Metabolic communication in the tumour-immune microenvironment

Integration of STING activation and COX-2 inhibition via steric-hindrance effect tuned nanoreactors for cancer chemoimmunotherapy

Integrating immunotherapy with nanomaterials-based chemotherapy presents a promising avenue for amplifying antitumor outcomes. Nevertheless, the suppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and the upregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) induced by chemotherapy can hinder the efficacy of the chemoimmunotherapy. This study presents a TIME-reshaping strategy by developing a steric-hindrance effect tuned zinc-based metal-organic framework (MOF), designated as CZFNPs. This nanoreactor is engineered by in situ loading of the COX-2 inhibitor, C-phycocyanin (CPC), into the framework building blocks, while simultaneously weakening the stability of the MOF. Consequently, CZFNPs achieve rapid pH-responsive release of zinc ions (Zn2+) and CPC upon specific transport to tumor cells overexpressing folate receptors. Accordingly, Zn2+ can induce reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated cytotoxicity therapy while synchronize with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) release, which stimulates mtDNA/cGAS-STING pathway-mediated innate immunity. The CPC suppresses the chemotherapy-induced overexpression of COX-2, thus cooperatively reprogramming the suppressive TIME and boosting the antitumor immune response. In xenograft tumor models, the CZFNPs system effectively modulates STING and COX-2 expression, converting "cold" tumors into "hot" tumors, thereby resulting in ≈ 4-fold tumor regression relative to ZIF-8 treatment alone. This approach offers a potent strategy for enhancing the efficacy of combined nanomaterial-based chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Hexosaminidase B-driven cancer cell-macrophage co-dependency promotes glycolysis addiction and tumorigenesis in glioblastoma

Glycolytic metabolic reprogramming in cancer is regulated by both cancer intrinsic variations like isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) status and non-cancerous microenvironment components like tumor associated macrophages (TAMs). However, the detailed mechanism remains elusive. Here, we identify hexosaminidase B (HEXB) as a key regulator for glycolysis in glioblastoma (GBM). HEXB intercellularly manipulates TAMs to promote glycolysis in GBM cells, while intrinsically enhancing cancer cell glycolysis. Mechanistically, HEXB elevation augments tumor HIF1α protein stability through activating ITGB1/ILK/YAP1; Subsequently, HIF1α promotes HEXB and multiple glycolytic gene transcription in GBM cells. Genetic ablation and pharmacological inhibition of HEXB elicits substantial therapeutic effects in preclinical GBM models, while targeting HEXB doesn't induce significant reduction in IDH1 mutant glioma and inhibiting IDH1 mutation-derived 2-hydroxyglutaric acid (2-HG) significantly restores HEXB expression in glioma cells. Our work highlights a HEXB driven TAMs-associated glycolysis-promoting network in GBM and provides clues for developing more effective therapies against it.

Tumor microenvironment as a complex milieu driving cancer progression: a mini review

It has been spotlighted that the Tumor Microenvironment (TME) is crucial for comprehending cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. Therefore, this comprehensive review elucidates the intricate architecture of the TME, which encompasses tumor cells, immune components, support cells, and a myriad of bioactive molecules. These constituents collectively foster dynamic interactions that underpin tumor growth, metastasis, and nuanced responses to anticancer therapies. Notably, the TME's role extends beyond mere physical support, serving as a critical mediator in cancer-cell evolution, immune modulation, and treatment outcomes. Innovations targeting the TME, including strategies focused on the vasculature, immune checkpoints, and T-cell therapies, have forged new pathways for clinical intervention. However, the heterogeneity and complexity of the TME present significant challenges, necessitating deeper exploration of its components and their interplay to enhance therapeutic efficacy. This review underscores the imperative for integrated research strategies that amalgamate insights from tumor biology, immunology, and systems biology. Such an approach aims to refine cancer treatments and improve patient prognoses by exploiting the TME's complexity.

Voluntary exercise sensitizes cancer immunotherapy via the collagen inhibition-orchestrated inflammatory tumor immune microenvironment

Physical activity reduces cancer-associated mortality through multiple mechanisms, including tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) reprogramming. However, whether and how physiological interventions promote anti-tumor immunity remain elusive. Here, we report that clinically relevant voluntary exercise promotes muscle-derived extracellular vesicle (EV)-associated miR-29a-3p for tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) inhibition in patients and mouse models, thereby permitting immune cell infiltration and immunotherapy. Mechanistically, an unbiased screening identifies EV-associated miR-29a-3p in response to leisure-time physical activity or voluntary exercise. MiR-29a-3p-containing EVs accumulate in tumors and downregulate collagen composition by targeting COL1A1. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments and cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF) demonstrate that myocyte-secreted miR-29a-3p promotes anti-tumor immunity. Combining immunotherapy with voluntary exercise or miR-29a-3p further enhances anti-tumor efficacy. Clinically, miR-29a-3p correlates with reduced ECM, increased T cell infiltration, and response to immunotherapy. Our work reveals the predictive value of miR-29a-3p for immunotherapy, provides mechanistic insights into exercise-induced anti-cancer immunity, and highlights the potential of voluntary exercise in sensitizing immunotherapy.

The mitochondrial stress signaling tunes immunity from a view of systemic tumor microenvironment and ecosystem

Mitochondria play important roles in cell fate, calcium signaling, mitophagy, and the signaling through reactive oxygen species (ROS). Recently, mitochondria are considered as a signaling organelle in the cell and communicate with other organelles to constitute the mitochondrial information processing system (MIPS) that transduce input-to-output biological information. The success in immunotherapy, a concept of systemic therapy, has been proved to be dependent on paracrine interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME) and distant organs including microbiota and immune components. We will adopt a broader view from the concept of TME to tumor micro- and macroenvironment (TM 2 E) or tumor-organ ecosystem (TOE). In this review, we will discuss the role of mitochondrial signaling by mitochondrial ROS, calcium flux, metabolites, mtDNA, vesicle transportation, and mitochondria-derived peptide in the TME and TOE, in particular immune regulation and effective cancer immunotherapy.

Upregulation of ZMAT3 is Associated with the Poor Prognosis of Breast Cancer

Background

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Identifying robust biomarkers for predicting outcomes is essential for improving patient care and reducing fatalities. ZMAT3, a zinc finger protein with potential carcinogenic properties, has been associated with various cancers. However, its role in breast cancer prognosis remains unclear.

Methods

We investigated the expression level of ZMAT3 in breast cancer tissues and its association with clinical outcomes through bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation. We examined the correlation between ZMAT3 expression and immune characteristics. ZMAT3 mRNA expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were analysed in relation to overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS) and progression-free interval (PFI) in patients with breast cancer. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on breast cancer tissues to assess ZMAT3 protein levels, with findings validated using qPCR and cell experiments.

Results

ZMAT3 mRNA levels were significantly upregulated in breast cancer samples compared to normal tissues. High ZMAT3 expression was significantly correlated with the poor OS, DSS and PFI. A significant positive correlation was observed between high ZMAT3 mRNA levels and the abundance of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), especially CD8+T cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified ZMAT3 as an independent prognostic factor for breast cancer. IHC staining confirmed increased ZMAT3 protein expression in breast cancer tissues, which was further validated by qPCR and cell function tests.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that ZMAT3 is a prognostic biomarker linked to immune invasion in breast cancer. Elevated ZMAT3 expression correlates with adverse clinical outcomes, indicating its potential role in disease progression.

Cancer associated fibroblasts and metabolic reprogramming: unraveling the intricate crosstalk in tumor evolution

Metabolic reprogramming provides tumors with an energy source and biofuel to support their survival in the malignant microenvironment. Extensive research into the intrinsic oncogenic mechanisms of the tumor microenvironment (TME) has established that cancer-associated fibroblast (CAFs) and metabolic reprogramming regulates tumor progression through numerous biological activities, including tumor immunosuppression, chronic inflammation, and ecological niche remodeling. Specifically, immunosuppressive TME formation is promoted and mediators released via CAFs and multiple immune cells that collectively support chronic inflammation, thereby inducing pre-metastatic ecological niche formation, and ultimately driving a vicious cycle of tumor proliferation and metastasis. This review comprehensively explores the process of CAFs and metabolic regulation of the dynamic evolution of tumor-adapted TME, with particular focus on the mechanisms by which CAFs promote the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment and support metastasis. Existing findings confirm that multiple components of the TME act cooperatively to accelerate the progression of tumor events. The potential applications and challenges of targeted therapies based on CAFs in the clinical setting are further discussed in the context of advancing research related to CAFs.

