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Berrell N, Monkman J, Donovan M, Blick T, O'Byrne K, Ladwa R, Tan CW, Kulasinghe A. Spatial resolution of the head and neck cancer tumor microenvironment to identify tumor and stromal features associated with therapy response. Immunol Cell Biol 2024. [PMID: 39048134 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12811] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the seventh most common cancer globally, resulting in 440 000 deaths per year. While there have been advancements in chemoradiotherapy and surgery, relapse occurs in more than half of HNCs, and these patients have a median survival of 10 months and a 2-year survival of < 20%. Only a subset of patients displays durable benefits from immunotherapies in metastatic and recurrent HNC, making it critical to understand the tumor microenvironment (TME) underpinning therapy responses in HNC. To recognize biological differences within the TME that may be predictive of immunotherapy response, we applied cutting-edge geospatial whole-transcriptome profiling (NanoString GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler) and spatial proteomics profiling (Akoya PhenoCycler-Fusion) on a tumor microarray consisting of 25 cores from 12 patients that included 4 immunotherapy-unresponsive (8 cores) and 2 immunotherapy-responsive patients (5 cores), as well as 6 immunotherapy naïve patients (12 cores). Through high-plex, regional-based transcriptomic mapping of the tumor and TME, pathways involved with the complement system and hypoxia were identified to be differentially expressed in patients who went on to experience a poor immunotherapy response. Single-cell, targeted proteomic analysis found that immune cell infiltration of the cancer cell mass and interactions of CD8 T cells with tumor and other immune cells were associated with positive immunotherapy response. The relative abundance of specific tumor phenotypes and their interactions with various immune cells was identified to be different between response groups. This study demonstrates how spatial transcriptomics and proteomics can resolve novel alterations in the TME of HNC that may contribute to therapy sensitivity and resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Berrell
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Wesley Research Institute, Level 8 East Wing, The Wesley Hospital, Auchenflower, QLD, Australia
| | - James Monkman
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Meg Donovan
- Wesley Research Institute, Level 8 East Wing, The Wesley Hospital, Auchenflower, QLD, Australia
| | - Tony Blick
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ken O'Byrne
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Rahul Ladwa
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Chin Wee Tan
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Bioinformatics Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Arutha Kulasinghe
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Wesley Research Institute, Level 8 East Wing, The Wesley Hospital, Auchenflower, QLD, Australia
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2
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Pesini C, Artal L, Paúl Bernal J, Sánchez Martinez D, Pardo J, Ramírez-Labrada A. In-depth analysis of the interplay between oncogenic mutations and NK cell-mediated cancer surveillance in solid tumors. Oncoimmunology 2024; 13:2379062. [PMID: 39036370 PMCID: PMC11259085 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2024.2379062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in antitumoral and antiviral responses. Yet, cancer cells can alter themselves or the microenvironment through the secretion of cytokines or other factors, hindering NK cell activation and promoting a less cytotoxic phenotype. These resistance mechanisms, often referred to as the "hallmarks of cancer" are significantly influenced by the activation of oncogenes, impacting most, if not all, of the described hallmarks. Along with oncogenes, other types of genes, the tumor suppressor genes are frequently mutated or modified during cancer. Traditionally, these genes have been associated with uncontrollable tumor growth and apoptosis resistance. Recent evidence suggests oncogenic mutations extend beyond modulating cell death/proliferation programs, influencing cancer immunosurveillance. While T cells have been more studied, the results obtained highlight NK cells as emerging key protagonists for enhancing tumor cell elimination by modulating oncogenic activity. A few recent studies highlight the crucial role of oncogenic mutations in NK cell-mediated cancer recognition, impacting angiogenesis, stress ligands, and signaling balance within the tumor microenvironment. This review will critically examine recent discoveries correlating oncogenic mutations to NK cell-mediated cancer immunosurveillance, a relatively underexplored area, particularly in the era dominated by immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cells. Building on these insights, we will explore opportunities to improve NK cell-based immunotherapies, which are increasingly recognized as promising alternatives for treating low-antigenic tumors, offering significant advantages in terms of safety and manufacturing suitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Pesini
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in the Network of Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Carlos III Health Institute, Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Radiology, Pediatry and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laura Artal
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute of Carbochemistry (ICB-CSIC), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jorge Paúl Bernal
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Diego Sánchez Martinez
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragón I + D Foundation (ARAID), Government of Aragon, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Julián Pardo
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in the Network of Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Carlos III Health Institute, Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Radiology, Pediatry and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ariel Ramírez-Labrada
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in the Network of Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Carlos III Health Institute, Zaragoza, Spain
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3
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Volety P, Shirley CA, Chhabra G, Ahmad N. The fusion of light and immunity: Advancements in photoimmunotherapy for melanoma. Photochem Photobiol 2024; 100:910-922. [PMID: 38623955 DOI: 10.1111/php.13951] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with high mortality and recurrence rates. Despite the clinical success of recent immunotherapy approaches, prevailing resistance rates necessitate the continued development of novel therapeutic options. Photoimmunotherapy (PIT) is emerging as a promising immunotherapy strategy that uses photodynamic therapy (PDT) to unleash systemic immune responses against tumor sites while maintaining the superior tumor-specificity and minimally invasive nature of traditional PDT. In this review, we discuss recent advances in PIT and strategies for the management of melanoma using PIT. PIT can strongly induce immunogenic cell death, inviting the concomitant application of immune checkpoint blockade or adoptive cell therapies. PIT can also be leveraged to selectively remove the suppressive immune populations associated with immunotherapy resistance. The modular nature of PIT therapy design combined with the potential for patient-specific antigen selection or drug co-delivery makes PIT an alluring option for future personalized melanoma care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranav Volety
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Carl A Shirley
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Gagan Chhabra
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Nihal Ahmad
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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4
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Zhou Y, Han W, Feng Y, Wang Y, Sun T, Xu J. Microbial metabolites affect tumor progression, immunity and therapy prediction by reshaping the tumor microenvironment (Review). Int J Oncol 2024; 65:73. [PMID: 38847233 PMCID: PMC11173369 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5661] [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: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Several studies have indicated that the gut microbiome and tumor microbiota may affect tumors. Emerging metabolomics research illustrates the need to examine the variations in microbial metabolite composition between patients with cancer and healthy individuals. Microbial metabolites can impact the progression of tumors and the immune response by influencing a number of mechanisms, including modulation of the immune system, cancer or immune‑related signaling pathways, epigenetic modification of proteins and DNA damage. Microbial metabolites can also alleviate side effects and drug resistance during chemotherapy and immunotherapy, while effectively activating the immune system to exert tumor immunotherapy. Nevertheless, the impact of microbial metabolites on tumor immunity can be both beneficial and harmful, potentially influenced by the concentration of the metabolites or the specific cancer type. The present review summarizes the roles of various microbial metabolites in different solid tumors, alongside their influence on tumor immunity and treatment. Additionally, clinical trials evaluating the therapeutic effects of microbial metabolites or related microbes on patients with cancer have been listed. In summary, studying microbial metabolites, which play a crucial role in the interaction between the microbiota and tumors, could lead to the identification of new supplementary treatments for cancer. This has the potential to improve the effectiveness of cancer treatment and enhance patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Zhou
- Department of Breast Medicine 1, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, P.R. China
- Department of Pharmacology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, P.R. China
| | - Wenjie Han
- Department of Breast Medicine 1, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, P.R. China
- Department of Pharmacology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, P.R. China
| | - Yun Feng
- Department of Breast Medicine 1, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, P.R. China
- Department of Pharmacology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, P.R. China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Breast Medicine 1, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, P.R. China
- Department of Pharmacology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, P.R. China
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Breast Medicine 1, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology Medicine, Key Laboratory of Liaoning Breast Cancer Research, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, P.R. China
- Department of Breast Medicine, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, P.R. China
| | - Junnan Xu
- Department of Breast Medicine 1, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, P.R. China
- Department of Pharmacology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, P.R. China
- Department of Breast Medicine, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, P.R. China
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Pu B, Feng S, Gu L, Smerin D, Jian Z, Xiong X, Wei L. Exploring MAP2K3 as a prognostic biomarker and potential immunotherapy target in glioma treatment. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1387743. [PMID: 38938778 PMCID: PMC11210523 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1387743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioma, the most prevalent primary brain tumor in adults, is characterized by significant invasiveness and resistance. Current glioma treatments include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy, but these methods often fail to eliminate the tumor completely, leading to recurrence and poor prognosis. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, a class of commonly used immunotherapeutic drugs, have demonstrated excellent efficacy in treating various solid malignancies. Recent research has indicated that unconventional levels of expression of the MAP2K3 gene closely correlates with glioma malignancy, hinting it could be a potential immunotherapy target. Our study unveiled substantial involvement of MAP2K3 in gliomas, indicating the potential of the enzyme to serve as a prognostic biomarker related to immunity. Through the regulation of the infiltration of immune cells, MAP2K3 can affect the prognosis of patients with glioma. These discoveries establish a theoretical foundation for exploring the biological mechanisms underlying MAP2K3 and its potential applications in glioma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Pu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Transplantation Health Management Center, Sichuan Taikang Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Shi Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lijuan Gu
- Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Daniel Smerin
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Zhihong Jian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoxing Xiong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Liang Wei
- Transplantation Health Management Center, Sichuan Taikang Hospital, Chengdu, China
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Zhang Z, Wang Z, Liu T, Tang J, Liu Y, Gou T, Chen K, Wang L, Zhang J, Yang Y, Zhang H. Exploring the role of ITGB6: fibrosis, cancer, and other diseases. Apoptosis 2024; 29:570-585. [PMID: 38127283 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-023-01921-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Integrin β6 (ITGB6), a member of the integrin family of proteins, is only present in epithelial tissues and frequently associates with integrin subunit αv to form transmembrane heterodimers named integrin αvβ6. Importantly, ITGB6 determines αvβ6 expression and availability. In addition to being engaged in organ fibrosis, ITGB6 is also directly linked to the emergence of cancer, periodontitis, and several potential genetic diseases. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the molecular-biological mechanism of ITGB6, which could provide novel insights for future clinical diagnosis and therapy. This review introduces the structure, distribution, and biological function of ITGB6. This review also expounds on ITGB6-related diseases, detailing the known biological effects of ITGB6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Northwest University, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, Xi'an, 710021, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Faulty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Central Theater Command General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, 627 Wuluo Road, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Tong Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Northwest University, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, Xi'an, 710021, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Faulty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Jiayou Tang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yanqing Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Northwest University, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, Xi'an, 710021, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Faulty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Tiantian Gou
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Northwest University, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, Xi'an, 710021, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Faulty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Kangli Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Northwest University, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, Xi'an, 710021, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Faulty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Northwest University, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, Xi'an, 710021, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Faulty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Northwest University, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, Xi'an, 710021, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Faulty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Northwest University, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, Xi'an, 710021, China.
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Faulty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China.
| | - Huan Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Northwest University, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, Xi'an, 710021, China.
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Faulty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China.
