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Wu G, Pan B, Shi H, Yi Y, Zheng X, Ma H, Zhao M, Zhang Z, Cheng L, Huang Y, Guo W. Neutrophils' dual role in cancer: from tumor progression to immunotherapeutic potential. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 140:112788. [PMID: 39083923 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112788] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is intricately associated with cancer progression, characterized by dynamic interactions among various cellular and molecular components that significantly impact the carcinogenic process. Notably, neutrophils play a crucial dual role in regulating this complex environment. These cells oscillate between promoting and inhibiting tumor activity, responding to a multitude of cytokines, chemokines, and tumor-derived factors. This response modulates immune reactions and affects the proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis of cancer cells. A significant aspect of their influence is their interaction with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress responses in cancer cells, markedly altering tumor immunodynamics by modulating the phenotypic plasticity and functionality of neutrophils. Furthermore, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) exert a pivotal influence in the progression of malignancies by enhancing inflammation, metastasis, immune suppression, and thrombosis, thereby exacerbating the disease. In the realm of immunotherapy, checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-L1/PD-1 and CTLA-4 among others have underscored the significant role of neutrophils in enhancing therapeutic responses. Recent research has highlighted the potential of using neutrophils for targeted drug delivery through nanoparticle systems, which precisely control drug release and significantly enhance antitumor efficacy. This review thoroughly examines the diverse functions of neutrophils in cancer treatment, emphasizing their potential in regulating immune therapy responses and as drug delivery carriers, offering innovative perspectives and profound implications for the development of targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gujie Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Binyang Pan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haochun Shi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanjun Yi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaobin Zheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huiyun Ma
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Mengnan Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenshan Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, Fudan University Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Cheng
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland (NUI), Galway, Ireland.
| | - Yiwei Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Weigang Guo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Ming Y, Gong Y, Fu X, Ouyang X, Peng Y, Pu W. Small-molecule-based targeted therapy in liver cancer. Mol Ther 2024; 32:3260-3287. [PMID: 39113358 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors worldwide. According to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging criteria, clinical guidelines provide tutorials to clinical management of liver cancer at their individual stages. However, most patients diagnosed with liver cancer are at advanced stage; therefore, many researchers conduct investigations on targeted therapy, aiming to improve the overall survival of these patients. To date, small-molecule-based targeted therapies are highly recommended (first line: sorafenib and lenvatinib; second line: regorafenib and cabozantinib) by current the clinical guidelines of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, European Society for Medical Oncology, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Herein, we summarize the small-molecule-based targeted therapies in liver cancer, including the approved and preclinical therapies as well as the therapies under clinical trials, and introduce their history of discovery, clinical trials, indications, and molecular mechanisms. For drug resistance, the revealed mechanisms of action and the combination therapies are also discussed. In fact, the known small-molecule-based therapies still have limited clinical benefits to liver cancer patients. Therefore, we analyze the current status and give our ideas for the urgent issues and future directions in this field, suggesting clues for novel techniques in liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ming
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Yanqiu Gong
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Department of General Practice, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xuewen Fu
- Jinhua Huanke Environmental Technology Co., Ltd., Jinhua 321000, China
| | - Xinyu Ouyang
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yong Peng
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu 610212, China.
| | - Wenchen Pu
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Chen YG, Rieser E, Bhamra A, Surinova S, Kreuzaler P, Ho MH, Tsai WC, Peltzer N, de Miguel D, Walczak H. LUBAC enables tumor-promoting LTβ receptor signaling by activating canonical NF-κB. Cell Death Differ 2024; 31:1267-1284. [PMID: 39215104 PMCID: PMC11445442 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-024-01355-w] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR), a member of the TNF receptor superfamily (TNFR-SF), is essential for development and maturation of lymphoid organs. In addition, LTβR activation promotes carcinogenesis by inducing a proinflammatory secretome. Yet, we currently lack a detailed understanding of LTβR signaling. In this study we discovered the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC) as a previously unrecognized and functionally crucial component of the native LTβR signaling complex (LTβR-SC). Mechanistically, LUBAC-generated linear ubiquitin chains enable recruitment of NEMO, OPTN and A20 to the LTβR-SC, where they act coordinately to regulate the balance between canonical and non-canonical NF-κB pathways. Thus, different from death receptor signaling, where LUBAC prevents inflammation through inhibition of cell death, in LTβR signaling LUBAC is required for inflammatory signaling by enabling canonical and interfering with non-canonical NF-κB activation. This results in a LUBAC-dependent LTβR-driven inflammatory, protumorigenic secretome. Intriguingly, in liver cancer patients with high LTβR expression, high expression of LUBAC correlates with poor prognosis, providing clinical relevance for LUBAC-mediated inflammatory LTβR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Guang Chen
- Centre for Cell Death, Cancer, and Inflammation (CCCI), UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Eva Rieser
- Centre for Cell Death, Cancer, and Inflammation (CCCI), UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- CECAD Research Centre, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Amandeep Bhamra
- Proteomics Research Translational Technology Platform, UCL Ciancer Institute and Cancer Research UK UCL Centre, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Silvia Surinova
- Proteomics Research Translational Technology Platform, UCL Ciancer Institute and Cancer Research UK UCL Centre, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Peter Kreuzaler
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- CECAD Research Centre, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Meng-Hsing Ho
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chiuan Tsai
- Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nieves Peltzer
- CECAD Research Centre, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Translational Genomics and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Genome Editing, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Diego de Miguel
- Centre for Cell Death, Cancer, and Inflammation (CCCI), UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- CECAD Research Centre, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragon (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Henning Walczak
- Centre for Cell Death, Cancer, and Inflammation (CCCI), UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK.