A hot and cold tumor‑related prognostic signature for stage II colorectal cancer

Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most lethal and prevalent malignancies. Based on the presence of immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment, CRC can be divided into immunologically 'hot' or 'cold' tumors, which in turn leads to the differential efficacy of immunotherapy. However, the immune characteristics of hot and cold CRC tumors remain largely elusive, prompting further investigation of their properties regarding the tumor microenvironment. In the present study, a predictive model was developed based on the differential expression of proteins between cold and hot CRC tumors. First, the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified using digital spatial profiling and mass spectrometry-based proteomics analysis, and the pathway features of the DEPs were analyzed using functional enrichment analysis. A novel eight-gene signature prognostic risk model was developed (IDO1, MAT1A, NPEPL1, NT5C, PTGR2, RPL29, TMEM126A and TUBB4B), which was validated using data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas. The results revealed that the risk score of the eight-gene signature acted as an independent prognostic indicator in patients with stage II CRC (T3-4N0M0). It was also found that a high-risk score in the eight-gene signature was associated with high immune cell infiltration in patients with CRC. Taken together, these findings revealed some of the differential immune characteristics of hot and cold CRC tumors, and an eight-gene signature prognostic risk model was developed, which may serve as an independent prognostic indicator for patients with stage II CRC (T3-4N0M0).

Deciphering tertiary lymphoid structure heterogeneity reveals prognostic signature and therapeutic potentials for colorectal cancer: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) exert a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment (TME), impacting tumor development, immune escape, and drug resistance. Nonetheless, the heterogeneity of TLSs in colorectal cancer (CRC) and their impact on prognosis and treatment response remain unclear.

METHODS

The authors collected genome, transcriptome, clinicopathological information, and digital pathology images from multiple sources. An unsupervised clustering algorithm was implemented to determine diverse TLS patterns in CRC based on the expression levels of 39 TLS signature genes (TSGs). Comprehensive explorations of heterogeneity encompassing mutation landscape, TME, biological characteristics, response to immunotherapy, and drug resistance were conducted using multiomics data. TLSscore was then developed to quantitatively assess TLS patterns of individuals for further clinical applicability.

RESULTS

Three distinct TLS patterns were identified in CRC. Cluster 1 exhibited upregulation of proliferation-related pathways, high metabolic activity, and intermediate prognosis, while Cluster 2 displayed activation of stromal and carcinogenic pathways and a worse prognosis. Both Cluster 1 and Cluster 2 may potentially benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. Cluster 3, characterized by the activation of immune regulation and activation pathways, demonstrated a favorable prognosis and enhanced responsiveness to immunotherapy. The authors subsequently employed a regularization algorithm to construct the TLSscore based on nine core genes. Patients with lower TLSscore trended to prolonged prognosis and a more prominent presence of TLSs, which may benefit from immunotherapy. Conversely, those with higher TLSscore exhibited increased benefits from adjuvant chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors identified distinct TLS patterns in CRC and characterized their heterogeneity through multiomics analyses. The TLSscore held promise for guiding clinical decision-making and further advancing the field of personalized medicine in CRC.

Integrin β3 enhances glycolysis and increases lactate production in endometriosis

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis (EMs) is a chronic disease characterized by endometrial-like tissue present outside of the uterus. Macrophages have been confirmed to participate in the development of EMs. Integrin β3 (ITGB3), a β-subunit of the integrin family, is crucial in tumor progression. In this study, we investigated the pivotal role of ITGB3 in endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) and its influence on the development of EMs, particularly focusing on the regulatory impact of macrophages.

METHODS

In this study, we used western blot, Real-time qPCR, Immunohistochemistry to detected the high expression of ITGB3 in ESCs. ITGB3-overexpression ESCs (ITGB3-OE) was constructed and detected by RNA-seq with normal ESCs. ATP and lactate expression assay, transwell migration assay, wound healing, cell adhesion assay and other molecular biology techniques were used to explore the potential mechanisms. In vivo, we constructed the EMs mouse model and injected with cilengitite to inhibit ITGB3.

RESULTS

Here, we found ITGB3 highly expressed in ectopic lesions in EMs. The increasing ITGB3 resulted in activating the glycolysis, which produced more ATP and lactate in ITGB3-OE. After culturing with lactate, the migration, proliferation and invasion ability of ESCs were enhanced, while the result in 2-DG was reversed. In vivo, the results showed that after antagonizing ITGB3, the number of ectopic lesions was decrease.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that ITGB3 up-regulated by macrophages are able to regulate the glycolysis to promote the development of EMs and lactate enhances the ability of proliferation, migration, invasion and adhesion of EMs iv vivo and in vitro.

The role of B7-H4 in ovarian cancer immunotherapy: current status, challenges, and perspectives

Immunotherapy stands as a critical and auspicious therapeutic approach in the fight against cancer nowadays. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, in particular, have garnered widespread employment and delivered groundbreaking therapeutic outcomes across various malignancies. However, the efficacy is unsatisfactory in the ovarian cancer. The pressing concerns of the substantial non-response rate require immediate attention. The pursuit of novel targets and the formulation of synergistic combination therapy approaches are imperative for addressing this challenge. B7-H4, a member of the B7 family of co-inhibitory molecules, exhibits high expression levels in ovarian cancer, correlating closely with tumor progression, drug resistance, and unfavorable prognosis. B7-H4 has the potential to serve as a valuable biomarker for evaluating the immune response of patients. Recent investigations and preclinical trials focusing on B7-H4 in the context of ovarian cancer immunotherapy highlight its emergence as a promising immunotherapeutic target. This review aims to discuss these findings and anticipate the future prospects of leveraging B7-H4 in ovarian cancer immunotherapy and targeted therapy.

Bimetallic Nanoplatforms for Prostate Cancer Treatment by Interfering Cellular Communication

Cellular communication mediated by messenger molecules plays an important role in the progression of cancer. Herein, pH-sensitive zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) loaded with PtCl2(OH)2(NH3)2 [i.e., Pt(IV)] bimetallic nanoplatforms were developed for prostate cancer therapy by interfering inositol-1, 4, 5-trisphosphate (IP3)-mediated cellular communication. As an important messenger in cells, the function of IP3 was found to be efficiently interfered with by the Pt(IV)-binding inositol unit. This finding effect of Pt(IV) is totally different from its traditional function as a prodrug of cis-platinum for chemotherapy. The decreased IP3 signal further downregulated the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration and downstream signal transduction to inhibit proliferation and invasion of tumor cells. Meanwhile, Zn2+ released from ZIF-8 under an acidic tumor microenvironment decreased adenosine triphosphate biosynthesis, which could further limit the cellular communication. Such a proposed strategy of interfering cellular communication has demonstrated its feasibility in this study, which may provide new perspectives for cancer therapy.

A β-1,3/1,6-glucan enhances anti-tumor effects of PD1 antibody by reprogramming tumor microenvironment

Checkpoint blockades have emerged as a frontline approach in cancer management, designed to enhance the adaptive immune response against tumors. However, its clinical efficacy is limited to a narrow range of tumor types, which necessitates the exploration of novel strategies that target another main branch of the immune system. One such potential strategy is the therapeutic modulation of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) pathways in innate immune cells, which have shown promise in tumor eradication. Previously, a β-1,3/1,6-glucan with high purity from Durvillaea antarctica (BG136) was reported by our group to exhibit pan-antitumor effects. In the current study, we systemically studied the antitumor activity of BG136 in combination with anti-PD1 antibody in MC38 syngeneic tumor model in vivo. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses suggested that BG136 enhanced the antitumor immunity of anti-PD1 antibody by reprogramming the tumor microenvironment to become more proinflammatory. In addition, an increase in innate and adaptive immune cell infiltration and activation, enhanced lipid metabolism, and a decrease in ascorbate and aldarate metabolism were also found. These findings provide mechanistic insights that support the potent antitumor efficacy of BG136 when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitor antibodies.