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Ma J, Chen Y, Li T, Cao Y, Hu B, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Li X, Liu J, Zhang W, Niu H, Gao J, Zhang Z, Yue K, Wang J, Bao G, Wang C, Wang PG, Zou T, Xie S. Suppression of lysosome metabolism-meditated GARP/TGF-β1 complexes specifically depletes regulatory T cells to inhibit breast cancer metastasis. Oncogene 2024; 43:1930-1940. [PMID: 38698265 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03043-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) prevent autoimmunity and contribute to cancer progression. They exert contact-dependent inhibition of immune cells through the production of active transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). However, the absence of a specific surface marker makes inhibiting the production of active TGF-β1 to specifically deplete human Tregs but not other cell types a challenge. TGF-β1 in an inactive form binds to Tregs membrane protein Glycoprotein A Repetitions Predominant (GARP) and then activates it via an unknown mechanism. Here, we demonstrated that tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3 interacting protein 3 (TRAF3IP3) in the Treg lysosome is involved in this activation mechanism. Using a novel naphthalenelactam-platinum-based anticancer drug (NPt), we developed a new synergistic effect by suppressing ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 9 (ABCB9) and TRAF3IP3-mediated divergent lysosomal metabolic programs in tumors and human Tregs to block the production of active GARP/TGF-β1 for remodeling the tumor microenvironment. Mechanistically, NPt is stored in Treg lysosome to inhibit TRAF3IP3-meditated GARP/TGF-β1 complex activation to specifically deplete Tregs. In addition, by promoting the expression of ABCB9 in lysosome membrane, NPt inhibits SARA/p-SMAD2/3 through CHRD-induced TGF-β1 signaling pathway. In addition to expose a previously undefined divergent lysosomal metabolic program-meditated GARP/TGF-β1 complex blockade by exploring the inherent metabolic plasticity, NPt may serve as a therapeutic tool to boost unrecognized Treg-based immune responses to infection or cancer via a mechanism distinct from traditional platinum drugs and currently available immune-modulatory antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ma
- School of Pharmacy, The Zhongzhou Laboratory for Integrative Biology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Institute of Chemical Biology, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Henan Province Engineering Research Center of High Value Utilization to Natural Medical Resource in Yellow River Basin, State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Yutong Chen
- South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511442, China
| | - Tao Li
- School of Pharmacy, The Zhongzhou Laboratory for Integrative Biology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Institute of Chemical Biology, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Henan Province Engineering Research Center of High Value Utilization to Natural Medical Resource in Yellow River Basin, State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Yi Cao
- School of Pharmacy, The Zhongzhou Laboratory for Integrative Biology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Institute of Chemical Biology, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Henan Province Engineering Research Center of High Value Utilization to Natural Medical Resource in Yellow River Basin, State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Bin Hu
- School of Pharmacy, The Zhongzhou Laboratory for Integrative Biology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Institute of Chemical Biology, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Henan Province Engineering Research Center of High Value Utilization to Natural Medical Resource in Yellow River Basin, State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Yuru Liu
- School of Pharmacy, The Zhongzhou Laboratory for Integrative Biology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Institute of Chemical Biology, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Henan Province Engineering Research Center of High Value Utilization to Natural Medical Resource in Yellow River Basin, State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Youran Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, The Zhongzhou Laboratory for Integrative Biology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Institute of Chemical Biology, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Henan Province Engineering Research Center of High Value Utilization to Natural Medical Resource in Yellow River Basin, State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- School of Pharmacy, The Zhongzhou Laboratory for Integrative Biology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Institute of Chemical Biology, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Henan Province Engineering Research Center of High Value Utilization to Natural Medical Resource in Yellow River Basin, State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Jianing Liu
- School of Pharmacy, The Zhongzhou Laboratory for Integrative Biology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Institute of Chemical Biology, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Henan Province Engineering Research Center of High Value Utilization to Natural Medical Resource in Yellow River Basin, State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, The Zhongzhou Laboratory for Integrative Biology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Institute of Chemical Biology, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Henan Province Engineering Research Center of High Value Utilization to Natural Medical Resource in Yellow River Basin, State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Hanjing Niu
- School of Pharmacy, The Zhongzhou Laboratory for Integrative Biology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Institute of Chemical Biology, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Henan Province Engineering Research Center of High Value Utilization to Natural Medical Resource in Yellow River Basin, State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Jinhua Gao
- School of Pharmacy, The Zhongzhou Laboratory for Integrative Biology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Institute of Chemical Biology, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Henan Province Engineering Research Center of High Value Utilization to Natural Medical Resource in Yellow River Basin, State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Zhongze Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, The Zhongzhou Laboratory for Integrative Biology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Institute of Chemical Biology, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Henan Province Engineering Research Center of High Value Utilization to Natural Medical Resource in Yellow River Basin, State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Kexin Yue
- School of Pharmacy, The Zhongzhou Laboratory for Integrative Biology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Institute of Chemical Biology, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Henan Province Engineering Research Center of High Value Utilization to Natural Medical Resource in Yellow River Basin, State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Jiajia Wang
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China.
| | - Guochen Bao
- Institute for Biomedical Materials and Devices (IBMD), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Chaojie Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Peng George Wang
- School of Medicine, The Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518005, China
| | - Taotao Zou
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Songqiang Xie
- School of Pharmacy, The Zhongzhou Laboratory for Integrative Biology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Institute of Chemical Biology, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Henan Province Engineering Research Center of High Value Utilization to Natural Medical Resource in Yellow River Basin, State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China.
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8
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FENG KUN, PENG HAO, LV QINGPENG, ZHANG YEWEI. PHLDA2 reshapes the immune microenvironment and induces drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Res 2024; 32:1063-1078. [PMID: 38827322 PMCID: PMC11136693 DOI: 10.32604/or.2024.047078] [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: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignancy known for its unfavorable prognosis. The dysregulation of the tumor microenvironment (TME) can affect the sensitivity to immunotherapy or chemotherapy, leading to treatment failure. The elucidation of PHLDA2's involvement in HCC is imperative, and the clinical value of PHLDA2 is also underestimated. Here, bioinformatics analysis was performed in multiple cohorts to explore the phenotype and mechanism through which PHLDA2 may affect the progression of HCC. Then, the expression and function of PHLDA2 were examined via the qRT-PCR, Western Blot, and MTT assays. Our findings indicate a substantial upregulation of PHLDA2 in HCC, correlated with a poorer prognosis. The methylation levels of PHLDA2 were found to be lower in HCC tissues compared to normal liver tissues. Besides, noteworthy associations were observed between PHLDA2 expression and immune infiltration in HCC. In addition, PHLDA2 upregulation is closely associated with stemness features and immunotherapy or chemotherapy resistance in HCC. In vitro experiments showed that sorafenib or cisplatin significantly up-regulated PHLDA2 mRNA levels, and PHLDA2 knockdown markedly decreased the sensitivity of HCC cells to chemotherapy drugs. Meanwhile, we found that TGF-β induced the expression of PHLDA2 in vitro. The GSEA and in vitro experiment indicated that PHLDA2 may promote the HCC progression via activating the AKT signaling pathway. Our study revealed the novel role of PHLDA2 as an independent prognostic factor, which plays an essential role in TME remodeling and treatment resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- KUN FENG
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - HAO PENG
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - QINGPENG LV
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - YEWEI ZHANG
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
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9
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Song L, Yang Y, Tian X. Current knowledge about immunotherapy resistance for melanoma and potential predictive and prognostic biomarkers. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2024; 7:17. [PMID: 38835341 PMCID: PMC11149101 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma still reaches thousands of new diagnoses per year, and its aggressiveness makes recovery challenging, especially for those with stage III/IV unresectable melanoma. Immunotherapy, emerging as a beacon of hope, stands at the forefront of treatments for advanced melanoma. This review delves into the various immunotherapeutic strategies, prominently featuring cytokine immunotherapy, adoptive cell therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and vaccinations. Among these, immune checkpoint inhibitors, notably anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) antibodies, emerge as the leading strategy. However, a significant subset of melanoma patients remains unresponsive to these inhibitors, underscoring the need for potent biomarkers. Efficient biomarkers have the potential to revolutionize the therapeutic landscape by facilitating the design of personalized treatments for patients with melanoma. This comprehensive review highlights the latest advancements in melanoma immunotherapy and potential biomarkers at the epicenter of recent research endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanni Song
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory for Applied Biomedical and Bio-pharmaceutical Informatics, Wenzhou-Kean University, Wenzhou 325060, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Bioinformatics International Science and Technology Cooperation Center, Wenzhou-Kean University, Wenzhou 325060, Zhejiang, China
- College of Science, Mathematics and Technology, Wenzhou-Kean University, Wenzhou 325060, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yixin Yang
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory for Applied Biomedical and Bio-pharmaceutical Informatics, Wenzhou-Kean University, Wenzhou 325060, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Bioinformatics International Science and Technology Cooperation Center, Wenzhou-Kean University, Wenzhou 325060, Zhejiang, China
- College of Science, Mathematics and Technology, Wenzhou-Kean University, Wenzhou 325060, Zhejiang, China
- Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology, Kean University, Union, NJ 07083, USA
| | - Xuechen Tian
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory for Applied Biomedical and Bio-pharmaceutical Informatics, Wenzhou-Kean University, Wenzhou 325060, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Bioinformatics International Science and Technology Cooperation Center, Wenzhou-Kean University, Wenzhou 325060, Zhejiang, China
- College of Science, Mathematics and Technology, Wenzhou-Kean University, Wenzhou 325060, Zhejiang, China
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10
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Mao M, Wu Y, He Q. Recent advances in targeted drug delivery for the treatment of glioblastoma. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:8689-8707. [PMID: 38606460 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr01056f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the highly malignant brain tumors characterized by significant morbidity and mortality. Despite the recent advancements in the treatment of GBM, major challenges persist in achieving controlled drug delivery to tumors. The management of GBM poses considerable difficulties primarily due to unresolved issues in the blood-brain barrier (BBB)/blood-brain tumor barrier (BBTB) and GBM microenvironment. These factors limit the uptake of anti-cancer drugs by the tumor, thus limiting the therapeutic options. Current breakthroughs in nanotechnology provide new prospects concerning unconventional drug delivery approaches for GBM treatment. Specifically, swimming nanorobots show great potential in active targeted delivery, owing to their autonomous propulsion and improved navigation capacities across biological barriers, which further facilitate the development of GBM-targeted strategies. This review presents an overview of technological progress in different drug administration methods for GBM. Additionally, the limitations in clinical translation and future research prospects in this field are also discussed. This review aims to provide a comprehensive guideline for researchers and offer perspectives on further development of new drug delivery therapies to combat GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Mao
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China.
| | - Yingjie Wu
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China.
| | - Qiang He
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China.