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
- CECAD Research Centre, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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Wang L, Cao J, Liu Z, Wu S, Liu Y, Liang R, Zhu R, Wang W, Li J, Sun Y. Enhanced interactions within microenvironment accelerates dismal prognosis in HBV-related HCC after TACE. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0548. [PMID: 39365124 PMCID: PMC11458170 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/24/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the first-line treatment for patients with advanced HCC, but there are limited studies on the microenvironment alterations caused by TACE. METHODS Six fresh HBV-related HCC specimens with or without TACE intervention were used to perform single-cell RNA sequencing. The 757 bulk samples from 3 large-scale multicenter cohorts were applied for comprehensive analysis. The biological functions of the biomarkers were further validated by phenotypic experiments. RESULTS Using single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, we delineated the global cell atlas of post-TACE and demonstrated elevated tumor heterogeneity and an enhanced proinflammatory microenvironment induced by TACE. Cell-cell communication analysis revealed that markedly elevated interactions between NABP1+ malignant hepatocytes, neutrophils, and CD8+ T cells after TACE might accelerate the shift from CD8+ effector memory T cells to CD8+ effector T cells. This result was substantiated by the developmental trajectory between the 2 and dramatically decreased resident scores along the pseudotemporal trajectory. Integrating bulk data, we further found that the increased estimated proportion of NABP1+ malignant hepatocytes was related to poor TACE response and dismal prognosis, and its biomarker role could be replaced by NABP1. In vitro, multiple biological experiments consistently verified that NABP1 knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of HCC cells. CONCLUSIONS Based on our depicted global map of post-TACE, we confirmed that the enhanced interactions within the microenvironment after TACE may be the culprits for postoperative progression. NABP1 may become an attractive tool for the early identification of patients sensitive to first-line TACE in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libo Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiahui Cao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shitao Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Yin Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Ruopeng Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Zhengzhou Basic and Clinical Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Rongtao Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Zhengzhou Basic and Clinical Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Weijie Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Zhengzhou Basic and Clinical Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Zhengzhou Basic and Clinical Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Yuling Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Zhengzhou Basic and Clinical Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
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5
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Zhou Y, Na C, Li Z. Novel insights into immune cells modulation of tumor resistance. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 202:104457. [PMID: 39038527 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104457] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor resistance poses a significant challenge to effective cancer treatment, making it imperative to explore new therapeutic strategies. Recent studies have highlighted the profound involvement of immune cells in the development of tumor resistance. Within the tumor microenvironment, macrophages undergo polarization into the M2 phenotype, thus promoting the emergence of drug-resistant tumors. Neutrophils contribute to tumor resistance by forming extracellular traps. While T cells and natural killer (NK) cells exert their impact through direct cytotoxicity against tumor cells. Additionally, dendritic cells (DCs) have been implicated in preventing tumor drug resistance by stimulating T cell activation. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge regarding immune cell-mediated modulation of tumor resistance at the molecular level, with a particular focus on macrophages, neutrophils, DCs, T cells, and NK cells. The targeting of immune cell modulation exhibits considerable potential for addressing drug resistance, and an in-depth understanding of the molecular interactions between immune cells and tumor cells holds promise for the development of innovative therapies. Furthermore, we explore the clinical implications of these immune cells in the treatment of drug-resistant tumors. This review emphasizes the exploration of novel approaches that harness the functional capabilities of immune cells to effectively overcome drug-resistant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhou
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Chuhan Na
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Zhigang Li
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Active Substance Screening and Translational Research, Shenzhen 518107, China.
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6
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Ding L, Peng L, Huang K, Qu S, Li D, Yao J, Yang F, Zhu H, Zhao S. Single cell transcriptomics reveals dysregulated immnue homeostasis in different stages in HPV-induced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Exp Dermatol 2024; 33:e15178. [PMID: 39385326 DOI: 10.1111/exd.15178] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Abstract
In order to explore the huge impact of impaired immnue homeostasis on the occurrence and development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), and investigate characterization of the cellular components and their changes which is crucial to understanding the pathologic process of HPV-induced cSCC, we diagnosed and followed up on a very rare HPV-induced cSCC patient who progressed at a very fast rate and transferred to death quickly. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of 11 379 cells from the skin tissues of this patient with four different skin statuses after HPV infection. Immunofluorescence experiments were used for validation. scRNA-seq identified that CD52+ HLA-DOA- macrophages only existed in paracancerous cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (pc-cSCC) and cSCC tissue. Besides, immune cells including CD8+ exhausted T cells and CD4+ regulatory T cells as well as matrix cells like MMP1+, and MMP11+ fibroblasts were gradually increased. Meanwhile, COMP+ ASPN+ fibroblasts gradually decreased. Cell interaction analysis revealed enhancement in interactions between monocytes/macrophages, fibroblasts and tumour-specific keratinocytes. scRNA-seq was performed in HPV-induced cSCC for the first time, to explore the correlation between infection and tumour. It is the first time to study the development of tumours from different stages of infection in HPV-induced cSCC. In this study, the tumour itself and the tumour microenvironment were both analysed and explored. And it was validated in clinical samples from different patients. Our findings reveal the dynamic immnue homeostasis from normal skin to cSCC tissue, this alteration might drive HPV-induced cSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqing Ding
- The Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Provincial Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lanyuan Peng
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Kai Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shunlin Qu
- Pathophysiology Department, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Dongjie Li
- Provincial Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | | | | | - Honglin Zhu
- The Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Provincial Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shuang Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Di Y, Wang Z, Xiao J, Zhang X, Ye L, Wen X, Qin J, Lu L, Wang X, He W. ACSL6-activated IL-18R1-NF-κB promotes IL-18-mediated tumor immune evasion and tumor progression. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadp0719. [PMID: 39292786 PMCID: PMC11409972 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adp0719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of IL-18 signaling regulates tumor immune evasion and progression. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we report that long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 6 (ACSL6) is highly expressed in liver cancer and correlated with poor prognosis. ACSL6 promotes tumor growth, metastasis, and immune evasion mediated by IL-18, independent of its metabolic enzyme activity. Mechanistically, upon IL-18 stimulation, ACSL6 is phosphorylated by ERK2 at S674 and recruits IL-18RAP to interact with IL-18R1, thereby reinforcing the IL-18R1-IL-18RAP heterodimer and triggering NF-κB-dependent gene expression to facilitate tumor development. Furthermore, the up-regulation of CXCL1 and CXCL5 by ACSL6 promotes tumor-associated neutrophil and tumor-associated macrophage recruitment, thereby inhibiting cytotoxic CD8+ T cell infiltration. Ablation or S674A mutation of ACSL6 potentiated anti-PD-1 therapeutic efficacy by increasing the effector activity of intertumoral CD8+ T cells. We revealed that ACSL6 is a potential adaptor that activates IL-18-NF-κB axis-mediated tumor immune evasion and provides valuable insights for developing effective immunotherapy strategies for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqin Di
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Ziyang Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Jing Xiao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Lvlan Ye
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Xiangqiong Wen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Jiale Qin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Ligong Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, China
| | - Xiongjun Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Weiling He
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361000, China
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8
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Schmidt E, Distel L, Erber R, Büttner-Herold M, Rosahl MC, Ott OJ, Strnad V, Hack CC, Hartmann A, Hecht M, Fietkau R, Schnellhardt S. Tumor-Associated Neutrophils Are a Negative Prognostic Factor in Early Luminal Breast Cancers Lacking Immunosuppressive Macrophage Recruitment. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:3160. [PMID: 39335132 PMCID: PMC11430230 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16183160] [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: 08/19/2024] [Revised: 09/08/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) are important modulators of the tumor microenvironment with opposing functions that can promote and inhibit tumor progression. The prognostic role of TANs in early luminal breast cancer is unclear. METHODS A total of 144 patients were treated for early-stage hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer as part of an Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) phase II trial. Resection samples from multiple locations were processed into tissue microarrays and sections thereof immunohistochemically stained for CD66b+ neutrophils. CD66b+ neutrophil density was measured separately in the stromal and intraepithelial compartment. RESULTS High stromal and intraepithelial CD66b+ TAN density was a negative prognostic factor in central tumor samples. In addition, neutrophil density in adjacent normal breast tissue and lymph node samples also correlated with reduced disease-free survival. TAN density correlated with CD163+ M2-like tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) density, which we analyzed in a previous study. TANs were a negative prognostic factor in tumors with an elevated M1/M2 TAM ratio, while this impact on patient outcome was lost in tumors with a low M1/M2 ratio. A combined multivariate analysis of TAM and TAN density revealed that only TAM polarization status was an independent prognostic factor. CONCLUSIONS CD66b+ neutrophils were a negative prognostic factor in early-stage luminal breast cancer in single-marker analysis. Combined analysis with TAMs could be necessary to correctly evaluate their prognostic impact in future studies. TAN recruitment might act as a compensatory mechanism of immunoevasion and disease progression in tumors that are unable to sufficiently attract and polarize TAMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Schmidt
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (E.S.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Luitpold Distel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (E.S.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ramona Erber
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maike Büttner-Herold
- Department of Nephropathology, Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marie-Charlotte Rosahl
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (E.S.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Oliver J. Ott
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (E.S.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Vratislav Strnad
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (E.S.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carolin C. Hack
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus Hecht
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Saarland University Medical Center, 66421 Homburg, Germany (S.S.)
| | - Rainer Fietkau
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (E.S.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sören Schnellhardt
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Saarland University Medical Center, 66421 Homburg, Germany (S.S.)
