Human Placental-Derived Adherent Stromal Cells Co-Induced with TNF-α and IFN-γ Inhibit Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in Nude Mouse Xenograft Models

Xenogenic Application of Human Placenta-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in a Porcine Large Animal Model

In animal models, cell therapies for different diseases or injuries have been very successful. Preclinical studies with cells aiming at a stroke, heart attack, and other emergency situations were promising but sometimes failed translation in clinical situations. We, therefore, investigated if human placenta-derived mesenchymal stromal cells can be injected in pigs without provoking rejection to serve as a xenogenic transplantation model to bridge preclinical animal studies to more promising future preclinical studies. Male human placenta-derived mesenchymal stromal cells were isolated, expanded, and characterized by flow cytometry, in vitro differentiation, and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction to prove their nature. Such cells were injected into the sphincter muscle of the urethrae of female pigs under visual control by cystoscopy employing a Williams needle. The animals were observed over 7 days of follow-up. Reactions of the host to the xenogeneic cells were explored by monitoring body temperature, and inflammatory markers including IL-1ß, CRP, and haptoglobin in blood. After sacrifice on day 7, infiltration of inflammatory cells in the tissue targeted was investigated by histology and immunofluorescence. DNA of injected human cells was detected by PCR. Upon injection in vascularized porcine tissue, human placenta-derived mesenchymal stromal cells were tolerated, and systemic inflammatory parameters were not elevated. DNA of injected cells was detected in situ 7 days after injection, and moderate local infiltration of inflammatory cells was observed. The therapeutic potential of human placenta-derived mesenchymal stromal cells can be explored in porcine large animal models of injury or disease. This seems a promising strategy to explore technologies for cell injections in infarcted hearts or small organs and tissues in therapeutically relevant amounts requiring large animal models to yield meaningful outcomes.

Proteogenomic landscape of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in an Asian population reveals tumor cell-enriched and immune-rich subtypes

We report a proteogenomic analysis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Mutation-phosphorylation correlations identified signaling pathways associated with somatic mutations in significantly mutated genes. Messenger RNA-protein abundance correlations revealed potential prognostic biomarkers correlated with patient survival. Integrated clustering of mRNA, protein and phosphorylation data identified six PDAC subtypes. Cellular pathways represented by mRNA and protein signatures, defining the subtypes and compositions of cell types in the subtypes, characterized them as classical progenitor (TS1), squamous (TS2-4), immunogenic progenitor (IS1) and exocrine-like (IS2) subtypes. Compared with the mRNA data, protein and phosphorylation data further classified the squamous subtypes into activated stroma-enriched (TS2), invasive (TS3) and invasive-proliferative (TS4) squamous subtypes. Orthotopic mouse PDAC models revealed a higher number of pro-tumorigenic immune cells in TS4, inhibiting T cell proliferation. Our proteogenomic analysis provides significantly mutated genes/biomarkers, cellular pathways and cell types as potential therapeutic targets to improve stratification of patients with PDAC.

Methods and criteria for validating the multimodal functions of perinatal derivatives when used in oncological and antimicrobial applications

Perinatal derivatives or PnDs refer to tissues, cells and secretomes from perinatal, or birth-associated tissues. In the past 2 decades PnDs have been highly investigated for their multimodal mechanisms of action that have been exploited in various disease settings, including in different cancers and infections. Indeed, there is growing evidence that PnDs possess anticancer and antimicrobial activities, but an urgent issue that needs to be addressed is the reproducible evaluation of efficacy, both in vitro and in vivo. Herein we present the most commonly used functional assays for the assessment of antitumor and antimicrobial properties of PnDs, and we discuss their advantages and disadvantages in assessing the functionality. This review is part of a quadrinomial series on functional assays for the validation of PnDs spanning biological functions such as immunomodulation, anticancer and antimicrobial, wound healing, and regeneration.

