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Blunt MD, Fisher H, Schittenhelm RB, Mbiribindi B, Fulton R, Khan S, Espana-Serrano L, Graham LV, Bastidas-Legarda L, Burns D, Khakoo SM, Mansour S, Essex JW, Ayala R, Das J, Purcell AW, Khakoo SI. The nuclear export protein XPO1 provides a peptide ligand for natural killer cells. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eado6566. [PMID: 39178254 PMCID: PMC11343027 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ado6566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/25/2024]
Abstract
XPO1 (Exportin-1/CRM1) is a nuclear export protein that is frequently overexpressed in cancer and functions as a driver of oncogenesis. Currently small molecules that target XPO1 are being used in the clinic as anticancer agents. We identify XPO1 as a target for natural killer (NK) cells. Using immunopeptidomics, we have identified a peptide derived from XPO1 that can be recognized by the activating NK cell receptor KIR2DS2 in the context of human leukocyte antigen-C. The peptide can be endogenously processed and presented to activate NK cells specifically through this receptor. Although high XPO1 expression in cancer is commonly associated with a poor prognosis, we show that the outcome of specific cancers, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, can be substantially improved if there is concomitant evidence of NK cell infiltration. We thus identify XPO1 as a bona fide tumor antigen recognized by NK cells that offers an opportunity for a personalized approach to NK cell therapy for solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D. Blunt
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Hayden Fisher
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ralf B. Schittenhelm
- Monash Proteomics & Metabolomics Platform, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Berenice Mbiribindi
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Rebecca Fulton
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Sajida Khan
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Laura Espana-Serrano
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Lara V. Graham
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Leidy Bastidas-Legarda
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Monash Proteomics & Metabolomics Platform, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, and The Department of Pediatrics, Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Daniel Burns
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Sophie M.S. Khakoo
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Salah Mansour
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jonathan W. Essex
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Rochelle Ayala
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jayajit Das
- Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, and The Department of Pediatrics, Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Anthony W. Purcell
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Salim I. Khakoo
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Souza IDF, Vieira JPDJ, Bonifácio ED, Avelar Freitas BAD, Torres LAG. The Microenvironment of Solid Tumors: Components and Current Challenges of Tumor-on-a-Chip Models. TISSUE ENGINEERING. PART B, REVIEWS 2024. [PMID: 39007523 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2024.0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Solid tumors represent the most common type of cancer in humans and are classified into sarcomas, lymphomas, and carcinomas based on the originating cells. Among these, carcinomas, which arise from epithelial and glandular cells lining the body's tissues, are the most prevalent. Around the world, a significant increase in the incidence of solid tumors is observed during recent years. In this context, efforts to discover more effective cancer treatments have led to a deeper understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and its components. Currently, the interactions between cancer cells and elements of the TME are being intensely investigated. Remarkable progress in research is noted, largely owing to the development of advanced in vitro models, such as tumor-on-a-chip models that assist in understanding and ultimately discovering new effective treatments for a specific type of cancer. The purpose of this article is to provide a review of the TME and cancer cell components, along with the advances on tumor-on-a-chip models designed to mimic tumors, offering a perspective on the current state of the art. Recent studies using this kind of microdevices that reproduce the TME have allowed a better understanding of the cancer and its treatments. Nevertheless, current applications of this technology present some limitations that must be overcome to achieve a broad application by researchers looking for a deeper knowledge of cancer and new strategies to improve current therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilva de Fátima Souza
- Institute of Science and Technology, Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina, Brazil
| | - João Paulo de Jesus Vieira
- Institute of Science and Technology, Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina, Brazil
- School of Medicine, Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina, Brazil
| | - Elton Diêgo Bonifácio
- Institute of Science and Technology, Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina, Brazil
| | - Bethânia Alves de Avelar Freitas
- Institute of Science and Technology, Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina, Brazil
- School of Medicine, Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina, Brazil
| | - Libardo Andres Gonzalez Torres
- Institute of Science and Technology, Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina, Brazil
- School of Medicine, Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina, Brazil
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3
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Meng M, Zhong Z, Song L, Zhang Z, Yin X, Xie X, Tian L, Wu W, Yang Y, Deng Y, Peng H, Wu S, Ran G, Lin Y, Lai Q, Bi Q, Yan F, Ji Y, Wang Y, Li X, Yi P, Yu J, Deng Y. mTOR Signaling Promotes Rapid m6A mRNA Methylation to Regulate NK-Cell Activation and Effector Functions. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:1039-1057. [PMID: 38640466 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
NK cells can be rapidly activated in response to cytokines during host defense against malignant cells or viral infection. However, it remains unclear what mechanisms precisely and rapidly regulate the expression of a large number of genes involved in activating NK cells. In this study, we discovered that NK-cell N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation levels were rapidly upregulated upon short-term NK-cell activation and were repressed in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Deficiency of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) or METTL14 moderately influenced NK-cell homeostasis, while double-knockout of METTL3/14 more significantly impacted NK-cell homeostasis, maturation, and antitumor immunity. This suggests a cooperative role of METTL3 and METTL14 in regulating NK-cell development and effector functions. Using methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing, we demonstrated that genes involved in NK-cell effector functions, such as Prf1 and Gzmb, were directly modified by m6A methylation. Furthermore, inhibiting mTOR complex 1 activation prevented m6A methylation levels from increasing when NK cells were activated, and this could be restored by S-adenosylmethionine supplementation. Collectively, we have unraveled crucial roles for rapid m6A mRNA methylation downstream of the mTOR complex 1-S-adenosylmethionine signal axis in regulating NK-cell activation and effector functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Meng
- Department of Clinical Hematology, College of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zhong
- The Fifth People's Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Liang Song
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhaohui Zhang
- Department of Clinical Hematology, College of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Yin
- Department of Clinical Hematology, College of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiqiang Xie
- Department of Clinical Hematology, College of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Tian
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Wei Wu
- Thoracic Surgery Department, Southwest Hospital, The First Hospital Affiliated to Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yao Yang
- Department of Clinical Hematology, College of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yafei Deng
- Pediatrics Research Institute of Hunan Province, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Hongyan Peng
- Pediatrics Research Institute of Hunan Province, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Shuting Wu
- Pediatrics Research Institute of Hunan Province, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Guanghe Ran
- Department of Clinical Hematology, College of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuqing Lin
- Department of Clinical Hematology, College of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiangqiang Lai
- Department of Clinical Hematology, College of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qinghua Bi
- Department of Clinical Hematology, College of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fulin Yan
- Department of Clinical Hematology, College of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Ji
- Department of Clinical Hematology, College of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Department of Clinical Hematology, College of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Youcai Deng
- Department of Clinical Hematology, College of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Choi WS, Kwon H, Yi E, Lee H, Kim JM, Park HJ, Choi EJ, Choi ME, Sung YH, Won CH, Sung CO, Kim HS. HPK1 Dysregulation-Associated NK Cell Dysfunction and Defective Expansion Promotes Metastatic Melanoma Progression. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2400920. [PMID: 38828677 PMCID: PMC11304315 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Distant metastasis, the leading cause of cancer death, is efficiently kept in check by immune surveillance. Studies have uncovered peripheral natural killer (NK) cells as key antimetastatic effectors and their dysregulation during metastasis. However, the molecular mechanism governing NK cell dysfunction links to metastasis remains elusive. Herein, MAP4K1 encoding HPK1 is aberrantly overexpressed in dysfunctional NK cells in the periphery and the metastatic site. Conditional HPK1 overexpression in NK cells suffices to exacerbate melanoma lung metastasis but not primary tumor growth. Conversely, MAP4K1-deficient mice are resistant to metastasis and further protected by combined immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Mechanistically, HPK1 restrains NK cell cytotoxicity and expansion via activating receptors. Likewise, HPK1 limits human NK cell activation and associates with melanoma NK cell dysfunction couples to TGF-β1 and patient response to immune checkpoint therapy. Thus, HPK1 is an intracellular checkpoint controlling NK-target cell responses, which is dysregulated and hijacked by tumors during metastatic progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo Seon Choi
- Department of MicrobiologyStem Cell Immunomodulation Research CenterAsan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul05505Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung‐Joon Kwon
- Department of MicrobiologyStem Cell Immunomodulation Research CenterAsan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul05505Republic of Korea
| | - Eunbi Yi
- Department of MicrobiologyStem Cell Immunomodulation Research CenterAsan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul05505Republic of Korea
| | - Haeun Lee
- Department of MicrobiologyStem Cell Immunomodulation Research CenterAsan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul05505Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Min Kim
- Department of MicrobiologyStem Cell Immunomodulation Research CenterAsan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul05505Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Jin Park
- Department of MicrobiologyStem Cell Immunomodulation Research CenterAsan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul05505Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Ji Choi
- Department of DermatologyAsan Institute for Life SciencesAsan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul05505Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung Eun Choi
- Department of DermatologyAsan Institute for Life SciencesAsan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul05505Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hoon Sung
- Department of Cell and Genetic EngineeringAsan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul05505Republic of Korea
| | - Chong Hyun Won
- Department of DermatologyAsan Institute for Life SciencesAsan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul05505Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Ohk Sung
- Department of PathologyAsan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and TechnologyAsan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul05505Republic of Korea
| | - Hun Sik Kim
- Department of MicrobiologyStem Cell Immunomodulation Research CenterAsan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul05505Republic of Korea
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Mondal J, Chakraborty K, Bunggulawa EJ, An JM, Revuri V, Nurunnabi M, Lee YK. Recent advancements of hydrogels in immunotherapy: Breast cancer treatment. J Control Release 2024; 372:1-30. [PMID: 38849092 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in this population. Recent advances in Immunotherapy, or combined immunotherapy, offering a more targeted and less toxic approach, expand the survival rate of patients more than conventional treatment. Notably, hydrogels, a versatile platform provided promising avenues to combat breast cancer in preclinical studies and extended to clinical practices. With advantages such as the alternation of tumor microenvironment, immunomodulation, targeted delivery of therapeutic agents, and their sustained release at specific sites of interest, hydrogels can potentially be used for the treatment of breast cancer. This review highlights the advantages, mechanisms of action, stimuli-responsiveness properties, and recent advancements of hydrogels for treating breast cancer immunotherapy. Moreover, post-treatment and its clinical translations are discussed in this review. The integration of hydrogels in immunotherapy strategies may pave the way for more effective, personalized, and patient-friendly approaches to combat breast cancer, ultimately contributing to a brighter future for breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagannath Mondal
- 4D Convergence Technology Institute, Korea National University of Transportation, Jeungpyeong 27909, Republic of Korea; Department of Green Bioengineering, Korea National University of Transportation, Chungju 27470, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kushal Chakraborty
- Department of IT and Energy Convergence (BK21 FOUR), Korea National University of Transportation, Chungju 27469, Republic of Korea
| | - Edwin J Bunggulawa
- Department of Green Bioengineering, Korea National University of Transportation, Chungju 27470, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Man An
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Vishnu Revuri
- Department of Green Bioengineering, Korea National University of Transportation, Chungju 27470, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Nurunnabi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, United States; Biomedical Engineering Program, College of Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States.
| | - Yong-Kyu Lee
- 4D Convergence Technology Institute, Korea National University of Transportation, Jeungpyeong 27909, Republic of Korea; Department of Green Bioengineering, Korea National University of Transportation, Chungju 27470, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Korea National University of Transportation, Chungju 27470, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Boudkova P, Čermáková E, Krejsek J, Čelakovská J. The interaction between NK cells and ILC cells and their subsets in atopic dermatitis patients with and without dupilumab therapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 136:112327. [PMID: 38820963 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer cells (NK) and innate lymphoid cells with their subsets (ILC) are part of the innate immune system. OBJECTIVE The aim is to evaluate how NK cells and ILC cells interact in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients (with and without dupilumab therapy) compared to control group. MATERIALS AND METHODS Complete dermatological examination was performed in all patients included in the study (19 AD patients with dupilumab, 17 AD patients without dupilumab). Surface molecules expressed on NK cells and ILC cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The association between NK cells and total ILC cells, ILC-1, ILC-2, ILC-3, NCR+ILC3, NCR-ILC3 were compared in AD patients and in the control group. The non-parametric Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used for this statistical analysis. We evaluated the association of parameters with AD severity at the time of treatment.Non-parametric Mann-Whitney, Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests were used. RESULTS We confirmed the higher association between NK cells and total ILC cells in AD patients without dupilumab therapy (in 30.3 %) and in healthy controls (in 27.2 %); this association is low in AD patients with dupilumab therapy (in 0.1 %). The higher association was confirmed between NK cells and ILCs subsets only in AD patients without dupilumab therapy; in these patients the highest association was confirmed between NK cells and ILC-2 cells (in 38.6 %). No statistically significant difference in the count of NK cells and ILC cells was found between mild and moderate form of AD patients treated with dupilumab. CONCLUSION Targeting these cell types or the cytokines they produce could represent potential therapeutic strategies for controlling inflammation and alleviating symptoms in AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Boudkova
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Faculty Hospital and Medical Faculty of Charles University, Hradec Králové, 50002, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Čermáková
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Medical Faculty of Charles University, Hradec Králové, 50002, Czech republic
| | - Jan Krejsek
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Faculty Hospital and Medical Faculty of Charles University, Hradec Králové, 50002, Czech Republic
| | - Jarmila Čelakovská
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty Hospital and Medical Faculty of Charles University, Hradec Králové, 50002, Czech Republic.