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9
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Shao Y, Han S, Hou Z, Yang C, Zhao Y. Tumor-associated macrophages within the immunological milieu: An emerging focal point for therapeutic intervention. Heliyon 2024; 10:e36839. [PMID: 39281573 PMCID: PMC11401039 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36839] [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: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages play an important role in the tumor immune microenvironment, and regulating the function of tumor-associated macrophages has important therapeutic potential in tumor therapy. Mature macrophages could migrate to the tumor microenvironment, influencing multiple factors such as tumor cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, extracellular matrix remodeling, immune suppression, and drug resistance. As a major component of the tumor microenvironment, tumor-associated macrophages crosstalk with other immune cells. Currently, tumor-associated macrophages have garnered considerable attention in tumor therapy, broadening the spectrum of drug selection to some extent, thereby aiding in mitigating the prevailing clinical drug resistance dilemma. This article summarizes the recent advances in tumor-associated macrophages concerning immunology, drug targeting mechanisms for tumor-associated macrophages treatment, new developments, and existing challenges, offering insights for future therapeutic approaches. In addition, this paper summarized the impact of tumor-associated macrophages on current clinical therapies, discussed the advantages and disadvantages of targeted tumor-associated macrophages therapy compared with existing tumor therapies, and predicted and discussed the future role of targeted tumor-associated macrophages therapy and the issues that need to be focused on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchi Shao
- Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Song Han
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhenxin Hou
- Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yanbin Zhao
- Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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10
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Luo H, Ikenaga N, Nakata K, Higashijima N, Zhong P, Kubo A, Wu C, Tsutsumi C, Shimada Y, Hayashi M, Oyama K, Date S, Abe T, Ideno N, Iwamoto C, Shindo K, Ohuchida K, Oda Y, Nakamura M. Tumor-associated neutrophils upregulate Nectin2 expression, creating the immunosuppressive microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:258. [PMID: 39261943 PMCID: PMC11389261 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03178-6] [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: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) constitute an abundant component among tumor-infiltrating immune cells and have recently emerged as a critical player in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) progression. This study aimed to elucidate the pro-tumor mechanisms of TAN and identify a novel target for effective immunotherapy against PDAC. METHODS Microarray and cytokine array analyses were performed to identify the mechanisms underlying the function of TANs. Human and mouse TANs were obtained from differentiated HL-60 cells and orthotopically transplanted PDAC tumors, respectively. The interactions of TANs with cancer and cytotoxic T-cells were evaluated through in vitro co-culture and in vivo orthotopic or subcutaneous models. Single-cell transcriptomes from patients with PDAC were analyzed to validate the cellular findings. RESULTS Increased neutrophil infiltration in the tumor microenvironment was associated with poor survival in patients with PDAC. TANs secreted abundant amounts of chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5), subsequently enhancing cancer cell migration and invasion. TANs subpopulations negatively correlated with cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell infiltration in PDAC and promoted T-cell dysfunction. TANs upregulated the membranous expression of Nectin2, which contributed to CD8+ T-cell exhaustion. Blocking Nectin2 improved CD8+ T-cell function and suppressed tumor progression in the mouse model. Single-cell analysis of human PDAC revealed two immunosuppressive TANs phenotypes: Nectin2+ TANs and OLR1+ TANs. Endoplasmic reticulum stress regulated the protumor activities in TANs. CONCLUSIONS TANs enhance PDAC progression by secreting CCL5 and upregulating Nectin2. Targeting the immune checkpoint Nectin2 could represent a novel strategy to enhance immunotherapy efficacy in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haizhen Luo
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Naoki Ikenaga
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Kohei Nakata
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
- Department of Endoscopic Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, 812- 8582, Japan.
- Department of International Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Nobuhiro Higashijima
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Pingshan Zhong
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Akihiro Kubo
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Chenyi Wu
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Chikanori Tsutsumi
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yuki Shimada
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Masataka Hayashi
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
- Department of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Koki Oyama
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Satomi Date
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Toshiya Abe
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Noboru Ideno
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Chika Iwamoto
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Koji Shindo
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kenoki Ohuchida
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yoshinao Oda
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Masafumi Nakamura
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
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11
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Zhang W, Lee A, Tiwari AK, Yang MQ. Characterizing the Tumor Microenvironment and Its Prognostic Impact in Breast Cancer. Cells 2024; 13:1518. [PMID: 39329702 PMCID: PMC11429566 DOI: 10.3390/cells13181518] [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: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial in cancer development and therapeutic response. Immunotherapy is increasingly recognized as a critical component of cancer treatment. While immunotherapies have shown efficacy in various cancers, including breast cancer, patient responses vary widely. Some patients receive significant benefits, while others experience minimal or no improvement. This disparity underscores the complexity and diversity of the immune system. In this study, we investigated the immune landscape and cell-cell communication within the TME of breast cancer through integrated analysis of bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing data. We established profiles of tumor immune infiltration that span across a broad spectrum of adaptive and innate immune cells. Our clustering analysis of immune infiltration identified three distinct patient groups: high T cell abundance, moderate infiltration, and low infiltration. Patients with low immune infiltration exhibited the poorest survival rates, while those in the moderate infiltration group showed better outcomes than those with high T cell abundance. Moreover, the high cell abundance group was associated with a greater tumor burden and higher rates of TP53 mutations, whereas the moderate infiltration group was characterized by a lower tumor burden and elevated PIK3CA mutations. Analysis of an independent single-cell RNA-seq breast cancer dataset confirmed the presence of similar infiltration patterns. Further investigation into ligand-receptor interactions within the TME unveiled significant variations in cell-cell communication patterns among these groups. Notably, we found that the signaling pathways SPP1 and EGF were exclusively active in the low immune infiltration group, suggesting their involvement in immune suppression. This work comprehensively characterizes the composition and dynamic interplay in the breast cancer TME. Our findings reveal associations between the extent of immune infiltration and clinical outcomes, providing valuable prognostic information for patient stratification. The unique mutations and signaling pathways associated with different patient groups offer insights into the mechanisms underlying diverse tumor immune infiltration and the formation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Zhang
- MidSouth Bioinformatics Center and Joint Bioinformatics Graduate Program, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72204, USA
| | - Alex Lee
- Biology Department, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, AR 72204, USA
| | - Amit K Tiwari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Mary Qu Yang
- MidSouth Bioinformatics Center and Joint Bioinformatics Graduate Program, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72204, USA
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12
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Wang Y, Zang F, Shao B, Gao Y, Yang H, Guo Y, Ding T, Sun B. From bioinformatics to clinical applications: a novel prognostic model of cuproptosis-related genes based on single-cell RNA sequencing data in hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Immunol 2024; 25:59. [PMID: 39251909 PMCID: PMC11382408 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-024-00649-5] [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: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND METHODS To ascertain the connection between cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) and the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) via single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data, relevant data were downloaded from the GEO and TCGA databases. The differentially expressed CRGs (DE-CRGs) were filtered by the overlaps in differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between HCC patients and normal controls (NCs) in the scRNA-seq database, DE-CRGs between high- and low-CRG-activity cells, and DEGs between HCC patients and NCs in the TCGA database. RESULTS Thirty-three DE-CRGs in HCC were identified. A prognostic model (PM) was created employing six survival-related genes (SRGs) (NDRG2, CYB5A, SOX4, MYC, TM4SF1, and IFI27) via univariate Cox regression analysis and LASSO. The predictive ability of the model was validated via a nomogram and receiver operating characteristic curves. Research has employed tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion as a means to examine the influence of PM on immunological heterogeneity. Macrophage M0 levels were significantly different between the high-risk group (HRG) and the low-risk group (LRG), and a greater macrophage level was linked to a more unfavorable prognosis. The drug sensitivity data indicated a substantial difference in the half-maximal drug-suppressive concentrations of idarubicin and rapamycin between the HRG and the LRG. The model was verified by employing public datasets and our cohort at both the protein and mRNA levels. CONCLUSION A PM using 6 SRGs (NDRG2, CYB5A, SOX4, MYC, TM4SF1, and IFI27) was developed via bioinformatics research. This model might provide a fresh perspective for assessing and managing HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Huanhuxi Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, Tianjin, 300060, China.