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11
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Wang L, Zhang J, Zhang W, Zheng M, Guo H, Pan X, Li W, Yang B, Ding L. The inhibitory effect of adenosine on tumor adaptive immunity and intervention strategies. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:1951-1964. [PMID: 38799637 PMCID: PMC11119508 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Adenosine (Ado) is significantly elevated in the tumor microenvironment (TME) compared to normal tissues. It binds to adenosine receptors (AdoRs), suppressing tumor antigen presentation and immune cell activation, thereby inhibiting tumor adaptive immunity. Ado downregulates major histocompatibility complex II (MHC II) and co-stimulatory factors on dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages, inhibiting antigen presentation. It suppresses anti-tumor cytokine secretion and T cell activation by disrupting T cell receptor (TCR) binding and signal transduction. Ado also inhibits chemokine secretion and KCa3.1 channel activity, impeding effector T cell trafficking and infiltration into the tumor site. Furthermore, Ado diminishes T cell cytotoxicity against tumor cells by promoting immune-suppressive cytokine secretion, upregulating immune checkpoint proteins, and enhancing immune-suppressive cell activity. Reducing Ado production in the TME can significantly enhance anti-tumor immune responses and improve the efficacy of other immunotherapies. Preclinical and clinical development of inhibitors targeting Ado generation or AdoRs is underway. Therefore, this article will summarize and analyze the inhibitory effects and molecular mechanisms of Ado on tumor adaptive immunity, as well as provide an overview of the latest advancements in targeting Ado pathways in anti-tumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longsheng Wang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wenxin Zhang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Mingming Zheng
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hongjie Guo
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiaohui Pan
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wen Li
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- The Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Ling Ding
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Nanhu Brain-Computer Interface Institute, Hangzhou 311100, China
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12
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Deng Z, Fan T, Xiao C, Tian H, Zheng Y, Li C, He J. TGF-β signaling in health, disease, and therapeutics. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:61. [PMID: 38514615 PMCID: PMC10958066 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01764-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a multifunctional cytokine expressed by almost every tissue and cell type. The signal transduction of TGF-β can stimulate diverse cellular responses and is particularly critical to embryonic development, wound healing, tissue homeostasis, and immune homeostasis in health. The dysfunction of TGF-β can play key roles in many diseases, and numerous targeted therapies have been developed to rectify its pathogenic activity. In the past decades, a large number of studies on TGF-β signaling have been carried out, covering a broad spectrum of topics in health, disease, and therapeutics. Thus, a comprehensive overview of TGF-β signaling is required for a general picture of the studies in this field. In this review, we retrace the research history of TGF-β and introduce the molecular mechanisms regarding its biosynthesis, activation, and signal transduction. We also provide deep insights into the functions of TGF-β signaling in physiological conditions as well as in pathological processes. TGF-β-targeting therapies which have brought fresh hope to the treatment of relevant diseases are highlighted. Through the summary of previous knowledge and recent updates, this review aims to provide a systematic understanding of TGF-β signaling and to attract more attention and interest to this research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqin Deng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Tao Fan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Chu Xiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - He Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yujia Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Chunxiang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Jie He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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13
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Wang M, Chen S, He X, Yuan Y, Wei X. Targeting inflammation as cancer therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:13. [PMID: 38520006 PMCID: PMC10960486 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01528-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation has accompanied human beings since the emergence of wounds and infections. In the past decades, numerous efforts have been undertaken to explore the potential role of inflammation in cancer, from tumor development, invasion, and metastasis to the resistance of tumors to treatment. Inflammation-targeted agents not only demonstrate the potential to suppress cancer development, but also to improve the efficacy of other therapeutic modalities. In this review, we describe the highly dynamic and complex inflammatory tumor microenvironment, with discussion on key inflammation mediators in cancer including inflammatory cells, inflammatory cytokines, and their downstream intracellular pathways. In addition, we especially address the role of inflammation in cancer development and highlight the action mechanisms of inflammation-targeted therapies in antitumor response. Finally, we summarize the results from both preclinical and clinical studies up to date to illustrate the translation potential of inflammation-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manni Wang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, Block3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyuan Chen
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, Block3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei He
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, Block3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Yuan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, Block3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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14
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Xia Y, Gao D, Wang X, Liu B, Shan X, Sun Y, Ma D. Role of Treg cell subsets in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1331609. [PMID: 38558816 PMCID: PMC10978666 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1331609] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In the genesis and progression of cardiovascular diseases involving both innate and adaptive immune responses, inflammation plays a pivotal and dual role. Studies in experimental animals indicate that certain immune responses are protective, while others exacerbate the disease. T-helper (Th) 1 cell immune responses are recognized as key drivers of inflammatory progression in cardiovascular diseases. Consequently, the CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are gaining increasing attention for their roles in inflammation and immune regulation. Given the critical role of Tregs in maintaining immune-inflammatory balance and homeostasis, abnormalities in their generation or function might lead to aberrant immune responses, thereby initiating pathological changes. Numerous preclinical studies and clinical trials have unveiled the central role of Tregs in cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis. Here, we review the roles and mechanisms of Treg subsets in cardiovascular conditions like atherosclerosis, hypertension, myocardial infarction and remodeling, myocarditis, dilated cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. While the precise molecular mechanisms of Tregs in cardiac protection remain elusive, therapeutic strategies targeting Tregs present a promising new direction for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yunpeng Sun
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Dashi Ma
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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15
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Yu D, Lu Z, Nie F, Chong Y. Integrins regulation of wound healing processes: insights for chronic skin wound therapeutics. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1324441. [PMID: 38505290 PMCID: PMC10949986 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1324441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Integrins are heterodimers composed of non-covalently associated alpha and beta subunits that mediate the dynamic linkage between extracellular adhesion molecules and the intracellular actin cytoskeleton. Integrins are present in various tissues and organs and are involved in different physiological and pathological molecular responses in vivo. Wound healing is an important process in the recovery from traumatic diseases and consists of three overlapping phases: inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Integrin regulation acts throughout the wound healing process to promote wound healing. Prolonged inflammation may lead to failure of wound healing, such as wound chronicity. One of the main causes of chronic wound formation is bacterial colonization of the wound. In this review, we review the role of integrins in the regulation of wound healing processes such as angiogenesis and re-epithelialization, as well as the role of integrins in mediating bacterial infections during wound chronicity, and the challenges and prospects of integrins as therapeutic targets for infected wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Yu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhaoyu Lu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fengsong Nie
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Chong
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
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16
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Cubero FJ, Sarobe P, Tiegs G. Advancing with cancer immunotherapeutics: CD29 + regulatory T cell antagonism. Gut 2024; 73:391-392. [PMID: 37898547 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-331048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Cubero
- Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Complutense University of Madrid Faculty of Medicine, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Sarobe
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Network on Liver and Digestive Diseases(CIBEREHD), Madrid, Spain
- Programa de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Centro de Investigación MédicaAplicada (CIMA, CCUN), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Gisa Tiegs
- Insitute of Experimental Immunology and Hepatology, University Medical Center, Hamburg, Germany
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17
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Hui K, Dong C, Hu C, Li J, Yan D, Jiang X. VEGFR affects miR-3200-3p-mediated regulatory T cell senescence in tumour-derived exosomes in non-small cell lung cancer. Funct Integr Genomics 2024; 24:31. [PMID: 38363405 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-024-01305-2] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Numerous studies have demonstrated that regulatory T (Treg) cells play an important role in the tumour microenvironment (TME). The aim of this study was to investigate whether VEGFR2 affects the expression of miR-3200-3p in exosomes secreted by tumour cells, thereby influencing Treg senescence in the TME. The results showed that VEGFR2 expression level was the highest in Calu-1 cells, and after transfection with si-VEGFR2, the exosomes secreted from Calu-1 cells were extracted and characterised with no significant difference from the exosomes of the untransfected group, but the expression of miR-3200-3p in the exosomes of the transfected si-VEGFR2 group was elevated. The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry (FCM) results suggested that exosomes highly expressing miR-3200-3p could inhibit Treg cell viability and promote apoptosis levels when treated with Treg cells. Detection of the senescence-associated proteins p16 INK4A and MMP3 by western blot (WB) revealed that exosomes highly expressing miR-3200-3p were able to elevate their protein expression levels. Tumour xenograft experiments demonstrated that exosomes with high miR-3200-3p expression promoted Treg cell senescence and inhibited subcutaneous tumour growth in nude mice. Dual-luciferase reporter assays and RNA pull-down assays showed that miR-3200-3p could be linked with DDB1. Overexpression of DDB1 reverses changes in DCAF1/GSTP1/ROS protein expression caused by exosomes with high miR-3200-3p expression. In conclusion, inhibition of VEGFR2 expression in tumour cells promotes the expression of miR-3200-3p in exosomes secreted by tumour cells. miR-3200-3p enters the TME through exosomes and acts on DDB1 in Treg cells to promote senescence of Treg cells to inhibit tumour progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyuan Hui
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 6 Zhenhua East Road, Lianyungang, 222061, Jiangsu, China
| | - Changhong Dong
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 6 Zhenhua East Road, Lianyungang, 222061, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chenxi Hu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 6 Zhenhua East Road, Lianyungang, 222061, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiawen Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dongyue Yan
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 6 Zhenhua East Road, Lianyungang, 222061, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaodong Jiang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 6 Zhenhua East Road, Lianyungang, 222061, Jiangsu, China.
