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Lapuente-Santana Ó, Sturm G, Kant J, Ausserhofer M, Zackl C, Zopoglou M, McGranahan N, Rieder D, Trajanoski Z, da Cunha Carvalho de Miranda NF, Eduati F, Finotello F. Multimodal analysis unveils tumor microenvironment heterogeneity linked to immune activity and evasion. iScience 2024; 27:110529. [PMID: 39161957 PMCID: PMC11331718 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110529] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The cellular and molecular heterogeneity of tumors is a major obstacle to cancer immunotherapy. Here, we use a systems biology approach to derive a signature of the main sources of heterogeneity in the tumor microenvironment (TME) from lung cancer transcriptomics. We demonstrate that this signature, which we called iHet, is conserved in different cancers and associated with antitumor immunity. Through analysis of single-cell and spatial transcriptomics data, we trace back the cellular origin of the variability explaining the iHet signature. Finally, we demonstrate that iHet has predictive value for cancer immunotherapy, which can be further improved by disentangling three major determinants of anticancer immune responses: activity of immune cells, immune infiltration or exclusion, and cancer-cell foreignness. This work shows how transcriptomics data can be integrated to derive a holistic representation of the phenotypic heterogeneity of the TME and to predict its unfolding and fate during immunotherapy with immune checkpoint blockers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Óscar Lapuente-Santana
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, the Netherlands
- Bioinformatics Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gregor Sturm
- Biocenter, Institute of Bioinformatics, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Boehringer Ingelheim International Pharma GmbH & Co KG, 55216 Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - Joan Kant
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, the Netherlands
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Markus Ausserhofer
- Department of Molecular Biology, Digital Science Center (DiSC), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Constantin Zackl
- Department of Molecular Biology, Digital Science Center (DiSC), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Maria Zopoglou
- Department of Molecular Biology, Digital Science Center (DiSC), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nicholas McGranahan
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London WC1E 6DD, UK
- Cancer Genome Evolution Research Group, University College London Cancer Institute, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Dietmar Rieder
- Biocenter, Institute of Bioinformatics, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Zlatko Trajanoski
- Biocenter, Institute of Bioinformatics, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Federica Eduati
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Francesca Finotello
- Department of Molecular Biology, Digital Science Center (DiSC), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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2
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Ni L. Potential mechanisms of cancer stem-like progenitor T-cell bio-behaviours. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1817. [PMID: 39169517 PMCID: PMC11338842 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
In situations involving continuous exposure to antigens, such as chronic infections or cancer, antigen-specific CD8+ T cells can become dysfunctional or exhausted. This change is marked by increased expression levels of inhibitory receptors (PD-1 and Tim-3). Stem-like progenitor exhausted (Tpex) cells, a subset of exhausted cells that express TCF-1 and are mainly found in the lymph nodes, demonstrate the ability to self-renew and exhibit a high rate of proliferation. Tpex cells can further differentiate into transitional intermediate exhausted (Tex-int) cells and terminally exhausted (Tex-term) cells. Alternatively, they can directly differentiate into Tex-term cells. Tpex cells are the predominant subset that respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), making them a prime candidate for improving the efficacy of ICI therapy. This review article aimed to present the latest developments in the field of Tpex formation, expansion, and differentiation in the context of cancer, as well as their responses to ICIs in cancer immunotherapy. Consequently, it may be possible to develop novel treatments that exclusively target Tpex cells, thus improving overall treatment outcomes. KEY POINTS: Tpex cells are located in lymph nodes and TLS. Several pathways control the differentiation trajectories of Tpex cells, including epigenetic factors, transcription factors, cytokines, age, sex, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Ni
- Institute for Immunology and School of Basic MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
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3
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Fathima A, Farboodniay Jahromi MA, Begum SA, Jamma T. Withametelin inhibits TGF-β induced Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Programmed-Death Ligand-1 expression in vitro. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1435516. [PMID: 39077463 PMCID: PMC11284055 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1435516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Withanolides are a group of naturally occurring plant-based small molecules known for their wide range of host cellular functions. The anticancer potential of withanolides has been explored in varying cancer cell lines in vitro. Based on our prior studies, among the tested withanolides, withametelin (WM) has shown significant cytotoxicity with the highest efficacy on HCT-116 colon cancer cells (IC50 0.719 ± 0.12μM). Treatment with WM reduced the TGF-β driven proliferation, colony-forming ability, migration, and invasiveness of HCT-116 cells in vitro. WM also downregulated the expression of mesenchymal markers such as N-CADHERIN, SNAIL, and SLUG in HCT-116 cells. At the molecular level, WM inhibited TGF-β induced phosphorylation of SMAD2/3 and reduced the expression of an immune checkpoint inhibitor programmed-death ligand-1 (PD-L1). Our study highlights the possible anticancer mechanisms of WM involving modulation of the TGF-β pathway and associated target gene expression, suggesting its potential utility in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashna Fathima
- Cell Signaling Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Sajeli A. Begum
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Hyderabad, India
