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Lang X, Wang X, Han M, Guo Y, Dong Z. TPGS nanoparticles co-loaded with ABT-737 and R848 for breast cancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:117107. [PMID: 38996708 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117107] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of new effective drugs to treat breast cancer remains a huge challenge. ABT-737 can inhibit Bcl-2 proteins to promote apoptosis. Resiquimod (R848) is a TLR7/8 agonist that is effective in modulating the immunosuppressive microenvironment. In this study, a codelivery system (TPGS/ABT+R848 NPs) based on D-α-tocopheryl poly (ethylene glycol) 1000 succinate as a potential drug delivery vector to codelivery ABT-737 and R848 was investigated. The size of TPGS/ABT+R848 NPs was 102.5 nm, the drug loading of ABT-737 and R848 was 30.6 % and 12.5 %, and the entrapment efficiency was 84.2 % and 23.7 %, respectively. The nanoparticles showed no significant change in particle size over 14 days. R848 and ABT-737 were released in co-loaded nanoparticles in sequential order. In vitro anti-tumor experiments, the IC50 value of TPGS/ABT+R848 NPs was 0.30 μg·mL-1, 34 times lower than that of free ABT-737. Animal experiments also verified that TPGS/ABT+R848 NPs could enhance the anti-tumor activity, and the tumor weight inhibition rate was 75.3 %. This study demonstrated that TPGS NPs loaded with ABT-737 and R848 have superior combination tumor therapeutic effects, and the co-loaded preparation is conducive to anti-tumor efficacy. The TPGS/ABT+R848 NPs could be a promising platform against breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Lang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiangtao Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Meihua Han
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yifei Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China; Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, No. 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Zhengqi Dong
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China; Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, No. 151, Malianwa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
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Zhang S, Yu B, Sheng C, Yao C, Liu Y, Wang J, Zeng Q, Mao Y, Bei J, Zhu B, Chen S. SHISA3 Reprograms Tumor-Associated Macrophages Toward an Antitumoral Phenotype and Enhances Cancer Immunotherapy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2403019. [PMID: 39054639 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202403019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The main challenge for immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy lies in immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Repolarizing M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) into inflammatory M1 phenotype is a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy. Here, this study shows that the tumor suppressive protein SHISA3 regulates the antitumor functions of TAMs. Local delivery of mRNA encoding Shisa3 enables cancer immunotherapy by reprogramming TAMs toward an antitumoral phenotype, thus enhancing the efficacy of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) antibody. Enforced expression of Shisa3 in TAMs increases their phagocytosis and antigen presentation abilities and promotes CD8+ T cell-mediated antitumor immunity. The expression of SHISA3 is induced by damage/pathogen-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs/PAMPs) in macrophages via nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transcription factors. Reciprocally, SHISA3 forms a complex with heat shock protein family A member 8 (HSPA8) to activate NF-κB signaling thus maintaining M1 polarization of macrophages. Knockout Shisa3 largely abolishes the antitumor efficacy of combination immunotherapy with Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) agonist monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) and PD-1 antibody. It further found that higher expression of SHISA3 in antitumoral TAMs is associated with better overall survival in lung cancer patients. Taken together, the findings describe the role of SHISA3 in reprogramming TAMs that ameliorate cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Bingbing Yu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, P. R. China
| | - Chunjie Sheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Chen Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Qi Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Yizhi Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Jinxin Bei
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Bin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, P. R. China
- Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518063, P. R. China
| | - Shuai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
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Li Y, Yi J, Ma R, Wang Y, Lou X, Dong Y, Cao Y, Li X, Wang M, Dang X, Li R, Lei N, Song H, Qin Z, Yang W. A polymeric nanoplatform enhances the cGAS-STING pathway in macrophages to potentiate phagocytosis for cancer immunotherapy. J Control Release 2024; 373:447-462. [PMID: 39038546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.07.039] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Immunosuppressive tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) account for a high proportion of the tumor tissue and significantly impede immunoefficacy. Furthermore, the signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα) expressed in TAMs adversely correlates with macrophage activation and phagocytosis, resulting in immunosurveillance escape. To address these difficulties, a mannose-modified, pH-responsive nanoplatform with resiquimod (R848) and 2', 3'-cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) co-encapsulation (named M-PNP@R@C) is designed to polarize TAMs and lower SIRPα expression. The co-delivery of R848 and cGAMP synergistically facilitates the polarization of TAMs from the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype into the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype, thereby enhancing antitumor immunotherapy. Remarkably, activation of the cGAMP-mediated stimulator of interferon genes (STING) in TAMs significantly downregulates the expression of SIRPα, which synergizes with the cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47) antibody for the dual blockade of the CD47-SIRPα axis. Further analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing indicates that STING activation downregulates SIRPα by regulating intracellular fatty acid oxidation metabolism. In vivo studies indicate that M-PNP@R@C significantly inhibits tumor growth with a potent antitumor immune response in melanoma graft tumor models. After synergy with anti-CD47, the double blockade strategies of the SIRPα/CD47 axis result in a notable inhibition of lung metastasis. A prolonged survival rate is observed after combination treatment with CD47 and programmed death ligand-1 antibodies for the triple immune checkpoint blockade. In summary, our study provides original insights into the potential role of the STING pathway in macrophage-based immunotherapy, thus offering a potential combinatorial strategy for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjuan Li
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, The center of Infection and Immunity, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; School of basic medical sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Jinmeng Yi
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, The center of Infection and Immunity, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; School of basic medical sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Rong Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Henan Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine for Targeting Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yayun Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Henan Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine for Targeting Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiaohan Lou
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, The center of Infection and Immunity, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Ya Dong
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, The center of Infection and Immunity, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Yongjian Cao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Henan Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine for Targeting Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xinyan Li
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, The center of Infection and Immunity, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Ming Wang
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, The center of Infection and Immunity, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Xiaowei Dang
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, The center of Infection and Immunity, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Rui Li
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, The center of Infection and Immunity, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Ningjing Lei
- School of basic medical sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Haiwei Song
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore.
| | - Zhihai Qin
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, The center of Infection and Immunity, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.
| | - Weijing Yang
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, The center of Infection and Immunity, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Henan Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine for Targeting Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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Liu J, Shen T, Zhang Y, Wei X, Bao Y, Ai R, Gan S, Wang D, Lai X, Zhao L, Zhou W, Fang X. Cell dehydration enables massive production of engineered membrane vesicles with therapeutic functions. J Extracell Vesicles 2024; 13:e12483. [PMID: 39051765 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12483] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as promising biomaterials for the treatment of different disease. However, only handful types of EVs with clinical transformation potential have been reported to date, and their preparation on a large scale under biosafety-controlled conditions is limited. In this study, we characterize a novel type of EV with promising clinical application potential: dehydration-induced extracellular vesicles (DIMVs). DIMV is a type of micron-diameter cell vesicle that contains more bioactive molecules, such as proteins and RNA, but not DNA, than previously reported cell vesicles. The preparation of DIMV is extraordinarily straightforward, which possesses a high level of biosafety, and the protein utilization ratio is roughly 600 times greater than that of naturally secreted EVs. Additional experiments demonstrate the viability of pre- or post-isolation DIMV modification, including gene editing, nucleic acid encapsulation or surface anchoring, size adjustment. Finally, on animal models, we directly show the biosafety and immunogenicity of DIMV, and investigate its potential application as tumour vaccine or drug carrier in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, PR China
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Tingting Shen
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Xiaojian Wei
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Yuting Bao
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Rui Ai
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
- School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Shaoju Gan
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Dachi Wang
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Xin Lai
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Libo Zhao
- Department of R&D, Echo Biotech Co., Ltd, Beijing, PR China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Xiaohong Fang
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, PR China
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
- Beijing National Research Center for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, PR China
- School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou, PR China