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18
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Shirley CA, Chhabra G, Amiri D, Chang H, Ahmad N. Immune escape and metastasis mechanisms in melanoma: breaking down the dichotomy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1336023. [PMID: 38426087 PMCID: PMC10902921 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1336023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most lethal neoplasms of the skin. Despite the revolutionary introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors, metastatic spread, and recurrence remain critical problems in resistant cases. Melanoma employs a multitude of mechanisms to subvert the immune system and successfully metastasize to distant organs. Concerningly, recent research also shows that tumor cells can disseminate early during melanoma progression and enter dormant states, eventually leading to metastases at a future time. Immune escape and metastasis have previously been viewed as separate phenomena; however, accumulating evidence is breaking down this dichotomy. Recent research into the progressive mechanisms of melanoma provides evidence that dedifferentiation similar to classical epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), genes involved in neural crest stem cell maintenance, and hypoxia/acidosis, are important factors simultaneously involved in immune escape and metastasis. The likeness between EMT and early dissemination, and differences, also become apparent in these contexts. Detailed knowledge of the mechanisms behind "dual drivers" simultaneously promoting metastatically inclined and immunosuppressive environments can yield novel strategies effective in disabling multiple facets of melanoma progression. Furthermore, understanding progression through these drivers may provide insight towards novel treatments capable of preventing recurrence arising from dormant dissemination or improving immunotherapy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl A Shirley
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Gagan Chhabra
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Deeba Amiri
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Hao Chang
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Nihal Ahmad
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, United States
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19
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Marchi MD, Moggio EL, Luz JZD, Brito PM, Sandri S, Farsky SHP, Biscaia SMP, Filipak Neto F, Oliveira Ribeiro CAD. BDE-209 exposure in murine melanoma (B16-F1) cells modulates tumor malignancy and progression in vivo. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 184:114350. [PMID: 38097007 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.114350] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer considered aggressive due to its high metastatic ability and rapid progression to other tissues and organs. BDE-209 (2,2',3,3',4,4',5,5',6,6'-decabromodiphenyl ether) is an additive used as a flame retardant and classified as a persistent organic pollutant that has a high bioaccumulation capacity due to its lipophilic nature. This substance has already been detected in rivers, air, soil, plants and even in different human biological samples, such as plasma, umbilical cord blood and breast milk, revealing a great concern to human populations. Thus, in the current study we investigated whether prior exposure of murine melanoma B16-F1 cells to BDE-209 modulates in vivo progression and malignancy of melanoma. B16-F1 cells were cultured and exposed in vitro to BDE-209 (0.01, 0.1 e 1 nM) for 15 days and then inoculated, via caudal vein, in C57BL/6 mice for experimental metastasis analysis after 20 days. Inoculation of BDE-209-exposed cells resulted in 82% increase of metastasis colonized area in the lungs of mice, downregulation of tumor suppressors genes, such as Timp3 and Reck, decrease of lipid peroxidation and increase of systemic and local inflammatory response. These findings are related to melanoma progression. Additionally, the histopathological analysis revealed greater number of focal points of metastases in the lungs and invasiveness of metastases to the mice brain (89%). The results showed that exposure to BDE-209 may alter the phenotype of B16-F1 cells, worsening their metastatic profile. Current data showed that BDE-209 may interfere with the prognosis of melanoma by modulating cells with less invasiveness capacity to a more aggressive profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micheli de Marchi
- Laboratory of Cell Toxicology, Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, CEP 81.531-990, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Erick Laurent Moggio
- Laboratory of Cell Toxicology, Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, CEP 81.531-990, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Jessica Zablocki da Luz
- Laboratory of Cell Toxicology, Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, CEP 81.531-990, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Silvana Sandri
- Department of Clinical Chemistry & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, CEP 05.508-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandra Helena Poliselli Farsky
- Department of Clinical Chemistry & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, CEP 05.508-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Stellee Marcela Petris Biscaia
- Laboratory of Sulfated Polysaccharides Investigation, Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, CEP 81.531-980, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Francisco Filipak Neto
- Laboratory of Cell Toxicology, Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, CEP 81.531-990, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Ciro Alberto de Oliveira Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Cell Toxicology, Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, CEP 81.531-990, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
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20
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Dean I, Lee CYC, Tuong ZK, Li Z, Tibbitt CA, Willis C, Gaspal F, Kennedy BC, Matei-Rascu V, Fiancette R, Nordenvall C, Lindforss U, Baker SM, Stockmann C, Sexl V, Hammond SA, Dovedi SJ, Mjösberg J, Hepworth MR, Carlesso G, Clatworthy MR, Withers DR. Rapid functional impairment of natural killer cells following tumor entry limits anti-tumor immunity. Nat Commun 2024; 15:683. [PMID: 38267402 PMCID: PMC10808449 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44789-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune cell dysfunction within the tumor microenvironment (TME) undermines the control of cancer progression. Established tumors contain phenotypically distinct, tumor-specific natural killer (NK) cells; however, the temporal dynamics, mechanistic underpinning and functional significance of the NK cell compartment remains incompletely understood. Here, we use photo-labeling, combined with longitudinal transcriptomic and cellular analyses, to interrogate the fate of intratumoral NK cells. We reveal that NK cells rapidly lose effector functions and adopt a distinct phenotypic state with features associated with tissue residency. NK cell depletion from established tumors did not alter tumor growth, indicating that intratumoral NK cells cease to actively contribute to anti-tumor responses. IL-15 administration prevented loss of function and improved tumor control, generating intratumoral NK cells with both tissue-residency characteristics and enhanced effector function. Collectively, our data reveals the fate of NK cells after recruitment into tumors and provides insight into how their function may be revived.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Dean
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Colin Y C Lee
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Immunity Unit, Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cellular Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Zewen K Tuong
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Immunity Unit, Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cellular Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Zhi Li
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Christopher A Tibbitt
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Claire Willis
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Fabrina Gaspal
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Bethany C Kennedy
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Veronika Matei-Rascu
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Rémi Fiancette
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Caroline Nordenvall
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet and Department of Pelvic Cancer, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulrik Lindforss
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet and Department of Pelvic Cancer, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Syed Murtuza Baker
- Division of Informatics, Imaging & Data Science, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, the University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Veronika Sexl
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Jenny Mjösberg
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Lung and Allergy Research, Medical unit for Lung and Allergy Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Matthew R Hepworth
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, the University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Menna R Clatworthy
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Immunity Unit, Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Cellular Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK.
| | - David R Withers
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
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21
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Chen S, Li X, Ao W. Prognostic and immune infiltration features of disulfidptosis-related subtypes in breast cancer. BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:6. [PMID: 38166898 PMCID: PMC10763228 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02823-0] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a prominent cause of cancer incidence and mortality around the world. Disulfidptosis, a type of cell death, can induce tumor cell death. The purpose of this study was to analyze the potential impact of disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs) on the prognosis and immune infiltration features of BC. Based on DRGs, we conducted an unsupervised clustering analysis on gene expression data of BC in TCGA-BRCA dataset and identified two BC subtypes, cluster1 and cluster2, with cluster1 showing a higher likelihood of favorable survival. Through immune analysis, we found that cluster1 had lower proportions of infiltration in immune-related cells, including aDCs, DCs, NK_cells, Th2_cells, and Treg. Based on the immunophenoscore (IPS) results, we inferred that cluster1 might benefit more from immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting CTLA-4 and PD1. Targeted small molecule prediction results showed that patients with cluster2 BC might respond better to antagonistic small molecule compounds, including clofazimine, lenalidomide, and epigallocatechin. Differentially expressed genes between the two subtypes were found to be enriched in signaling pathways related to steroid hormone biosynthesis, ovarian steroidogenesis, and neutrophil extracellular trap formation, according to enrichment analyses. In conclusion, this study identified BC subtypes based on DRGs so as to help predict patient prognosis and provide valuable tools for guiding clinical management and precise treatment of BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Chen
- Oncology Department III, The Central Hospital of Xiaogan, No.6, Guangchang Road, Xiaogan City, 432000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiangrong Li
- Oncology Department III, The Central Hospital of Xiaogan, No.6, Guangchang Road, Xiaogan City, 432000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wen Ao
- Oncology Department III, The Central Hospital of Xiaogan, No.6, Guangchang Road, Xiaogan City, 432000, Hubei Province, China.
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22
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Wang X, Eichhorn PJA, Thiery JP. TGF-β, EMT, and resistance to anti-cancer treatment. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 97:1-11. [PMID: 37944215 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling regulates cell-specific programs involved in embryonic development, wound-healing, and immune homeostasis. Yet, during tumor progression, these TGF-β-mediated programs are altered, leading to epithelial cell plasticity and a reprogramming of epithelial cells into mesenchymal lineages through epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a critical developmental program in morphogenesis and organogenesis. These changes, in turn, lead to enhanced carcinoma cell invasion, metastasis, immune cell differentiation, immune evasion, and chemotherapy resistance. Here, we discuss EMT as one of the critical programs associated with carcinoma cell plasticity and the influence exerted by TGF-β on carcinoma status and function. We further explore the composition of carcinoma and other cell populations within the tumor microenvironment, and consider the relevant outcomes related to the programs associated with cancer treatment resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuecong Wang
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Pieter Johan Adam Eichhorn
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia; Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia; Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599 Singapore, Singapore
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23
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Hibler W, Merlino G, Yu Y. CAR NK Cell Therapy for the Treatment of Metastatic Melanoma: Potential & Prospects. Cells 2023; 12:2750. [PMID: 38067178 PMCID: PMC10706172 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is among the most lethal forms of cancer, accounting for 80% of deaths despite comprising just 5% of skin cancer cases. Treatment options remain limited due to the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms associated with melanoma heterogeneity that underlie the rapid development of secondary drug resistance. For this reason, the development of novel treatments remains paramount to the improvement of patient outcomes. Although the advent of chimeric antigen receptor-expressing T (CAR-T) cell immunotherapies has led to many clinical successes for hematological malignancies, these treatments are limited in their utility by their immune-induced side effects and a high risk of systemic toxicities. CAR natural killer (CAR-NK) cell immunotherapies are a particularly promising alternative to CAR-T cell immunotherapies, as they offer a more favorable safety profile and have the capacity for fine-tuned cytotoxic activity. In this review, the discussion of the prospects and potential of CAR-NK cell immunotherapies touches upon the clinical contexts of melanoma, the immunobiology of NK cells, the immunosuppressive barriers preventing endogenous immune cells from eliminating tumors, and the structure and design of chimeric antigen receptors, then finishes with a series of proposed design innovations that could improve the efficacy CAR-NK cell immunotherapies in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yanlin Yu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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24
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Negura I, Pavel-Tanasa M, Danciu M. Regulatory T cells in gastric cancer: Key controllers from pathogenesis to therapy. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 120:102629. [PMID: 37769435 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102629] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a highly aggressive malignancy that remains a significant contributor to cancer-related mortality worldwide, despite a decline in incidence in recent years. Early-stage GC poses a diagnostic challenge due to its asymptomatic nature, leading to poor prognoses for most patients. Conventional treatment approaches, including chemotherapy and surgery, have shown limited efficacy in improving outcomes for GC patients. The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized cancer therapy, yielding durable responses across various malignancies. However, the clinical benefits of ICIs in GC have been modest, underscoring the need for a comprehensive understanding of immune cell functions within the GC tumor microenvironment (TME). Regulatory T cells (Tregs), a subset of T lymphocytes, play a pivotal role in GC development and progression and serve as prognostic biomarkers for GC patients. This review aims to elucidate the multifaceted roles of Tregs in the pathogenesis, progression, and prognosis of gastric cancer, and establish their actual and future potential as therapeutic targets. By providing insights into the intricate interplay between Tregs and the TME, this review strives to stimulate further investigation and facilitate the development of targeted Treg-based therapeutic strategies for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ion Negura
- Department of Pathology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Mariana Pavel-Tanasa
- Department of Immunology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, 700115 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Mihai Danciu
- Department of Pathology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, 700115 Iasi, Romania
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25
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Tan J, Zhuo Z, Wang X, Zhang Y, Qian Y, Lin F. Secretome of EMSCs neutralizes LPS‑induced acute lung injury via aerosol administration. Int J Mol Med 2023; 52:104. [PMID: 37772372 PMCID: PMC10558219 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2023.5307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Ectodermal mesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs) are cells harvested from the stem cell niche (nasal mucosa) with high therapeutic potential. To the best of our knowledge, however, the anti‑inflammatory properties of these neural crest‑derived EMSCs have been rarely reported. The present study aimed to explore the effects of aerosolized EMSC‑Secretome (EMSC‑Sec) and clarify underlying mechanisms in treating acute lung injury (ALI). EMSCs were isolated by adherent method and identified by immunofluorescence staining. EMSC‑Sec was collected and evaluated using western blotting, BCA and ELISA tests. Then, mouse lung epithelial cells (MLE‑12) were used to mimic inflammatory stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After developing an ALI model through intraperitoneal injection of LPS, mice were treated with an EMSC‑Sec spray. The lung in each group underwent an observation and measurement to preliminarily assess the extent of damage. H&E staining, immunohistochemical staining, immunofluorescence and western‑blotting were utilized to further access the impacts of EMSC‑Sec. The results showed that EMSC‑Sec had great anti‑inflammatory potential and was highly successful in vitro and in vivo. EMSC‑Sec mitigated LPS‑induced ALI with low inflammatory cell inflation and mild damage. EMSC‑Sec could regulate inflammation via the NF‑κB(p50/p65)/NLRP3 pathway. Overall, the present study demonstrated that EMSC‑Sec regulated inflammation, hoping to provide a novel strategy for ALI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Tan
- Department of Neurology, Changshu No. 2 People's Hospital, Affiliated Changshu Hospital of Nantong University, Changshu, Suzhou 215500, P.R. China
| | - Ziliang Zhuo
- Department of Neurology, Changshu No. 2 People's Hospital, Affiliated Changshu Hospital of Nantong University, Changshu, Suzhou 215500, P.R. China
| | - Xiuyu Wang
- Department of Neurology, Changshu No. 2 People's Hospital, Affiliated Changshu Hospital of Nantong University, Changshu, Suzhou 215500, P.R. China