| | - Fenglin Zang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Huanhuxi Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Bing Shao
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Huanhuxi Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yanan Gao
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Huanhuxi Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Haicui Yang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Huanhuxi Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yuhong Guo
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Huanhuxi Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Tingting Ding
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Huanhuxi Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Baocun Sun
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Huanhuxi Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, Tianjin, 300060, China
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13
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Zou S, Liu B, Feng Y. CCL17, CCL22 and their receptor CCR4 in hematologic malignancies. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:412. [PMID: 39240278 PMCID: PMC11379839 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01210-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Hematological malignancies (HM) are common malignant tumors with high morbidity and mortality rates, and are malignant diseases that seriously affect human health, with chemotherapy prone to recurrence and toxic side effects. Therefore, the development of precise, effective, and safe targeted therapeutic agents has become a hotspot in the current research of antitumor technology. More and more studies have shown that the interaction of C-C chemokine ligand 17 (CCL17) and C-C chemokine ligand 22 (CCL22) with the receptor C-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CCR4) promotes the immune escape of tumors and is closely related to the occurrence, development, and prognosis of hematological tumors. In this regard, we present a review on the expression and role of the CCL17/CCL22-CCR4 axis in HM, including lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma, with the aim of providing latest ideas and directions for the diagnosis and treatment of HM. In addition, we discuss the role and related mechanisms of HM therapeutic agents targeting the CCL17/CCL22-CCR4 axis and the potential of humanized anti-CCR4 antibodies for the treatment of HM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Zou
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Key, Lab for Basic Pharmacology and Joint International Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.
| | - Yonghuai Feng
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.
- Department of Hematology, Dongguan People's Hospital, Dongguan, China.
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14
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Xie T, Huang A, Yan H, Ju X, Xiang L, Yuan J. Artificial intelligence: illuminating the depths of the tumor microenvironment. J Transl Med 2024; 22:799. [PMID: 39210368 PMCID: PMC11360846 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05609-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) can acquire characteristics that are not yet known to humans through extensive learning, enabling to handle large amounts of pathology image data. Divided into machine learning and deep learning, AI has the advantage of handling large amounts of data and processing image analysis, consequently it also has a great potential in accurately assessing tumour microenvironment (TME) models. With the complex composition of the TME, in-depth study of TME contributes to new ideas for treatment, assessment of patient response to postoperative therapy and prognostic prediction. This leads to a review of the development of AI's application in TME assessment in this study, provides an overview of AI techniques applied to medicine, delves into the application of AI in analysing the quantitative and spatial location characteristics of various cells (tumour cells, immune and non-immune cells) in the TME, reveals the predictive prognostic value of TME and provides new ideas for tumour therapy, highlights the great potential for clinical applications. In addition, a discussion of its limitations and encouraging future directions for its practical clinical application is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Xie
- Department of Pathology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang-Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Aoling Huang
- Department of Pathology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang-Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Honglin Yan
- Department of Pathology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang-Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianli Ju
- Department of Pathology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang-Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingyan Xiang
- Department of Pathology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang-Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingping Yuan
- Department of Pathology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang-Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Wang P, Hu Z, Yu S, Su S, Wu R, Chen C, Ye Y, Wang H, Ye X, Zhou Z, Zhou S, Ren N. A novel protein encoded by circFOXP1 enhances ferroptosis and inhibits tumor recurrence in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Cancer Lett 2024; 598:217092. [PMID: 38945202 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217092] [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: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
CircRNAs participates in the development and occurrence of multiple tumor types. However, the specific effects and underlying mechanisms of circRNA in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) progression and recurrence remain poorly understood. CircRNA sequencing was performed to screen circRNAs related to ICC recurrence after surgery using 53 ICC frozen tumor specimens. We found that compared with patients who experienced postsurgical recurrence, circFOXP1 had high expression in tumor tissues from patients with no postoperative recurrence. Functional experiments revealed that circFOXP1 inhibited ICC progression in vitro and in vivo. We then found that circFOXP1 inhibited ICC progression via encoding a novel protein, circFOXP1-231aa. Mechanistically, circFOXP1-231aa directly interacted with OTUD4, which regulates NCOA4 protein stability via deubiquitination modification, and thereby enhances ferroptosis of ICC cells. Examination of clinical ICC samples found positive correlations between circFOXP1 expression levels and levels of OTUD4 and NCOA4. These three factors are predictors of prognosis in patients with ICC. Collectively, we identified circFOXP1 encoded circFOXP1-231aa, which interacted with OTUD4 to suppress ubiquitination of NCOA4 and, thereby, promoted ferroptosis and inhibited ICC recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Whole-Period Monitoring and Precise Intervention of Digestive Cancer, Shanghai Municipal Health Commission, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqiang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Songyang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng Su
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Renjia Wu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Changzhou Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhang Ye
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hezhi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinming Ye
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengjun Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaolai Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ning Ren
- Key Laboratory of Whole-Period Monitoring and Precise Intervention of Digestive Cancer, Shanghai Municipal Health Commission, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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16
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Zheng X, Yang L, Shen X, Pan J, Chen Y, Chen J, Wang H, Meng J, Chen Z, Xie S, Li Y, Zhu B, Zhu W, Qin L, Lu L. Targeting Gsk3a reverses immune evasion to enhance immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e009642. [PMID: 39174053 PMCID: PMC11340705 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2024-009642] [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] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune escape is an important feature of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The overall response rate of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in HCC is still limited. Revealing the immune regulation mechanisms and finding new immune targets are expected to further improve the efficacy of immunotherapy. Our study aims to use CRISPR screening mice models to identify potential targets that play a critical role in HCC immune evasion and further explore their value in improving immunotherapy. METHODS We performed CRISPR screening in two mice models with different immune backgrounds (C57BL/6 and NPG mice) and identified the immunosuppressive gene Gsk3a as a candidate for further investigation. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the impact of Gsk3a on immune cell infiltration and T-cell function. RNA sequencing was used to identify the changes in neutrophil gene expression induced by Gsk3a and alterations in downstream molecules. The therapeutic value of the combination of Gsk3a inhibitors and anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) antibody was also explored. RESULTS Gsk3a, as an immune inhibitory target, significantly promoted tumor growth in immunocompetent mice rather than immune-deficient mice. Gsk3a inhibited cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) function by inducing neutrophil chemotaxis. Gsk3a promoted self-chemotaxis of neutrophil expression profiles and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation to block T-cell activity through leucine-rich α-2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG1). A significant synergistic effect was observed when Gsk3a inhibitor was in combination with anti-PD-1 antibody. CONCLUSIONS We identified a potential HCC immune evasion target, Gsk3a, through CRISPR screening. Gsk3a induces neutrophil recruitment and NETs formation through the intermediate molecule LRG1, leading to the inhibition of CTLs function. Targeting Gsk3a can enhance CTLs function and improve the efficacy of ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery Center, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Luyu Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery Center, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaotian Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery Center, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junjie Pan