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Li T, Xu X, Guo M, Guo J, Nakayama K, Ren Z, Zhang L. Identification of a Macrophage marker gene signature to evaluate immune infiltration and therapeutic response in hepatocellular carcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31881. [PMID: 38845876 PMCID: PMC11154631 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31881] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Only a minority of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients can benefit from systemic regimens. Macrophages, which abundantly infiltrate in HCC, could mediate tumour microenvironment remodelling and immune escape, proving to be powerful weapons in combating HCC. Thus, a deeper understanding of macrophages is necessary for improving existing antitumour treatments. Methods With a series of bioinformatic approaches, we comprehensively explored the role of macrophage-related genes in human HCCs from multiple single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing datasets. Unsupervised clustering was performed to cluster the macrophage marker genes (MMGs). GSVA and functional enrichment analysis were used to elucidate the functional differences among the MMG-associated clusters. Subsequently, a component analysis algorithm was used to construct a Macrosig score, and the prognosis, biological characteristics, mutation profile, TME cell infiltration status and drug response of patients with different Macrosig scores were further analysed. Results We identified 13 MMGs in 574 HCC samples, based on which three MMG-associated clusters were defined. Overall survival time, clinicopathological features and immune infiltration scores differed among the different clusters. On this basis, 12 hub genes were identified among these clusters; subsequently, a scoring system was constructed to determine the Macrosig score. Importantly, patients with low-Macrosig scores, characterized by increased immune infiltration, increased mutation frequency and increased immune checkpoint expression, including CTLA-4, LAG3, PDCD1 and TIGIT, exhibited enhanced efficacy of immunotherapy when validated in an external database. Moreover, a low-Macrosig score indicates increased sensitivity to AZD.2281, A.443654, ABT.263, ABT.888, AG.014699 and ATRA, while a high Macrosig score indicates increased sensitivity to AZD6482, AKT inhibitor VIII, AS601245, AZ628, AZD.0530 and AZD6244. Conclusions A novel scoring system was constructed to guide more effective prognostic evaluation and tailoring therapeutic regimens for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Li
- Liver Cancer Institute & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital Xuhui Branch, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Liver Cancer Institute & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengzhou Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital Xuhui Branch, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kiyoko Nakayama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenggang Ren
- Liver Cancer Institute & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Liver Cancer Institute & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Fang Z, Ding X, Huang H, Jiang H, Jiang J, Zheng X. Revolutionizing tumor immunotherapy: unleashing the power of progenitor exhausted T cells. Cancer Biol Med 2024; 21:j.issn.2095-3941.2024.0105. [PMID: 38825813 PMCID: PMC11208905 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2024.0105] [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: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In exploring persistent infections and malignancies, a distinctive subgroup of CD8+ T cells, progenitor exhausted CD8+ T (Tpex) cells, has been identified. These Tpex cells are notable for their remarkable self-renewal and rapid proliferation abilities. Recent strides in immunotherapy have demonstrated that Tpex cells expand and differentiate into responsive exhausted CD8+ T cells, thus underscoring their critical role in the immunotherapeutic retort. Clinical examinations have further clarified a robust positive correlation between the proportional abundance of Tpex cells and enhanced clinical prognosis. Tpex cells have found noteworthy applications in the formulation of inventive immunotherapeutic approaches against tumors. This review describes the functions of Tpex cells in the tumor milieu, particularly their potential utility in tumor immunotherapy. Precisely directing Tpex cells may be essential to achieving successful outcomes in immunotherapy against tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Fang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
- Institute for Cell Therapy of Soochow University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Xinyi Ding
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
- Institute for Cell Therapy of Soochow University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Hao Huang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
- Institute for Cell Therapy of Soochow University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Hongwei Jiang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
- Institute for Cell Therapy of Soochow University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Jingting Jiang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
- Institute for Cell Therapy of Soochow University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Xiao Zheng
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
- Institute for Cell Therapy of Soochow University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
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Lu Y, Lin B, Li M. The role of alpha-fetoprotein in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1363695. [PMID: 38660138 PMCID: PMC11039944 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1363695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent malignant cancer worldwide, characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a glycoprotein synthesized by the liver and yolk sac during fetal development. However, the serum levels of AFP exhibit a significant correlation with the onset and progression of HCC in adults. Extensive research has demonstrated that the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in the malignant transformation of HCC, and AFP is a key factor in the TME, promoting HCC development. The objective of this review was to analyze the existing knowledge regarding the role of AFP in the TME. Specifically, this review focused on the effect of AFP on various cells in the TME, tumor immune evasion, and clinical application of AFP in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. These findings offer valuable insights into the clinical treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Bo Lin