Elucidating the role of S100A10 in CD8+ T cell exhaustion and HCC immune escape via the cPLA2 and 5-LOX axis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor with a complex immune evasion mechanism posing a challenge to treatment. The role of the S100A10 gene in various cancers has garnered significant attention. This study aims to elucidate the impact of S100A10 on CD8+ T cell exhaustion via the cPLA2 and 5-LOX axis, thereby elucidating its role in immune evasion in HCC. By analyzing the HCC-related data from the GEO and TCGA databases, we identified differentially expressed genes associated with lipid metabolism and developed a prognostic risk model. Subsequently, through RNA-seq and PPI analyses, we determined vital lipid metabolism genes and downstream factors S100A10, ACOT7, and SMS, which were significantly correlated with CD8+ T cell infiltration. Given the most significant expression differences, we selected S100A10 for further investigation. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted, including co-culture experiments of CD8+ T cells with MHCC97-L cells, Co-IP experiments, and validation in an HCC mouse model. S100A10 was significantly overexpressed in HCC tissues and potentially regulates CD8+ T cell exhaustion and lipid metabolism reprogramming through the cPLA2 and 5-LOX axis. Silencing S100A10 could inhibit CD8+ T cell exhaustion, further suppressing immune evasion in HCC. S100A10 may activate the cPLA2 and 5-LOX axis, initiating lipid metabolism reprogramming and upregulating LTB4 levels, thus promoting CD8+ T cell exhaustion in HCC tissues, facilitating immune evasion by HCC cells, ultimately impacting the growth and migration of HCC cells. This research highlights the critical role of S100A10 via the cPLA2 and 5-LOX axis in immune evasion in HCC, providing new theoretical foundations and potential targets for diagnosing and treating HCC.

Nicotinamide metabolism face-off between macrophages and fibroblasts manipulates the microenvironment in gastric cancer

Immune checkpoint blockade has led to breakthroughs in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer. However, the prominent heterogeneity in gastric cancer, notably the heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment, highlights the idea that the antitumor response is a reflection of multifactorial interactions. Through transcriptomic analysis and dynamic plasma sample analysis, we identified a metabolic "face-off" mechanism within the tumor microenvironment, as shown by the dual prognostic significance of nicotinamide metabolism. Specifically, macrophages and fibroblasts expressing the rate-limiting enzymes nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase and nicotinamide N-methyltransferase, respectively, regulate the nicotinamide/1-methylnicotinamide ratio and CD8+ T cell function. Mechanistically, nicotinamide N-methyltransferase is transcriptionally activated by the NOTCH pathway transcription factor RBP-J and is further inhibited by macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles containing nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase via the SIRT1/NICD axis. Manipulating nicotinamide metabolism through autologous injection of extracellular vesicles restored CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity and the anti-PD-1 response in gastric cancer.

An artificial metabzyme for tumour-cell-specific metabolic therapy

Metabolic dysregulation constitutes a pivotal feature of cancer progression. Enzymes with multiple metal active sites play a major role in this process. Here we report the first metabolic-enzyme-like FeMoO4 nanocatalyst, dubbed 'artificial metabzyme'. It showcases dual active centres, namely, Fe2+ and tetrahedral Mo4+, that mirror the characteristic architecture of the archetypal metabolic enzyme xanthine oxidoreductase. Employing spatially dynamic metabolomics in conjunction with the assessments of tumour-associated metabolites, we demonstrate that FeMoO4 metabzyme catalyses the metabolic conversion of tumour-abundant xanthine into uric acid. Subsequent metabolic adjustments orchestrate crosstalk with immune cells, suggesting a potential therapeutic pathway for cancer. Our study introduces an innovative paradigm in cancer therapy, where tumour cells are metabolically reprogrammed to autonomously modulate and directly interface with immune cells through the intervention of an artificial metabzyme, for tumour-cell-specific metabolic therapy.

PARP inhibitor and immune checkpoint inhibitor have synergism efficacy in gallbladder cancer

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis. PARP inhibitors (PARPi) target PARP enzymes and have shown efficacy in patients with breast cancer gene (BRCA) mutations. Immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has transformed cancer treatment. However, the combined impact of PARPi and ICIs in GBC remains unclear. We present a groundbreaking case of a GBC patient with BRCA2 mutations who received combination therapy with PARPi and ICIs after failing multiple lines of treatment. Next-generation sequencing (NGS-Seq) identified BRCA gene mutations. To further investigate potential mechanisms, we developed a PARP1-BRCA1-BRCA2 pathway-related risk score (PBscore) system to evaluate the impact of PARPi on the tumor immune microenvironment via RNA-Seq data. Gene expression and functional analysis identified potential mechanisms associated with the PBscore. Experimental validation assessed the impact of the combination therapy on the tumor microenvironment using multiplexed immunofluorescence imaging and immunohistochemistry in patients with BRCA gene wild type or mutations. RNA-Seq analysis revealed correlations between PBscore, immune checkpoint levels, tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs), and the cancer-immunity cycle. Multiplexed immunofluorescence imaging validated that low PBscore patients might have an active tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, upon drug resistance, we observed an upregulation of negative immune checkpoints such as CEACAM1, indicating that the tumor immune microenvironment becomes suppressed after resistance. Our study revealed that PBscore could serve as a biomarker to predict immunotherapy efficacy, offering a promising alternative for BRCA2-mutated GBC patients.

Biomimetic Nucleic Acid Drug Delivery Systems for Relieving Tumor Immunosuppressive Microenvironment

Immunotherapy combats tumors by enhancing the body's immune surveillance and clearance of tumor cells. Various nucleic acid drugs can be used in immunotherapy, such as DNA expressing cytokines, mRNA tumor vaccines, small interfering RNAs (siRNA) knocking down immunosuppressive molecules, and oligonucleotides that can be used as immune adjuvants. Nucleic acid drugs, which are prone to nuclease degradation in the circulation and find it difficult to enter the target cells, typically necessitate developing appropriate vectors for effective in vivo delivery. Biomimetic drug delivery systems, derived from viruses, bacteria, and cells, can protect the cargos from degradation and clearance, and deliver them to the target cells to ensure safety. Moreover, they can activate the immune system through their endogenous activities and active components, thereby improving the efficacy of antitumor immunotherapeutic nucleic acid drugs. In this review, biomimetic nucleic acid delivery systems for relieving a tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment are introduced. Their immune activation mechanisms, including upregulating the proinflammatory cytokines, serving as tumor vaccines, inhibiting immune checkpoints, and modulating intratumoral immune cells, are elaborated. The advantages and disadvantages, as well as possible directions for their clinical translation, are summarized at last.

A New Ferroptosis-Related Long Non-Coding RNA Risk Model Predicts the Prognosis of Patients With Papillary Thyroid Cancer

Background

Ferroptosis is a novel form of regulated cell death that involves in cancer progression. However, the role of ferroptosis-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) remains to be elucidated. The purpose of this paper was to clarify the prognostic value of ferroptosis-related lncRNAs in PTC.

Methods

The transcriptome data and clinical information were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The correlation between ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) and lncRNA was determined using Pearson correlation analysis. Multivariate Cox regression model (P < 0.01) was performed to establish a ferroptosis-related lncRNAs risk model. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, risk curve and nomograms were then performed to assess the accuracy and clinical applicability of prognostic models. The correlations between the prognosis model and clinicopathological variables, immune and m6A were analyzed. Finally, in vitro assays were performed to verify the role of LINC00900, LINC01614 and PARAL1 on the proliferation, migration and invasion in TPC-1 and BCPAP cells, as well as the relationship between three lncRNAs and ferroptosis.