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7
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Tsiverioti CA, Gottschlich A, Trefny M, Theurich S, Anders HJ, Kroiss M, Kobold S. Beyond CAR T cells: exploring alternative cell sources for CAR-like cellular therapies. Biol Chem 2024; 405:485-515. [PMID: 38766710 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has led to remarkable clinical outcomes in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, challenges remain, such as limited infiltration into solid tumors, inadequate persistence, systemic toxicities, and manufacturing insufficiencies. The use of alternative cell sources for CAR-based therapies, such as natural killer cells (NK), macrophages (MΦ), invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells, γδT cells, neutrophils, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), has emerged as a promising avenue. By harnessing these cells' inherent cytotoxic mechanisms and incorporating CAR technology, common CAR-T cell-related limitations can be effectively mitigated. We herein present an overview of the tumoricidal mechanisms, CAR designs, and manufacturing processes of CAR-NK cells, CAR-MΦ, CAR-iNKT cells, CAR-γδT cells, CAR-neutrophils, and iPSC-derived CAR-cells, outlining the advantages, limitations, and potential solutions of these therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adrian Gottschlich
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Lindwurmstr. 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninstr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), LMU Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 8a, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Marcel Trefny
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Lindwurmstr. 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Theurich
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninstr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), LMU Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 8a, 80336 Munich, Germany
- 74939 German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, A Partnership Between DKFZ and University Hospital of the LMU , Marchioninstr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Cancer and Immunometabolism Research Group, 74939 Gene Center LMU , Feodor-Lynen Str. 25, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Hans-Joachim Anders
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 5, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Kroiss
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 5, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str, 9780 Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 6, 9780 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kobold
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Lindwurmstr. 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
- 74939 German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, A Partnership Between DKFZ and University Hospital of the LMU , Marchioninstr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Einheit für Klinische Pharmakologie (EKLiP), Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
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8
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Hayashida Y, Oosawa C, Yasunaga T, Morimoto YV. Cell-to-cell signaling in cell populations with large cell size variability. Biophys J 2024:S0006-3495(24)00476-4. [PMID: 39137773 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Sizes of multiple cells vary when they communicate with each other. Differences in cell size result in variations in the cell surface area and volume, as well as the number of enzymes and receptors involved in signal transduction. Although heterogeneity in cell size may inhibit uniformity in signaling, cell-to-cell signaling is still possible. The outcome when cell size changes to an extreme degree remains unclear. Hence, we inhibited cell division in Dictyostelium cells, a model organism for signal transduction, to gain insights into the consequences of extreme cell size variations. Measurements of cell signals in this population using fluorescence microscopy indicated that the giant cells can communicate with normal-sized cells by suppressing the signal level. Simulations of signal transduction based on the FitzHugh-Nagumo model also suggested similar results. Our findings suggest that signaling mechanism homogenizes cell-to-cell signaling in response to cell size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukihisa Hayashida
- Graduate School of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Chikoo Oosawa
- Department of Physics and Information Technology, Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takuo Yasunaga
- Department of Physics and Information Technology, Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yusuke V Morimoto
- Department of Physics and Information Technology, Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Fukuoka, Japan; Japan Science and Technology Agency, PRESTO, Saitama, Japan.
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9
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Zhang Y, Deng Y, Zhai Y, Li Y, Li Y, Li J, Gu Y, Li S. A bispecific nanosystem activates endogenous natural killer cells in the bone marrow for haematologic malignancies therapy. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024:10.1038/s41565-024-01736-9. [PMID: 39043825 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-024-01736-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Haematologic malignancies commonly arise from the bone marrow lesion, yet there are currently no effective targeted therapies against tumour cells in this location. Here we constructed a bone-marrow-targeting nanosystem, CSF@E-Hn, which is based on haematopoietic-stem-cell-derived nanovesicles adorned with gripper ligands (aPD-L1 and aNKG2D) and encapsulated with colony-stimulating factor (CSF) for the treatment of haematologic malignancies. CSF@E-Hn targets the bone marrow and, thanks to the gripper ligands, pulls together tumour cells and natural killer cells, activating the latter for specific tumour cell targeting and elimination. The therapeutic efficacy was validated in mice bearing acute myeloid leukaemia and multiple myeloma. The comprehensive assessment of the post-treatment bone marrow microenvironment revealed that the integration of CSF into a bone-marrow-targeted nanosystem promoted haematopoietic stem cell differentiation, boosted memory T cell generation and maintained bone homoeostasis, with long-term prevention of relapse. Our nanosystem represents a promising strategy for the treatment of haematologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanfang Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuewen Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Juequan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yueqing Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Siwen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
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10
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Nguyen NTT, Müller R, Briukhovetska D, Weber J, Feucht J, Künkele A, Hudecek M, Kobold S. The Spectrum of CAR Cellular Effectors: Modes of Action in Anti-Tumor Immunity. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2608. [PMID: 39061247 PMCID: PMC11274444 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16142608] [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: 06/16/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor-T cells have spearheaded the field of adoptive cell therapy and have shown remarkable results in treating hematological neoplasia. Because of the different biology of solid tumors compared to hematological tumors, response rates of CAR-T cells could not be transferred to solid entities yet. CAR engineering has added co-stimulatory domains, transgenic cytokines and switch receptors to improve performance and persistence in a hostile tumor microenvironment, but because of the inherent cell type limitations of CAR-T cells, including HLA incompatibility, toxicities (cytokine release syndrome, neurotoxicity) and high costs due to the logistically challenging preparation process for autologous cells, the use of alternative immune cells is gaining traction. NK cells and γδ T cells that do not need HLA compatibility or macrophages and dendritic cells with additional properties such as phagocytosis or antigen presentation are increasingly seen as cellular vehicles with potential for application. As these cells possess distinct properties, clinicians and researchers need a thorough understanding of their peculiarities and commonalities. This review will compare these different cell types and their specific modes of action seen upon CAR activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc Thien Thu Nguyen
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany; (N.T.T.N.); (R.M.); (D.B.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, a Partnership between the DKFZ Heidelberg and the University Hospital of the LMU, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Rasmus Müller
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany; (N.T.T.N.); (R.M.); (D.B.)
| | - Daria Briukhovetska
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany; (N.T.T.N.); (R.M.); (D.B.)
| | - Justus Weber
- Department of Medicine II, Chair in Cellular Immunotherapy, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (J.W.); (M.H.)
| | - Judith Feucht
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany;
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Annette Künkele
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Hudecek
- Department of Medicine II, Chair in Cellular Immunotherapy, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (J.W.); (M.H.)
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Cellular Immunotherapy Branch Site Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kobold
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany; (N.T.T.N.); (R.M.); (D.B.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, a Partnership between the DKFZ Heidelberg and the University Hospital of the LMU, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Einheit für Klinische Pharmakologie (EKLiP), Helmholtz Zentrum München—German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
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11
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Han X, Zhu Y, Ke J, Zhai Y, Huang M, Zhang X, He H, Zhang X, Zhao X, Guo K, Li X, Han Z, Zhang Y. Progression of m 6A in the tumor microenvironment: hypoxia, immune and metabolic reprogramming. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:331. [PMID: 39033180 PMCID: PMC11271487 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02092-2] [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: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has aroused widespread discussion in the scientific community as a mode of RNA modification. m6A comprises writers, erasers, and readers, which regulates RNA production, nuclear export, and translation and is very important for human health. A large number of studies have found that the regulation of m6A is closely related to the occurrence and invasion of tumors, while the homeostasis and function of the tumor microenvironment (TME) determine the occurrence and development of tumors to some extent. TME is composed of a variety of immune cells (T cells, B cells, etc.) and nonimmune cells (tumor-associated mesenchymal stem cells (TA-MSCs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), etc.). Current studies suggest that m6A is involved in regulating the function of various cells in the TME, thereby affecting tumor progression. In this manuscript, we present the composition of m6A and TME, the relationship between m6A methylation and characteristic changes in TME, the role of m6A methylation in TME, and potential therapeutic strategies to provide new perspectives for better treatment of tumors in clinical work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Han
- First Clinical College of Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, China
| | - Yu Zhu
- Linfen Central Hospital, Linfen, China
| | - Juan Ke
- Linfen Central Hospital, Linfen, China
| | | | - Min Huang
- Linfen Central Hospital, Linfen, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Linfen Central Hospital, Linfen, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Zhongyu Han
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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12
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Hooda V, Khandpur S, Arava S, Sharma A. Distorted frequency and functionality of natural killer cells in pemphigus vulgaris: A potential therapeutic target. Immunol Lett 2024; 269:106900. [PMID: 39032911 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2024.106900] [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: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare autoimmune disorder where autoantibodies target the desmosomal proteins resulting in blistering of oral mucosa and skin. While the pathogenesis of PV is mainly mediated by the adaptive immune system, key players of innate immunity are also emerging. This study outlines the phenotypic as well as functional attributes of NK cells in PV. Through in-depth analysis using flow cytometry we identified an increase in the frequency of CD56+ CD3- NK cells and their subtypes in periphery. Along with this there is an increased frequency of IFNγ+ CD56bright CD16dim NK cells. mRNA expression of sorted NK cells for differentially expressed genes, particularly key transcription factors such as T-bet and EOMES, as well as surface receptors like NKG2D and KIR2D, and the cytokine IFNγ, displayed significant upregulation. A significant activation of NK cells was seen in the disease state. The levels of perforin and IFNγ were significantly elevated in the culture supernatants of patients. Additionally, a significantly higher cytotoxicity of NK cells in PV was observed. In lesioned tissues of PV, NK related markers were significantly increased. Lastly, we observed NK cells using confocal microscopy in the tissue biopsies of patients which showed significant infiltration of CD56+ CD3- NK cells at the lesional sites. This study aimed to shed light on the pivotal role of NK cells in the immunopathology of PV, offering a thorough understanding of their behaviour and changes in expression which might help in contributing to the development of novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sujay Khandpur
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Alpana Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, AIIMS, New Delhi, India.
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13
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Wang X, Pan S, Chen L, Liang C, Zhu Y, Zhou K, Shi X. Sijunzi decoction enhances sensitivity of colon cancer cells to NK cell destruction by modulating P53 expression. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 329:118115. [PMID: 38580190 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Sijunzi Decoction (SJZD), a traditional Chinese herbal remedy, is frequently employed in the treatment of various cancers, including colon cancer. Previous research suggests that SJZD plays a pivotal role in modulating the immune system and enhancing immunity against tumors. However, the precise role of SJZD in combating colon cancer and its potential molecular functions in regulating natural killer cells remain elusive. AIMS OF THE STUDY To elucidate the potential mechanism underlying the anticolon cancer effects of SJZD in synergy with natural killer (NK) cells through both in vivo and in vitro experiments. MATERIALS AND METHODS In vivo experiments: A subcutaneous tumor mouse model of colon cancer and in vivo NK cell depletion experiments were conducted to observe the anticolon cancer effects of SJZD. Flow cytometry assessed immune cell depletion in mouse spleens, while immunohistochemical (IHC) staining detected the expression of apoptotic genes in tumor tissues. In vitro experiments: The mechanism by which SJZD regulates the sensitization of colon cancer cells to NK cells was investigated using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blotting (WB), and co-culture experiments with NK cells. RESULTS Sijunzi Decoction (SJZD) significantly impeded tumor growth in mice; however, NK cell depletion markedly attenuated the tumor-suppressive effect of SJZD. Immunohistochemical (IHC) results indicated that SJZD increased the expression of P53, death receptor 4 (DR4), and death receptor 5 (DR5) in tumor tissues. In vitro experiments, 24 h SJZD-pretreated colon cancer cells showed a substantial elevation in P53, DR4, and DR5 levels, and the activity of colon cancer cells significantly diminished after co-culture with NK cells. These effects of SJZD were reversed with the addition of the P53 inhibitor pifithrin-α (PFT-α), resulting in reduced inhibition of colon cancer cells by NK cells. CONCLUSION SJZD enhances the levels of DR4 and DR5 through the modulation of P53 expression, consequently increasing the sensitivity of colon cancer cells to NK cell-mediated killing. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for the clinical application of SJZD in patients with colon cancer. In this study, we first investigated the effect of SJZD on subcutaneous tumor growth in mice with colon cancer using in vivo assays and assessed the impact of NK cells on the anticolon cancer effect of SJZD in vivo through NK cell depletion. In vitro experiments were conducted to explore the potential mechanism of action of SJZD in NK cell-mediated anticolon cancer effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Wang
- Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062, China.
| | - Shufang Pan
- Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062, China.
| | - Liangyan Chen
- Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062, China.
| | - Chengchen Liang
- Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062, China.
| | - Yueyi Zhu
- Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062, China.
| | - Ke Zhou
- Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062, China.
| | - Xiaolan Shi
- Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062, China.