Application of Perinatal Derivatives on Oncological Preclinical Models: A Review of Animal Studies

The increasing cancer incidence has certified oncological management as one of the most critical challenges for the coming decades. New anticancer strategies are still needed, despite the significant advances brought to the forefront in the last decades. The most recent, promising therapeutic approaches have benefitted from the application of human perinatal derivatives (PnD), biological mediators with proven benefits in several fields beyond oncology. To elucidate preclinical results and clinic outcomes achieved in the oncological field, we present a narrative review of the studies resorting to animal models to assess specific outcomes of PnD products. Recent preclinical evidence points to promising anticancer effects offered by PnD mediators isolated from the placenta, amniotic membrane, amniotic fluid, and umbilical cord. Described effects include tumorigenesis prevention, uncontrolled growth or regrowth inhibition, tumor homing ability, and adequate cell-based delivery capacity. Furthermore, PnD treatments have been described as supportive of chemotherapy and radiological therapies, particularly when resistance has been reported. However, opposite effects of PnD products have also been observed, offering support and trophic effect to malignant cells. Such paradoxical and dichotomous roles need to be intensively investigated. Current hypotheses identify as explanatory some critical factors, such as the type of the PnD biological products used or the manufacturing procedure to prepare the tissue/cellular treatment, the experimental design (including human-relevant animal models), and intrinsic pathophysiological characteristics. The effective and safe translation of PnD treatments to clinical practice relies on the collaborative efforts of all researchers working with human-relevant oncological preclinical models. However, it requires proper guidelines and consensus compiled by experts and health workers who accurately describe the methodology of tissue collection, PnD isolation, manufacturing, preservation, and delivery to the final user.

Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Anti-Cancer Therapies

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are localized throughout the adult body as a small population in the stroma of the tissue concerned. In injury, tissue damage, or tumor formation, they are activated and leave their niche to migrate to the site of injury, where they release a plethora of growth factors, cytokines, and other bioactive molecules. With the accumulation of data about the interaction between MSCs and tumor cells, the dualistic role of MSCs remains unclear. However, a large number of studies have demonstrated the natural anti-tumor properties inherent in MSCs, so this is the basis for intensive research for new methods using MSCs as a tool to suppress cancer cell development. This review focuses specifically on advanced approaches in modifying MSCs to become a powerful, precision- targeted tool for killing cancer cells, but not normal healthy cells. Suppression of tumor growth by MSCs can be accomplished by inducing apoptosis or cell cycle arrest, suppressing tumor angiogenesis, or blocking mechanisms mediating metastasis. In addition, the chemosensitivity of cancer cells may be increased so that the dose of the chemotherapeutic agent used could be significantly reduced.

Perinatal Cells: A Promising COVID-19 Therapy?

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a priority in the health systems of all nations worldwide. In fact, there are currently no specific drugs or preventive treatments such as vaccines. The numerous therapies available today aim to counteract the symptoms caused by the viral infection that in some subjects can evolve causing acute respiratory distress syndromes (ARDS) with consequent admission to intensive care unit. The exacerbated response of the immune system, through cytokine storm, causes extensive damage to the lung tissue, with the formation of edema, fibrotic tissues and susceptibility to opportunistic infections. The inflammatory picture is also aggravated by disseminated intravascular coagulation which worsens the damage not only to the respiratory system, but also to other organs. In this context, perinatal cells represent a valid strategy thanks to their strong immunomodulatory potential, their safety profile, the ability to reduce fibrosis and stimulate reparative processes. Furthermore, perinatal cells exert antibacterial and antiviral actions. This review therefore provides an overview of the characteristics of perinatal cells with a particular focus on the beneficial effects that they could have in patients with COVID-19, and more specifically for their potential use in the treatment of ARDS and sepsis.

Anti-tumor and immunomodulatory activity of the aqueous extract of Sarcodon imbricatus in vitro and in vivo

Sarcodon imbricatus (S. imbricatus), a well-known edible mushroom, is one of the most commonly consumed wild mushrooms in China because of its nutritional value. Previous studies have demonstrated that S. imbricatus has immunoregulatory activity. We previously described the potential anti-tumor activity of several types of mushrooms, including S. imbricatus. In this study, the results demonstrate that an aqueous extract of S. imbricatus (SIE) effectively inhibits the growth, migration, and invasion properties of breast cancer cells in vitro and reduces tumor growth in vivo. In addition, the SIE increased serum concentrations of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, natural killer cell activity and the viability of splenocytes and reduced the expression of programmed cell death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1) in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. Collectively, these results are the first demonstration that the SIE has anti-tumor and immunomodulatory effects in the 4T1 mouse breast cancer model. These findings provide a scientific rationale for the potential therapeutic use of S. imbricatus in breast cancer patients.