Results

A five-ferroptosis-related lncRNAs (PARAL1, LINC00900, DPH6-DT, LINC01614, LPP-AS2) risk model was constructed. Based on the risk score, samples were divided into the high- and low-risk groups. Patients in the low-risk group had better prognosis than those in high-risk group. Compared to traditional clinicopathological features, risk score was more accurate in predicting prognosis in patients with PTC. Additionally, the difference of immune cell, function and checkpoints was observed between two groups. Moreover, experiments showed that LINC00900 promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion in TPC-1 and BCPAP cells, while LINC01614 and PARAL1 revealed opposite effects, all of which were related to ferroptosis.

Conclusions

In summary, we identified a five-ferroptosis-related lncRNAs risk model to predict the prognosis of PTC. Furthermore, our study also revealed that LINC00900 functioned as a tumor suppressor lncRNA, LINC01614 and PARAL1 as an oncogenic lncRNA in PTC.

Research trends in lung cancer and the tumor microenvironment: a bibliometric analysis of studies published from 2014 to 2023

Background

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, which seriously threatens human life and health as well as brings a heavy burden to the society. In recent years, the tumor microenvironment (TME) has become an emerging research field and hotspot affecting tumor pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches. However, to date, there has been no bibliometric analysis of lung cancer and the tumor microenvironment from 2014 to 2023.This study aims to comprehensively summarize the current situation and development trends in the field from a bibliometric perspective.

Methods

The publications about lung cancer and the tumor microenvironment from 2014 to 2023 were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). The Microsoft Excel, Origin, R-bibliometrix, CiteSpace, and VOSviewer software are comprehensively used to scientifically analyze the data.

Results

Totally, 763 publications were identified in this study. A rapid increase in the number of publications was observed after 2018. More than 400 organizations published these publications in 36 countries or regions. China and the United States have significant influence in this field. Zhou, CC and Frontiers in Immunology are the most productive authors and journals respectively. Besides, the most frequently cited references were those on lung cancer pathogenesis, clinical trials, and treatment modalities. It suggests that novel lung cancer treatment models mainly based on the TME components, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) may lead to future research trends.

Conclusions

The field of lung cancer and the tumor microenvironment research is still in the beginning stages. Gene expression, molecular pathways, therapeutic modalities, and novel detection technologies in this field have been widely studied by researchers. This is the first bibliometric study to comprehensively summarize the research trend and development regarding lung cancer and tumor microenvironment over the last decade. The result of our research provides the updated perspective for scholars to understand the key information and cutting-edge hotspots in this field, as well as to identify future research directions.

Involvement of tumor immune microenvironment metabolic reprogramming in colorectal cancer progression, immune escape, and response to immunotherapy

Metabolic reprogramming is a k`ey hallmark of tumors, developed in response to hypoxia and nutrient deficiency during tumor progression. In both cancer and immune cells, there is a metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to aerobic glycolysis, also known as the Warburg effect, which then leads to lactate acidification, increased lipid synthesis, and glutaminolysis. This reprogramming facilitates tumor immune evasion and, within the tumor microenvironment (TME), cancer and immune cells collaborate to create a suppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). The growing interest in the metabolic reprogramming of the TME, particularly its significance in colorectal cancer (CRC)-one of the most prevalent cancers-has prompted us to explore this topic. CRC exhibits abnormal glycolysis, glutaminolysis, and increased lipid synthesis. Acidosis in CRC cells hampers the activity of anti-tumor immune cells and inhibits the phagocytosis of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), while nutrient deficiency promotes the development of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and M2-like macrophages. In CRC cells, activation of G-protein coupled receptor 81 (GPR81) signaling leads to overexpression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and reduces the antigen presentation capability of dendritic cells. Moreover, the genetic and epigenetic cell phenotype, along with the microbiota, significantly influence CRC metabolic reprogramming. Activating RAS mutations and overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) occur in approximately 50% and 80% of patients, respectively, stimulating glycolysis and increasing levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) and MYC proteins. Certain bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which activate CD8+ cells and genes involved in antigen processing and presentation, while other mechanisms support pro-tumor activities. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in selected CRC patients has shown promise, and the combination of these with drugs that inhibit aerobic glycolysis is currently being intensively researched to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy.

Sono-Triggered Cascade Lactate Depletion by Semiconducting Polymer Nanoreactors for Cuproptosis-Immunotherapy of Pancreatic Cancer

The high level of lactate in tumor microenvironment not only promotes tumor development and metastasis, but also induces immune escape, which often leads to failures of various tumor therapy strategies. We here report a sono-triggered cascade lactate depletion strategy by using semiconducting polymer nanoreactors (SPNLCu) for cancer cuproptosis-immunotherapy. The SPNLCu mainly contain a semiconducting polymer as sonosensitizer, lactate oxidase (LOx) conjugated via a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-cleavable linker and chelated Cu2+. Upon ultrasound (US) irradiation, the semiconducting polymer generates singlet oxygen (1O2) to cut ROS-cleavable linker to allow the release of LOx that catalyzes lactate depletion to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The Cu2+ will be reduced to Cu+ in tumor microenvironment, which reacts with the produced H2O2 to obtain hydroxyl radical (⋅OH) that further improves LOx release via destroying ROS-cleavable linkers. As such, sono-triggered cascade release of LOx achieves effective lactate depletion, thus relieving immunosuppressive roles of lactate. Moreover, the toxic Cu+ induces cuproptosis to cause immunogenic cell death (ICD) for activating antitumor immunological effect. SPNLCu are used to treat both subcutaneous and deep-tissue orthotopic pancreatic cancer with observably enhanced efficacy in restricting the tumor growths. This study thus provides a precise and effective lactate depletion tactic for cancer therapy.

Immune infiltration-related genes regulate the progression of AML by invading the bone marrow microenvironment

In this study, we try to find the pathogenic role of immune-related genes in the bone marrow microenvironment of AML. Through WGCNA, seven modules were obtained, among which the turquoise module containing 1793 genes was highly correlated with the immune infiltration score. By unsupervised clustering, the turquoise module was divided into two clusters: the intersection of clinically significant genes in the TCGA and DEGs to obtain 178 genes for mutation analysis, followed by obtaining 17 genes with high mutation frequency. Subsequently, these 17 genes were subjected to LASSO regression analysis to construct a riskscore model of 8 hub genes. The TIMER database, ImmuCellAI portal website, and ssGSEA elucidate that the hub genes and risk scores are closely related to immune cell infiltration into the bone marrow microenvironment. In addition, we also validated the relative expression levels of hub genes using the TCGA database and GSE114868, and additional expression levels of hub genes in AML cell lines in vitro. Therefore, we constructed an immune infiltration-related gene model that identify 8 hub genes with good risk stratification and predictive prognosis for AML.

Phosphoglycerate mutase 1 promotes breast cancer progression through inducing immunosuppressive M2 macrophages

Immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) contributes to tumor progression and causes major obstacles for cancer therapy. Phosphoglycerate mutase 1 (PGAM1) is a key enzyme involved in cancer metabolism while its role in remodeling TME remains unclear. In this study, we reported that PGAM1 suppression in breast cancer (BC) cells led to a decrease in M2 polarization, migration, and interleukin-10 (IL-10) production of macrophages. PGAM1 regulation on CCL2 expression was essential to macrophage recruitment, which further mediated by activating JAK-STAT pathway. Additionally, the CCL2/CCR2 axis was observed to participate in PGAM1-mediated immunosuppression via regulating PD-1 expression in macrophages. Combined targeting of PGAM1 and the CCL2/CCR2 axis led to a reduction in tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, clinical validation in BC tissues indicated a positive correlation between PGAM1, CCL2 and macrophage infiltration. Our study provides novel insights into the induction of immunosuppressive TME by PGAM1 and propose a new strategy for combination therapies targeting PGAM1 and macrophages in BC.

Immunometabolism of CD8+ T cell differentiation in cancer

CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are central mediators of tumor immunity and immunotherapies. Upon tumor antigen recognition, CTLs differentiate from naive/memory-like toward terminally exhausted populations with more limited function against tumors. Such differentiation is regulated by both immune signals, including T cell receptors (TCRs), co-stimulation, and cytokines, and metabolism-associated processes. These immune signals shape the metabolic landscape via signaling, transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms, while metabolic processes in turn exert spatiotemporal effects to modulate the strength and duration of immune signaling. Here, we review the bidirectional regulation between immune signals and metabolic processes, including nutrient uptake and intracellular metabolic pathways, in shaping CTL differentiation and exhaustion. We also discuss the mechanisms underlying how specific nutrient sources and metabolite-mediated signaling events orchestrate CTL biology. Understanding how metabolic programs and their interplay with immune signals instruct CTL differentiation and exhaustion is crucial to uncover tumor-immune interactions and design novel immunotherapies.