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14
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Tian M, Zhang S, Tan F. The cGAS/STING Pathway-A New Potential Biotherapeutic Target for Gastric Cancer? J Pers Med 2024; 14:736. [PMID: 39063990 PMCID: PMC11277918 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14070736] [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: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer ranks among the top five deadliest tumors worldwide, both in terms of prevalence and mortality rates. Despite mainstream treatments, the efficacy in treating gastric cancer remains suboptimal, underscoring the urgency for novel therapeutic approaches. The elucidation of tumor immunosuppressive microenvironments has shifted focus towards cancer biotherapeutics, which leverage the patient's immune system or biologics to target tumor cells. Biotherapy has emerged as a promising alternative for tumors resistant to traditional chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. Central to this paradigm is the cGAS-STING pathway, a pivotal component of the innate immune system. This pathway recognizes aberrant DNA, such as that from viral infections or tumor cells, and triggers an immune response, thereby reshaping the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment into an immune-stimulating milieu. In the context of gastric cancer, harnessing the cGAS-STING pathway holds significant potential for biotherapeutic interventions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on cGAS-STING in gastric cancer, including insights from clinical trials involving STING agonists. Furthermore, it assesses the prospects of targeting the cGAS-STING pathway as a novel biotherapeutic strategy for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxiang Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410017, China; (M.T.); (F.T.)
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410017, China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410017, China; (M.T.); (F.T.)
| | - Fengbo Tan
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410017, China; (M.T.); (F.T.)
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410017, China
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15
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Gallardo-Zapata J, Pérez-Figueroa E, Olivar-López V, Medina-Sansón A, Jiménez-Hernández E, Ortega E, Maldonado-Bernal C. TLR Agonists Modify NK Cell Activation and Increase Its Cytotoxicity in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7500. [PMID: 39000607 PMCID: PMC11242025 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in innate immunity, particularly in combating infections and tumors. However, in hematological cancers, NK cells often exhibit impaired functions. Therefore, it is very important to activate its endosomal Toll-like receptors (TLRs) as a potential strategy to restore its antitumor activity. We stimulated NK cells from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells from children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and NK cells isolated, and the NK cells were stimulated with specific TLR ligands (Poly I:C, Imiquimod, R848, and ODN2006) and we evaluated changes in IFN-γ, CD107a, NKG2D, NKp44 expression, Granzyme B secretion, cytokine/chemokine release, and cytotoxic activity. Results revealed that Poly I:C and Imiquimod enhanced the activation of both immunoregulatory and cytotoxic NK cells, increasing IFN-γ, CD107a, NKG2D, and NKp44 expression. R848 activated immunoregulatory NK cells, while ODN2006 boosted CD107a, NKp44, NKG2D, and IFN-γ secretion in cytotoxic NK cells. R848 also increased the secretion of seven cytokines/chemokines. Importantly, R848 and ODN 2006 significantly improved cytotoxicity against leukemic cells. Overall, TLR stimulation enhances NK cell activation, suggesting TLR8 (R848) and TLR9 (ODN 2006) ligands as promising candidates for antitumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Gallardo-Zapata
- Immunology and Proteomics Research Laboratory, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04360, Mexico
| | - Erandi Pérez-Figueroa
- Immunology and Proteomics Research Laboratory, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Víctor Olivar-López
- Emergency Service, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Aurora Medina-Sansón
- Hemato-Oncology Department, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | | | - Enrique Ortega
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Research, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 4510, Mexico
| | - Carmen Maldonado-Bernal
- Immunology and Proteomics Research Laboratory, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
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16
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Kusch N, Storm J, Macioszek A, Kisselmann E, Knabbe C, Kaltschmidt B, Kaltschmidt C. A Critical Role of Culture Medium Selection in Maximizing the Purity and Expansion of Natural Killer Cells. Cells 2024; 13:1148. [PMID: 38994999 PMCID: PMC11240826 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells hold promise in cancer treatment due to their ability to spontaneously lyse cancer cells. For clinical use, high quantities of pure, functional NK cells are necessary. Combining adherence-based isolation with specialized media showed the unreliability of the isolation method, but demonstrated the superiority of the NK MACS® medium, particularly in suboptimal conditions. Neither human pooled serum, fetal calf serum (FCS), human platelet lysate, nor chemically defined serum replacement could substitute human AB serum. Interleukin (IL-)2, IL-15, IL-21, and combined CD2/NKp46 stimulation were assessed. IL-21 and CD2/NKp46 stimulation increased cytotoxicity, but reduced NK cell proliferation. IL-15 stimulation alone achieved the highest proliferation, but the more affordable IL-2 performed similarly. The RosetteSep™ human NK cell enrichment kit was effective for isolation, but the presence of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in the culture enhanced NK cell proliferation, despite similar expression levels of CD16, NKp46, NKG2D, and ICAM-1. In line with this, purified NK cells cultured in NK MACS® medium with human AB serum and IL-2 demonstrated high cytotoxicity against primary glioblastoma stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neele Kusch
- Department of Cell Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
- Forschungsverbund BioMedizin Bielefeld/OWL FBMB e.V., 33617 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Jonathan Storm
- Department of Cell Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
- Forschungsverbund BioMedizin Bielefeld/OWL FBMB e.V., 33617 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Antonia Macioszek
- Department of Cell Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Ella Kisselmann
- Department of Cell Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Cornelius Knabbe
- Forschungsverbund BioMedizin Bielefeld/OWL FBMB e.V., 33617 Bielefeld, Germany
- Institute for Laboratory and Transfusion Medicine, Heart and Diabetes Centre NRW, Ruhr-University Bochum, 32545 Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
- Medical Faculty Ostwestfalen-Lippe, University of Bielefeld, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Barbara Kaltschmidt
- Department of Cell Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
- Forschungsverbund BioMedizin Bielefeld/OWL FBMB e.V., 33617 Bielefeld, Germany
- Molecular Neurobiology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Christian Kaltschmidt
- Department of Cell Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
- Forschungsverbund BioMedizin Bielefeld/OWL FBMB e.V., 33617 Bielefeld, Germany
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17
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Liu Q, Zhu X, Guo S. From pancreas to lungs: The role of immune cells in severe acute pancreatitis and acute lung injury. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e1351. [PMID: 39023414 PMCID: PMC11256889 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1351] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a potentially lethal inflammatory pancreatitis condition that is usually linked to multiple organ failure. When it comes to SAP, the lung is the main organ that is frequently involved. Many SAP patients experience respiratory failure following an acute lung injury (ALI). Clinicians provide insufficient care for compounded ALI since the underlying pathophysiology is unknown. The mortality rate of SAP patients is severely impacted by it. OBJECTIVE The study aims to provide insight into immune cells, specifically their roles and modifications during SAP and ALI, through a comprehensive literature review. The emphasis is on immune cells as a therapeutic approach for treating SAP and ALI. FINDINGS Immune cells play an important role in the complicated pathophysiology ofSAP and ALI by maintaining the right balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory responses. Immunomodulatory drugs now in the market have low thepeutic efficacy because they selectively target one immune cell while ignoring immune cell interactions. Accurate management of dysregulated immune responses is necessary. A critical initial step is precisely characterizing the activity of the immune cells during SAP and ALI. CONCLUSION Given the increasing incidence of SAP, immunotherapy is emerging as a potential treatment option for these patients. Interactions among immune cells improve our understanding of the intricacy of concurrent ALI in SAP patients. Acquiring expertise in these domains will stimulate the development of innovative immunomodulation therapies that will improve the outlook for patients with SAP and ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- Emergency Medicine Clinical Research Center, Beijing Chao‐Yang HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiopulmonary Cerebral ResuscitationBeijingChina
| | - Xiaomei Zhu
- Emergency Medicine Clinical Research Center, Beijing Chao‐Yang HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiopulmonary Cerebral ResuscitationBeijingChina
| | - Shubin Guo
- Emergency Medicine Clinical Research Center, Beijing Chao‐Yang HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiopulmonary Cerebral ResuscitationBeijingChina
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18
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Ouyang Y, Shen R, Chu L, Fu C, Hu W, Huang H, Zhang Z, Jiang M, Chen X. Combining single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing, NK cell marker genes reveal a prognostic and immune status in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15037. [PMID: 38951569 PMCID: PMC11217423 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65917-1] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The NK cell is an important component of the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), also plays a significant role in PDAC development. This study aimed to explore the relationship between NK cell marker genes and prognosis, immune response of PDAC patients. By scRNA-seq data, we found the proportion of NK cells were significantly downregulated in PDAC and 373 NK cell marker genes were screened out. By TCGA database, we enrolled 7 NK cell marker genes to construct the signature for predicting prognosis in PDAC patients. Cox analysis identified the signature as an independent factor for pancreatic cancer. Subsequently, the predictive power of signature was validated by 6 GEO datasets and had an excellent evaluation. Our analysis of relationship between the signature and patients' immune status revealed that the signature has a strong correlation with immunocyte infiltration, inflammatory reaction, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) response. The NK cell marker genes are closely related to the prognosis and immune capacity of PDAC patients, and they have potential value as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghao Ouyang
- Research Institute of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, 305 Zhong Shan East Road, Nanjing, 210002, China.
- Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Rongxi Shen
- Research Institute of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, 305 Zhong Shan East Road, Nanjing, 210002, China.
| | - Lihua Chu
- Jinggangshan University, Ji'an, 334000, China
| | - Chengchao Fu
- Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wang Hu
- Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Haoxuan Huang
- Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhicheng Zhang
- Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ming Jiang
- Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330000, China
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19
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Wang D, Dou L, Sui L, Xue Y, Xu S. Natural killer cells in cancer immunotherapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e626. [PMID: 38882209 PMCID: PMC11179524 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.626] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, as innate lymphocytes, possess cytotoxic capabilities and engage target cells through a repertoire of activating and inhibitory receptors. Particularly, natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) receptor on NK cells recognizes stress-induced ligands-the MHC class I chain-related molecules A and B (MICA/B) presented on tumor cells and is key to trigger the cytolytic response of NK cells. However, tumors have developed sophisticated strategies to evade NK cell surveillance, which lead to failure of tumor immunotherapy. In this paper, we summarized these immune escaping strategies, including the downregulation of ligands for activating receptors, upregulation of ligands for inhibitory receptors, secretion of immunosuppressive compounds, and the development of apoptosis resistance. Then, we focus on recent advancements in NK cell immune therapies, which include engaging activating NK cell receptors, upregulating NKG2D ligand MICA/B expression, blocking inhibitory NK cell receptors, adoptive NK cell therapy, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered NK cells (CAR-NK), and NKG2D CAR-T cells, especially several vaccines targeting MICA/B. This review will inspire the research in NK cell biology in tumor and provide significant hope for improving cancer treatment outcomes by harnessing the potent cytotoxic activity of NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- DanRu Wang
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - LingYun Dou
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - LiHao Sui
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - Yiquan Xue
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - Sheng Xu
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
- Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation Dongfang Hospital Shanghai China
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20
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Han C, Su J, Pei Y, Su X, Zheng D. LINC00665 promotes the progression and immune evasion of lung cancer by facilitating the translation of TCF7 protein through dependence on IRES. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:227. [PMID: 38951802 PMCID: PMC11218341 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03411-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the influence of LINC00665 on the development and immune evasion of lung cancer. METHODS Tumor tissues and corresponding adjacent tissues were collected from 84 lung cancer patients, categorized into non-metastatic (n = 58) and metastatic (n = 26) groups. LINC00665 expression in lung cancer and metastatic lung cancer tissues was assessed via qRT-PCR. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine the correlation between LINC00665 and immune-modulating cytokines (TGF-β, IL-10, IL-1β, IFN-γ, IL-2, TNF-α). A549 and H1299 cells, with relatively high LINC00665 expression, were used for in vitro studies. Cells were transfected with LINC00665-targeting shRNA, and changes in proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and NK cell cytotoxicity were assessed. Downstream molecular mechanisms of LINC00665 were investigated using GEO database analysis, highlighting the association with HHLA2. LINC00665's role in promoting HHLA2 expression via binding with TCF7 was explored. In low LINC00665-expressing A549/H1299 cells, overexpression of HHLA2 was performed to evaluate effects on malignant behavior and NK cell sensitivity. A xenograft model was established for in vivo validation through tumor volume and weight measurements, Ki-67 immunoreactivity analysis, and flow cytometry analysis of CD107a + NK cells. RESULTS LINC00665, TCF7 mRNA, and HHLA2 mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in lung cancer tissues than adjacent tissues, with non-metastatic lung cancer showing higher expression than metastatic lung cancer. In metastatic lung cancer, LINC00665 positively correlated with immune-suppressive cytokines (TGF-β, IL-10, IL-1β) and negatively correlated with anti-tumor cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, TNF-α). LINC00665 knockdown significantly inhibited lung cancer cell growth and metastasis, promoting sensitivity to NK cells. Further analysis revealed that LINC00665 recruits transcription factor TCF7 to upregulate HHLA2 expression in lung cancer cells, thereby facilitating lung cancer development and immune escape. CONCLUSION LINC00665, through recruitment of TCF7 and upregulation of HHLA2, inhibits NK cell cytotoxicity, promoting the development and immune evasion of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaonan Han
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China
| | - Jinchen Su
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yue Pei
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yixing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.128 East Yangquan Road, Yicheng Subdistrict, Yixing, 214200, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiangyu Su
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Di Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China.