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery Center, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiran Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery Center, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jixuan Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery Center, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery Center, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaqi Meng
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenchao Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery Center, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sunzhe Xie
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery Center, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yitong Li
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery Center, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bolun Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery Center, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenwei Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery Center, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lunxiu Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery Center, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery Center, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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17
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Fu Y, Guo X, Sun L, Cui T, Wu C, Wang J, Liu Y, Liu L. Exploring the role of the immune microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma: Implications for immunotherapy and drug resistance. eLife 2024; 13:e95009. [PMID: 39146202 PMCID: PMC11326777 DOI: 10.7554/elife.95009] [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: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver tumor, is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and the incidence of liver cancer is still increasing worldwide. Curative hepatectomy or liver transplantation is only indicated for a small population of patients with early-stage HCC. However, most patients with HCC are not candidates for radical resection due to disease progression, leading to the choice of the conventional tyrosine kinase inhibitor drug sorafenib as first-line treatment. In the past few years, immunotherapy, mainly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has revolutionized the clinical strategy for HCC. Combination therapy with ICIs has proven more effective than sorafenib, and clinical trials have been conducted to apply these therapies to patients. Despite significant progress in immunotherapy, the molecular mechanisms behind it remain unclear, and immune resistance is often challenging to overcome. Several studies have pointed out that the complex intercellular communication network in the immune microenvironment of HCC regulates tumor escape and drug resistance to immune response. This underscores the urgent need to analyze the immune microenvironment of HCC. This review describes the immunosuppressive cell populations in the immune microenvironment of HCC, as well as the related clinical trials, aiming to provide insights for the next generation of precision immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Fu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei, China
| | - Xinyu Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Linmao Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei, China
| | - Tianming Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei, China
| | - Chenghui Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei, China
| | - Jiabei Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei, China
| | - Yao Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei, China
| | - Lianxin Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hefei, China
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18
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Lehmann M, Weixler B, Elezkurtaj S, Loddenkemper C, Kühl AA, Siegmund B. Spatial Single Cell Profiling Using Imaging Mass Cytometry: Inflammatory Versus Penetrating Crohn's Disease. J Crohns Colitis 2024; 18:1305-1318. [PMID: 38465390 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjae033] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Fistula formation is a major complication in Crohn's disease [CD] and the role of the immune cell compartment remains to be elucidated. Thus, we compared the immune cell compartment of CD fistula to inflammatory CD colitis using imaging mass cytometry [IMC] and immunofluorescence. METHODS A 36-marker panel including structural, functional, and lineage markers for use in IMC was established. This panel was applied to analyse paraffin-embedded CD fistula tract [n = 11], CD colitis [n = 10], and colon samples from non-inflamed controls [n = 12]. Computational methods for cell segmentation, dimensionality reduction, and cell type clustering were used to define cell populations for cell frequency, marker distribution, and spatial neighbourhood analysis. Multiplex immunofluorescence was used for higher resolution spatial analysis. RESULTS Analysis of cell frequencies in CD fistulas compared to CD colitis and control colonic samples revealed a significant increase in neutrophils, effector cytotoxic T cells, and inflammatory macrophages in CD fistula samples, whereas regulatory T cells were decreased. Neutrophils in CD fistula expressed significantly more matrix metalloproteinase 9 [MMP9], correlating with extracellular matrix remodelling. Neighbourhood analysis revealed a strong association between MMP9+ neutrophils and effector cytotoxic T cells in both CD fistulas and colitis. CONCLUSIONS This study presents the first highly multiplexed single cell analysis of the immune cell compartment of CD fistulas and their spatial context. It links immune cell dynamics, particularly MMP9+ neutrophils, to extracellular matrix remodelling in CD fistulas, offering insights into the complex network of cellular interactions and potential therapeutic targets for CD complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malte Lehmann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200, Berlin, Germany
| | - Benjamin Weixler
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sefer Elezkurtaj
- Institute of Pathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christopher Loddenkemper
- PathoTres, Gemeinschaftspraxis für Pathologie und Neuropathologie, Teltowkanalstr. 2, 12247, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja A Kühl
- iPATH.Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Britta Siegmund
- Department of Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200, Berlin, Germany
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19
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Yin Y, Feng W, Chen J, Chen X, Wang G, Wang S, Xu X, Nie Y, Fan D, Wu K, Xia L. Immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in the progression, metastasis, and therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma: from bench to bedside. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:72. [PMID: 39085965 PMCID: PMC11292955 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00539-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: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly heterogeneous malignancy with high incidence, recurrence, and metastasis rates. The emergence of immunotherapy has improved the treatment of advanced HCC, but problems such as drug resistance and immune-related adverse events still exist in clinical practice. The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) of HCC restricts the efficacy of immunotherapy and is essential for HCC progression and metastasis. Therefore, it is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms behind immunosuppressive TME to develop and apply immunotherapy. This review systematically summarizes the pathogenesis of HCC, the formation of the highly heterogeneous TME, and the mechanisms by which the immunosuppressive TME accelerates HCC progression and metastasis. We also review the status of HCC immunotherapy and further discuss the existing challenges and potential therapeutic strategies targeting immunosuppressive TME. We hope to inspire optimizing and innovating immunotherapeutic strategies by comprehensively understanding the structure and function of immunosuppressive TME in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Weibo Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xilang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Guodong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Yongzhan Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Daiming Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Kaichun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Limin Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, China.
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China.