| | - Yanshuang Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Changshu No. 2 People's Hospital, Affiliated Changshu Hospital of Nantong University, Changshu, Suzhou 215500, P.R. China
| | - Yucheng Qian
- Department of Neurology, Changshu No. 2 People's Hospital, Affiliated Changshu Hospital of Nantong University, Changshu, Suzhou 215500, P.R. China
| | - Fangfang Lin
- Department of Oncology, The First People's Hospital of Zhenjiang, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212000, P.R. China
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26
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Shu DH, Ho WJ, Kagohara LT, Girgis A, Shin SM, Danilova L, Lee JW, Sidiropoulos DN, Mitchell S, Munjal K, Howe K, Bendinelli KJ, Qi H, Mo G, Montagne J, Leatherman JM, Lopez-Vidal TY, Zhu Q, Huff AL, Yuan X, Hernandez A, Coyne EM, Zaidi N, Zabransky DJ, Engle LL, Ogurtsova A, Baretti M, Laheru D, Durham JN, Wang H, Anders R, Jaffee EM, Fertig EJ, Yarchoan M. Immune landscape of tertiary lymphoid structures in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with neoadjuvant immune checkpoint blockade. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.16.562104. [PMID: 37904980 PMCID: PMC10614819 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.16.562104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Neoadjuvant immunotherapy is thought to produce long-term remissions through induction of antitumor immune responses before removal of the primary tumor. Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS), germinal center-like structures that can arise within tumors, may contribute to the establishment of immunological memory in this setting, but understanding of their role remains limited. Here, we investigated the contribution of TLS to antitumor immunity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with neoadjuvant immunotherapy. We found that neoadjuvant immunotherapy induced the formation of TLS, which were associated with superior pathologic response, improved relapse free survival, and expansion of the intratumoral T and B cell repertoire. While TLS in viable tumor displayed a highly active mature morphology, in areas of tumor regression we identified an involuted TLS morphology, which was characterized by dispersion of the B cell follicle and persistence of a T cell zone enriched for ongoing antigen presentation and T cell-mature dendritic cell interactions. Involuted TLS showed increased expression of T cell memory markers and expansion of CD8+ cytotoxic and tissue resident memory clonotypes. Collectively, these data reveal the circumstances of TLS dissolution and suggest a functional role for late-stage TLS as sites of T cell memory formation after elimination of viable tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel H. Shu
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Won Jin Ho
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Luciane T. Kagohara
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Alexander Girgis
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sarah M. Shin
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ludmila Danilova
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jae W. Lee
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Dimitrios N. Sidiropoulos
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sarah Mitchell
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kabeer Munjal
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kathryn Howe
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kayla J. Bendinelli
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Hanfei Qi
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Guanglan Mo
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Janelle Montagne
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - James M. Leatherman
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Tamara Y. Lopez-Vidal
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Qingfeng Zhu
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Amanda L. Huff
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Xuan Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Alexei Hernandez
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Erin M. Coyne
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Neeha Zaidi
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Daniel J. Zabransky
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Logan L. Engle
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- The Mark Foundation Center for Advanced Genomics and Imaging, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
- Bloomberg∼Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Aleksandra Ogurtsova
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- The Mark Foundation Center for Advanced Genomics and Imaging, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
- Bloomberg∼Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Marina Baretti
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Daniel Laheru
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jennifer N. Durham
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Robert Anders
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Jaffee
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
- Bloomberg∼Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Elana J. Fertig
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mark Yarchoan
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
- Bloomberg∼Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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27
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Singh S, Gouri V, Samant M. TGF-β in correlation with tumor progression, immunosuppression and targeted therapy in colorectal cancer. Med Oncol 2023; 40:335. [PMID: 37855975 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02204-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a complex malignancy responsible for the second-highest cancer deaths worldwide. TGF-β maintains normal cellular homeostasis by inhibiting the cell cycle and inducing apoptosis, but its elevated level is correlated with colorectal cancer progression, as TGF-β is a master regulator of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, a critical step of metastasis. Tumors, including CRC, use elevated TGF-β levels to avoid immune surveillance by modulating immune cell differentiation, proliferation, and effector function. Presently, the treatment of advanced CRC is mainly based on chemotherapy, with multiple adverse effects. Thus, there is a need to develop alternate tactics because CRC continue to be mostly resistant to the present therapeutic regimen. TGF-β blockade has emerged as a promising therapeutic target in cancer therapy. Blocking TGF-β with phytochemicals and other molecules, such as antisense oligonucleotides, monoclonal antibodies, and bifunctional traps, alone or in combination, may be a safer and more effective way to treat CRC. Furthermore, combination immunotherapy comprising TGF-β blockers and immune checkpoint inhibitors is gaining popularity because both molecules work synergistically to suppress the immune system. Here, we summarize the current understanding of TGF-β as a therapeutic target for managing CRC and its context-dependent tumor-promoting or tumor-suppressing nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumeet Singh
- Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Vinita Gouri
- Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora, Uttarakhand, India
- Department of Zoology, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Mukesh Samant
- Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora, Uttarakhand, India.
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28
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Li S, Sampson C, Liu C, Piao HL, Liu HX. Integrin signaling in cancer: bidirectional mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:266. [PMID: 37770930 PMCID: PMC10537162 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01264-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrins are transmembrane receptors that possess distinct ligand-binding specificities in the extracellular domain and signaling properties in the cytoplasmic domain. While most integrins have a short cytoplasmic tail, integrin β4 has a long cytoplasmic tail that can indirectly interact with the actin cytoskeleton. Additionally, 'inside-out' signals can induce integrins to adopt a high-affinity extended conformation for their appropriate ligands. These properties enable integrins to transmit bidirectional cellular signals, making it a critical regulator of various biological processes.Integrin expression and function are tightly linked to various aspects of tumor progression, including initiation, angiogenesis, cell motility, invasion, and metastasis. Certain integrins have been shown to drive tumorigenesis or amplify oncogenic signals by interacting with corresponding receptors, while others have marginal or even suppressive effects. Additionally, different α/β subtypes of integrins can exhibit opposite effects. Integrin-mediated signaling pathways including Ras- and Rho-GTPase, TGFβ, Hippo, Wnt, Notch, and sonic hedgehog (Shh) are involved in various stages of tumorigenesis. Therefore, understanding the complex regulatory mechanisms and molecular specificities of integrins are crucial to delaying cancer progression and suppressing tumorigenesis. Furthermore, the development of integrin-based therapeutics for cancer are of great importance.This review provides an overview of integrin-dependent bidirectional signaling mechanisms in cancer that can either support or oppose tumorigenesis by interacting with various signaling pathways. Finally, we focus on the future opportunities for emergent therapeutics based on integrin agonists. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Research Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, 110042, China
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Chibuzo Sampson
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Changhao Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Research Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, 110042, China
| | - Hai-Long Piao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Research Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, 110042, China.
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China.
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
| | - Hong-Xu Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Research Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, 110042, China.
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Wang L, Zhang W, Zhang J, Zheng M, Pan X, Guo H, Ding L. Inhibitory effect of adenosine on adaptive antitumor immunity and intervention strategies. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2023; 52:567-577. [PMID: 37916308 PMCID: PMC10630057 DOI: 10.3724/zdxbyxb-2023-0263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Tumors in which the microenvironment is characterized by lack of immune cell infiltration are referred as "cold tumors" and typically exhibit low responsiveness to immune therapy. Targeting the factors contributing to "cold tumors" formation and converting them into "hot tumors" is a novel strategy for improving the efficacy of immunotherapy. Adenosine, a hydrolysis product of ATP, accumulates with a significantly higher concentration in the tumor microenvironments compared with normal tissue and exerts inhibitory effects on tumor-specific adaptive immunity. Tumor cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, and T cells express abundant adenosine receptors on their surfaces. The binding of adenosine to these receptors initiates downstream signaling pathways that suppress tumor antigen presentation and immune cell activation, consequently dampening adaptive immune responses against tumors. Adenosine down-regulates the expression of major histocompatibility complex Ⅱ and co-stimulatory factors on dendritic cells and macrophages, thereby inhibiting antigen presentation to T cells. Adenosine also inhibits ligand-receptor binding and transmembrane signaling on T cells, concomitantly suppressing the secretion of anti-tumor cytokines and impairing T cell activation. Furthermore, adenosine hinders effector T cell trafficking to tumor sites and infiltration by inhibiting chemokine secretion and KCa3.1 channels. Additionally, adenosine promotes the secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines, increases immune checkpoint protein expression, and enhances the activity of immunosuppressive cells, collectively curbing cytotoxic T cell-mediated tumor cell killing. Given the immunosuppressive role of adenosine in adaptive antitumor immunity, several inhibitors targeting adenosine generation or adenosine receptor blockade are currently in preclinical or clinical development with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapies. This review provides an overview of the inhibitory effects of adenosine on adaptive antitumor immunity, elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved, and summarizes the latest advances in application of adenosine inhibition strategies for antitumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longsheng Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Wenxin Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Mingming Zheng
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiaohui Pan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hongjie Guo
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ling Ding
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Massagué J, Sheppard D. TGF-β signaling in health and disease. Cell 2023; 186:4007-4037. [PMID: 37714133 PMCID: PMC10772989 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
The TGF-β regulatory system plays crucial roles in the preservation of organismal integrity. TGF-β signaling controls metazoan embryo development, tissue homeostasis, and injury repair through coordinated effects on cell proliferation, phenotypic plasticity, migration, metabolic adaptation, and immune surveillance of multiple cell types in shared ecosystems. Defects of TGF-β signaling, particularly in epithelial cells, tissue fibroblasts, and immune cells, disrupt immune tolerance, promote inflammation, underlie the pathogenesis of fibrosis and cancer, and contribute to the resistance of these diseases to treatment. Here, we review how TGF-β coordinates multicellular response programs in health and disease and how this knowledge can be leveraged to develop treatments for diseases of the TGF-β system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Massagué
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Dean Sheppard
- Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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Dąbrowska A, Grubba M, Balihodzic A, Szot O, Sobocki BK, Perdyan A. The Role of Regulatory T Cells in Cancer Treatment Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14114. [PMID: 37762416 PMCID: PMC10531820 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814114] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite tremendous progress in cancer treatment in recent years, treatment resistance is still a major challenge for a great number of patients. One of the main causes is regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs), which suppress excessive inflammatory responses via the secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines and upregulate the immune checkpoints. Their abundance causes an immunosuppressive reprogramming of the tumor environment, which is ideal for tumor growth and drug inefficiency. Hence, regiments that can regain tumor immunogenicity are a promising strategy to overcome Tregs-mediated drug resistance. However, to develop effective therapeutic regimens, it is essential to understand the molecular mechanisms of Treg-mediated resistance. In this article, we gathered a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge on molecular mechanisms and the role of Tregs in cancer treatment resistance, including cancer immunotherapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Dąbrowska
- Student Scientific Circle of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Magdalena Grubba
- Student Scientific Circle of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Amar Balihodzic
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center Graz, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Olga Szot
- Student Scientific Circle of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Bartosz Kamil Sobocki
- Student Scientific Circle of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Adrian Perdyan
- 3P-Medicine Laboratory, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Fukui R, Watanabe T, Morimoto K, Fujimoto Y, Nagahashi M, Ishikawa E, Hirota S, Miyoshi Y. An increase in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes after treatment is significantly associated with a poor response to neoadjuvant endocrine therapy for estrogen receptor-positive/HER2-negative breast cancers. Breast Cancer 2023; 30:703-713. [PMID: 37115435 PMCID: PMC10404203 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-023-01462-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The reason for the poor prognosis of estrogen receptor (ER) + /human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)- breast cancer patients with high levels of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is poorly understood. The association between TILs and response to neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) was examined. METHODS We recruited 170 patients with ER + /HER2- breast cancer who were treated with preoperative endocrine monotherapy. TILs were evaluated before and after NET, and their changes were noted. Furthermore, T cell subtypes were examined using CD8 and FOXP3 immunohistochemical analyses. Neutrophil and lymphocyte counts in the peripheral blood were analyzed with reference to TIL levels or changes. Responders were defined as Ki67 expression levels ≤ 2.7% after treatment. RESULTS Post-treatment (p = 0.016), but not pre-treatment (p = 0.464), TIL levels were significantly associated with the response to NET. TIL levels increased significantly after treatment among non-responders (p = 0.001). FOXP3 + T cell counts increased significantly after treatment in patients with increased TILs (p = 0.035), but not in those without increased TILs (p = 0.281). Neutrophil counts decreased significantly after treatment in patients without increased TILs (p = 0.026), but not in patients with increased TILs (p = 0.312). CONCLUSION An increase in TILs after NET was significantly associated with a poor response to NET. Given that FOXP3 + T-cell counts increased, and neutrophil counts did not decrease in patients with increased TILs after NET, the induction of an immunosuppressive microenvironment was speculated to play a role in the inferior efficacy. These data might partially indicate the involvement of the immune response in the efficacy of endocrine therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reiko Fukui
- Department of Surgery, Division of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, School of Medicine, Hyogo Medical University, Mukogawa-Cho 1-1, Nishinomiya City, Hyogo, 663-8501, Japan
| | - Takahiro Watanabe
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Chibune General Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koji Morimoto
- Department of Nutrition, College of Nutrition, Koshien University, Takarazuka, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Yukie Fujimoto
- Department of Surgery, Division of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, School of Medicine, Hyogo Medical University, Mukogawa-Cho 1-1, Nishinomiya City, Hyogo, 663-8501, Japan
| | - Masayuki Nagahashi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, School of Medicine, Hyogo Medical University, Mukogawa-Cho 1-1, Nishinomiya City, Hyogo, 663-8501, Japan
| | - Eri Ishikawa
- Department of Surgical Pathology, School of Medicine, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Seiichi Hirota
- Department of Surgical Pathology, School of Medicine, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Yasuo Miyoshi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, School of Medicine, Hyogo Medical University, Mukogawa-Cho 1-1, Nishinomiya City, Hyogo, 663-8501, Japan.