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21
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Kulesza A, Couty C, Lemarre P, Thalhauser CJ, Cao Y. Advancing cancer drug development with mechanistic mathematical modeling: bridging the gap between theory and practice. J Pharmacokinet Pharmacodyn 2024:10.1007/s10928-024-09930-x. [PMID: 38904912 DOI: 10.1007/s10928-024-09930-x] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Quantitative predictive modeling of cancer growth, progression, and individual response to therapy is a rapidly growing field. Researchers from mathematical modeling, systems biology, pharmaceutical industry, and regulatory bodies, are collaboratively working on predictive models that could be applied for drug development and, ultimately, the clinical management of cancer patients. A plethora of modeling paradigms and approaches have emerged, making it challenging to compile a comprehensive review across all subdisciplines. It is therefore critical to gauge fundamental design aspects against requirements, and weigh opportunities and limitations of the different model types. In this review, we discuss three fundamental types of cancer models: space-structured models, ecological models, and immune system focused models. For each type, it is our goal to illustrate which mechanisms contribute to variability and heterogeneity in cancer growth and response, so that the appropriate architecture and complexity of a new model becomes clearer. We present the main features addressed by each of the three exemplary modeling types through a subjective collection of literature and illustrative exercises to facilitate inspiration and exchange, with a focus on providing a didactic rather than exhaustive overview. We close by imagining a future multi-scale model design to impact critical decisions in oncology drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claire Couty
- Novadiscovery, 1 Place Giovanni Verrazzano, 69009, Lyon, France
| | - Paul Lemarre
- Novadiscovery, 1 Place Giovanni Verrazzano, 69009, Lyon, France
| | - Craig J Thalhauser
- Genmab US, Inc., 777 Scudders Mill Rd Bldg 2 4th Floor, Plainsboro, NJ, 08536, USA
| | - Yanguang Cao
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
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22
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Nederby L, Trabjerg ND, Andersen AB, Lindebjerg J, Hansen TF, Rahr HB. A Comparison of Cellular Immune Response and Immunological Biomarkers in Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer and Benign Disorders. Clin Colorectal Cancer 2024:S1533-0028(24)00060-4. [PMID: 39095270 DOI: 10.1016/j.clcc.2024.05.012] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgical trauma causes immune impairment, but it is largely unknown whether surgery for cancer and benign diseases instigate comparable levels of immune inhibition. Here, we compared the impact of laparoscopic surgery on immunological biomarkers in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and ventral hernia (VH). METHODS Natural Killer cell activity (NKA), leukocyte subsets, and soluble programmed death ligand 1 (sPD-L1) were measured in blood samples collected from CRC (n = 29) and VH (n = 9) patients preoperatively (PREOP) and on postoperative day (POD) 1, 3-6, 2 weeks and 3 months. NKA was evaluated by the NK Vue assay that uses the level of IFNγ as a surrogate marker of NKA. Normal NKA was defined as IFNγ > 250 pg/mL and low NKA was defined as IFNγ < 250 pg/mL. RESULTS The CRC cohort was classified into either PREOPLOW having preoperative low NKA or PREOPHIGH having preoperative normal NKA. The median NKA of the PREOPLOW subset was only in the normal range in the POD3 months sample, whereas median NKA of the PREOPHIGH subset and the VH cohort were only low in the POD1 sample. While PREOPLOW differed from VH in the PREOP-, POD1-, and POD3-6 samples (P =.0006, P = .0181, and P = .0021), NKA in PREOPHIGH and VH differed in the POD1 samples (P = .0226). There were no apparent differences in the distribution of leukocyte subsets in the perioperative period between the cohorts. CONCLUSION CRC patients with preoperative normal NKA and VH patients showed the same pattern of recovery in NKA, while the CRC subset with preoperative low NKA seemed to experience prolonged NK cell impairment. As low NKA is associated with recurrence, preoperative level of NKA may identify patients who will benefit from immune-enhancing therapy in the perioperative period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Nederby
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Vejle Hospital - University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark; Danish Colorectal Cancer Center South, Vejle Hospital - University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark.
| | - Natacha Dencker Trabjerg
- Danish Colorectal Cancer Center South, Vejle Hospital - University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark; Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital - University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Anja Bjørnskov Andersen
- Department of Surgery, Vejle Hospital - University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Jan Lindebjerg
- Danish Colorectal Cancer Center South, Vejle Hospital - University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark; Department of Clinical Pathology, Vejle Hospital - University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Torben Frøstrup Hansen
- Danish Colorectal Cancer Center South, Vejle Hospital - University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark; Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital - University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark; Department of Regional Health Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Hans Bjarke Rahr
- Danish Colorectal Cancer Center South, Vejle Hospital - University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark; Department of Surgery, Vejle Hospital - University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark; Department of Regional Health Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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23
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Radziszewska A, Peckham H, de Gruijter NM, Restuadi R, Wu WH, Jury EC, Rosser EC, Ciurtin C. Active juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with distinct NK cell transcriptional and phenotypic alterations. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13074. [PMID: 38844784 PMCID: PMC11156641 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62325-3] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
While adaptive immune responses have been studied extensively in SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus), there is limited and contradictory evidence regarding the contribution of natural killer (NK) cells to disease pathogenesis. There is even less evidence about the role of NK cells in the more severe phenotype with juvenile-onset (J)SLE. In this study, analysis of the phenotype and function of NK cells in a large cohort of JSLE patients demonstrated that total NK cells, as well as perforin and granzyme A expressing NK cell populations, were significantly diminished in JSLE patients compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The reduction in NK cell frequency was associated with increased disease activity, and transcriptomic analysis of NK populations from active and low disease activity JSLE patients versus healthy controls confirmed that disease activity was the main driver of differential NK cell gene expression. Pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed an upregulation of interferon-α responses and a downregulation of exocytosis in active disease compared to healthy controls. Further gene set enrichment analysis also demonstrated an overrepresentation of the apoptosis pathway in active disease. This points to increased propensity for apoptosis as a potential factor contributing to NK cell deficiency in JSLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Radziszewska
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis at UCL UCLH and GOSH, London, UK.
- Centre for Rheumatology Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Hannah Peckham
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis at UCL UCLH and GOSH, London, UK
- Centre for Rheumatology Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nina M de Gruijter
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis at UCL UCLH and GOSH, London, UK
- Centre for Rheumatology Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Restuadi Restuadi
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis at UCL UCLH and GOSH, London, UK
| | - Wing Han Wu
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis at UCL UCLH and GOSH, London, UK
- NHS North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth C Jury
- Centre for Rheumatology Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth C Rosser
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis at UCL UCLH and GOSH, London, UK.
- Centre for Rheumatology Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Coziana Ciurtin
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis at UCL UCLH and GOSH, London, UK.
- Centre for Rheumatology Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK.
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24
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Zhang C, Mo H, Li M, Wang S, Dou X, Zhang X. The effects of postoperative targeted immunotherapy on peripheral blood cytokines and immune cell profile in lung cancer patients. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1342624. [PMID: 38903721 PMCID: PMC11188683 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1342624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Cytokines and cell subsets are important components of the tumor microenvironment. Previous research has revealed that there are differences in cytokines and cell subsets in the peripheral blood of lung cancer (LCA) patients before and after eradication. The purpose of this study is to explore the monitoring value of cytokines and cellular subpopulations as biomarkers in post-immunotherapy monitoring of patients with LCA after surgery. Methods We conducted a case-control study using double-antibody sandwich magnetic microsphere flow cytometry with immunofluorescence technology and fluorescent monoclonal antibody multiparameter flow cytometry to detect differences in peripheral blood cytokines and cell subsets between LCA patients after immunotherapy and healthy controls. Results Our research results show that there are differences in the levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IFN-γ, TNF-α in the peripheral blood of LCA patients (n=70) after immunotherapy compared to the healthy controls (n=55) (P<0.05), and there are differences in 10 cell subgroups including DP T Cells, AT cells, and NLR in the peripheral blood compared to the healthy controls (n=35) (P<0.05). Further analysis revealed significant differences in the detection data of IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, CD56dim NK cells, Total B cells, Total NE cells, CD15+M cells, and NLR between LCA deceased patients (n=25) and LCA surviving patients (n=27) during the same period (P<0.05). The continuous monitoring of cytokines and cell subsets is far more valuable than a single-time test, as abnormal fluctuations in the data of cytokines and cell subsets are often associated with poor prognosis. In addition, IL-6 and NLR showed the strongest discriminative ability between postoperative immunotherapy-treated LCA patients and healthy controls, with AUC values of 0.840 and 0.822, respectively. There was a significant association between IFN-γ and distant metastasis in LCA (P<0.05), as well as between CD56dim NK cells and lymph node infiltration (P<0.05). Conclusion This research results support peripheral blood cytokines and cell subsets as biomarkers for monitoring the postoperative immune status and predicting the prognosis of LCA patients after immunotherapy. The continuous monitoring of cytokines and cell subsets is far more valuable than a single-time detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuang Zhang
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
- Medical Laboratory of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hongmei Mo
- Medical Laboratory of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Subei People’s Hospital of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou, China
| | - Shuaiyan Wang
- Medical Laboratory of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaowen Dou
- Medical Laboratory of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiuming Zhang
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
- Medical Laboratory of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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25
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Hao W, Sun N, Fan Y, Chen M, Liu Q, Yang M, Yang Y, Gao C. Targeted Ferroptosis-Immunotherapy Synergy: Enhanced Antiglioma Efficacy with Hybrid Nanovesicles Comprising NK Cell-Derived Exosomes and RSL3-Loaded Liposomes. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:28193-28208. [PMID: 38776411 PMCID: PMC11164066 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c04604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Ferroptosis therapy and immunotherapy have been widely used in cancer treatment. However, nonselective induction of ferroptosis in tumors is prone to immunosuppression, limiting the therapeutic effect of ferroptosis cancer treatment. To address this issue, this study reports a customized hybrid nanovesicle composed of NK cell-derived extracellular versicles and RSL3-loaded liposomes (hNRVs), aiming to establish a positive cycle between ferroptosis therapy and immunotherapy. Thanks to the enhanced permeability and retention effect and the tumor homing characteristics of NK exosomes, our data indicate that hNRVs can actively accumulate in tumors and enhance cellular uptake. FASL, IFN-γ, and RSL3 are released into the tumor microenvironment, where FASL derived from NK cells effectively lyses tumor cells. RSL3 downregulates the expression of GPX4 in the tumor, leading to the accumulation of LPO and ROS, and promotes ferroptosis in tumor cells. The accumulation of IFN-γ and TNF-α stimulates the maturation of dendritic cells and effectively induces the inactivation of GPX4, promoting lipid peroxidation, making them sensitive to ferroptosis and indirectly promoting the occurrence of ferroptosis. This study highlights the role of the customized hNRV platform in enhancing the effectiveness of synergistic treatment with selective delivery of ferroptosis inducers and immune activation against glioma without causing additional side effects on healthy organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyan Hao
- State Key Laboratory
of Toxicology
and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Nan Sun
- State Key Laboratory
of Toxicology
and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Yueyue Fan
- State Key Laboratory
of Toxicology
and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Mengyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory
of Toxicology
and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Qianqian Liu
- State Key Laboratory
of Toxicology
and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Meiyan Yang
- State Key Laboratory
of Toxicology
and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory
of Toxicology
and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Chunsheng Gao
- State Key Laboratory
of Toxicology
and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
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26