| | - Trinath Jamma
- Cell Signaling Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Hyderabad, India
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4
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Yan Z, Liu Y, Wang M, Wang L, Chen Z, Liu X. A novel signature constructed by mitochondrial function and cell death-related gene for the prediction of prognosis in bladder cancer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14667. [PMID: 38918587 PMCID: PMC11199696 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65594-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) presents a persistent challenge in clinical management. Despite recent advancements demonstrating the BLCA efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in BLCA patients, there remains a critical need to identify and expand the subset of individuals who benefit from this treatment. Mitochondria, as pivotal regulators of various cell death pathways in eukaryotic cells, exert significant influence over tumor cell fate and survival. In this study, our objective was to investigate biomarkers centered around mitochondrial function and cell death mechanisms to facilitate prognostic prediction and guide therapeutic decision-making in BLCA. Utilizing ssGSEA and LASSO regression, we developed a prognostic signature termed mitochondrial function and cell death (mtPCD). Subsequently, we evaluated the associations between mtPCD score and diverse clinical outcomes, including prognosis, functional pathway enrichment, immune cell infiltration, immunotherapy response analysis and drug sensitivity, within high- and low-risk subgroups. Additionally, we employed single-cell level functional assays, RT-qPCR, and immunohistochemistry to validate the differential expression of genes comprising the mtPCD signature. The mtPCD signature comprises a panel of 10 highly influential genes, strongly correlated with survival outcomes in BLCA patients and exhibiting robust predictive capabilities. Importantly, individuals classified as high-risk according to mtPCD score displayed a subdued overall immune response, characterized by diminished immunotherapeutic efficacy. In summary, our findings highlight the development of a novel prognostic signature, which not only holds promise as a biomarker for BLCA prognosis but also offers insights into the immune landscape of BLCA. This paradigm may pave the way for personalized treatment strategies in BLCA management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Yan
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Yunxun Liu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Minghui Wang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
| | - Zhiyuan Chen
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
| | - Xiuheng Liu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
- Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
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5
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Fukushima H, Furusawa A, Takao S, Thankarajan E, Luciano MP, Usama SM, Kano M, Okuyama S, Yamamoto H, Suzuki M, Kano M, Choyke PL, Schnermann MJ, Kobayashi H. Near-infrared duocarmycin photorelease from a Treg-targeted antibody-drug conjugate improves efficacy of PD-1 blockade in syngeneic murine tumor models. Oncoimmunology 2024; 13:2370544. [PMID: 38915782 PMCID: PMC11195482 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2024.2370544] [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: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a crucial role in mediating immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, Tregs contribute to the lack of efficacy and hyperprogressive disease upon Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) blockade immunotherapy. Thus, Tregs are considered a promising therapeutic target, especially when combined with PD-1 blockade. However, systemic depletion of Tregs causes severe autoimmune adverse events, which poses a serious challenge to Treg-directed therapy. Here, we developed a novel treatment to locally and predominantly damage Tregs by near-infrared duocarmycin photorelease (NIR-DPR). In this technology, we prepared anti-CD25 F(ab')2 conjugates, which site-specifically uncage duocarmycin in CD25-expressing cells upon exposure to NIR light. In vitro, CD25-targeted NIR-DPR significantly increased apoptosis of CD25-expressing HT2-A5E cells. When tumors were irradiated with NIR light in vivo, intratumoral CD25+ Treg populations decreased and Ki-67 and Interleukin-10 expression was suppressed, indicating impaired functioning of intratumoral CD25+ Tregs. CD25-targeted NIR-DPR suppressed tumor growth and improved survival in syngeneic murine tumor models. Of note, CD25-targeted NIR-DPR synergistically enhanced the efficacy of PD-1 blockade, especially in tumors with higher CD8+/Treg PD-1 ratios. Furthermore, the combination therapy induced significant anti-cancer immunity including maturation of dendritic cells, extensive intratumoral infiltration of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, and increased differentiation into CD8+ memory T cells. Altogether, CD25-targeted NIR-DPR locally and predominantly targets Tregs in the tumor microenvironment and synergistically improves the efficacy of PD-1 blockade, suggesting that this combination therapy can be a rational anti-cancer combination immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Fukushima
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Aki Furusawa
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Seiichiro Takao
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ebaston Thankarajan
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Michael P Luciano
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Syed Muhammad Usama
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Makoto Kano
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Shuhei Okuyama
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hiroshi Yamamoto
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Motofumi Suzuki
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Miyu Kano
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Peter L Choyke
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Martin J Schnermann
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Hisataka Kobayashi
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
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6