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Bonilha CS, Veras FP, de Queiroz Cunha F. NET-targeted therapy: effects, limitations, and potential strategies to enhance treatment efficacy. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:622-634. [PMID: 37468402 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are complex structures released by activated neutrophils during inflammatory responses. Due to their unique potential for causing tissue damage and modulating immune responses, there is increasing interest in studying these structures as potential targets for the treatment of infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. However, therapeutic targeting of NETs might trigger deleterious effects that may limit treatment efficacy. NET disruption may increase the microbial load in infection; in autoimmunity, NET targeting might impair peripheral tolerance, but it might reduce adaptive immune responses in cancer. In this review, we explore the therapeutic and deleterious effects of NET-targeted therapy while shedding light on novel strategies to overcome treatment-related limitations and enhance treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caio Santos Bonilha
- Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; Institute of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK.
| | - Flavio Protasio Veras
- Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Minas Gerais 37130-001, Brazil
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Yi B, Zhang S, Yan S, Liu Y, Feng Z, Chu T, Liu J, Wang W, Xue J, Zhang C, Wang Y. Marsdenia tenacissima enhances immune response of tumor infiltrating T lymphocytes to colorectal cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1238694. [PMID: 37649480 PMCID: PMC10465246 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1238694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment are critical factors influencing the prognosis and chemotherapy outcomes. As a Chinese herbal medicine, Marsdenia tenacissima extract (MTE) has been widely used to treat cancer in China. Its immunoregulatory effects on tumor-associated macrophages is well known, but whether it regulates tumor-infiltrating T-cell functions remains unclear. Method We collected 17 tumor samples from MTE-administered colorectal cancer patients, 13 of which showed upregulation of CD3+/CD8+ tumor-infiltrating T cells. Further in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to investigate the regulatory effects of MTE on tumor-infiltrating T cells and immune escape of tumors. Results Under single and co-culture conditions, MTE inhibited TGF-β1 and PD-L1 expression in the colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines HCT116 and LoVo. In Jurkat cells, MTE inhibited FOXP3 and IL-10 expression, increased IL-2 expression, but had no effect on PD-1 expression. These findings were confirmed in vitro using subcutaneous and colitis-associated CRC mouse models. MTE also increased the density of CD3+/CD8+ tumor-infiltrating T cells and exhibited considerable tumor-suppressive effects in these two tumor mouse models. Conclusions Our findings suggested that MTE inhibits the immune escape of cancer cells, a precipitating factor increasing the immune response of T lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Yi
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Suying Yan
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanfei Liu
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhiqiang Feng
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Tianhao Chu
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Radiology, The Fourth Central Hospital Affiliated to Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Wang
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Xue
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Chunze Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Yijia Wang
- Laboratory of Oncologic Molecular Medicine, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
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Li C, Yang T, Yuan Y, Wen R, Yu H. Bioinformatic analysis of hub markers and immune cell infiltration characteristics of gastric cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1202529. [PMID: 37359529 PMCID: PMC10288199 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1202529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Due to the lack of specific markers, the early diagnosis of gastric cancer is very low, and most patients with gastric cancer are diagnosed at advanced stages. The aim of this study was to identify key biomarkers of GC and to elucidate GC-associated immune cell infiltration and related pathways. Methods Gene microarray data associated with GC were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed using Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Gene and Genome Encyclopedia, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) networks. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm were used to identify pivotal genes for GC and to assess the diagnostic accuracy of GC hub markers using the subjects' working characteristic curves. In addition, the infiltration levels of 28 immune cells in GC and their interrelationship with hub markers were analyzed using ssGSEA. And further validated by RT-qPCR. Results A total of 133 DEGs were identified. The biological functions and signaling pathways closely associated with GC were inflammatory and immune processes. Nine expression modules were obtained by WGCNA, with the pink module having the highest correlation with GC; 13 crossover genes were obtained by combining DEGs. Subsequently, the LASSO algorithm and validation set verification analysis were used to finally identify three hub genes as potential biomarkers of GC. In the immune cell infiltration analysis, infiltration of activated CD4 T cell, macrophages, regulatory T cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells was more significant in GC. The validation part demonstrated that three hub genes were expressed at lower levels in the gastric cancer cells. Conclusion The use of WGCNA combined with the LASSO algorithm to identify hub biomarkers closely related to GC can help to elucidate the molecular mechanism of GC development and is important for finding new immunotherapeutic targets and disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Li
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Tan Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Rou Wen
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Huan Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
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Visweshwar N, Rico JF, Ayala I, Jaglal M, Laber DA, Ammad-Ud-Din M, Sokol L, Sotomayor E, Manoharan A. Insights into the Impact of Hesitancy on Cancer Care and COVID-19. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3115. [PMID: 37370725 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123115] [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: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
World Health Organization findings indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected cancer diagnosis and management. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the optimal management of outpatient appointments, scheduled treatments, and hospitalizations for cancer patients because of hesitancy among patients and health-care providers. Travel restrictions and other factors likely affected medical, surgical, and radiation treatments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cancer patients were more likely to be affected by severe illness and complications if they contracted COVID-19. A compromised immune system and comorbidities in cancer patients may have contributed to this increased risk. Hesitancy or reluctance to receive appropriate therapy or vaccination advice might have played a major role for cancer patients, resulting in health-care deficits. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on screening, entry into clinical trials, and hesitancy among patients and health-care professionals, limiting adjuvant and metastatic cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Visweshwar
- Department of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Juan Felipe Rico
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Irmel Ayala
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
| | - Michael Jaglal
- Department of Satellite and Community Oncology and Hematology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Damian A Laber
- FACP Department of Satellite and Community Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | | | - Lubomir Sokol
- Department of Malignant Hematology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | | | - Arumugam Manoharan
- FRACP, FRCPA Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2217, Australia
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Nixon BG, Gao S, Wang X, Li MO. TGFβ control of immune responses in cancer: a holistic immuno-oncology perspective. Nat Rev Immunol 2023; 23:346-362. [PMID: 36380023 PMCID: PMC10634249 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-022-00796-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The immune system responds to cancer in two main ways. First, there are prewired responses involving myeloid cells, innate lymphocytes and innate-like adaptive lymphocytes that either reside in premalignant tissues or migrate directly to tumours, and second, there are antigen priming-dependent responses, in which adaptive lymphocytes are primed in secondary lymphoid organs before homing to tumours. Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) - one of the most potent and pleiotropic regulatory cytokines - controls almost every stage of the tumour-elicited immune response, from leukocyte development in primary lymphoid organs to their priming in secondary lymphoid organs and their effector functions in the tumour itself. The complexity of TGFβ-regulated immune cell circuitries, as well as the contextual roles of TGFβ signalling in cancer cells and tumour stromal cells, necessitates the use of rigorous experimental systems that closely recapitulate human cancer, such as autochthonous tumour models, to uncover the underlying immunobiology. The diverse functions of TGFβ in healthy tissues further complicate the search for effective and safe cancer therapeutics targeting the TGFβ pathway. Here we discuss the contextual complexity of TGFβ signalling in tumour-elicited immune responses and explain how understanding this may guide the development of mechanism-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana G Nixon
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shengyu Gao
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xinxin Wang
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ming O Li
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
- Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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Liu F, Wu Q, Dong Z, Liu K. Integrins in cancer: Emerging mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. Pharmacol Ther 2023:108458. [PMID: 37245545 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Integrins are vital surface adhesion receptors that mediate the interactions between the extracellular matrix (ECM) and cells and are essential for cell migration and the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Aberrant integrin activation promotes initial tumor formation, growth, and metastasis. Recently, many lines of evidence have indicated that integrins are highly expressed in numerous cancer types and have documented many functions of integrins in tumorigenesis. Thus, integrins have emerged as attractive targets for the development of cancer therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms by which integrins contribute to most of the hallmarks of cancer. We focus on recent progress on integrin regulators, binding proteins, and downstream effectors. We highlight the role of integrins in the regulation of tumor metastasis, immune evasion, metabolic reprogramming, and other hallmarks of cancer. In addition, integrin-targeted immunotherapy and other integrin inhibitors that have been used in preclinical and clinical studies are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Liu
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China; Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Zigang Dong
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China; Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China; Tianjian Advanced Biomedical Laboratory, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China; Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China; Tianjian Advanced Biomedical Laboratory, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; Cancer Chemoprevention International Collaboration Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China.