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Institution of Tumor, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan, China
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Hsu CY, Mustafa MA, Kumar A, Pramanik A, Sharma R, Mohammed F, Jawad IA, Mohammed IJ, Alshahrani MY, Ali Khalil NAM, Shnishil AT, Abosaoda MK. Exploiting the immune system in hepatic tumor targeting: Unleashing the potential of drugs, natural products, and nanoparticles. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 256:155266. [PMID: 38554489 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic tumors present a formidable challenge in cancer therapeutics, necessitating the exploration of novel treatment strategies. In recent years, targeting the immune system has attracted interest to augment existing therapeutic efficacy. The immune system in hepatic tumors includes numerous cells with diverse actions. CD8+ T lymphocytes, T helper 1 (Th1) CD4+ T lymphocytes, alternative M1 macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells provide the antitumor immunity. However, Foxp3+ regulatory CD4+ T cells (Tregs), M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are the key immune inhibitor cells. Tumor stroma can also affect these interactions. Targeting these cells and their secreted molecules is intriguing for eliminating malignant cells. The current review provides a synopsis of the immune system components involved in hepatic tumor expansion and highlights the molecular and cellular pathways that can be targeted for therapeutic intervention. It also overviews the diverse range of drugs, natural products, immunotherapy drugs, and nanoparticles that have been investigated to manipulate immune responses and bolster antitumor immunity. The review also addresses the potential advantages and challenges associated with these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chou-Yi Hsu
- Department of Pharmacy, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan City 71710, Taiwan
| | | | - Ashwani Kumar
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560069, India; Department of Pharmacy, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, Rajasthan 303012, India
| | - Atreyi Pramanik
- Institute of Pharma Sciences and Research, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India
| | - Rajiv Sharma
- Institute of Pharma Sciences and Research, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India
| | - Faraj Mohammed
- Department of Pharmacy, Al-Manara College for Medical Sciences, Maysan, Iraq
| | | | - Imad Jasim Mohammed
- College of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar, Iraq
| | - Mohammad Y Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | | | - Munther Kadhim Abosaoda
- College of technical engineering, the Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq; College of technical engineering, the Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah, Iraq; College of technical engineering, the Islamic University of Babylon, Iraq
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9
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Fan Z, Jiang X, Sun T, Zeng F, Huang G, Liang C, Nie L. In vivo visualization of tumor-associated macrophages re-education by photoacoustic/fluorescence dual-modal imaging with a metal-organic frames-based caspase-1 nanoreporter. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 659:48-59. [PMID: 38157726 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.12.123] [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: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are vital in the tumor microenvironment, contributing to immunosuppression and therapy tolerance. Despite their importance, the precise re-education of TAMs in vivo continues to present a formidable challenge. Moreover, the lack of real-time and efficient methods to comprehend the spatiotemporal kinetics of TAMs repolarization remains a significant hurdle, severely hampering the accurate assessment of treatment efficacy and prognosis. Herein, we designed a metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) based Caspase-1 nanoreporter (MCNR) that can deliver a TLR7/8 agonist to the TAMs and track time-sensitive Caspase-1 activity as a direct method to monitor the initiation of immune reprogramming. This nanosystem exhibits excellent TAMs targeting ability, enhanced tumor accumulation, and stimuli-responsive behavior. By inducing the reprogramming of TAMs, they were able to enhance T-cell infiltration in tumor tissue, resulting in inhibited tumor growth and improved survival in mice model. Moreover, MCNR also serves as an activatable photoacoustic and fluorescent dual-mode imaging agent through Caspase-1-mediated specific enzyme digestion. This feature enables non-invasive and real-time antitumor immune activation monitoring. Overall, our findings indicate that MCNR has the potential to be a valuable tool for tumor immune microenvironment remodeling and noninvasive quantitative detection and real-time monitoring of TAMs repolarization to immunotherapy in the early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijin Fan
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China; School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Jiang
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Tong Sun
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Fanchu Zeng
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Guojia Huang
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Changhong Liang
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China; School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Image Analysis and Application, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Liming Nie
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China; School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Image Analysis and Application, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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10