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Qi Y, Li Y, Wang H, Wang A, Liu X, Liang Z, Gao Y, Wei L. Natural killer cell-related anti-tumour adoptive cell immunotherapy. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18362. [PMID: 38837666 PMCID: PMC11151221 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18362] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor- (CAR-)modified T cells have been successfully used to treat blood cancer. With the improved research on anti-tumour adoptive cell therapy, researchers have focused on immune cells other than T lymphocytes. Natural killer (NK) cells have received widespread attention as barriers to natural immunity. Compared to T lymphocyte-related adoptive cell therapy, the use of NK cells to treat tumours does not cause graft-versus-host disease, significantly improving immunity. Moreover, NK cells have more sources than T cells, and the related modified cells are less expensive. NK cells function through several pathways in anti-tumour mechanisms. Currently, many anti-tumour clinical trials have used NK cell-related adoptive cell therapies. In this review, we have summarized the recent progress in NK cell-related adoptive cellular immunotherapy for tumour treatment and propose the current challenges faced by CAR-NK cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwen Qi
- Department of Gynecological OncologyZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological BehaviorsWuhanChina
- Hubei Cancer Clinical Study CenterWuhanChina
| | - Ying Li
- Physical Examination CenterRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Gynecological OncologyZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological BehaviorsWuhanChina
- Hubei Cancer Clinical Study CenterWuhanChina
| | - Anjin Wang
- Department of Gynecological OncologyZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological BehaviorsWuhanChina
- Hubei Cancer Clinical Study CenterWuhanChina
| | - Xuelian Liu
- Department of Gynecological OncologyZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological BehaviorsWuhanChina
- Hubei Cancer Clinical Study CenterWuhanChina
| | - Ziyan Liang
- Department of Gynecological OncologyZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological BehaviorsWuhanChina
- Hubei Cancer Clinical Study CenterWuhanChina
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Gynecological OncologyZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological BehaviorsWuhanChina
- Hubei Cancer Clinical Study CenterWuhanChina
| | - Liqing Wei
- Wuhan Wuchang HospitalWuhan University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
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27
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Lee D, Kim SM, Kim D, Baek SY, Yeo SJ, Lee JJ, Cha C, Park SA, Kim TD. Microfluidics-assisted fabrication of natural killer cell-laden microgel enhances the therapeutic efficacy for tumor immunotherapy. Mater Today Bio 2024; 26:101055. [PMID: 38693995 PMCID: PMC11061753 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, interest in cancer immunotherapy has increased over traditional anti-cancer therapies such as chemotherapy or targeted therapy. Natural killer (NK) cells are part of the immune cell family and essential to tumor immunotherapy as they detect and kill cancer cells. However, the disadvantage of NK cells is that cell culture is difficult. In this study, porous microgels have been fabricated using microfluidic channels to effectively culture NK cells. Microgel fabrication using microfluidics can be mass-produced in a short time and can be made in a uniform size. Microgels consist of photo cross-linkable polymers such as methacrylic gelatin (GelMa) and can be regulated via controlled GelMa concentrations. NK92 cell-laden three-dimensional (3D) microgels increase mRNA expression levels, NK92 cell proliferation, cytokine release, and anti-tumor efficacy, compared with two-dimensional (2D) cultures. In addition, the study confirms that 3D-cultured NK92 cells enhance anti-tumor effects compared with enhancement by 2D-cultured NK92 cells in the K562 leukemia mouse model. Microgels containing healthy NK cells are designed to completely degrade after 5 days allowing NK cells to be released to achieve cell-to-cell interaction with cancer cells. Overall, this microgel system provides a new cell culture platform for the effective culturing of NK cells and a new strategy for developing immune cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjin Lee
- Immunotherapy Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Nano-Convergence Manufacturing Research Division, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), Daejeon, 34103, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Min Kim
- Immunotherapy Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Dahong Kim
- Nano-Convergence Manufacturing Research Division, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), Daejeon, 34103, Republic of Korea
- Department of Applied Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Yeop Baek
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon Ju Yeo
- Nano-Convergence Manufacturing Research Division, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), Daejeon, 34103, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Jong Lee
- Nano-Convergence Manufacturing Research Division, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), Daejeon, 34103, Republic of Korea
| | - Chaenyung Cha
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Su A Park
- Nano-Convergence Manufacturing Research Division, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), Daejeon, 34103, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Don Kim
- Immunotherapy Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
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28
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Dravid AA, Singh A, García AJ. Biomaterial-Based Therapeutic Delivery of Immune Cells. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2400586. [PMID: 38813869 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202400586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Immune cell therapy (ICT) is a transformative approach used to treat a wide range of diseases including type 1 diabetes, sickle cell disease, disorders of the hematopoietic system, and certain forms of cancers. Despite excellent clinical successes, the scope of adoptively transferred immune cells is limited because of toxicities like cytokine release syndrome and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity in patients. Furthermore, reports suggest that such treatment can impact major organ systems including cardiac, renal, pulmonary, and hepatic systems in the long term. Additionally, adoptively transferred immune cells cannot achieve significant penetration into solid tissues, thus limiting their therapeutic potential. Recent studies suggest that biomaterial-assisted delivery of immune cells can address these challenges by reducing toxicity, improving localization, and maintaining desired phenotypes to eventually regain tissue function. In this review, recent efforts in the field of biomaterial-based immune cell delivery for the treatment of diseases, their pros and cons, and where these approaches stand in terms of clinical treatment are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameya A Dravid
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Ankur Singh
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Andrés J García
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
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29
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Bai Y, Li L, Li J, Lu X. Association analysis of FXYD5 with prognosis and immunological characteristics across pan-cancer. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30727. [PMID: 38774095 PMCID: PMC11107115 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The FXYD domain-containing ion transport regulator 5 (FXYD5) gene is a cancer promoter. However, evidence for an association between FXYD5 and various types of cancer is still lacking. Using multi-omics bioinformatics, our study aimed to reveal the expression distribution, prognostic value, immune infiltration correlation, and molecular functions of FXYD5. Methods Using pan-cancer multi-omics data (including The Cancer Genome Atlas, PrognoScan, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis, cBioPortal, Gene Expression Omnibus, TIMER and scTIME Portal), we assessed the differences in the expression and prognostic value of FXYD5 in malignant tumors. Furthermore, at the single-cell level, we analyze the expression distribution of FXYD5 across different cell types within the tumor microenvironment, and its relationship with the immune microenvironment. Finally, focusing on ovarian cancer, we conducted preliminary validation of the above findings using cell and molecular biology techniques. Results Our results indicated that FXYD5 was up-regulated in various tumor types and was positively associated with tumor progression. We also revealed that FXYD5 was ubiquitously expressed in microenvironmental cells at the single-cell level, and its upregulation was associated with enhanced immune infiltration, cancer-associated fibroblast infiltration, and dysfunction of tumor-infiltrating cytotoxic T lymphocyte. Additionally, its expression was positively correlated with immune checkpoint genes, DNA mismatch repair genes, MSI (microsatellite instability) and TMB (tumor mutational burden) across various cancers. Its higher expression in cytotoxic T lymphocytes attenuated its ability to predict patient survival with PD-L1 (programmed death-ligand 1) blockade therapy, and FXYD5 was found to be a potential regulator of tumor immune escape and resistance to cancer immunotherapies. Based on GSEA (gene set enrichment analysis) and experimental verification, FXYD5 activated TGF-β/SMAD signaling and drove EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition) to promote ovarian cancer progression. Conclusion In summary, our study revealed that FXYD5-TGFβ axis may coregulate the interaction between tumors, CAFs (carcinoma-associated fibroblasts) and immune cells to reshape the tumor immune microenvironment and promote tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Thus, FXYD5 could be used as an immune-related biomarker for diagnosing and predicting the prognosis of multiple cancer types. Therefore, our findings suggest that targeting FXYD5 in TME (tumor microenvironment) may be a promising therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Bai
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Liangdong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jun Li
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xin Lu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China
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Feng J, Zheng H, Zhang Y, Wu H, Wang M, Sun Y, Zhang M, Xiao H, Qiao C, Wang J, Luo L, Li X, Feng J, Shi Y, Zheng Y, Wang Y, Sheng D, Chen G. pHLIP-fused PD-L1 engages avelumab to elicit NK cytotoxicity under acidic conditions. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30551. [PMID: 38756565 PMCID: PMC11096742 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells represent key player in immune surveillance to eliminate transformed or malignant cells. One of mechanisms of action of NK cells is antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) by recognizing tumor antigens on the surface of cancer cells. However, the heterogeneity of tumor antigens and the scarcity of membrane surface targets significantly restrict this strategy. Recently, we constructed a new cargo by tethering a low pH insertion peptide (pHLIP) to the C terminus of the ectodomain of programed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) and demonstrated its ability to modulate immune responses. Herein, the potential application of PD-L1-pHLIP in cancer therapy was determined. pHLIP tethering had no effect on the binding capacity of PD-L1 protein to an anti-PD-L1 antibody (i.e. avelumab). Association of pHLIP rendered PD-L1 segment display on the surface of cellular membrane in the acidic buffer instead of the neutral solution. Importantly, plate-coated or beads-coupled PD-L1-pHLIP enable robust activation and expression of cytotoxic mediators of NK cells via engaging avelumab. Overall, this work provides proof of concept that recombinant PD-L1 protein decorated on the cellular membrane driven by pHLIP in combination with appropriate monoclonal antibody has potentials to elicit NK cytotoxicity, which may represent a novel and promising therapeutic avenue in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjuan Feng
- Inner Mongolia Key Lab of Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, 010058, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Hang Zheng
- Inner Mongolia Key Lab of Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, 010058, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Key Lab of Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, 010058, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Haiyan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Mianjing Wang
- Inner Mongolia Key Lab of Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, 010058, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Ying Sun
- Inner Mongolia Key Lab of Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, 010058, PR China
| | - Min Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - He Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Chunxia Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Longlong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Xinying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Jiannan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Yanchun Shi
- Inner Mongolia Key Lab of Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, 010058, PR China
| | - Yuanqiang Zheng
- Inner Mongolia Key Lab of Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, 010058, PR China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100071, PR China
| | - Dongsheng Sheng
- Department of Thoracic surgery, The Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100071, PR China
| | - Guojiang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, PR China
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Galasso L, Cerrito L, Maccauro V, Termite F, Ainora ME, Gasbarrini A, Zocco MA. Hepatocellular Carcinoma and the Multifaceted Relationship with Its Microenvironment: Attacking the Hepatocellular Carcinoma Defensive Fortress. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1837. [PMID: 38791916 PMCID: PMC11119751 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101837] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a malignant tumor that originates from hepatocytes in an inflammatory substrate due to different degrees of liver fibrosis up to cirrhosis. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the role played by the complex interrelationship between hepatocellular carcinoma and its microenvironment, capable of influencing tumourigenesis, neoplastic growth, and its progression or even inhibition. The microenvironment is made up of an intricate network of mesenchymal cells, immune system cells, extracellular matrix, and growth factors, as well as proinflammatory cytokines and translocated bacterial products coming from the intestinal microenvironment via the enterohepatic circulation. The aim of this paper is to review the role of the HCC microenvironment and describe the possible implications in the choice of the most appropriate therapeutic scheme in the prediction of tumor response or resistance to currently applied treatments and in the possible development of future therapeutic perspectives, in order to circumvent resistance and break down the tumor's defensive fort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Galasso
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy (L.C.); (V.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Lucia Cerrito
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy (L.C.); (V.M.); (A.G.)
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Maccauro
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy (L.C.); (V.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Fabrizio Termite
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy (L.C.); (V.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Maria Elena Ainora
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy (L.C.); (V.M.); (A.G.)