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Hu W, Wang W, Jiang X, Wang Z, Lin R. Mesenchymal stem cells can prevent or promote the progression of colon cancer based on their timing of administration. J Transl Med 2023; 21:227. [PMID: 36978120 PMCID: PMC10045613 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04028-3] [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: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has been shown to have some therapeutic effects in rodent models and patients with IBD; however, its role in colon tumor models is controversial. In this study, the potential role and mechanisms of bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) in colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC) were investigated. METHODS The CAC mouse model was established with azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The mice were administered an intraperitoneal injection of MSCs once weekly for different periods. The progression of CAC and the cytokine expression in tissues was assessed. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect MSCs localization. Levels of immune cells in the spleen and lamina propria of the colon were detected using flow cytometry. A co-culture of MSCs and naïve T cells was performed to determine the effect of MSCs on naïve T cell differentiation. RESULTS Early administration of MSCs inhibited the occurrence of CAC, while late administration promoted the progression of CAC. The inhibitory effect of early injection in mice was characterized by the expression of inflammatory cytokines in colon tissue was decreased, and induction of T regulatory cells (Tregs) infiltration via TGF-β. The promotive effect of late injection was characterized by a shift of T helper (Th) 1/Th2 immune balance toward a Th2 phenotype through IL-4 secretion. IL-12 can reverse this shift to Th2 accumulation in mice. CONCLUSION MSCs can curb the progression of colon cancer by inducing Treg accumulation via TGF-β at the early stage of inflammatory transformation but promote the progression of colon cancer by inducing a shift in Th1/Th2 immune balance to Th2 through IL-4 secretion at the late stage. And the immune balance of Th1/Th2 influenced by MSCs could be reversed by IL-12.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqian Hu
- Department of Digestive, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Weijun Wang
- Department of Digestive, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- Department of Digestive, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zeyu Wang
- Department of Digestive, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Rong Lin
- Department of Digestive, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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40
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Zhang Q, Zhang S, Chen J, Xie Z. The Interplay between Integrins and Immune Cells as a Regulator in Cancer Immunology. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:6170. [PMID: 37047140 PMCID: PMC10093897 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrins are a group of heterodimers consisting of α and β subunits that mediate a variety of physiological activities of immune cells, including cell migration, adhesion, proliferation, survival, and immunotolerance. Multiple types of integrins act differently on the same immune cells, while the same integrin may exert various effects on different immune cells. In the development of cancer, integrins are involved in the regulation of cancer cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis; conversely, integrins promote immune cell aggregation to mediate the elimination of tumors. The important roles of integrins in cancer progression have provided valuable clues for the diagnosis and targeted treatment of cancer. Furthermore, many integrin inhibitors have been investigated in clinical trials to explore effective regimens and reduce side effects. Due to the complexity of the mechanism of integrin-mediated cancer progression, challenges remain in the research and development of cancer immunotherapies (CITs). This review enumerates the effects of integrins on four types of immune cells and the potential mechanisms involved in the progression of cancer, which will provide ideas for more optimal CIT in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfang Zhang
- College of Basic Medical, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
- Queen Mary School, Medical Department, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- College of Basic Medical, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
- Queen Mary School, Medical Department, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Jianrui Chen
- College of Basic Medical, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
- Queen Mary School, Medical Department, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Zhenzhen Xie
- College of Basic Medical, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
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41
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A New Signature That Predicts Progression-Free Survival of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma with Anti-PD-1 Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065332. [PMID: 36982415 PMCID: PMC10049491 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has greatly improved the survival time and quality of life of patients with renal cell carcinoma, but the benefits are limited to a small portion of patients. There are too few new biomarkers that can be used to identify molecular subtypes of renal clear cell carcinoma and predict survival time with anti-PD-1 treatment. Single-cell RNA data of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) treated with anti-PD-1 were obtained from public databases, then 27,707 high-quality CD4 + T and CD8 + T cells were obtained for subsequent analysis. Firstly, genes set variation analysis and CellChat algorithm were used to explore potential molecular pathway differences and intercellular communication between the responder and non-responder groups. Additionally, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the responder and non-responder groups were obtained using the “edgeR” package, and ccRCC samples from TCGA-KIRC (n = 533) and ICGA-KIRC (n = 91) were analyzed by the unsupervised clustering algorithm to recognize molecular subtypes with different immune characteristics. Finally, using univariate Cox analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) regression, and multivariate Cox regression, the prognosis model of immunotherapy was established and verified to predict the progression-free survival of ccRCC patients treated with anti-PD-1. At the single cell level, there are different signal pathways and cell communication between the immunotherapy responder and non-responder groups. In addition, our research also confirms that the expression level of PDCD1/PD-1 is not an effective marker for predicting the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The new prognostic immune signature (PIS) enabled the classification of ccRCC patients with anti-PD-1 therapy into high- and low-risk groups, and the progression-free survival times (PFS) and immunotherapy responses were significantly different between these two groups. In the training group, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for predicting 1-, 2- and 3-year progression-free survival was 0.940 (95% CI: 0.894–0.985), 0.981 (95% CI: 0.960–1.000), and 0.969 (95% CI: 0.937–1.000), respectively. Validation sets confirm the robustness of the signature. This study revealed the heterogeneity between the anti-PD-1 responder and non-responder groups from different angles and established a robust PIS to predict the progression-free survival of ccRCC patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Jiang M, Fang C, Ma Y. Prognosis Risk Model Based on Pyroptosis-Related lncRNAs for Gastric Cancer. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030469. [PMID: 36979404 PMCID: PMC10046686 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumor with a low survival rate, high recurrence rate, and poor prognosis. With respect to this, pyroptosis is a type of programmed cell death that can affect the occurrence and development of tumors. Indeed, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were broadly applied for the purposes of early diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic analysis in regard to cancer. Based on the association of these three purposes, we developed a novel prognosis risk model based on pyroptosis-related lncRNAs (PRlncRNAs) for GC. The PRlncRNAs were obtained via univariate and multivariate Cox regression in order to build the predictive signatures. The Kaplan–Meier and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) methods were used to evaluate the overall survival (OS) and functional differences between the high- and low-risk groups. Moreover, the correlation of the signatures with immune cell infiltration was determined through single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). Finally, we analyzed this correlation with the treatment responses in the GC patients; then, we performed quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions (qRT-PCRs) in order to verify the risk model. The high-risk group received a worse performance in terms of prognosis and OS when compared to the low-risk group. With respect to this, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was found to be 0.808. Through conducting the GSEA, it was found that the high-risk groups possessed a significant enrichment in terms of tumor–immunity pathways. Furthermore, the ssGSEA revealed that the predictive features possessed strong associations with immune cell infiltration in regard to GC. In addition, we highlighted that anti-immune checkpoint therapy, combined with conventional chemotherapy drugs, may be more suitable for high-risk patients. The expression levels of LINC01315, AP003392.1, AP000695.2, and HAGLR were significantly different between the GC cell lines and the normal cell lines. As such, the six PRlncRNAs could be regarded as important prognostic biomarkers for the purposes of subsequent diagnoses, treatments, prognostic predictions, and the mechanism research of GC.
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Su Y, Jin G, Zhou H, Yang Z, Wang L, Mei Z, Jin Q, Lv S, Chen X. Development of stimuli responsive polymeric nanomedicines modulating tumor microenvironment for improved cancer therapy. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2023; 3:4-30. [PMID: 37724108 PMCID: PMC10471091 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2022-0048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
The complexity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) severely hinders the therapeutic effects of various cancer treatment modalities. The TME differs from normal tissues owing to the presence of hypoxia, low pH, and immune-suppressive characteristics. Modulation of the TME to reverse tumor growth equilibrium is considered an effective way to treat tumors. Recently, polymeric nanomedicines have been widely used in cancer therapy, because their synthesis can be controlled and they are highly modifiable, and have demonstrated great potential to remodel the TME. In this review, we outline the application of various stimuli responsive polymeric nanomedicines to modulate the TME, aiming to provide insights for the design of the next generation of polymeric nanomedicines and promote the development of polymeric nanomedicines for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanzhen Su
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Guanyu Jin
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Chemistry, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Huicong Zhou
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaofan Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lanqing Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zi Mei
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qionghua Jin
- Department of Chemistry, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Shixian Lv
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuesi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
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44
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Fernandes Â, Azevedo CM, Silva MC, Faria G, Dantas CS, Vicente MM, Pinho SS. Glycans as shapers of tumour microenvironment: A sweet driver of T-cell-mediated anti-tumour immune response. Immunology 2023; 168:217-232. [PMID: 35574724 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Essentially all cells are covered with a dense coat of different glycan structures/sugar chains, giving rise to the so-called glycocalyx. Changes in cellular glycosylation are a hallmark of cancer, affecting most of the pathophysiological processes associated with malignant transformation, including tumour immune responses. Glycans are chief macromolecules that define T-cell development, differentiation, fate, activation and signalling. Thus, the diversity of glycans expressed at the surface of T cells constitutes a fundamental molecular interface with the microenvironment by regulating the bilateral interactions between T-cells and cancer cells, fine-tuning the anti-tumour immune response. In this review, we will introduce the power of glycans as orchestrators of T-cell-mediated immune response in physiological conditions and in cancer. We discuss how glycans modulate the glyco-metabolic landscape in the tumour microenvironment, and whether glycans can synergize with immunotherapy as a way of rewiring T-cell effector functions against cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ângela Fernandes
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina M Azevedo
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,School of Medicine and Biological Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana C Silva
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,School of Medicine and Biological Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Guilherme Faria
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carolina S Dantas
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,School of Medicine and Biological Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel M Vicente
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,School of Medicine and Biological Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Salomé S Pinho
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,School of Medicine and Biological Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Maalej KM, Merhi M, Inchakalody VP, Mestiri S, Alam M, Maccalli C, Cherif H, Uddin S, Steinhoff M, Marincola FM, Dermime S. CAR-cell therapy in the era of solid tumor treatment: current challenges and emerging therapeutic advances. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:20. [PMID: 36717905 PMCID: PMC9885707 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01723-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has emerged as a promising immunotherapeutic approach to fight cancers. This approach consists of genetically engineered immune cells expressing a surface receptor, called CAR, that specifically targets antigens expressed on the surface of tumor cells. In hematological malignancies like leukemias, myeloma, and non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphomas, adoptive CAR-T cell therapy has shown efficacy in treating chemotherapy refractory patients. However, the value of this therapy remains inconclusive in the context of solid tumors and is restrained by several obstacles including limited tumor trafficking and infiltration, the presence of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, as well as adverse events associated with such therapy. Recently, CAR-Natural Killer (CAR-NK) and CAR-macrophages (CAR-M) were introduced as a complement/alternative to CAR-T cell therapy for solid tumors. CAR-NK cells could be a favorable substitute for CAR-T cells since they do not require HLA compatibility and have limited toxicity. Additionally, CAR-NK cells might be generated in large scale from several sources which would suggest them as promising off-the-shelf product. CAR-M immunotherapy with its capabilities of phagocytosis, tumor-antigen presentation, and broad tumor infiltration, is currently being investigated. Here, we discuss the emerging role of CAR-T, CAR-NK, and CAR-M cells in solid tumors. We also highlight the advantages and drawbacks of CAR-NK and CAR-M cells compared to CAR-T cells. Finally, we suggest prospective solutions such as potential combination therapies to enhance the efficacy of CAR-cells immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karama Makni Maalej