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Sarkar B, Arlauckas SP, Cuccarese MF, Garris CS, Weissleder R, Rodell CB. Host-functionalization of macrin nanoparticles to enable drug loading and control tumor-associated macrophage phenotype. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1331480. [PMID: 38545103 PMCID: PMC10965546 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1331480] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are critical regulators of the tumor microenvironment and often present an immuno-suppressive phenotype, supporting tumor growth and immune evasion. Promoting a robust pro-inflammatory macrophage phenotype has emerged as a therapeutic modality that supports tumor clearance, including through synergy with immune checkpoint therapies. Polyglucose nanoparticles (macrins), which possess high macrophage affinity, are useful vehicles for delivering drugs to macrophages, potentially altering their phenotype. Here, we examine the potential of functionalized macrins, synthesized by crosslinking carboxymethyl dextran with L-lysine, as effective carriers of immuno-stimulatory drugs to tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Azide groups incorporated during particle synthesis provided a handle for click-coupling of propargyl-modified β-cyclodextrin to macrins under mild conditions. Fluorescence-based competitive binding assays revealed the ability of β-cyclodextrin to non-covalently bind to hydrophobic immuno-stimulatory drug candidates (Keq ~ 103 M-1), enabling drug loading within nanoparticles. Furthermore, transcriptional profiles of macrophages indicated robust pro-inflammatory reprogramming (elevated Nos2 and Il12; suppressed Arg1 and Mrc1 expression levels) for a subset of these immuno-stimulatory agents (UNC2025 and R848). Loading of R848 into the modified macrins improved the drug's effect on primary murine macrophages by three-fold in vitro. Intravital microscopy in IL-12-eYFP reporter mice (24 h post-injection) revealed a two-fold enhancement in mean YFP fluorescence intensity in macrophages targeted with R848-loaded macrins, relative to vehicle controls, validating the desired pro-inflammatory reprogramming of TAMs in vivo by cell-targeted drug delivery. Finally, in an intradermal MC38 tumor model, cyclodextrin-modified macrin NPs loaded with immunostimulatory drugs significantly reduced tumor growth. Therefore, efficient and effective repolarization of tumor-associated macrophages to an M1-like phenotype-via drug-loaded macrins-inhibits tumor growth and may be useful as an adjuvant to existing immune checkpoint therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biplab Sarkar
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sean P. Arlauckas
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Michael F. Cuccarese
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Christopher S. Garris
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ralph Weissleder
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Christopher B. Rodell
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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11
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Agirre-Lizaso A, Huici-Izagirre M, Urretabizkaia-Garmendia J, Rodrigues PM, Banales JM, Perugorria MJ. Targeting the Heterogeneous Tumour-Associated Macrophages in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4977. [PMID: 37894344 PMCID: PMC10605535 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15204977] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent and aggressive cancer that comprises a complex tumour microenvironment (TME). Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) are one of the most abundant immune cells present in the TME, and play a key role both in the development and in the progression of HCC. Thus, TAM-based immunotherapy has been presented as a promising strategy to complement the currently available therapies for HCC treatment. Among the novel approaches focusing on TAMs, reprogramming their functional state has emerged as a promising option for targeting TAMs as an immunotherapy in combination with the currently available treatment options. Nevertheless, a further understanding of the immunobiology of TAMs is still required. This review synthesizes current insights into the heterogeneous nature of TAMs in HCC and describes the mechanisms behind their pro-tumoural polarization focusing the attention on their interaction with HCC cells. Furthermore, this review underscores the potential involvement of TAMs' reprogramming in HCC therapy and highlights the urgency of advancing our understanding of these cells within the dynamic landscape of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aloña Agirre-Lizaso
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Research Institute, Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain; (A.A.-L.); (M.H.-I.); (J.U.-G.); (P.M.R.); (J.M.B.)
| | - Maider Huici-Izagirre
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Research Institute, Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain; (A.A.-L.); (M.H.-I.); (J.U.-G.); (P.M.R.); (J.M.B.)
| | - Josu Urretabizkaia-Garmendia
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Research Institute, Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain; (A.A.-L.); (M.H.-I.); (J.U.-G.); (P.M.R.); (J.M.B.)
| | - Pedro M. Rodrigues
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Research Institute, Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain; (A.A.-L.); (M.H.-I.); (J.U.-G.); (P.M.R.); (J.M.B.)
- Centre for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Jesus M. Banales
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Research Institute, Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain; (A.A.-L.); (M.H.-I.); (J.U.-G.); (P.M.R.); (J.M.B.)
- Centre for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Sciences, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maria J. Perugorria
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Research Institute, Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain; (A.A.-L.); (M.H.-I.); (J.U.-G.); (P.M.R.); (J.M.B.)
- Centre for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
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