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy (L.C.); (V.M.); (A.G.)
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Assunta Zocco
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy (L.C.); (V.M.); (A.G.)
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Zou YT, Li JY, Chai JY, Hu YS, Zhang WJ, Zhang Q. The impact of the P2X7 receptor on the tumor immune microenvironment and its effects on tumor progression. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 707:149513. [PMID: 38508051 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is a significant global health concern, and finding effective methods to treat it has been a focus of scientific research. It has been discovered that the growth, invasion, and metastasis of tumors are closely related to the environment in which they exist, known as the tumor microenvironment (TME). The immune response interacting with the tumor occurring within the TME constitutes the tumor immune microenvironment, and the immune response can lead to anti-tumor and pro-tumor outcomes and has shown tremendous potential in immunotherapy. A channel called the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) has been identified within the TME. It is an ion channel present in various immune cells and tumor cells, and its activation can lead to inflammation, immune responses, angiogenesis, immunogenic cell death, and promotion of tumor development. This article provides an overview of the structure, function, and pharmacological characteristics of P2X7R. We described the concept and components of tumor immune microenvironment and the influence immune components has on tumors. We also outlined the impact of P2X7R regulation and how it affects the development of tumors and summarized the effects of drugs targeting P2X7R on tumor progression, both past and current, assisting researchers in treating tumors using P2X7R as a target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Zou
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang City, Jiangxi province, 343000, China
| | - Jin-Yuan Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang City, Jiangxi province, 343000, China
| | - Jun-Yi Chai
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang City, Jiangxi province, 343000, China
| | - Yu-Shan Hu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang City, Jiangxi province, 343000, China
| | - Wen-Jun Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang City, Jiangxi province, 343000, China; The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang City, Jiangxi province, 343000, China.
| | - Qiao Zhang
- Orthopedics Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang City, Jiangxi province, 343000, China
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Zheng J, Jin H, Tu Y. Differences in circulating lymphocyte subpopulations among patients with inflammatory polyps, colorectal adenomas and colorectal cancer. Arab J Gastroenterol 2024; 25:129-134. [PMID: 38413325 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajg.2023.12.013] [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: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS Colorectal cancer (CRC) may develop from focal changes within benign or precancerous polyps. The immune system's failure to detect and eradicate tumor cells due to immune surveillance evasion, allows cancer to develop and spread. This study aims to analyze the differences in circulating lymphocyte subpopulations in patients with colorectal inflammatory polyps, colorectal adenomas and CRC. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed patients from September 2016 to December 2019 at the Shaoxing Second Hospital. Using flow cytometry, the subset distribution and immunophenotype of T cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, B cells and NK cells were investigated in peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples. The counts of lymphocytes were determined by white blood cell counts. RESULTS In total, 518 patients were included in this study. The counts of lymphocytes, T cells and NK cells in patients with inflammatory polyps, colorectal adenomas and CRC were lower than controls. The counts and percentages of CD8+ T cells in patients with inflammatory polyps, colorectal adenomas and CRC were lower than controls. The counts of CD4+ T cells were lower in patients with CRC than inflammatory polyps. The percentages of CD4+ T cells in patients with inflammatory polyps, colorectal adenomas and CRC were higher than controls, but lower in the CRC than inflammatory polyps, colorectal adenomas. The counts and percentages of B cells were lower in CRC patients than colorectal adenomas patients. In addition, the percentages of B cells were higher in patients with inflammatory polyps and colorectal adenomas than in controls. CONCLUSIONS The decrease in counts of lymphocyte, T cells, CD8+ T cells and NK cells in patients may be related to the dysplasia of epithelial cells. Furthermore, the B cells and CD4+ T cells may be related to the malignant growth of the dysplastic epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialai Zheng
- Departments of Molecular Medicine, Shaoxing Second Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Haiyong Jin
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine, Shaoxing Second Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yongtao Tu
- Departments of Molecular Medicine, Shaoxing Second Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
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Zhuang X, Woods J, Ji Y, Scheich S, Mo F, Rajagopalan S, Coulibaly ZA, Voss M, Urlaub H, Staudt LM, Pan KT, Long EO. Functional genomics identifies N-acetyllactosamine extension of complex N-glycans as a mechanism to evade lysis by natural killer cells. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114105. [PMID: 38619967 PMCID: PMC11170631 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are primary defenders against cancer precursors, but cancer cells can persist by evading immune surveillance. To investigate the genetic mechanisms underlying this evasion, we perform a genome-wide CRISPR screen using B lymphoblastoid cells. SPPL3, a peptidase that cleaves glycosyltransferases in the Golgi, emerges as a top hit facilitating evasion from NK cytotoxicity. SPPL3-deleted cells accumulate glycosyltransferases and complex N-glycans, disrupting not only binding of ligands to NK receptors but also binding of rituximab, a CD20 antibody approved for treating B cell cancers. Notably, inhibiting N-glycan maturation restores receptor binding and sensitivity to NK cells. A secondary CRISPR screen in SPPL3-deficient cells identifies B3GNT2, a transferase-mediating poly-LacNAc extension, as crucial for resistance. Mass spectrometry confirms enrichment of N-glycans bearing poly-LacNAc upon SPPL3 loss. Collectively, our study shows the essential role of SPPL3 and poly-LacNAc in cancer immune evasion, suggesting a promising target for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxuan Zhuang
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA; Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - James Woods
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Yanlong Ji
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Bioanalytics, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sebastian Scheich
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Fei Mo
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sumati Rajagopalan
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Zana A Coulibaly
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Matthias Voss
- Institute of Biochemistry, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Henning Urlaub
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Bioanalytics, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Louis M Staudt
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kuan-Ting Pan
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Eric O Long
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA.
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Zou X, Shen J, Yong X, Diao Y, Zhang L. The causal effects of immune cells on pancreatic cancer: A 2‑sample Mendelian randomization study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37797. [PMID: 38640310 PMCID: PMC11029941 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Leveraging publicly available genetic datasets, we conducted a comprehensive 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the causal links between 731 immunophenotypes and the risk of pancreatic cancer (PC). To ensure the robustness of our findings, extensive sensitivity analyses were performed, evaluating stability, heterogeneity, and potential horizontal pleiotropy. Our analysis pinpointed 24 immunophenotypes significantly associated with the risk of PC. Notably, phenotypes such as CD4+ CD8dim %leukocyte (OR = 0.852, 95% CI = 0.729-0.995, P = .0430) and HLA DR+ CD4+ AC (OR = 0.933, 95% CI = 0.883-0.986) in TBNK were inversely correlated with PC risk. Conversely, phenotypes like CD28 on CD45RA- CD4 non-Treg (OR = 1.155, 95% CI = 1.028-1.297, P = .016) and CD25 on activated Treg (OR = 1.180, 95% CI = 1.014-1.374, P = .032) in Treg cells, among others, exhibited a positive correlation. These insights offer a valuable genetic perspective that could guide future clinical research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyun Zou
- Department of Oncology, People’s Liberation Army The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinlan Shen
- Department of Medical Laboratory, People’s Liberation Army The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaomei Yong
- Department of Oncology, People’s Liberation Army The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Diao
- Department of Oncology, People’s Liberation Army The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Oncology, People’s Liberation Army The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
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Kim N, Yi E, Lee E, Park HJ, Kim HS. Interleukin-2 is required for NKp30-dependent NK cell cytotoxicity by preferentially regulating NKp30 expression. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1388018. [PMID: 38698855 PMCID: PMC11063289 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1388018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are key effectors in cancer immunosurveillance, eliminating a broad spectrum of cancer cells without major histocompatibility complex (MHC) specificity and graft-versus-host diseases (GvHD) risk. The use of allogeneic NK cell therapies from healthy donors has demonstrated favorable clinical efficacies in treating diverse cancers, particularly hematologic malignancies, but it requires cytokines such as IL-2 to primarily support NK cell persistence and expansion. However, the role of IL-2 in the regulation of activating receptors and the function of NK cells expanded for clinical trials is poorly understood and needs clarification for the full engagement of NK cells in cancer immunotherapy. Here, we demonstrated that IL-2 deprivation significantly impaired the cytotoxicity of primary expanded NK cells by preferentially downregulating NKp30 but not NKp46 despite their common adaptor requirement for expression and function. Using NK92 and IL-2-producing NK92MI cells, we observed that NKp30-mediated cytotoxicity against myeloid leukemia cells such as K562 and THP-1 cells expressing B7-H6, a ligand for NKp30, was severely impaired by IL-2 deprivation. Furthermore, IL-2 deficiency-mediated NK cell dysfunction was overcome by the ectopic overexpression of an immunostimulatory NKp30 isoform such as NKp30a or NKp30b. In particular, NKp30a overexpression in NK92 cells improved the clearance of THP-1 cells in vivo without IL-2 supplementation. Collectively, our results highlight the distinct role of IL-2 in the regulation of NKp30 compared to that of NKp46 and suggest NKp30 upregulation, as shown here by ectopic overexpression, as a viable modality to harness NK cells in cancer immunotherapy, possibly in combination with IL-2 immunocytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayoung Kim
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunbi Yi
- Department of Microbiology, Brain Korea 21 Project, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunbi Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Brain Korea 21 Project, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Jin Park
- Department of Microbiology, Brain Korea 21 Project, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hun Sik Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Brain Korea 21 Project, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Stem Cell Immunomodulation Research Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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de Vicente JC, Lequerica-Fernández P, Rodrigo JP, Rodríguez-Santamarta T, Blanco-Lorenzo V, Prieto-Fernández L, Corte-Torres D, Vallina A, Domínguez-Iglesias F, Álvarez-Teijeiro S, García-Pedrero JM. Lectin-like Transcript-1 (LLT1) Expression in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas: Prognostic Significance and Relationship with the Tumor Immune Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4314. [PMID: 38673902 PMCID: PMC11050533 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Lectin-like transcript-1 (LLT1) expression is detected in different cancer types and is involved in immune evasion. The present study investigates the clinical relevance of tumoral and stromal LLT1 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and relationships with the immune infiltrate into the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Immunohistochemical analysis of LLT1 expression was performed in 124 OSCC specimens, together with PD-L1 expression and the infiltration of CD20+, CD4+, and CD8+ lymphocytes and CD68+ and CD163+-macrophages. Associations with clinicopathological variables, prognosis, and immune cell densities were further assessed. A total of 41 (33%) OSCC samples showed positive LLT1 staining in tumor cells and 55 (44%) positive LLT1 in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Patients harboring tumor-intrinsic LLT1 expression exhibited poorer survival, suggesting an immunosuppressive role. Conversely, positive LLT1 expression in TILs was significantly associated with better disease-specific survival, and also an immune-active tumor microenvironment highly infiltrated by CD8+ T cells and M1/M2 macrophages. Furthermore, the combination of tumoral and stromal LLT1 was found to distinguish three prognostic categories (favorable, intermediate, and adverse; p = 0.029, Log-rank test). Together, these data demonstrate the prognostic relevance of tumoral and stromal LLT1 expression in OSCC, and its potential application to improve prognosis prediction and patient stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C. de Vicente
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Carretera de Rubín s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Universidad de Oviedo, Carretera de Rubín s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (P.L.-F.); (J.P.R.); (L.P.-F.); (S.Á.-T.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Oviedo, Julián Clavería s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Paloma Lequerica-Fernández
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Universidad de Oviedo, Carretera de Rubín s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (P.L.-F.); (J.P.R.); (L.P.-F.); (S.Á.-T.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Carretera de Rubín s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Juan P. Rodrigo
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Universidad de Oviedo, Carretera de Rubín s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (P.L.-F.); (J.P.R.); (L.P.-F.); (S.Á.-T.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Oviedo, Julián Clavería s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Carretera de Rubín s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Tania Rodríguez-Santamarta
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Carretera de Rubín s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Universidad de Oviedo, Carretera de Rubín s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (P.L.-F.); (J.P.R.); (L.P.-F.); (S.Á.-T.)
| | - Verónica Blanco-Lorenzo
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Carretera de Rubín s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (V.B.-L.); (A.V.)
| | - Llara Prieto-Fernández
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Universidad de Oviedo, Carretera de Rubín s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (P.L.-F.); (J.P.R.); (L.P.-F.); (S.Á.-T.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniela Corte-Torres
- Principado de Asturias Biobank, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Carretera de Rubín s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain;
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Aitana Vallina
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Carretera de Rubín s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (V.B.-L.); (A.V.)