Engineering mesenchymal stem cells: a novel therapeutic approach in breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent and deadliest cancers among women in the world because of its aggressive behaviour and inadequate response to conventional therapies. Cellular and gene therapies based on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent promising treatment strategies for multiple diseases, such as cancers. MSCs are multipotent adult stem cells with important features for cell therapy, such as tissue homing to injured sites, their differentiation potential, their capacity of secreting plenty of trophic factors, and low immunogenicity. The quite easy isolation of these cells from various types of tissues are associated with no ethical concern when dealing with foetal or embryonic stem cells. The MSCs exhibit both pro and anti-oncogenic properties. However, genetic engineering of MSCs and nanoparticles is being employed as a means to solve some of these problems and improve the antitumor properties of these cells. The tumour-homing ability of MSCs and their exosomes to tumour niches have made them as a promising vector for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to tumours site. The present study investigated MSCs specifications, pro- and anti-oncogenic properties of MSCs in breast cancer, and reviewed targeted breast cancer therapy via engineered MSCs, likely as potent cellular vehicles.

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells from Fetal and Maternal Placenta Possess Key Similarities and Differences: Potential Implications for Their Applications in Regenerative Medicine

Placenta-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have attracted more attention for their immune modulatory properties and poor immunogenicity, which makes them suitable for allogeneic transplantation. Although MSC isolated from different areas of the placenta share several features, they also present significant biological differences, which might point to distinct clinical applications. Hence, we compared cells from full term placenta distinguishing them on the basis of their origin, either maternal or fetal. We used cells developed by Pluristem LTD: PLacenta expanded mesenchymal-like adherent stromal cells (PLX), maternal-derived cells (PLX-PAD), fetal-derived cells (PLX-R18), and amniotic membrane-derived MSC (hAMSC). We compared immune modulatory properties evaluating effects on T-lymphocyte proliferation, expression of cytotoxicity markers, T-helper and T-regulatory cell polarization, and monocyte differentiation toward antigen presenting cells (APC). Furthermore, we investigated cell immunogenicity. We show that MSCs and MSC-like cells from both fetal and maternal sources present immune modulatory properties versus lymphoid (T cells) and myeloid (APC) cells, whereby fetal-derived cells (PLX-R18 and hAMSC) have a stronger capacity to modulate immune cell proliferation and differentiation. Our results emphasize the importance of understanding the cell origin and characteristics in order to obtain a desired result, such as modulation of the inflammatory response that is critical in fostering regenerative processes.

An anticancer effect of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell secretome on the breast cancer cell line

Nowadays, Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have become one of the most attractive tools for treating tumors, due to their specific characteristics, the most prominent of which are tropism toward tumor. These cells will exert their effects through their secretion. In this study, our aim was to evaluate the anti-cancer effect of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal cells (UCMSC) secretome, on MCF-7 tumor cells. MSCs were extracted from the umbilical cord of mothers, having normal delivery or cesarean section. After culture, the supernatants of these cells were collected and freeze-dried. The cytotoxic effect of freeze-dried secretome was examined at different concentrations on MCF-7 and the optimum concentrations (IC50) were calculated, using MTT assay. These results were confirmed by BrdU assay. The effect of induction of apoptosis of the MSC secretome on MCF-7 was determined, using annexin V/PI method by flow cytometry. The results of our study indicate that the isolation and growth time of UCMSCs of mothers who were naturally delivered was lower than those who received cesarean section. Co-culture studies showed that MSCs had cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 cells. The MSC secretome also showed cytotoxic effects on the MCF-7 cell line, this effect was mediated by induction of apoptosis, which was dose-dependent with an IC50 of 10 mg/mL.

Treatment with Recombinant Interleukin-15 (IL-15) Increases the Number of T Cells and Natural Killer (NK) Cells and Levels of Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in a Rat Model of Sepsis

BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the effects of treatment with recombinant interleukin-15 (IL-15) on T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) on the immune response in a rat cecal ligation and perforation model of sepsis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats (n=120) were divided into four groups (n=30). A rat model of clinical sepsis was created using cecal ligation and perforation, and 109 rats successfully developed sepsis. Rats were then injected intraperitoneally with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 μg of recombinant rat IL-15 or saline. Survival was determined, and the numbers of T cells and NK cells, and the expression levels of IL-15 and IFN-γ were detected in the peripheral blood of rats in each group at 24 h and 48 h. RESULTS The levels of IL-15 and IFN-γ, as well as the numbers of T cells and NK cells, were significantly increased in the IL-15-treated groups compared with the control group at both 24 h and 48 h (P<0.05). Levels of IL-15 and IFN-γ were significantly increased in the IL-15-treated groups at 48 h compared with 24 h in the control group. Levels of IL-15, the numbers of T cells and NK cells, and the levels of IFN-γ in peripheral blood were significantly lower at 48 h when compared with 24 h (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS In a rat model of sepsis, treatment with recombinant IL-15 significantly increased T cell and NK cell numbers, and levels of IFN-γ, and prolonged the survival of rats with sepsis.