A Pathologically Friendly Strategy for Determining the Organ-specific Spatial Tumor Microenvironment Topology in Lung Adenocarcinoma Through the Integration of snRandom-seq and Imaging Mass Cytometry

Heterogeneous organ-specific responses to immunotherapy exist in lung cancer. Dissecting tumor microenvironment (TME) can provide new insights into the mechanisms of divergent responses, the process of which remains poor, partly due to the challenges associated with single-cell profiling using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) materials. In this study, single-cell nuclei RNA sequencing and imaging mass cytometry (IMC) are used to dissect organ-specific cellular and spatial TME based on FFPE samples from paired primary lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and metastases. Single-cell analyses of 84 294 cells from sequencing and 250 600 cells from IMC reveal divergent organ-specific immune niches. For sites of LUAD responding well to immunotherapy, including primary LUAD and adrenal gland metastases, a significant enrichment of B, plasma, and T cells is detected. Spatially resolved maps reveal cellular neighborhoods recapitulating functional units of the tumor ecosystem and the spatial proximity of B and CD4+ T cells at immunogenic sites. Various organ-specific densities of tertiary lymphoid structures are observed. Immunosuppressive sites, including brain and liver metastases, are deposited with collagen I, and T cells at these sites highly express TIM-3. This study originally deciphers the single-cell landscape of the organ-specific TME at both cellular and spatial levels for LUAD, indicating the necessity for organ-specific treatment approaches.

Identification of TNFAIP6 as a reliable prognostic indicator of low-grade glioma

Glioma is the most common primary malignant tumor in the brain, characterizing by high disability rate and high recurrence rate. Although low-grade glioma (LGG) has a relative benign biological behavior, the prognosis of LGG patients still varies greatly. Glioma stem cells (GSCs) are considered as the chief offenders of glioma cell proliferation, invasion and resistance to therapies. Our study screened a series of glioma stem cell-related genes (GSCRG) based on mDNAsi and WCGNA, and finally established a reliable single-gene prognostic model through 101 combinations of 10 machine learning methods. Our result suggested that the expression level of TNFAIP6 is negatively correlated with the prognosis of LGG patients, which may be the result of pro-cancer signaling pathways activation and immunosuppression. In general, this study revealed that TNFAIP6 is a robust and valuable prognostic factor in LGG, and may be a new target for LGG treatment.

Plasma metabolites as mediators in immune cell-pancreatic cancer risk: insights from Mendelian randomization

Background

Immune cells play a crucial role in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer, yet the causal relationship remains uncertain due to complex immune microenvironments and conflicting research findings. Mendelian randomization (MR), this study aims to delineate the causal relationships between immune cells and pancreatic cancer while identifying intermediary factors.

Methods

The genome-wide association study (GWAS) data on immune cells, pancreatic cancer, and plasma metabolites are derived from public databases. In this investigation, inverse variance weighting (IVW) as the primary analytical approach to investigate the causal relationship between exposure and outcome. Furthermore, this study incorporates MR-Egger, simple mode, weighted median, and weighted mode as supplementary analytical approaches. To ensure the reliability of our findings, we further assessed horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity and evaluated the stability of MR results using the Leave-one-out method. In conclusion, this study employed mediation analysis to elucidate the potential mediating effects of plasma metabolites.

Results

Our investigation revealed a causal relationship between immune cells and pancreatic cancer, highlighting the pivotal roles of CD11c+ monocytes (odds ratio, ORIVW=1.105; 95% confidence interval, 95%CI: 1.002-1.218; P=0.045), HLA DR+ CD4+ antigen-presenting cells (ORIVW=0.920; 95%CI: 0.873-0.968; P=0.001), and HLA DR+ CD8br T cells (ORIVW=1.058; 95%CI: 1.002-1.117; P=0.041) in pancreatic cancer progression. Further mediation analysis indicated that oxalate (proportion of mediation effect in total effect: -11.6%, 95% CI: -89.7%, 66.6%) and the mannose to trans-4-hydroxyproline ratio (-19.4, 95% CI: -136%, 96.8%) partially mediate the relationship between HLA DR+ CD8br T cells and pancreatic cancer in nature. In addition, our analysis indicates that adrenate (-8.39%, 95% CI: -18.3%, 1.54%) plays a partial mediating role in the association between CD11c+ monocyte and pancreatic cancer, while cortisone (-26.6%, 95% CI: 138%, -84.8%) acts as a partial mediator between HLA DR+ CD4+ AC and pancreatic cancer.

Conclusion

This MR investigation provides evidence supporting the causal relationship between immune cell and pancreatic cancer, with plasma metabolites serving as mediators. Identifying immune cell phenotypes with potential causal effects on pancreatic cancer sheds light on its underlying mechanisms and suggests novel therapeutic targets.

CircRNA Regulation of T Cells in Cancer: Unraveling Potential Targets

T lymphocytes play a critical role in antitumor immunity, but their exhaustion poses a significant challenge for immune evasion by malignant cells. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), characterized by their covalently closed looped structure, have emerged as pivotal regulators within the neoplastic landscape. Recent studies have highlighted their multifaceted roles in cellular processes, including gene expression modulation and protein function regulation, which are often disrupted in cancer. In this review, we systematically explore the intricate interplay between circRNAs and T cell modulation within the tumor microenvironment. By dissecting the regulatory mechanisms through which circRNAs impact T cell exhaustion, we aim to uncover pathways crucial for immune evasion and T cell dysfunction. These insights can inform innovative immunotherapeutic strategies targeting circRNA-mediated molecular pathways. Additionally, we discuss the translational potential of circRNAs as biomarkers for therapeutic response prediction and as intervention targets. Our comprehensive analysis aims to enhance the understanding of immune evasion dynamics in the tumor microenvironment by facilitating the development of precision immunotherapy.

Recreating metabolic interactions of the tumour microenvironment

Tumours are heterogeneous tissues containing diverse populations of cells and an abundant extracellular matrix (ECM). This tumour microenvironment prompts cancer cells to adapt their metabolism to survive and grow. Besides epigenetic factors, the metabolism of cancer cells is shaped by crosstalk with stromal cells and extracellular components. To date, most experimental models neglect the complexity of the tumour microenvironment and its relevance in regulating the dynamics of the metabolism in cancer. We discuss emerging strategies to model cellular and extracellular aspects of cancer metabolism. We highlight cancer models based on bioengineering, animal, and mathematical approaches to recreate cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions and patient-specific metabolism. Combining these approaches will improve our understanding of cancer metabolism and support the development of metabolism-targeting therapies.

Immune-related signature identifies IL1R2 as an immunological and prognostic biomarker in pancreatic cancer

Objective

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive malignancies, a robust prognostic signature and novel biomarkers are urgently needed for accurate stratification of the patients and optimization of clinical decision-making.

Methods

A list of bioinformatic analysis were applied in public dataset to construct an immune-related signature. Furthermore, the most pivotal gene in the signature was identified. The potential mechanism of the core gene function was revealed through GSEA, CIBERSORT, ESTIMATE, immunophenoscore (IPS) algorithm, single-cell analysis, and functional experiment.

Results

An immune-related prognostic signature and associated nomogram were constructed and validated. Among the genes constituting the signature, interleukin 1 receptor type II (IL1R2) was identified as the gene occupying the most paramount position in the risk signature. Meanwhile, knockdown of IL1R2 significantly inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration ability of pancreatic cancer cells. Additionally, high IL1R2 expression was associated with reduced CD8+ T cell infiltration in pancreatic cancer microenvironment, which may be due to high programmed cell death-ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression in cancer cells. Finally, the IPS algorithm proved that patients with high IL1R2 expression possessed a higher tumor mutation burden and a higher probability of benefiting from immunotherapy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study constructed an efficient immune-related prognostic signature and identified the key role of IL1R2 in the development of pancreatic cancer, as well as its potential to serve as a biomarker for immunotherapy efficacy prediction for pancreatic cancer.