- Principado de Asturias Biobank, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Carretera de Rubín s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain;
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | | | - Saúl Álvarez-Teijeiro
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Universidad de Oviedo, Carretera de Rubín s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (P.L.-F.); (J.P.R.); (L.P.-F.); (S.Á.-T.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juana M. García-Pedrero
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Universidad de Oviedo, Carretera de Rubín s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (P.L.-F.); (J.P.R.); (L.P.-F.); (S.Á.-T.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Rueda Huélamo MA, Martínez Perlado A, Consoli V, García-Tejedor A, Haros CM, Laparra Llopis JM. Improvement of hepatic innate immunity in chemically-injured livers to develop hepatocarcinoma by a serine type-protease inhibitors enriched extract from Chenopodium quinoa. Food Funct 2024; 15:3600-3614. [PMID: 38469889 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo03083k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Food ingredients have critical effects on the maturation and development of the immune system, which innate - lymphoid (ILCs) and myeloid - cells play key roles as important regulators of energy storage and hepatic fat accumulation. Therefore, the objective of this study is to define potential links between a dietary immunonutritional induction of the selective functional differentiation of monocytes-derived macrophages, ILCs and lipid homeostasis in hepatocarcinoma (HCC)-developing mice. Hepatic chemically injured (diethylnitrosamine/thiacetamide) Rag2-/- and Rag2-/-Il2-/- mice were administered with serine-type protease inhibitors (SETIs) obtained from Chenopodium quinoa. Early HCC-driven immunometabolic imbalances (infiltrated macrophages, glucose homeostasis, hepatic lipid profile, ILCs expansion, inflammatory conditions, microbiota) in animals put under a high-fat diet for 2 weeks were assessed. It was also approached the potential of SETIs to cause functional adaptations of the bioenergetics of human macrophage-like cells (hMLCs) in vitro conditioning their capacity to accumulate fat. It is showed that Rag2-/-Il2-/- mice, lacking ILCs, are resistant to the SETIs-induced hepatic macrophages (CD68+F4/80+) activation. Feeding SETIs to Rag2-/- mice, carrying ILCs, promoted the expansion towards ILC3s (CD117+Nkp46+CD56+) and reduced that of ILC2s (CD117+KLRG1+) into livers. In vitro studies demonstrate that hMLCs, challenged to SETIs, develop a similar phenotype of that found in mice and bioenergetic adaptations leading to increased lipolysis. It is concluded that SETIs promote liver macrophage activation and ILCs adaptations to ameliorate HCC-driven immunometabolic imbalances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alicia Rueda Huélamo
- Molecular Immunonutrition Group, Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies in Food (IMDEA-Food), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Alba Martínez Perlado
- Molecular Immunonutrition Group, Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies in Food (IMDEA-Food), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Valeria Consoli
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria, 6, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Aurora García-Tejedor
- Bioactivity and Nutritional Immunology Group (BIOINUT), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Internacional de Valencia-VIU, Pintor Sorolla 21, 46002 Valencia, Spain
| | - Claudia Monika Haros
- Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valencia, Spain
| | - José Moisés Laparra Llopis
- Molecular Immunonutrition Group, Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies in Food (IMDEA-Food), Madrid, Spain.
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39
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Liu H, Tang Y, Zhang J, Wu G, Peng Q, Chen C, Cao J, Peng R, Su B, Tu D, Jiang G, Wang Q, Liu R, Wang A, Jin S, Zhang C, Bai D. TRIM5 as a promising diagnostic biomarker of hepatocellular carcinoma: integrated analysis and experimental validation. Funct Integr Genomics 2024; 24:63. [PMID: 38517555 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-024-01339-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
The TRIM family is associated with the membrane, and its involvement in the progression, growth, and development of various cancer types has been researched extensively. However, the role played by the TRIM5 gene within this family has yet to be explored to a great extent in terms of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The data of patients relating to mRNA expression and the survival rate of individuals diagnosed with HCC were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. UALCAN was employed to examine the potential link between TRIM5 expression and clinicopathological characteristics. In addition, enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was conducted as a means of deciphering the function and mechanism of TRIM5 in HCC. The data in the TCGA and TIMER2.0 databases was utilized to explore the correlation between TRIM5 and immune infiltration in HCC. WGCNA was performed as a means of assessing TRIM5-related co-expressed genes. The "OncoPredict" R package was also used for investigating the association between TRIM5 and drug sensitivity. Finally, qRT-PCR, Western blotting (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were employed for exploring the differential expression of TRIM5 and its clinical relevance in HCC. According to the results that were obtained from the vitro experiments, mRNA and protein levels of TRIM5 demonstrated a significant upregulation in HCC tissues. It is notable that TRIM5 expression levels were found to have a strong association with the infiltration of diverse immune cells and displayed a positive correlation with several immune checkpoint inhibitors. The TRIM5 expression also displayed promising clinical prognostic value for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanxiang Liu
- Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhong Tang
- Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiahao Zhang
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Gefeng Wu
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Peng
- Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Chen
- Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Cao
- Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Peng
- Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingbing Su
- Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Daoyuan Tu
- Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoqing Jiang
- Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Renjie Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Aoqing Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengjie Jin
- Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Dousheng Bai
- Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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40
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Hoque MM, Gbadegoye JO, Hassan FO, Raafat A, Lebeche D. Cardiac fibrogenesis: an immuno-metabolic perspective. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1336551. [PMID: 38577624 PMCID: PMC10993884 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1336551] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a major and complex pathophysiological process that ultimately culminates in cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. This phenomenon includes not only the replacement of the damaged tissue by a fibrotic scar produced by activated fibroblasts/myofibroblasts but also a spatiotemporal alteration of the structural, biochemical, and biomechanical parameters in the ventricular wall, eliciting a reactive remodeling process. Though mechanical stress, post-infarct homeostatic imbalances, and neurohormonal activation are classically attributed to cardiac fibrosis, emerging evidence that supports the roles of immune system modulation, inflammation, and metabolic dysregulation in the initiation and progression of cardiac fibrogenesis has been reported. Adaptive changes, immune cell phenoconversions, and metabolic shifts in the cardiac nonmyocyte population provide initial protection, but persistent altered metabolic demand eventually contributes to adverse remodeling of the heart. Altered energy metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction, various immune cells, immune mediators, and cross-talks between the immune cells and cardiomyocytes play crucial roles in orchestrating the transdifferentiation of fibroblasts and ensuing fibrotic remodeling of the heart. Manipulation of the metabolic plasticity, fibroblast-myofibroblast transition, and modulation of the immune response may hold promise for favorably modulating the fibrotic response following different cardiovascular pathological processes. Although the immunologic and metabolic perspectives of fibrosis in the heart are being reported in the literature, they lack a comprehensive sketch bridging these two arenas and illustrating the synchrony between them. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the intricate relationship between different cardiac immune cells and metabolic pathways as well as summarizes the current understanding of the involvement of immune-metabolic pathways in cardiac fibrosis and attempts to identify some of the previously unaddressed questions that require further investigation. Moreover, the potential therapeutic strategies and emerging pharmacological interventions, including immune and metabolic modulators, that show promise in preventing or attenuating cardiac fibrosis and restoring cardiac function will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Monirul Hoque
- Departments of Physiology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- College of Graduate Health Sciences, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Joy Olaoluwa Gbadegoye
- Departments of Physiology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- College of Graduate Health Sciences, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Fasilat Oluwakemi Hassan
- Departments of Physiology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- College of Graduate Health Sciences, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Amr Raafat
- Departments of Physiology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Djamel Lebeche
- Departments of Physiology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- College of Graduate Health Sciences, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- Medicine-Cardiology, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
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41
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Wang M, Xue W, Yuan H, Wang Z, Yu L. Nano-Drug Delivery Systems Targeting CAFs: A Promising Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:2823-2849. [PMID: 38525013 PMCID: PMC10959015 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s451151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal malignant tumors. PC is typically diagnosed at a late stage, exhibits a poor response to conventional treatment, and has a bleak prognosis. Unfortunately, PC's survival rate has not significantly improved since the 1960s. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a key component of the pancreatic tumor microenvironment (TME). They play a vital role in maintaining the extracellular matrix and facilitating the intricate communication between cancer cells and infiltrated immune cells. Exploring therapeutic approaches targeting CAFs may reverse the current landscape of PC therapy. In recent years, nano-drug delivery systems have evolved rapidly and have been able to accurately target and precisely release drugs with little or no toxicity to the whole body. In this review, we will comprehensively discuss the origin, heterogeneity, potential targets, and recent advances in the nano-drug delivery system of CAFs in PC. We will also propose a novel integrated treatment regimen that utilizes a nano-drug delivery system to target CAFs in PC, combined with radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Additionally, we will address the challenges that this regimen currently faces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjie Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenxiang Xue
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hanghang Yuan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhicheng Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Yu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
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42
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Bao K, Liang G, Tian T, Zhang X. Mathematical modeling of combined therapies for treating tumor drug resistance. Math Biosci 2024; 371:109170. [PMID: 38467302 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2024.109170] [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: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Drug resistance is one of the most intractable issues to the targeted therapy for cancer diseases. To explore effective combination therapy schemes, we propose a mathematical model to study the effects of different treatment schemes on the dynamics of cancer cells. Then we characterize the dynamical behavior of the model by finding the equilibrium points and exploring their local stability. Lyapunov functions are constructed to investigate the global asymptotic stability of the model equilibria. Numerical simulations are carried out to verify the stability of equilibria and treatment outcomes using a set of collected model parameters and experimental data on murine colon carcinoma. Simulation results suggest that immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy contributes significantly to the control of tumor growth compared to monotherapy. Sensitivity analysis is performed to identify the importance of model parameters on the variations of model outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangbo Bao
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, PR China.
| | - Guizhen Liang
- School of Mathematics and Information Science, Xinxiang University, Xinxiang, 453003, PR China.
| | - Tianhai Tian
- School of Mathematics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - Xinan Zhang
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, PR China.
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43
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Murphy DA, Osteicochea D, Atkins A, Sannes C, McClarnon Z, Adjei IM. Optimizing Oxygen-Production Kinetics of Manganese Dioxide Nanoparticles Improves Hypoxia Reversal and Survival in Mice with Bone Metastases. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:1125-1136. [PMID: 38365202 PMCID: PMC10979454 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00671] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Persistent hypoxia in bone metastases induces an immunosuppressive environment, limiting the effectiveness of immunotherapies. To address chronic hypoxia, we have developed manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanoparticles with tunable oxygen production kinetics for sustained oxygenation in bone metastases lesions. Using polyethylene glycol (PEG)-stabilized MnO2 or poly(lactic[50]-co-glycolic[50] acid) (50:50 PLGA), poly(lactic[75]-co-glycolic[25] acid) (75:25 PLGA), and polylactic acid (PLA)-encapsulated MnO2 NPs, we demonstrate that polymer hydrophobicity attenuates burst oxygen production and enables tunable oxygen production kinetics. The PEG-MnO2 NPs resulted in rapid hypoxia reduction in spheroids, which was rapidly attenuated, while the PLA-MnO2 NPs exhibited delayed hypoxia control in cancer spheroids. The 50:50 PLGA-MnO2 NPs exhibited the best short- and long-term control of hypoxia in cancer spheroids, resulting in sustained regulation of the expression of HIF-1α and immunosuppressive genes. The sustained control of hypoxia by the 50:50 PLGA-MnO2 NPs enhanced the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells against cancer spheroids. In vivo, 50:50 PLGA-MnO2 showed greater accumulation in the long bones and pelvis, common sites for bone metastases. The NPs decreased hypoxia in bone metastases and decreased regulatory T cell levels, resulting in enhanced survival of mice with established bone metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Murphy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Daniela Osteicochea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Aidan Atkins
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Caitlin Sannes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Zachary McClarnon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Isaac M Adjei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
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44
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Yue J, Guo H, Xu P, Ma J, Shi W, Wu Y. Combination of IL-33 with PD-1 blockade augment mILC2s-mediated anti-tumor immunity. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:65. [PMID: 38430390 PMCID: PMC10908611 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03580-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) represent one of the main tissue-specific innate lymphoid cell populations, which are key drivers of cytokine secretion in their occupational niche. However, the precise involvement of ILC2s in cancer immunity and their potential impact on immunotherapeutic approaches remain poorly understood. METHODS The proportion of ILC2s originating from various tissue sources were quantified through flow cytometry, along with the determination of CD4+ T cell and CD8+ T cell percentages. Flow cytometry was also employed to assess IFN-γ production and programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) expression in T cells. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to detect IL-33 expression in tumor tissues, while immunofluorescence was employed to confirm the infiltration of ILC2s in both murine and human tumor tissues. RESULTS In this study, we provide evidence that intra-tumoral ILC2s in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) exist in a quiescent state. However, the activation of intra-tumoral ILC2s is induced by IL-33 specifically in a natural ILC2s (nILC2, ST2+KLRG1-) phenotype. Considering the pivotal role of PD-1 in cancer immunotherapy and its immunoregulatory functions, we investigated the synergistic effects of IL-33 and anti-PD-1 and found that their combination enhances anti-tumor immunity and improves the efficacy of immunotherapy. Moreover, this combination leads to the upregulation of activated mature ILC2s (mILC2, ST2+KLRG1+) phenotype, thereby highlighting the activated ILC2s as a novel enhancer of the immunoregulatory properties of anti-PD-1. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these findings underscore the significance of ILC2s and their contribution to the anti-tumor response in the context of cancer immunotherapy. Consequently, the simultaneous targeting of ILC2s and T cells represents a potentially promising and widely applicable strategy for immunotherapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Yue
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinhong Ma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weifeng Shi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yumin Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Institute of Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM) College of Nano Science &Technology (CNST) Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China.