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20
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Qiu L, Ma T, Guo Y, Chen J. Immune landscape of hepatocellular carcinoma: The central role of TP53-inducible glycolysis and apoptosis regulator. Open Med (Wars) 2024; 19:20240999. [PMID: 39091612 PMCID: PMC11292791 DOI: 10.1515/med-2024-0999] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aims to address the substantive issue of lacking reliable prognostic biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by investigating the relationship between TP53-inducible glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR) and HCC prognosis using The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Methods (1) Integrated statistical analyses, including logistic regression, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Kruskal-Wallis test, were conducted to explore the association between TIGAR expression and clinical-pathological features of HCC. (2) The Kaplan-Meier method combined with univariate and multivariate Cox regression models underscored TIGAR as a prognostic factor in HCC. (3) Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed key pathways associated with TIGAR, while single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) determined its relevance to cancer immune infiltration. Results (1) Elevated TIGAR expression was significantly correlated with decreased survival outcomes in HCC patients. (2) GSEA highlighted the significant link between TIGAR and humoral immunity. (3) ssGSEA revealed a positive correlation between TIGAR expression and infiltration of Th1 and Th2 cells and a negative correlation with Th17 cell infiltration. Conclusion TIGAR, as a potential prognostic biomarker for HCC, holds significant value in immune infiltration. Understanding the role of TIGAR could contribute to improved prognostic predictions and personalized treatment strategies for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingbing Qiu
- Department of Oncology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, 518020, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, P. R. China
| | - Tianyi Ma
- Department of Oncology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, 518020, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, P. R. China
| | - Yunmiao Guo
- Clinical Research Institute of Zhanjiang, Central People’s Hospital of Zhanjiang, Guangdong Medical University Zhanjiang Central Hospital, 236 Yuanzhu Road, 524045, Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province, P. R. China
| | - Jugao Chen
- Department of Oncology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1017, Dongmen North Road, Luohu District, 518020, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, P. R. China
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21
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Li D, Zhang T, Guo Y, Bi C, Liu M, Wang G. Biological impact and therapeutic implication of tumor-associated macrophages in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:498. [PMID: 38997297 PMCID: PMC11245522 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06888-z] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is a complex space comprised of normal, cancer and immune cells. The macrophages are considered as the most abundant immune cells in tumor microenvironment and their function in tumorigenesis is interesting. Macrophages can be present as M1 and M2 polarization that show anti-cancer and oncogenic activities, respectively. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) mainly have M2 polarization and they increase tumorigenesis due to secretion of factors, cytokines and affecting molecular pathways. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among predominant tumors of liver that in spite of understanding its pathogenesis, the role of tumor microenvironment in its progression still requires more attention. The presence of TAMs in HCC causes an increase in growth and invasion of HCC cells and one of the reasons is induction of glycolysis that such metabolic reprogramming makes HCC distinct from normal cells and promotes its malignancy. Since M2 polarization of TAMs stimulates tumorigenesis in HCC, molecular networks regulating M2 to M1 conversion have been highlighted and moreover, drugs and compounds with the ability of targeting TAMs and suppressing their M2 phenotypes or at least their tumorigenesis activity have been utilized. TAMs increase aggressive behavior and biological functions of HCC cells that can result in development of therapy resistance. Macrophages can provide cell-cell communication in HCC by secreting exosomes having various types of biomolecules that transfer among cells and change their activity. Finally, non-coding RNA transcripts can mainly affect polarization of TAMs in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deming Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, PR China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, PR China
| | - Ye Guo
- Department of Intervention, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, PR China
| | - Cong Bi
- Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, PR China.
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Oral Radiology, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110002, PR China.
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Intervention, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, PR China.
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22
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Miao S, Rodriguez BL, Gibbons DL. The Multifaceted Role of Neutrophils in NSCLC in the Era of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2507. [PMID: 39061147 PMCID: PMC11274601 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16142507] [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: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death in both males and females in the U.S. and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 85%. Although the use of first- or second-line immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) exhibits remarkable clinical benefits, resistance to ICIs develops over time and dampens the efficacy of ICIs in patients. Tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) have an important role in modulating the tumor microenvironment (TME) and tumor immune response. The major challenge in the field is to characterize the TANs in NSCLC TME and understand the link between TAN-related immunosuppression with ICI treatment response. In this review, we summarize the current studies of neutrophil interaction with malignant cells, T-cells, and other components in the TME. Ongoing clinical trials are aimed at utilizing reagents that have putative effects on tumor-associated neutrophils, in combination with ICI. Elevated neutrophil populations and neutrophil-associated factors could be potential therapeutic targets to enhance anti-PD1 treatment in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shucheng Miao
- Department of Thoracic Head & Neck Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (S.M.); (B.L.R.)
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, UTHealth at Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Bertha Leticia Rodriguez
- Department of Thoracic Head & Neck Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (S.M.); (B.L.R.)
| | - Don L. Gibbons
- Department of Thoracic Head & Neck Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (S.M.); (B.L.R.)
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, UTHealth at Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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23
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Han X, Liu Z, Cui M, Lin J, Li Y, Qin H, Sheng J, Zhang X. FGA influences invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma through the PI3K/AKT pathway. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:206011. [PMID: 39227068 DOI: 10.18632/aging.206011] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Fibrinogen is an important plasma protein composed of three polypeptide chains, fibrinogen alpha (FGA), beta, and gamma. Apart from being an inflammation regulator, fibrinogen also plays a role in tumor progression. Liver cancer usually has a poor prognosis, with chronic hepatitis being the main cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). FGA serves as a serological marker for chronic hepatitis, but its relationship with liver cancer remains unclear. Through bioinformatics analysis and agarose gel electrophoresis, we found that FGA was downregulated in HCC and correlated with tumor stage and grade. By constructing both FGA gene knockout and overexpression cell models, we demonstrated that overexpressing FGA inhibited migration and invasion of liver cancer cells through Transwell migration/invasion and wound healing assays. Western blotting experiments showed that FGA overexpression increased the expression of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition marker protein E-cadherin while decreasing N-cadherin and slug protein expression. In addition, FGA knockout activated the PI3K/AKT pathway. In a mouse model of metastatic tumors, overexpression of FGA restricted the spread of tumor cells. In conclusion, FGA exhibits an inhibitory effect on tumor metastasis, providing new insights for the treatment of advanced HCC metastatic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, China
| | - Zefeng Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, China
| | - Mengying Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, China
| | - Jie Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, China
| | - Yongzhi Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, China
| | - Hanjiao Qin
- Department of Radiotherapy, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, China
| | - Jiyao Sheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, China
| | - Xuewen Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, China
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24
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Gao C, Liu M, Xin Y, Zeng Y, Yang H, Fan X, Zhao C, Zhang B, Zhang L, Li JJ, Zhao M, Wang Z, Lu Q. Immunostimulatory effects of Toll-like receptor ligands as adjuvants in establishing a novel mouse model for pemphigus vulgaris. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1765. [PMID: 39031979 PMCID: PMC11259602 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1765] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The meticulous selection of appropriate vaccine adjuvants is crucial for optimizing immune responses. Traditionally, pemphigus vulgaris (PV), an autoimmune disorder, has been modelled using complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). In this study, we aimed to discern potential variations in immune responses elicited by Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands as compared to CFA. METHODS A comprehensive investigation was conducted, comparing the effects of these adjuvants in conjunction with ovalbumin or desmoglein-3. Flow cytometry was employed to analyse distinct cell subsets, while enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay quantified antigen-specific antibodies and cytokine levels. Histological examination of harvested skin tissues and transcriptome analysis of skin lesions were performed to identify differentially expressed genes. RESULTS TLR ligands demonstrated efficacy in inducing PV-like symptoms in wild-type mice, in contrast to CFA. This underscored the substantial impact of the adjuvant on self-antigen tolerance. Furthermore, we proposed an enhanced method for establishing a PV model through adoptive transfer, substituting CFA with TLR ligands. Our results revealed that in contrast to the perception that CFA being the most potent immunopotentiator reported, CFA promoted regulatory T cells (Treg), follicular regulatory T cells and IL-10-producing neutrophils, whereas TLR ligands downregulated CCL17 and IL-10. This suggested potential implications for the recruitment and activation of Treg subsets. While B cell and CD8+ T cell responses exhibited similarity, CFA induced less activation in dendritic cell subsets. A novel mouse model of PV and systemic comparison of immunostimulatory effects of adjuvants were provided by this study. CONCLUSIONS The systematic comparison of CFA and TLR ligands shed light on the distinctive properties of these adjuvants, presenting innovative mouse models for the investigation of pemphigus. This study significantly contributes to adjuvant research and advances our understanding of PV pathogenesis. KEY POINTS/HIGHLIGHTS Immunization with desmoglein 3 and Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands effectively induces pemphigus symptoms in wild-type mice, whereas complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) fails. TLR ligands heightened the autoreactivity of donor cells in the adoptive transfer pemphigus model. CFA promoted regulatory T cells and IL-10-producing neutrophils, whereas TLR ligands downregulated CCL17 and IL-10, leading to more effective immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changxing Gao