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XTranslational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box: 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Maysaloun Merhi
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XTranslational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box: 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Varghese P. Inchakalody
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XTranslational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box: 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sarra Mestiri
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XTranslational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box: 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Majid Alam
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XTranslational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Dermatology Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar ,grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XDepartment of Dermatology and Venereology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Cristina Maccalli
- grid.467063.00000 0004 0397 4222Laboratory of Immune and Biological Therapy, Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Honar Cherif
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XDepartment of Hematology, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XTranslational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Dermatology Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Martin Steinhoff
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XTranslational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Dermatology Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar ,grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XDepartment of Dermatology and Venereology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar ,grid.416973.e0000 0004 0582 4340Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar ,grid.412603.20000 0004 0634 1084College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar ,grid.5386.8000000041936877XDepartment of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Francesco M. Marincola
- grid.418227.a0000 0004 0402 1634Global Head of Research, Kite Pharma, Santa Monica, California USA
| | - Said Dermime
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XTranslational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box: 3050, Doha, Qatar ,grid.452146.00000 0004 1789 3191College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
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46
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Pang X, He X, Qiu Z, Zhang H, Xie R, Liu Z, Gu Y, Zhao N, Xiang Q, Cui Y. Targeting integrin pathways: mechanisms and advances in therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:1. [PMID: 36588107 PMCID: PMC9805914 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01259-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 135.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrins are considered the main cell-adhesion transmembrane receptors that play multifaceted roles as extracellular matrix (ECM)-cytoskeletal linkers and transducers in biochemical and mechanical signals between cells and their environment in a wide range of states in health and diseases. Integrin functions are dependable on a delicate balance between active and inactive status via multiple mechanisms, including protein-protein interactions, conformational changes, and trafficking. Due to their exposure on the cell surface and sensitivity to the molecular blockade, integrins have been investigated as pharmacological targets for nearly 40 years, but given the complexity of integrins and sometimes opposite characteristics, targeting integrin therapeutics has been a challenge. To date, only seven drugs targeting integrins have been successfully marketed, including abciximab, eptifibatide, tirofiban, natalizumab, vedolizumab, lifitegrast, and carotegrast. Currently, there are approximately 90 kinds of integrin-based therapeutic drugs or imaging agents in clinical studies, including small molecules, antibodies, synthetic mimic peptides, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, imaging agents, etc. A serious lesson from past integrin drug discovery and research efforts is that successes rely on both a deep understanding of integrin-regulatory mechanisms and unmet clinical needs. Herein, we provide a systematic and complete review of all integrin family members and integrin-mediated downstream signal transduction to highlight ongoing efforts to develop new therapies/diagnoses from bench to clinic. In addition, we further discuss the trend of drug development, how to improve the success rate of clinical trials targeting integrin therapies, and the key points for clinical research, basic research, and translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocong Pang
- grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034 Beijing, China ,grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Xu He
- grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034 Beijing, China ,grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Zhiwei Qiu
- grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034 Beijing, China ,grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Hanxu Zhang
- grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034 Beijing, China ,grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Ran Xie
- grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034 Beijing, China ,grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyan Liu
- grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034 Beijing, China ,grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Yanlun Gu
- grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034 Beijing, China ,grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Nan Zhao
- grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034 Beijing, China ,grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Qian Xiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034, Beijing, China. .,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191, Beijing, China.
| | - Yimin Cui
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, 100034, Beijing, China. .,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, 100191, Beijing, China.
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Monieri M, Rainone P, Sacchi A, Gori A, Gasparri AM, Coliva A, Citro A, Ferrara B, Policardi M, Valtorta S, Pocaterra A, Alfano M, Sheppard D, Piemonti L, Moresco RM, Corti A, Curnis F. A stapled chromogranin A-derived peptide homes in on tumors that express αvβ6 or αvβ8 integrins. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:156-166. [PMID: 36594095 PMCID: PMC9760430 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.76148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: The αvβ6- and αvβ8-integrins, two cell-adhesion receptors upregulated in many tumors and involved in the activation of the latency associated peptide (LAP)/TGFβ complex, represent potential targets for tumor imaging and therapy. We investigated the tumor-homing properties of a chromogranin A-derived peptide containing an RGDL motif followed by a chemically stapled alpha-helix (called "5a"), which selectively recognizes the LAP/TGFβ complex-binding site of αvβ6 and αvβ8. Methods: Peptide 5a was labeled with IRDye 800CW (a near-infrared fluorescent dye) or with 18F-NOTA (a label for positron emission tomography (PET)); the integrin-binding properties of free peptide and conjugates were then investigated using purified αvβ6/αvβ8 integrins and various αvβ6/αvβ8 single - or double-positive cancer cells; tumor-homing, biodistribution and imaging properties of the conjugates were investigated in subcutaneous and orthotopic αvβ6-positive carcinomas of the pancreas, and in mice bearing subcutaneous αvβ8-positive prostate tumors. Results: In vitro studies showed that 5a can bind both integrins with high affinity and inhibits cell-mediated TGFβ activation. The 5a-IRDye and 5a-NOTA conjugates could bind purified αvβ6/αvβ8 integrins with no loss of affinity compared to free peptide, and selectively recognized various αvβ6/αvβ8 single- or double-positive cancer cells, including cells from pancreatic carcinoma, melanoma, oral mucosa, bladder and prostate cancer. In vivo static and dynamic optical near-infrared and PET/CT imaging and biodistribution studies, performed in mice with subcutaneous and orthotopic αvβ6-positive carcinomas of the pancreas, showed high target-specific uptake of fluorescence- and radio-labeled peptide by tumors and low non-specific uptake in other organs and tissues, except for excretory organs. Significant target-specific uptake of fluorescence-labeled peptide was also observed in mice bearing αvβ8-positive prostate tumors. Conclusions: The results indicate that 5a can home to αvβ6- and/or αvβ8-positive tumors, suggesting that this peptide can be exploited as a ligand for delivering imaging or anticancer agents to αvβ6/αvβ8 single- or double-positive tumors, or as a tumor-homing inhibitor of these TGFβ activators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Monieri
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Rainone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,Experimental Imaging Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelina Sacchi
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gori
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, C.N.R., Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Gasparri
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Coliva
- Experimental Imaging Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Citro
- Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Benedetta Ferrara
- Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Policardi
- Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Valtorta
- Experimental Imaging Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology of C.N.R., Segrate, Italy
| | - Arianna Pocaterra
- Division of Immunology Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Alfano
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Dean Sheppard
- Lung Biology Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lorenzo Piemonti
- Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Moresco
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,Experimental Imaging Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology of C.N.R., Segrate, Italy
| | - Angelo Corti
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,✉ Corresponding authors: Angelo Corti (ORICD: 0000-0002-0893-6191) and Flavio Curnis (ORICD: 0000-0002-7231-9569), Division of Experimental Oncology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy (Tel. +390226434802; E-mail: and )
| | - Flavio Curnis
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,✉ Corresponding authors: Angelo Corti (ORICD: 0000-0002-0893-6191) and Flavio Curnis (ORICD: 0000-0002-7231-9569), Division of Experimental Oncology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy (Tel. +390226434802; E-mail: and )
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ITGA2 induces STING expression in pancreatic cancer by inducing DNMT1 degradation. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2022; 45:1421-1434. [PMID: 36331797 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00731-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Integrin alpha 2 (ITGA2, also known as CD49b or VLA-2) is the alpha subunit of a transmembrane receptor for collagens and related proteins. Previously, we found that ITGA2 may regulate immune cell infiltration in pancreatic cancer by inducing PD-L1 expression. As yet, however, whether ITGA2 regulates immune cell infiltration in pancreatic cancer by other mechanisms remains unclear. METHODS RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes in ITGA2-silenced pancreatic cancer cells. Protein-protein interactions were detected via co-immunoprecipitation. The infiltration level of immune cells was assessed using an immunofluorescence staining assay. RESULTS We found that ITGA2 can activate the cytosolic DNA-sensing pathway and promote STING expression in pancreatic cancer cells. In addition, we found that ITGA2 induces DNMT1 degradation by disrupting the interaction between DNMT1 and Kindlin2 in pancreatic cancer cells. As a DNA methyltransferase, we found that DNMT1 overexpression induced by ITGA2 silencing significantly up-regulated the methylation level of the STING gene promoter. Finally, ITGA2 silencing combined with DNMT1 inhibitor treatment induced immune cell infiltration in pancreatic cancer. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that ITGA2 induces STING expression by interacting with DNMT1 and inducing the degradation of DNMT1. ITGA2 silencing combined with DNMT1 inhibitor treatment may be a novel therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer.
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Regulatory T Cells in Ovarian Carcinogenesis and Future Therapeutic Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225488. [PMID: 36428581 PMCID: PMC9688690 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been shown to play a role in the development of solid tumors. A better understanding of the biology of Tregs, immune suppression by Tregs, and how cancer developed with the activity of Tregs has facilitated the development of strategies used to improve immune-based therapy. In ovarian cancer, Tregs have been shown to promote cancer development and resistance at different cancer stages. Understanding the various Treg-mediated immune escape mechanisms provides opportunities to establish specific, efficient, long-lasting anti-tumor immunity. Here, we review the evidence of Treg involvement in various stages of ovarian cancer. We further provide an overview of the current and prospective therapeutic approaches that arise from the modulation of Treg-related tumor immunity at those specific stages. Finally, we propose combination strategies of Treg-related therapies with other anti-tumor therapies to improve clinical efficacy and overcome tumor resistance in ovarian cancer.
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Kalkusova K, Taborska P, Stakheev D, Smrz D. The Role of miR-155 in Antitumor Immunity. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5414. [PMID: 36358832 PMCID: PMC9659277 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs belong to a group of short non-coding RNA molecules that are involved in the regulation of gene expression at multiple levels. Their function was described two decades ago, and, since then, microRNAs have become a rapidly developing field of research. Their participation in the regulation of cellular processes, such as proliferation, apoptosis, cell growth, and migration, made microRNAs attractive for cancer research. Moreover, as a single microRNA can simultaneously target multiple molecules, microRNAs offer a unique advantage in regulating multiple cellular processes in different cell types. Many of these cell types are tumor cells and the cells of the immune system. One of the most studied microRNAs in the context of cancer and the immune system is miR-155. MiR-155 plays a role in modulating innate and adaptive immune mechanisms in distinct immune cell types. As such, miR-155 can be part of the communication between the tumor and immune cells and thus impact the process of tumor immunoediting. Several studies have already revealed its effect on antitumor immune responses, and the targeting of this molecule is increasingly implemented in cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of miR-155 in the regulation of antitumor immunity and the shaping of the tumor microenvironment, and the plausible implementation of miR-155 targeting in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Kalkusova
- Department of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Taborska
- Department of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Dmitry Stakheev
- Department of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Smrz
- Department of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
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