Reconciling the Cooperative-Competitive Patterns among Tumor and Immune Cells for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Treatment Using Multimodule Nanocomplexes

Targeting the competitive-cooperative relationships among tumor cells and various immune cells can efficiently reverse the immune-dysfunction microenvironment to boost the immunotherapies for the triple-negative breast cancer treatment. Hence, a bacterial outer membrane vesicle-based nanocomplex is designed for specifically targeting malignant cells and immune cells to reconcile the relationships based on metabolic-immune crosstalk. By uniquely utilizing the property of charge-reversal polymers to realize function separation, the nanocomplexes could synergistically regulate tumor cells and immune cells. This approach could reshape the immunosuppressive competition-cooperation pattern into one that is immune-responsive, showcasing significant potential for inducing tumor remission in TNBC models.

Mitochondrial quality control in human health and disease

Mitochondria, the most crucial energy-generating organelles in eukaryotic cells, play a pivotal role in regulating energy metabolism. However, their significance extends beyond this, as they are also indispensable in vital life processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, immune responses, and redox balance. In response to various physiological signals or external stimuli, a sophisticated mitochondrial quality control (MQC) mechanism has evolved, encompassing key processes like mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial dynamics, and mitophagy, which have garnered increasing attention from researchers to unveil their specific molecular mechanisms. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of the primary mechanisms and functions of key regulators involved in major components of MQC. Furthermore, the critical physiological functions regulated by MQC and its diverse roles in the progression of various systemic diseases have been described in detail. We also discuss agonists or antagonists targeting MQC, aiming to explore potential therapeutic and research prospects by enhancing MQC to stabilize mitochondrial function.

Glioma-derived exosome Lncrna Agap2-As1 promotes glioma proliferation and metastasis by mediating Tgf-β1 secretion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells

Background

Glioma (GBM) is the most prevalent malignancy worldwide with high morbidity and mortality. Exosome-mediated transfer of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) has been reported to be associated with human cancers, containing GBM. Meanwhile, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a vital role in mediating the immunosuppressive environments in GBM.

Objectives

This study is designed to explore the role and mechanism of exosomal (Exo) lncRNA AGAP2-AS1 on the MDSC pathway in GBM.

Methods

AGAP2-AS1, microRNA-486-3p (miR-486-3p), and Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) levels were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were detected by 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), flow cytometry, and Transwell assays. E-cadherin, Vimentin, CD9, CD81, and TGF-β1 protein levels were examined using Western blot. Exosomes were detected by a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Binding between miR-486-3p and AGAP2-AS1 or TGF-β1 was predicted by LncBase or TargetScan and then verified using a dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Results

AGAP2-AS1 was highly expressed in GBM tissues and cells. Functionally, AGAP2-AS1 absence or TGF-β1 knockdown repressed tumor cell growth and metastasis. Furthermore, Exo-AGAP2-AS1 from GBM cells regulated TGF-β1 expression via sponging miR-486-3p in MDSCs. Exo-AGAP2-AS1 upregulation facilitated GBM cell growth and metastasis via the MDSC pathway.

Conclusion

Exo-AGAP2-AS1 boosted GBM cell development partly by regulating the MDSC pathway, hinting at a promising therapeutic target for GBM treatment.

Mn-Based Artificial Mitochondrial Complex "VI" Acts as an Electron and Free Radical Conversion Factory to Suppress Macrophage Inflammatory Response

Disturbance in the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is a key factor in the emerging discovery of immune cell activation in inflammatory diseases, yet specific regulation of ETC homeostasis is extremely challenging. In this paper, a mitochondrial complex biomimetic nanozyme (MCBN), which plays the role of an artificial "VI" complex and acts as an electron and free radical conversion factory to regulate ETC homeostasis is creatively developed. MCBN is composed of bovine serum albumin (BSA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and triphenylphosphine (TPP) hierarchically encapsulating MnO2 polycrystalline particles. It has nanoscale size and biological properties like natural complexes. In vivo and in vitro experiments confirm that MCBN can target the mitochondrial complexes of inflammatory macrophages, absorb excess electrons in ETC, and convert the electrons to decompose H2O2. By reducing the ROS and ATP bursts and converting existing free radicals, inhibiting NLRP3 inflammatory vesicle activation and NF-κB signaling pathway, MCBN effectively suppresses macrophage M1 activation and inflammatory factor secretion. It also demonstrates good inflammation control and significantly alleviates alveolar bone loss in a mouse model of ligation-induced periodontitis. This is the first nanozyme that mimics the mitochondrial complex and regulates ETC, demonstrating the potential application of MCBN in immune diseases.

Overexpressed KCNK1 regulates potassium channels affecting molecular mechanisms and biological pathways in bladder cancer

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to explore the expression, molecular mechanism and its biological function of potassium two pore domain channel subfamily K member 1 (KCNK1) in bladder cancer (BC).

METHODS

We integrated large numbers of external samples (n = 1486) to assess KCNK1 mRNA expression levels and collected in-house samples (n = 245) for immunohistochemistry (IHC) experiments to validate at the KCNK1 protein level. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis was performed to further assess KCNK1 expression and cellular communication. The transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of KCNK1 expression were explored by ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq and ChIA-PET data. Highly expressed co-expressed genes (HECEGs) of KCNK1 were used to explore potential signalling pathways. Furthermore, the immunoassay, clinical significance and molecular docking of KCNK1 were calculated.

RESULTS

KCNK1 mRNA was significantly overexpressed in BC (SMD = 0.58, 95% CI [0.05; 1.11]), validated at the protein level (p < 0.0001). Upregulated KCNK1 mRNA exhibited highly distinguishing ability between BC and control samples (AUC = 0.82 [0.78-0.85]). Further, scRNA-seq analysis revealed that KCNK1 expression was predominantly clustered in BC epithelial cells and tended to increase with cellular differentiation. BC epithelial cells were involved in cellular communication mainly through the MK signalling pathway. Secondly, the KCNK1 transcription start site (TSS) showed promoter-enhancer interactions in three-dimensional space, while being transcriptionally regulated by GRHL2 and FOXA1. Most of the KCNK1 HECEGs were enriched in cell cycle-related signalling pathways. KCNK1 was mainly involved in cellular metabolism-related pathways and regulated cell membrane potassium channel activity. KCNK1 expression was associated with the level of infiltration of various immune cells. Immunotherapy and chemotherapy (docetaxel, paclitaxel and vinblastine) were more effective in BC patients in the high KCNK1 expression group. KCNK1 expression correlated with age, pathology grade and pathologic_M in BC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

KCNK1 was significantly overexpressed in BC. A complex and sophisticated three-dimensional spatial transcriptional regulatory network existed in the KCNK1 TSS and promoted the upregulated of KCNK1 expression. The high expression of KCNK1 might be involved in the cell cycle, cellular metabolism, and tumour microenvironment through the regulation of potassium channels, and ultimately contributed to the deterioration of BC.

Proteomic studies of VEGFR2 in human placentas reveal protein associations with preeclampsia, diabetes, gravidity, and labor

VEGFR2 (Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2) is a central regulator of placental angiogenesis. The study of the VEGFR2 proteome of chorionic villi at term revealed its partners MDMX (Double minute 4 protein) and PICALM (Phosphatidylinositol-binding clathrin assembly protein). Subsequently, the oxytocin receptor (OT-R) and vasopressin V1aR receptor were detected in MDMX and PICALM immunoprecipitations. Immunogold electron microscopy showed VEGFR2 on endothelial cell (EC) nuclei, mitochondria, and Hofbauer cells (HC), tissue-resident macrophages of the placenta. MDMX, PICALM, and V1aR were located on EC plasma membranes, nuclei, and HC nuclei. Unexpectedly, PICALM and OT-R were detected on EC projections into the fetal lumen and OT-R on 20-150 nm clusters therein, prompting the hypothesis that placental exosomes transport OT-R to the fetus and across the blood-brain barrier. Insights on gestational complications were gained by univariable and multivariable regression analyses associating preeclampsia with lower MDMX protein levels in membrane extracts of chorionic villi, and lower MDMX, PICALM, OT-R, and V1aR with spontaneous vaginal deliveries compared to cesarean deliveries before the onset of labor. We found select associations between higher MDMX, PICALM, OT-R protein levels and either gravidity, diabetes, BMI, maternal age, or neonatal weight, and correlations only between PICALM-OT-R (p < 2.7 × 10-8), PICALM-V1aR (p < 0.006), and OT-R-V1aR (p < 0.001). These results offer for exploration new partnerships in metabolic networks, tissue-resident immunity, and labor, notably for HC that predominantly express MDMX.