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune‐Mediated Skin DiseasesChinese Academy of Medical SciencesJiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIsHospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeNanjingChina
| | - Mei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune‐Mediated Skin DiseasesChinese Academy of Medical SciencesJiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIsHospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeNanjingChina
| | - Yue Xin
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune‐Mediated Skin DiseasesChinese Academy of Medical SciencesJiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIsHospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeNanjingChina
| | - Yong Zeng
- Department of DermatologyThe Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Hui Yang
- Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Medical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xinyu Fan
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune‐Mediated Skin DiseasesChinese Academy of Medical SciencesJiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIsHospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeNanjingChina
| | - Cheng Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune‐Mediated Skin DiseasesChinese Academy of Medical SciencesJiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIsHospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeNanjingChina
| | - Bo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune‐Mediated Skin DiseasesChinese Academy of Medical SciencesJiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIsHospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeNanjingChina
| | - Lingzhi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural MedicinesBeijing Key Laboratory of New Drug Mechanisms and Pharmacological Evaluation StudyDepartment of PharmacologyInstitute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Jing J. Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural MedicinesBeijing Key Laboratory of New Drug Mechanisms and Pharmacological Evaluation StudyDepartment of PharmacologyInstitute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Ming Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune‐Mediated Skin DiseasesChinese Academy of Medical SciencesJiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIsHospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeNanjingChina
| | - Zijun Wang
- Department of DermatologyThe Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South UniversityChangshaChina
- Laboratory of Molecular ImmunologyThe Rockefeller UniversityNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune‐Mediated Skin DiseasesChinese Academy of Medical SciencesJiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIsHospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeNanjingChina
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Rubenich DS, Domagalski JL, Gentil GFS, Eichberger J, Fiedler M, Weber F, Federlin M, Poeck H, Reichert TE, Ettl T, Bauer RJ, Braganhol E, Schulz D. The immunomodulatory ballet of tumour-derived extracellular vesicles and neutrophils orchestrating the dynamic CD73/PD-L1 pathway in cancer. J Extracell Vesicles 2024; 13:e12480. [PMID: 38978304 PMCID: PMC11231043 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12480] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a global cancer burden with a 5-year overall survival rate of around 50%, stagnant for decades. A tumour-induced immunosuppressive microenvironment contributes to HNSCC progression, with the adenosine (ADO) pathway and an upregulated expression of inhibitory immune checkpoint regulators playing a key role in this context. The correlation between high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with advanced tumour staging suggests involvement of neutrophils (NØ) in cancer progression. Interestingly, we associated a high NLR with an increased intracellular PD-L1 localization in primary HNSCC samples, potentially mediating more aggressive tumour characteristics and therefore synergistically favouring tumour progression. Still, further research is needed to harness this knowledge for effective treatments and overcome resistance. Since it is hypothesized that the tumour microenvironment (TME) may be influenced by small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) secreted by tumours (TEX), this study aims to investigate the impact of HNSCC-derived TEX on NØ and blockade of ADO receptors as a potential strategy to reverse the pro-tumour phenotype of NØ. UMSCC47-TEX exhibited CD73 enzymatic activity involved in ADO signalling, as well as the immune checkpoint inhibitor PD-L1. Data revealed that TEX induce chemotaxis of NØ and the sustained interaction promotes a shift into a pro-tumour phenotype, dependent on ADO receptors (P1R), increasing CD170high subpopulation, CD73 and PD-L1 expression, followed by an immunosuppressive secretome. Blocking A3R reduced CD73 and PD-L1 expression. Co-culture experiments with HNSCC cells demonstrated that TEX-modulated NØ increase the CD73/PD-L1 axis, through Cyclin D-CDK4/6 signalling. To support these findings, the CAM model with primary tumour was treated with NØ supernatant. Moreover, these NØ promoted an increase in migration, invasion, and reduced cell death. Targeting P1R on NØ, particularly A3R, exhibited potential therapeutic strategy to counteract immunosuppression in HNSCC. Understanding the TEX-mediated crosstalk between tumours and NØ offers insights into immunomodulation for improving cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique S. Rubenich
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryUniversity Hospital RegensburgRegensburgGermany
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Experimental Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center for Medical BiotechnologyUniversity Hospital RegensburgRegensburgGermany
- Biosciences Graduate ProgramFederal University of Health Science of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA)Porto AlegreBrazil
| | - Jordana L. Domagalski
- Biosciences Graduate ProgramFederal University of Health Science of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA)Porto AlegreBrazil
| | - Gabriela F. S. Gentil
- Biosciences Graduate ProgramFederal University of Health Science of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA)Porto AlegreBrazil
| | - Jonas Eichberger
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryUniversity Hospital RegensburgRegensburgGermany
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Experimental Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center for Medical BiotechnologyUniversity Hospital RegensburgRegensburgGermany
| | - Mathias Fiedler
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryUniversity Hospital RegensburgRegensburgGermany
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Experimental Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center for Medical BiotechnologyUniversity Hospital RegensburgRegensburgGermany
| | - Florian Weber
- Institute of PathologyUniversity of RegensburgRegensburgGermany
| | - Marianne Federlin
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and PeriodontologyUniversity Medical Center RegensburgRegensburgGermany
| | - Hendrik Poeck
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Internal Medicine IIIUniversity Hospital RegensburgRegensburgGermany
- Leibnitz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT)RegensburgGermany
| | - Torsten E. Reichert
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryUniversity Hospital RegensburgRegensburgGermany
| | - Tobias Ettl
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryUniversity Hospital RegensburgRegensburgGermany
| | - Richard J. Bauer
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryUniversity Hospital RegensburgRegensburgGermany
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Experimental Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center for Medical BiotechnologyUniversity Hospital RegensburgRegensburgGermany
| | - Elizandra Braganhol
- Biosciences Graduate ProgramFederal University of Health Science of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA)Porto AlegreBrazil
| | - Daniela Schulz
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryUniversity Hospital RegensburgRegensburgGermany
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Experimental Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center for Medical BiotechnologyUniversity Hospital RegensburgRegensburgGermany
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Mousset A, Bellone L, Gaggioli C, Albrengues J. NETscape or NEThance: tailoring anti-cancer therapy. Trends Cancer 2024; 10:655-667. [PMID: 38664080 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.03.007] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Neutrophils, major regulators of innate immunity, have recently emerged as key components of the tumor microenvironment. The role of neutrophils in cancer has been linked to their ability to form neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), structures composed of decondensed DNA decorated with enzymes that are released into the extracellular space. Here, we discuss the pivotal roles of NETs in influencing responses to anticancer therapies such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Highlighting recent insights, we delve into the dual nature of NETs in the context of anticancer treatments, examining their potential to either counteract or enhance treatment outcomes. Strategic targeting of NETs may be a promising avenue for crafting combination therapies to counteract resistance or enhance anticancer treatments' efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Mousset
- University Côte d'Azur, CNRS UMR7284, INSERM U1081, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France
| | - Lola Bellone
- University Côte d'Azur, CNRS UMR7284, INSERM U1081, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France
| | - Cedric Gaggioli
- University Côte d'Azur, CNRS UMR7284, INSERM U1081, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France
| | - Jean Albrengues
- University Côte d'Azur, CNRS UMR7284, INSERM U1081, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN), Nice, France.