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45
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Apoorva E, Jacob R, Rao DN, Kumar S. Helicobacter pylori enhances HLA-C expression in the human gastric adenocarcinoma cells AGS and can protect them from the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells. Helicobacter 2024; 29:e13069. [PMID: 38516860 DOI: 10.1111/hel.13069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) seems to play causative roles in gastric cancers. H. pylori has also been detected in established gastric cancers. How the presence of H. pylori modulates immune response to the cancer is unclear. The cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells, toward infected or malignant cells, is controlled by the repertoire of activating and inhibitory receptors expressed on their surface. Here, we studied H. pylori-induced changes in the expression of ligands, of activating and inhibitory receptors of NK cells, in the gastric adenocarcinoma AGS cells, and their impacts on NK cell responses. AGS cells lacked or had low surface expression of the class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC-I) molecules HLA-E and HLA-C-ligands of the major NK cell inhibitory receptors NKG2A and killer-cell Ig-like receptor (KIR), respectively. However, AGS cells had high surface expression of ligands of activating receptors DNAM-1 and CD2, and of the adhesion molecules LFA-1. Consistently, AGS cells were sensitive to killing by NK cells despite the expression of inhibitory KIR on NK cells. Furthermore, H. pylori enhanced HLA-C surface expression on AGS cells. H. pylori infection enhanced HLA-C protein synthesis, which could explain H. pylori-induced HLA-C surface expression. H. pylori infection enhanced HLA-C surface expression also in the hepatoma Huh7 and HepG2 cells. Furthermore, H. pylori-induced HLA-C surface expression on AGS cells promoted inhibition of NK cells by KIR, and thereby protected AGS cells from NK cell cytotoxicity. These results suggest that H. pylori enhances HLA-C expression in host cells and protects them from the cytotoxic attack of NK cells expressing HLA-C-specific inhibitory receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etikala Apoorva
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Rini Jacob
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Desirazu N Rao
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Santosh Kumar
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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Hontecillas-Prieto L, García-Domínguez DJ, Palazón-Carrión N, Martín García-Sancho A, Nogales-Fernández E, Jiménez-Cortegana C, Sánchez-León ML, Silva-Romeiro S, Flores-Campos R, Carnicero-González F, Ríos-Herranz E, de la Cruz-Vicente F, Rodríguez-García G, Fernández-Álvarez R, Martínez-Banaclocha N, Gumà-Padrò J, Gómez-Codina J, Salar-Silvestre A, Rodríguez-Abreu D, Gálvez-Carvajal L, Labrador J, Guirado-Risueño M, Provencio-Pulla M, Sánchez-Beato M, Marylene L, Álvaro-Naranjo T, Casanova-Espinosa M, Rueda-Domínguez A, Sánchez-Margalet V, de la Cruz-Merino L. CD8+ NKs as a potential biomarker of complete response and survival with lenalidomide plus R-GDP in the R2-GDP-GOTEL trial in recurrent/refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1293931. [PMID: 38469299 PMCID: PMC10926187 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1293931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma worldwide. DLBCL is an aggressive disease that can be cured with upfront standard chemoimmunotherapy schedules. However, in approximately 35-40% of the patients DLBCL relapses, and therefore, especially in this setting, the search for new prognostic and predictive biomarkers is an urgent need. Natural killer (NK) are effector cells characterized by playing an important role in antitumor immunity due to their cytotoxic capacity and a subset of circulating NK that express CD8 have a higher cytotoxic function. In this substudy of the R2-GDP-GOTEL trial, we have evaluated blood CD8+ NK cells as a predictor of treatment response and survival in relapsed/refractory (R/R) DLBCL patients. Methods 78 patients received the R2-GDP schedule in the phase II trial. Blood samples were analyzed by flow cytometry. Statistical analyses were carried out in order to identify the prognostic potential of CD8+ NKs at baseline in R/R DLBCL patients. Results Our results showed that the number of circulating CD8+ NKs in R/R DLBCL patients were lower than in healthy donors, and it did not change during and after treatment. Nevertheless, the level of blood CD8+ NKs at baseline was associated with complete responses in patients with R/R DLBCL. In addition, we also demonstrated that CD8+ NKs levels have potential prognostic value in terms of overall survival in R/R DLBCL patients. Conclusion CD8+ NKs represent a new biomarker with prediction and prognosis potential to be considered in the clinical management of patients with R/R DLBCL. Clinical trial registration https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/search?query=2014-001620-29 EudraCT, ID:2014-001620-29.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes Hontecillas-Prieto
- Clinical Biochemistry Service, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, CSIC, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Clinical Oncology Service, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Daniel J. García-Domínguez
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, CSIC, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Natalia Palazón-Carrión
- Clinical Oncology Service, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Alejandro Martín García-Sancho
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, IBSAL, CIBERONC, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Esteban Nogales-Fernández
- Clinical Oncology Service, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Carlos Jiménez-Cortegana
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - María L. Sánchez-León
- Clinical Oncology Service, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Silvia Silva-Romeiro
- Clinical Oncology Service, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Rocío Flores-Campos
- Clinical Oncology Service, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Natividad Martínez-Banaclocha
- Oncology Dept., Dr. Balmis General University Hospital, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
| | - Josep Gumà-Padrò
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus URV, IISPV, Reus, Spain
| | - José Gómez-Codina
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Hospital Universitario La Fé, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Delvys Rodríguez-Abreu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Insular, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Laura Gálvez-Carvajal
- Department of Medical Oncology Intercenter Unit, Regional and Virgen de la Victoria University Hospitals, IBIMA, Málaga, Spain
| | - Jorge Labrador
- Department of Hematology, Research Unit, Hospital Universitario de Burgos, Burgos, Spain
| | - María Guirado-Risueño
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Hospital General Universitario de Elche, Elche, Spain
| | - Mariano Provencio-Pulla
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, IDIPHISA, Madrid, Spain
| | - Margarita Sánchez-Beato
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lymphoma Research Group, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, IDIPHISA, CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lejeune Marylene
- Department of Pathology, Plataforma de Estudios Histológicos, Citológicos y de Digitalización, Hospital de Tortosa Verge de la Cinta, IISPV, URV, Tortosa, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Tomás Álvaro-Naranjo
- Department of Pathology, Hospital de Tortosa Verge de la Cinta, Catalan Institute of Health, Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Tortosa, Tarragona, Spain
| | | | | | - Víctor Sánchez-Margalet
- Clinical Biochemistry Service, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, CSIC, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Luis de la Cruz-Merino
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, CSIC, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Clinical Oncology Service, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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Li T, Niu M, Zhang W, Qin S, Zhou J, Yi M. CAR-NK cells for cancer immunotherapy: recent advances and future directions. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1361194. [PMID: 38404574 PMCID: PMC10884099 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1361194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells, intrinsic to the innate immune system, are pivotal in combating cancer due to their independent cytotoxic capabilities in antitumor immune response. Unlike predominant treatments that target T cell immunity, the limited success of T cell immunotherapy emphasizes the urgency for innovative approaches, with a spotlight on harnessing the potential of NK cells. Despite tumors adapting mechanisms to evade NK cell-induced cytotoxicity, there is optimism surrounding Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) NK cells. This comprehensive review delves into the foundational features and recent breakthroughs in comprehending the dynamics of NK cells within the tumor microenvironment. It critically evaluates the potential applications and challenges associated with emerging CAR-NK cell therapeutic strategies, positioning them as promising tools in the evolving landscape of precision medicine. As research progresses, the unique attributes of CAR-NK cells offer a new avenue for therapeutic interventions, paving the way for a more effective and precise approach to cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianye Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengke Niu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weijiang Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Qin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianwei Zhou
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ming Yi
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Kim HY, Jeong D, Kim JH, Chung DH. Innate Type-2 Cytokines: From Immune Regulation to Therapeutic Targets. Immune Netw 2024; 24:e6. [PMID: 38455467 PMCID: PMC10917574 DOI: 10.4110/in.2024.24.e6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The intricate role of innate type-2 cytokines in immune responses is increasingly acknowledged for its dual nature, encompassing both protective and pathogenic dimensions. Ranging from defense against parasitic infections to contributing to inflammatory diseases like asthma, fibrosis, and obesity, these cytokines intricately engage with various innate immune cells. This review meticulously explores the cellular origins of innate type-2 cytokines and their intricate interactions, shedding light on factors that amplify the innate type-2 response, including TSLP, IL-25, and IL-33. Recent advancements in therapeutic strategies, specifically the utilization of biologics targeting pivotal cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13), are discussed, offering insights into both challenges and opportunities. Acknowledging the pivotal role of innate type-2 cytokines in orchestrating immune responses positions them as promising therapeutic targets. The evolving landscape of research and development in this field not only propels immunological knowledge forward but also holds the promise of more effective treatments in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Young Kim
- Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Multitasking Macrophage Research Center, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Dongjin Jeong
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Ji Hyung Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Doo Hyun Chung
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
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49
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Bourinet M, Anty R, Gual P, Luci C. Roles of innate lymphoid cells in metabolic and alcohol-associated liver diseases. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:100962. [PMID: 38304237 PMCID: PMC10831956 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) have been identified as potent regulators of inflammation, cell death and wound healing, which are the main biological processes involved in the progression of chronic liver disease. Obesity and chronic alcohol consumption are the leading contributors to chronic liver diseases in developed countries, due to inappropriate lifestyles. In particular, inflammation is a key factor in these liver abnormalities and promotes the development of more severe lesions such as fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Opposite roles of ILC subsets have been described in the development of chronic liver disease, depending on the stage and aetiology of the disease. The heterogeneous family of ILCs encompasses cytotoxic natural killer cells, the cytokine-producing type 1, 2 and 3 ILCs and lymphoid tissue inducer cells. Dysfunction of these immune cells provokes uncontrolled inflammation and tissue damage, which are the basis for tumour development. In this review, we provide an overview of the recent and putative roles of ILC subsets in obesity and alcohol-associated liver diseases, which are currently the major contributors to end-stage liver complications such as fibrosis/cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Bourinet
- Université Côte d’Azur, INSERM, U1065, C3M, Nice, France
| | - Rodolphe Anty
- Université Côte d’Azur, CHU, INSERM, U1065, C3M, Nice, France
| | - Philippe Gual
- Université Côte d’Azur, INSERM, U1065, C3M, Nice, France
| | - Carmelo Luci
- Université Côte d’Azur, INSERM, U1065, C3M, Nice, France
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50
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Griffith BD, Frankel TL. The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor: Impact on the Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Modulation as a Potential Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:472. [PMID: 38339226 PMCID: PMC10854841 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030472] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ubiquitous nuclear receptor with a broad range of functions, both in tumor cells and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Activation of AhR has been shown to have a carcinogenic effect in a variety of organs, through induction of cellular proliferation and migration, promotion of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and inhibition of apoptosis, among other functions. However, the impact on immune cell function is more complicated, with both pro- and anti-tumorigenic roles identified. Although targeting AhR in cancer has shown significant promise in pre-clinical studies, there has been limited efficacy in phase III clinical trials to date. With the contrasting roles of AhR activation on immune cell polarization, understanding the impact of AhR activation on the tumor immune microenvironment is necessary to guide therapies targeting the AhR. This review article summarizes the state of knowledge of AhR activation on the TME, limitations of current findings, and the potential for modulation of the AhR as a cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D. Griffith
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Timothy L. Frankel
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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