Improved Antitumor Efficacy of Combined Vaccine Based on the Induced HUVECs and DC-CT26 Against Colorectal Carcinoma

Angiogenesis is essential for the development, growth, and metastasis of solid tumors. Vaccination with viable human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) has been used for antitumor angiogenesis. However, the limited immune response induced by HUVECs hinders their clinical application. In the present study, we found that HUVECs induced by a tumor microenvironment using the supernatant of murine CT26 colorectal cancer cells exerted a better antiangiogenic effect than HUVECs themselves. The inhibitory effect on tumor growth in the induced HUVEC group was significantly better than that of the HUVEC group, and the induced HUVEC group showed a strong inhibition in CD31-positive microvessel density in the tumor tissues. Moreover, the level of anti-induced HUVEC membrane protein antibody in mouse serum was profoundly higher in the induced HUVEC group than in the HUVEC group. Based on this, the antitumor effect of a vaccine with a combination of induced HUVECs and dendritic cell-loading CT26 antigen (DC-CT26) was evaluated. Notably, the microvessel density of tumor specimens was significantly lower in the combined vaccine group than in the control groups. Furthermore, the spleen index, the killing effect of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), and the concentration of interferon-γ in the serum were enhanced in the combined vaccine group. Based on these results, the combined vaccine targeting both tumor angiogenesis and tumor cells may be an attractive and effective cancer immunotherapy strategy.

Tumor-Stroma-Inflammation Networks Promote Pro-metastatic Chemokines and Aggressiveness Characteristics in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays key roles in promoting disease progression in the aggressive triple-negative subtype of breast cancer (TNBC; Basal/Basal-like). Here, we took an integrative approach and determined the impact of tumor-stroma-inflammation networks on pro-metastatic phenotypes in TNBC. With the TCGA dataset we found that the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β), as well as their target pro-metastatic chemokines CXCL8 (IL-8), CCL2 (MCP-1), and CCL5 (RANTES) were expressed at significantly higher levels in basal patients than luminal-A patients. Then, we found that TNFα- or IL-1β-stimulated co-cultures of TNBC cells (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, BT-549) with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) expressed significantly higher levels of CXCL8 compared to non-stimulated co-cultures or each cell type alone, with or without cytokine stimulation. CXCL8 was also up-regulated in TNBC co-cultures with breast cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) derived from patients. CCL2 and CCL5 also reached the highest expression levels in TNFα/IL-1β-stimulated TNBC:MSC/CAF co-cultures. The elevations in CXCL8 and CCL2 expression partly depended on direct physical contacts between the tumor cells and the MSCs/CAFs, whereas CCL5 up-regulation was entirely dependent on cell-to-cell contacts. Supernatants of TNFα-stimulated TNBC:MSC "Contact" co-cultures induced robust endothelial cell migration and sprouting. TNBC cells co-cultured with MSCs and TNFα gained migration-related morphology and potent migratory properties; they also became more invasive when co-cultured with MSCs/CAFs in the presence of TNFα. Using siRNA to CXCL8, we found that CXCL8 was significantly involved in mediating the pro-metastatic activities gained by TNFα-stimulated TNBC:MSC "Contact" co-cultures: angiogenesis, migration-related morphology of the tumor cells, as well as cancer cell migration and invasion. Importantly, TNFα stimulation of TNBC:MSC "Contact" co-cultures in vitro has increased the aggressiveness of the tumor cells in vivo, leading to higher incidence of mice with lung metastases than non-stimulated TNBC:MSC co-cultures. Similar tumor-stromal-inflammation networks established in-culture with luminal-A cells demonstrated less effective or differently-active pro-metastatic functions than those of TNBC cells. Overall, our studies identify novel tumor-stroma-inflammation networks that may promote TNBC aggressiveness by increasing the pro-malignancy potential of the TME and of the tumor cells themselves, and reveal key roles for CXCL8 in mediating these metastasis-promoting activities.