanding of the role that DCs play in the development and treatment of autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Passeri
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (L.P.); (F.M.); (V.B.)
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute IRCCS, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Fortunato Marta
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (L.P.); (F.M.); (V.B.)
| | - Virginia Bassi
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (L.P.); (F.M.); (V.B.)
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute IRCCS, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Gregori
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (L.P.); (F.M.); (V.B.)
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Carter EP, Roozitalab R, Gibson SV, Grose RP. Tumour microenvironment 3D-modelling: simplicity to complexity and back again. Trends Cancer 2021; 7:1033-1046. [PMID: 34312120 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2021.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Tumours are surrounded by a host of noncancerous cells that fulfil both supportive and suppressive roles within the tumour microenvironment (TME). The drive to understand the biology behind each of these components has led to a rapid expansion in the number and use of 3D in vitro models, as researchers find ways to incorporate multiple cell types into physiomimetic configurations. The use and increasing complexity of these models does however demand many considerations. In this review we discuss approaches adopted to recapitulate complex tumour biology in tractable 3D models. We consider how these cell types can be sourced and combined and examine methods for the deconvolution of complex multicellular models into manageable and informative outputs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward P Carter
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Reza Roozitalab
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Shayin V Gibson
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Richard P Grose
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK.
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Tan J, Zhang QY, Huang LP, Huang K, Xie HQ. Decellularized scaffold and its elicited immune response towards the host: the underlying mechanism and means of immunomodulatory modification. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:4803-4820. [PMID: 34018503 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm00470k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The immune response of the host towards a decellularized scaffold is complex. Not only can a number of immune cells influence this process, but also the characteristics, preparation and modification of the decellularized scaffold can significantly impact this reaction. Such factors can, together or alone, trigger immune cells to polarize towards either a pro-healing or pro-inflammatory direction. In this article, we have comprehensively reviewed factors which may influence the immune response of the host towards a decellularized scaffold, including the source of the biomaterial, biophysical properties or modifications of the scaffolds with bioactive peptides, drugs and cytokines. Furthermore, the underlying mechanism has also been recapitulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Tan
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Orthopedic Research Institute, Med-X Center for Materials, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China.
| | - Qing-Yi Zhang
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Orthopedic Research Institute, Med-X Center for Materials, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China.
| | - Li-Ping Huang
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Orthopedic Research Institute, Med-X Center for Materials, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China.
| | - Kai Huang
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Orthopedic Research Institute, Med-X Center for Materials, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China.
| | - Hui-Qi Xie
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Orthopedic Research Institute, Med-X Center for Materials, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China.
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Hypoxia Enhances the Expression of RNASET2 in Human Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells: Role of PI3K/AKT Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147564. [PMID: 34299186 PMCID: PMC8303897 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is a key component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and promotes not only tumor growth and metastasis, but also negatively affects infiltrating immune cells by impairing host immunity. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen-presenting cells and their biology is weakened in the TME in many ways, including the modulation of their viability. RNASET2 belongs to the T2 family of extracellular ribonucleases and, besides its nuclease activity, it exerts many additional functions. Indeed, RNASET2 is involved in several human pathologies, including cancer, and it is functionally relevant in the TME. RNASET2 functions are not restricted to cancer cells and its expression could be relevant also in other cell types which are important players in the TME, including DCs. Therefore, this study aimed to unravel the effect of hypoxia (2% O2) on the expression of RNASET2 in DCs. Here, we showed that hypoxia enhanced the expression and secretion of RNASET2 in human monocyte-derived DCs. This paralleled the HIF-1α accumulation and HIF-dependent and -independent signaling, which are associated with DCs’ survival/autophagy/apoptosis. RNASET2 expression, under hypoxia, was regulated by the PI3K/AKT pathway and was almost completely abolished by TLR4 ligand, LPS. Taken together, these results highlight how hypoxia- dependent and -independent pathways shape RNASET2 expression in DCs, with new perspectives on its implication for TME and, therefore, in anti-tumor immunity.