Metabolic plasticity of T cell fate decision

ABSTRACT

The efficacy of adaptive immune responses in cancer treatment relies heavily on the state of the T cells. Upon antigen exposure, T cells undergo metabolic reprogramming, leading to the development of functional effectors or memory populations. However, within the tumor microenvironment (TME), metabolic stress impairs CD8 + T cell anti-tumor immunity, resulting in exhausted differentiation. Recent studies suggested that targeting T cell metabolism could offer promising therapeutic opportunities to enhance T cell immunotherapy. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the intrinsic and extrinsic factors necessary for metabolic reprogramming during the development of effector and memory T cells in response to acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, we delved into the different metabolic switches that occur during T cell exhaustion, exploring how prolonged metabolic stress within the TME triggers alterations in cellular metabolism and the epigenetic landscape that contribute to T cell exhaustion, ultimately leading to a persistently exhausted state. Understanding the intricate relationship between T cell metabolism and cancer immunotherapy can lead to the development of novel approaches to improve the efficacy of T cell-based treatments against cancer.

Tumor-Host Cometabolism Collaborates to Shape Cancer Immunity

SUMMARY

Nutrients are essential for supporting tumor growth and immune cell function in the tumor microenvironment, but emerging evidence reveals a paradoxical competition and collaboration between the metabolic demands of proliferating cancer cells and immune cell activation. Dietary interventions and metabolic immunoengineering offer promise to selectively modulate cancer and immune cell metabolism by targeting metabolic sensing processes rather than pathways directly, moving beyond conventional ideas and heralding an exciting new era of immunometabolism discovery and translation.

Dietary elaidic acid boosts tumoral antigen presentation and cancer immunity via ACSL5

Immunomodulatory effects of long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) and their activating enzyme, acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) synthetase long-chain family (ACSL), in the tumor microenvironment remain largely unknown. Here, we find that ACSL5 functions as an immune-dependent tumor suppressor. ACSL5 expression sensitizes tumors to PD-1 blockade therapy in vivo and the cytotoxicity mediated by CD8+ T cells in vitro via regulation of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I)-mediated antigen presentation. Through screening potential substrates for ACSL5, we further identify that elaidic acid (EA), a trans LCFA that has long been considered harmful to human health, phenocopies to enhance MHC-I expression. EA supplementation can suppress tumor growth and sensitize PD-1 blockade therapy. Clinically, ACSL5 expression is positively associated with improved survival in patients with lung cancer, and plasma EA level is also predictive for immunotherapy efficiency. Our findings provide a foundation for enhancing immunotherapy through either targeting ACSL5 or metabolic reprogramming of antigen presentation via dietary EA supplementation.

Fibroblast growth factor inhibition by molecular-targeted agents mitigates immunosuppressive tissue microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Combination immunotherapy refers to the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and molecular-targeted agents (MTA), which have recently been approved for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Owing to its relatively low antitumor effect (up to 30%), sequential therapy following ICIs treatment is required in patients with HCC. This study aimed to determine the impact of MTAs on the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME).

METHODS

We established immune syngeneic orthotopic HCC mouse models using Hep-55.1C and Hep-53.4, and treated them with MTAs (lenvatinib, sorafenib, regorafenib, cabozantinib, and DC101 as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 antibodies, and AZD4547 as a fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)-1/2/3/4 inhibitor) for 2 weeks. Subsequently, alterations in the TIME caused by MTAs were evaluated using immunohistochemistry (antibodies for CD3, CD8, Foxp3, Granzyme B, Arginase-1, NK1.1, F4/80, CD11c, PD-1, and PD-L1). We conducted RNA-seq analysis using lenvatinib- and AZD4547-treated tumors. To confirm the clinical relevance of these findings, we analyzed the transcriptome data of human HCC cells (MHCC-97H) treated with various concentrations of lenvatinib for 24 h using RNA-seq data from the Gene Expression Omnibus database.

RESULTS

The number of Foxp3- and F4/80-positive cells in the TIME was decreased in many MTAs. Cabozantinib increased the numbers in NK1.1-, Granzyme B, and CD11c-positive cells. Lenvatinib and AZD4547 increased the number of CD8, Granzyme B, and PD-L1-positive cells. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that lipid metabolism-related genes were downregulated by lenvatinib and AZD4547. In total, 161 genes downregulated by FGFR inhibition in rodent models overlapped with those downregulated by lenvatinib in human HCC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we showed that cabozantinib activated the innate immune system, and lenvatinib and AZD4547, which commonly inhibit FGFR signaling, altered TIME to a hot immune state by downregulating lipid metabolism-related genes. These findings support the therapeutic use of combination immunotherapies.

Kynurenine in IDO1high cancer cell-derived extracellular vesicles promotes angiogenesis by inducing endothelial mitophagy in ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

Mitophagy, a prominent cellular homeostasis process, has been implicated in modulating endothelial cell function. Emerging evidence suggests that extracellular vesicles (EVs) participate in intercellular communication, which could modulate tumor angiogenesis, a hallmark of ovarian cancer (OC) progression. However, the underlying mechanisms through how EVs regulate endothelial mitophagy associated with tumor angiogenesis during OC development remain obscure.

METHODS

The effect of cancer cell-derived EVs on endothelial mitophagy and its correlation with tumor angiogenesis and OC development were explored by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Multi-omics integration analysis was employed to identify potential regulatory mechanisms of cancer cell-derived EVs on endothelial mitophagy, which is involved in tumor angiogenesis associated with OC development. These insights were then further corroborated through additional experiments. An orthotopic OC mouse model was constructed to assess the antiangiogenic and therapeutic potential of the Indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase-1 (IDO1) inhibitor.

RESULTS

Cancer cell-derived EVs promoted tumor angiogenesis via the activation of endothelial mitophagy, contributing to the growth and metastasis of OC. The aberrantly high expression of IDO1 mediated abnormal tryptophan metabolism in cancer cells and promoted the secretion of L-kynurenine (L-kyn)-enriched EVs, with associated high levels of L-kyn in EVs isolated from both the tumor tissues and patient plasma in OC. EVs derived from IDO1high ovarian cancer cells elevated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD +) levels in endothelial cells via delivering L-kyn. Besides, IDO1high ovarian cancer cell-derived EVs upregulated sirt3 expression in endothelial cells by increasing acetylation modification. These findings are crucial for promoting endothelial mitophagy correlated with tumor angiogenesis. Notably, both endothelial mitophagy and tumor angiogenesis could be suppressed by the IDO1 inhibitor in the orthotopic OC mouse model.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, our findings unveil a mechanism of mitophagy in OC angiogenesis and indicate the clinical relevance of EV enriched L-kyn as a potential biomarker for tumorigenesis and progression. Additionally, IDO1 inhibitors might become an alternative option for OC adjuvant therapy.

A glutamine tug-of-war between cancer and immune cells: recent advances in unraveling the ongoing battle

Glutamine metabolism plays a pivotal role in cancer progression, immune cell function, and the modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Dysregulated glutamine metabolism has been implicated in cancer development and immune responses, supported by mounting evidence. Cancer cells heavily rely on glutamine as a critical nutrient for survival and proliferation, while immune cells require glutamine for activation and proliferation during immune reactions. This metabolic competition creates a dynamic tug-of-war between cancer and immune cells. Targeting glutamine transporters and downstream enzymes involved in glutamine metabolism holds significant promise in enhancing anti-tumor immunity. A comprehensive understanding of the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying this interplay is crucial for developing innovative therapeutic approaches that improve anti-tumor immunity and patient outcomes. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in unraveling the tug-of-war of glutamine metabolism between cancer and immune cells and explore potential applications of basic science discoveries in the clinical setting. Further investigations into the regulation of glutamine metabolism in cancer and immune cells are expected to yield valuable insights, paving the way for future therapeutic interventions.