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Mai Z, Lin Y, Lin P, Zhao X, Cui L. Modulating extracellular matrix stiffness: a strategic approach to boost cancer immunotherapy. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:307. [PMID: 38693104 PMCID: PMC11063215 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06697-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The interplay between extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness and the tumor microenvironment is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in cancer progression and the efficacy of immunotherapy. This review comprehensively discusses the key factors regulating ECM remodeling, including the activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts and the accumulation and crosslinking of ECM proteins. Furthermore, it provides a detailed exploration of how ECM stiffness influences the behaviors of both tumor and immune cells. Significantly, the impact of ECM stiffness on the response to various immunotherapy strategies, such as immune checkpoint blockade, adoptive cell therapy, oncolytic virus therapy, and therapeutic cancer vaccines, is thoroughly examined. The review also addresses the challenges in translating research findings into clinical practice, highlighting the need for more precise biomaterials that accurately mimic the ECM and the development of novel therapeutic strategies. The insights offered aim to guide future research, with the potential to enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zizhao Mai
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Yunfan Lin
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Pei Lin
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinyuan Zhao
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China.
| | - Li Cui
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China.
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7
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Chen Y, Yu D, Qian H, Shi Y, Tao Z. CD8 + T cell-based cancer immunotherapy. J Transl Med 2024; 22:394. [PMID: 38685033 PMCID: PMC11057112 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05134-6] [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] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The immune system in humans is a defense department against both exogenous and endogenous hazards, where CD8+ T cells play a crucial role in opposing pathological threats. Various immunotherapies based on CD8+ T cells have emerged in recent decades, showing their promising results in treating intractable diseases. However, in the fight against the constantly changing and evolving cancers, the formation and function of CD8+ T cells can be challenged by tumors that might train a group of accomplices to resist the T cell killing. As cancer therapy stepped into the era of immunotherapy, understanding the physiological role of CD8+ T cells, studying the machinery of tumor immune escape, and thereby formulating different therapeutic strategies become the imperative missions for clinical and translational researchers to fulfill. After brief basics of CD8+ T cell-based biology is covered, this review delineates the mechanisms of tumor immune escape and discusses different cancer immunotherapy regimens with their own advantages and setbacks, embracing challenges and perspectives in near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxia Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Dingning Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312000, China
| | - Hui Qian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
- Zhenjiang Key Laboratory of High Technology Research on Exosomes Foundation and Transformation Application, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Yinghong Shi
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China.
- Zhenjiang Key Laboratory of High Technology Research on Exosomes Foundation and Transformation Application, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China.
| | - Zhimin Tao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China.
- Zhenjiang Key Laboratory of High Technology Research on Exosomes Foundation and Transformation Application, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China.
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212001, China.
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8
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Zheng C, Wang J, Zhou Y, Duan Y, Zheng R, Xie Y, Wei X, Wu J, Shen H, Ye M, Kong B, Liu Y, Xu P, Zhang Q, Liang T. IFNα-induced BST2 + tumor-associated macrophages facilitate immunosuppression and tumor growth in pancreatic cancer by ERK-CXCL7 signaling. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114088. [PMID: 38602878 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) features an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) that resists immunotherapy. Tumor-associated macrophages, abundant in the TME, modulate T cell responses. Bone marrow stromal antigen 2-positive (BST2+) macrophages increase in KrasG12D/+; Trp53R172H/+; Pdx1-Cre mouse models during PDAC progression. However, their role in PDAC remains elusive. Our findings reveal a negative correlation between BST2+ macrophage levels and PDAC patient prognosis. Moreover, an increased ratio of exhausted CD8+ T cells is observed in tumors with up-regulated BST2+ macrophages. Mechanistically, BST2+ macrophages secrete CXCL7 through the ERK pathway and bind with CXCR2 to activate the AKT/mTOR pathway, promoting CD8+ T cell exhaustion. The combined blockade of CXCL7 and programmed death-ligand 1 successfully decelerates tumor growth. Additionally, cGAS-STING pathway activation in macrophages induces interferon (IFN)α synthesis leading to BST2 overexpression in the PDAC TME. This study provides insights into IFNα-induced BST2+ macrophages driving an immune-suppressive TME through ERK-CXCL7 signaling to regulate CD8+ T cell exhaustion in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenlei Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Junli Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Yi Duan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Rujia Zheng
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Yuting Xie
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Xiaobao Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Jiangchao Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Hang Shen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Mao Ye
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Bo Kong
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Section of Surgical Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yunhua Liu
- Department of Pathology & Pathophysiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Pinglong Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, China; The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou 310003, China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, China; The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou 310003, China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.