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Preclinical models and technologies to advance nanovaccine development. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 172:148-182. [PMID: 33711401 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The remarkable success of targeted immunotherapies is revolutionizing cancer treatment. However, tumor heterogeneity and low immunogenicity, in addition to several tumor-associated immunosuppression mechanisms are among the major factors that have precluded the success of cancer vaccines as targeted cancer immunotherapies. The exciting outcomes obtained in patients upon the injection of tumor-specific antigens and adjuvants intratumorally, reinvigorated interest in the use of nanotechnology to foster the delivery of vaccines to address cancer unmet needs. Thus, bridging nano-based vaccine platform development and predicted clinical outcomes the selection of the proper preclinical model will be fundamental. Preclinical models have revealed promising outcomes for cancer vaccines. However, only few cases were associated with clinical responses. This review addresses the major challenges related to the translation of cancer nano-based vaccines to the clinic, discussing the requirements for ex vivo and in vivo models of cancer to ensure the translation of preclinical success to patients.
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49
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van Wigcheren GF, Roelofs D, Figdor CG, Flórez-Grau G. Three distinct tolerogenic CD14 + myeloid cell types to actively manage autoimmune disease: Opportunities and challenges. J Autoimmun 2021; 120:102645. [PMID: 33901801 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2021.102645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Current treatment for patients with autoimmune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes, often consists of long-term drug regimens that broadly dampen immune responses. These non-specific treatments are frequently associated with severe side effects creating an urgent need for safer and more effective therapy to promote peripheral tolerance in autoimmune diseases. Cell-based immunotherapy may offer an encouraging alternative, where tolerogenic CD14+ myeloid cells are infused to inhibit autoreactive effector cells. In this review, we compared in depth three promising tolerogenic CD14+ candidates for the treatment of autoimmune disease: 1) tolerogenic dendritic cells, 2) monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells and 3) CD14+ type 2 conventional dendritic cells. TolDC-based therapy has entered clinical testing whereas evidence from the latter two cell types m-MDSCs and CD14+ cDC2s is predominantly coming from cancer immunology research. These three cell types have distinct cellular properties and immunosuppressive mechanisms offering unique opportunities to be explored. However, these cells differ in stage of development towards immunotherapy each facing additional hurdles. Therefore, we speculate on the potential benefits and risks of these cell types as novel cell-based immunotherapies to control autoimmune disease in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn F van Wigcheren
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, the Netherlands
| | - Daphne Roelofs
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Carl G Figdor
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, the Netherlands.
| | - Georgina Flórez-Grau
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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50
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Simiczyjew A, Dratkiewicz E, Mazurkiewicz J, Ziętek M, Matkowski R, Nowak D. The Influence of Tumor Microenvironment on Immune Escape of Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8359. [PMID: 33171792 PMCID: PMC7664679 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The low efficiency of currently-used anti-cancer therapies poses a serious challenge, especially in the case of malignant melanoma, a cancer characterized by elevated invasiveness and relatively high mortality rate. The role of the tumor microenvironment in the progression of melanoma and its acquisition of resistance to treatment seems to be the main focus of recent studies. One of the factors that, in normal conditions, aids the organism in its fight against the cancer and, following the malignant transformation, adapts to facilitate the development of the tumor is the immune system. A variety of cell types, i.e., T and B lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic and natural killer cells, as well as neutrophils, support the growth and invasiveness of melanoma cells, utilizing a plethora of mechanisms, including secretion of pro-inflammatory molecules, induction of inhibitory receptors expression, or depletion of essential nutrients. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the processes regulated by tumor-associated cells that promote the immune escape of melanoma cells. The described mechanisms offer potential new targets for anti-cancer treatment and should be further studied to improve currently-employed therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Simiczyjew
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.D.); (J.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Ewelina Dratkiewicz
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.D.); (J.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Justyna Mazurkiewicz
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.D.); (J.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Marcin Ziętek
- Department of Oncology and Division of Surgical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.Z.); (R.M.)
- Wroclaw Comprehensive Cancer Center, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Rafał Matkowski
- Department of Oncology and Division of Surgical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.Z.); (R.M.)
- Wroclaw Comprehensive Cancer Center, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Nowak
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.D.); (J.M.); (D.N.)
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