Nutrients: Signal 4 in T cell immunity

T cells are integral in mediating adaptive immunity to infection, autoimmunity, and cancer. Upon immune challenge, T cells exit from a quiescent state, followed by clonal expansion and effector differentiation. These processes are shaped by three established immune signals, namely antigen stimulation (Signal 1), costimulation (Signal 2), and cytokines (Signal 3). Emerging findings reveal that nutrients, including glucose, amino acids, and lipids, are crucial regulators of T cell responses and interplay with Signals 1-3, highlighting nutrients as Signal 4 to license T cell immunity. Here, we first summarize the functional importance of Signal 4 and the underlying mechanisms of nutrient transport, sensing, and signaling in orchestrating T cell activation and quiescence exit. We also discuss the roles of nutrients in programming T cell differentiation and functional fitness and how nutrients can be targeted to improve disease therapy. Understanding how T cells respond to Signal 4 nutrients in microenvironments will provide insights into context-dependent functions of adaptive immunity and therapeutic interventions.

Polyphenol nanocomplex modulates lactate metabolic reprogramming and elicits immune responses to enhance cancer therapeutic effect

Cancer lactate metabolic reprogramming induces an elevated level of extracellular lactate and H+, leading to an acidic immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TEM). High lactic acid level may affect the metabolic programs of various cells that comprise an antitumor immune response, therefore, restricting immune-mediated tumor destruction, and leading to therapeutic resistance and unsatisfactory prognosis. Here, we report a metal-phenolic coordination-based nanocomplex loaded with a natural polyphenol galloflavin, which inhibits the function of lactate dehydrogenase, reducing the production of lactic acid, and alleviating the acidic immunosuppressive TME. Besides, the co-entrapped natural polyphenol carnosic acid and the synthetic PEG-Ce6 polyphenol derivative (serving as a photosensitizer) could induce immunogenic cancer cell death upon laser irradiation, which further activates immune system and promotes immune cell recruitment and infiltration in tumor tissues. We demonstrated that this nanocomplex-based combinational therapy could reshape the TME and elicit immune responses in a murine breast cancer model, which provides a promising strategy to enhance the therapeutic efficiency of drug-resistant breast cancer.

Intratumoral Lactate Depletion Based on Injectable Nanoparticles-Hydrogel Composite System Synergizes with Immunotherapy against Postablative Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence

Thermal ablation is a crucial therapeutic modality for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its efficacy is often hindered by the high recurrence rate attributed to insufficient ablation. Furthermore, the residual tumors following insufficient ablation exhibit a more pronounced immunosuppressive state, which accelerates the disease progression and leads to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) resistance. Herein, evidence is presented that heightened intratumoral lactate accumulation, stemming from the augmented glycolytic activity of postablative residual HCC cells, may serve as a crucial driving force in exacerbating the immunosuppressive state of the tumor microenvironment (TME). To address this, an injectable nanoparticles-hydrogel composite system (LOX-MnO2 @Gel) is designed that gradually releases lactate oxidase (LOX)-loaded hollow mesoporous MnO2 nanoparticles at the tumor site to continuously deplete intratumoral lactate via a cascade catalytic reaction. Using subcutaneous and orthotopic HCC tumor-bearing mouse models, it is confirmed that LOX-MnO2 @Gel-mediated local lactate depletion can transform the immunosuppressive postablative TME into an immunocompetent one and synergizes with ICB therapy to significantly inhibit residual HCC growth and lung metastasis, thereby prolonging the survival of mice postablation. The work proposes an appealing strategy for synergistically combining antitumor metabolic therapy with immunotherapy to combat postablative HCC recurrence.

Fatty acid metabolism-related lncRNA prognostic signature for serous ovarian carcinoma

Background: To explore the role of fatty acid metabolism (FAM)-related lncRNAs in the prognosis and antitumor immunity of serous ovarian cancer (SOC). Materials & methods: A SOC FAM-related lncRNA risk model was developed and evaluated by a series of analyses. Additional immune-related analyses were performed to further assess the associations between immune state, tumor microenvironment and the prognostic risk model. Results: Five lncRNAs associated with the FAM genes were found and used to create a predictive risk model. The patients with a low-risk profile exhibited favorable prognostic outcomes. Conclusion: The established prognostic risk model exhibits better predictive capabilities for the prognosis of patients with SOC and offers novel potential therapy targets for SOC.

HKDC1 promotes tumor immune evasion in hepatocellular carcinoma by coupling cytoskeleton to STAT1 activation and PD-L1 expression

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has shown considerable promise for treating various malignancies, but only a subset of cancer patients benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy because of immune evasion and immune-related adverse events (irAEs). The mechanisms underlying how tumor cells regulate immune cell response remain largely unknown. Here we show that hexokinase domain component 1 (HKDC1) promotes tumor immune evasion in a CD8+ T cell-dependent manner by activating STAT1/PD-L1 in tumor cells. Mechanistically, HKDC1 binds to and presents cytosolic STAT1 to IFNGR1 on the plasma membrane following IFNγ-stimulation by associating with cytoskeleton protein ACTA2, resulting in STAT1 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. HKDC1 inhibition in combination with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 enhances in vivo T cell antitumor response in liver cancer models in male mice. Clinical sample analysis indicates a correlation among HKDC1 expression, STAT1 phosphorylation, and survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with atezolizumab (anti-PD-L1). These findings reveal a role for HKDC1 in regulating immune evasion by coupling cytoskeleton with STAT1 activation, providing a potential combination strategy to enhance antitumor immune responses.

Immunosurveillance encounters cancer metabolism

Tumor cells reprogram nutrient acquisition and metabolic pathways to meet their energetic, biosynthetic, and redox demands. Similarly, metabolic processes in immune cells support host immunity against cancer and determine differentiation and fate of leukocytes. Thus, metabolic deregulation and imbalance in immune cells within the tumor microenvironment have been reported to drive immune evasion and to compromise therapeutic outcomes. Interestingly, emerging evidence indicates that anti-tumor immunity could modulate tumor heterogeneity, aggressiveness, and metabolic reprogramming, suggesting that immunosurveillance can instruct cancer progression in multiple dimensions. This review summarizes our current understanding of how metabolic crosstalk within tumors affects immunogenicity of tumor cells and promotes cancer progression. Furthermore, we explain how defects in the metabolic cascade can contribute to developing dysfunctional immune responses against cancers and discuss the contribution of immunosurveillance to these defects as a feedback mechanism. Finally, we highlight ongoing clinical trials and new therapeutic strategies targeting cellular metabolism in cancer.

Tumor cell metabolic reprogramming and hypoxic immunosuppression: driving carcinogenesis to metastatic colonization

A significant factor in the antitumor immune response is the increased metabolic reprogramming of immunological and malignant cells. Increasing data points to the fact that cancer metabolism affects not just cancer signaling, which is essential for maintaining carcinogenesis and survival, but also the expression of immune cells and immune-related factors such as lactate, PGE2, arginine, IDO, which regulate the antitumor immune signaling mechanism. In reality, this energetic interaction between the immune system and the tumor results in metabolic competition in the tumor ecosystem, limiting the amount of nutrients available and causing microenvironmental acidosis, which impairs the ability of immune cells to operate. More intriguingly, different types of immune cells use metabolic reprogramming to keep the body and self in a state of homeostasis. The process of immune cell proliferation, differentiation, and performance of effector functions, which is crucial to the immune response, are currently being linked to metabolic reprogramming. Here, we cover the regulation of the antitumor immune response by metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells and immune cells as well as potential strategies for metabolic pathway targeting in the context of anticancer immunotherapy. We also discuss prospective immunotherapy-metabolic intervention combinations that might be utilized to maximize the effectiveness of current immunotherapy regimes.