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9
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Cordani M, Strippoli R, Trionfetti F, Barzegar Behrooz A, Rumio C, Velasco G, Ghavami S, Marcucci F. Immune checkpoints between epithelial-mesenchymal transition and autophagy: A conflicting triangle. Cancer Lett 2024; 585:216661. [PMID: 38309613 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Inhibitory immune checkpoint (ICP) molecules are pivotal in inhibiting innate and acquired antitumor immune responses, a mechanism frequently exploited by cancer cells to evade host immunity. These evasion strategies contribute to the complexity of cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. For this reason, ICP molecules have become targets for antitumor drugs, particularly monoclonal antibodies, collectively referred to as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), that counteract such cancer-associated immune suppression and restore antitumor immune responses. Over the last decade, however, it has become clear that tumor cell-associated ICPs can also induce tumor cell-intrinsic effects, in particular epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and macroautophagy (hereafter autophagy). Both of these processes have profound implications for cancer metastasis and drug responsiveness. This article reviews the positive or negative cross-talk that tumor cell-associated ICPs undergo with autophagy and EMT. We discuss that tumor cell-associated ICPs are upregulated in response to the same stimuli that induce EMT. Moreover, ICPs themselves, when overexpressed, become an EMT-inducing stimulus. As regards the cross-talk with autophagy, ICPs have been shown to either stimulate or inhibit autophagy, while autophagy itself can either up- or downregulate the expression of ICPs. This dynamic equilibrium also extends to the autophagy-apoptosis axis, further emphasizing the complexities of cellular responses. Eventually, we delve into the intricate balance between autophagy and apoptosis, elucidating its role in the broader interplay of cellular dynamics influenced by ICPs. In the final part of this article, we speculate about the driving forces underlying the contradictory outcomes of the reciprocal, inhibitory, or stimulatory effects between ICPs, EMT, and autophagy. A conclusive identification of these driving forces may allow to achieve improved antitumor effects when using combinations of ICIs and compounds acting on EMT and/or autophagy. Prospectively, this may translate into increased and/or broadened therapeutic efficacy compared to what is currently achieved with ICI-based clinical protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cordani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raffaele Strippoli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy; Department of Epidemiology, Preclinical Research and Advanced Diagnostics, National Institute for Infectious Diseases L., Spallanzani, IRCCS, Via Portuense, 292, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Trionfetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy; Department of Epidemiology, Preclinical Research and Advanced Diagnostics, National Institute for Infectious Diseases L., Spallanzani, IRCCS, Via Portuense, 292, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Amir Barzegar Behrooz
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Cristiano Rumio
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Trentacoste 2, 20134 Milan, Italy
| | - Guillermo Velasco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada; Faculty of Medicine in Zabrze, University of Technology in Katowice, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland; Research Institute of Oncology and Hematology, Cancer Care Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Fabrizio Marcucci
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Trentacoste 2, 20134 Milan, Italy.
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Mellman I, Chen DS, Powles T, Turley SJ. The cancer-immunity cycle: Indication, genotype, and immunotype. Immunity 2023; 56:2188-2205. [PMID: 37820582 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 89.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The cancer-immunity cycle provides a framework to understand the series of events that generate anti-cancer immune responses. It emphasizes the iterative nature of the response where the killing of tumor cells by T cells initiates subsequent rounds of antigen presentation and T cell stimulation, maintaining active immunity and adapting it to tumor evolution. Any step of the cycle can become rate-limiting, rendering the immune system unable to control tumor growth. Here, we update the cancer-immunity cycle based on the remarkable progress of the past decade. Understanding the mechanism of checkpoint inhibition has evolved, as has our view of dendritic cells in sustaining anti-tumor immunity. We additionally account for the role of the tumor microenvironment in facilitating, not just suppressing, the anti-cancer response, and discuss the importance of considering a tumor's immunological phenotype, the "immunotype". While these new insights add some complexity to the cycle, they also provide new targets for research and therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel S Chen
- Engenuity Life Sciences, Burlingame, CA, USA; Synthetic Design Lab, Burlingame, CA, USA
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