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Gan W, Sun BY, Yang ZF, Ye C, Wang ZT, Zhou C, Sun GQ, Yi Y, Qiu SJ. Enhancing hepatocellular carcinoma management: prognostic value of integrated CCL17, CCR4, CD73, and HHLA2 expression analysis. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:325. [PMID: 38914802 PMCID: PMC11196339 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05832-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a critical global health concern, with existing treatments benefiting only a minority of patients. Recent findings implicate the chemokine ligand 17 (CCL17) and its receptor CCR4 as pivotal players in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of various cancers. This investigation aims to delineate the roles of CCL17 and CCR4 in modulating the tumor's immune landscape, assessing their potential as therapeutic interventions and prognostic markers in HCC. METHODS 873 HCC patients post-radical surgery from 2008 to 2012 at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University were retrospectively examined. These individuals were stratified into a training cohort (n = 354) and a validation cohort (n = 519). Through immunohistochemical analysis on HCC tissue arrays, the expressions of CCL17, CCR4, CD73, CD47, HHLA2, and PD-L1 were quantified. Survival metrics were analyzed using the Cox model, and a prognostic nomogram was devised via R software. RESULTS The investigation confirmed the presence of CCL17 and CCR4 within the cancerous and stromal compartments of HCC tissues, associating their heightened expression with adverse clinical markers and survival outcomes. Notably, the interplay between CD73 and CCR4 expression in tumor stroma highlighted a novel cellular entity, CCR4 + CD73 + stromal cells, impacting overall and relapse-free survival. A prognostic nomogram amalgamating these immunological markers and clinical variables was established, offering refined prognostic insights and aiding in the management of HCC. The findings suggest that reduced CCR4 and CCR4 + CD73 + cell prevalence may forecast improved outcomes post-TACE. CONCLUSION This comprehensive evaluation of CCR4, CCL17, and associated markers introduces a nuanced understanding of the HCC immunological milieu, proposing CCR4 + CD73 + stromal cells as critical to HCC pathogenesis and patient stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Gan
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bao-Ye Sun
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Zhongshan Hospital, Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhang-Fu Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Zhongshan Hospital, Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Ye
- Department of Otolaryngology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhu-Tao Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Zhongshan Hospital, Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Zhongshan Hospital, Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Qiang Sun
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Zhongshan Hospital, Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Yi
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Zhongshan Hospital, Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shuang-Jian Qiu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Zhongshan Hospital, Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Papachristos AJ, Serrao-Brown H, Gill AJ, Clifton-Bligh R, Sidhu SB. Medullary Thyroid Cancer: Molecular Drivers and Immune Cellular Milieu of the Tumour Microenvironment-Implications for Systemic Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2296. [PMID: 39001359 PMCID: PMC11240419 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16132296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In this review, we explore the underlying molecular biology of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and its interplay with the host immune system. MTC is consistently driven by a small number of specific pathogenic variants, beyond which few additional genetic events are required for tumorigenesis. This explains the exceedingly low tumour mutational burden seen in most MTC, in contrast to other cancers. However, because of the low tumour mutational burden (TMB), there is a correspondingly low level of tumour-associated neoantigens that are presented to the host immune system. This reduces tumour visibility and vigour of the anti-tumour immune response and suggests the efficacy of immunotherapy in MTC is likely to be poor, acknowledging this inference is largely based on the extrapolation of data from other tumour types. The dominance of specific RET (REarranged during Transfection) pathogenic variants in MTC tumorigenesis rationalizes the observed efficacy of the targeted RET-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in comparison to multi-kinase inhibitors (MKIs). Therapeutic durability of pathway inhibitors is an ongoing research focus. It may be limited by the selection pressure TKI treatment creates, promoting survival of resistant tumour cell clones that can escape pathway inhibition through binding-site mutations, activation of alternate pathways, and modulation of the cellular and cytokine milieu of the tumour microenvironment (TME).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Papachristos
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Hazel Serrao-Brown
- Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Anthony J Gill
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Roderick Clifton-Bligh
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Stanley B Sidhu
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
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Yang C, Li L, Ye Z, Zhang A, Bao Y, Wu X, Ren G, Jiang C, Wang O, Wang Z. Mechanisms underlying neutrophils adhesion to triple-negative breast cancer cells via CD11b-ICAM1 in promoting breast cancer progression. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:340. [PMID: 38907234 PMCID: PMC11191284 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01716-5] [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: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is recognized as the most aggressive and immunologically infiltrated subtype of breast cancer. A high circulating neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is strongly linked to a poor prognosis among patients with breast cancer, emphasizing the critical role of neutrophils. Although the involvement of neutrophils in tumor metastasis is well documented, their interactions with primary tumors and tumor cells are not yet fully understood. METHODS Clinical data were analyzed to investigate the role of neutrophils in breast cancer. In vivo mouse model and in vitro co-culture system were used for mechanism researches. Blocking experiments were further performed to identify therapeutic agents against TNBC. RESULTS TNBC cells secreted GM-CSF to sustain the survival of mature neutrophils and upregulated CD11b expression. Through CD11b, neutrophils specifically binded to ICAM1 on TNBC cells, facilitating adhesion. Transcriptomic sequencing combined with human and murine functional experiments revealed that neutrophils, through direct CD11b-ICAM1 interactions, activated the MAPK signaling pathway in TNBC cells, thereby enhancing tumor cell invasion and migration. Atorvastatin effectively inhibited ICAM1 expression in tumor cells, and tumor cells with ICAM1 knockout or treated with atorvastatin were unresponsive to neutrophil activation. The MAPK pathway and MMP9 expression were significantly inhibited in the tumor tissues of TNBC patients treated with atorvastatin. CONCLUSIONS Targeting CD11b-ICAM1 with atorvastatin represented a potential clinical approach to reduce the malignant characteristics of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenghui Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, P.R. China
| | - Lili Li
- Department of Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, P.R. China
| | - Zhiqiang Ye
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, P.R. China
| | - Anqi Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, P.R. China
| | - Yunjia Bao
- First Clinical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, P.R. China
| | - Xue Wu
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, P.R. China
| | - Guohong Ren
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, P.R. China
| | - Chao Jiang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310005, P. R. China
| | - Ouchen Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, P.R. China.
| | - Zhen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, P.R. China.
- Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, P.R. China.
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Liu Y, Huang Y, Le Y, Gao Y, Wang H, Yang J, Wang J, Zou C, Li Q. Prognostic insights, immune infiltration, and therapeutic response: Cytoplasmic poly(A) tail regulators in hepatocellular carcinoma. MOLECULAR THERAPY. ONCOLOGY 2024; 32:200816. [PMID: 38948919 PMCID: PMC11214399 DOI: 10.1016/j.omton.2024.200816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
The presence of a poly(A) tail is indispensable for the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in cancer. This dynamic and modifiable feature of transcripts is under the control of various nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins. This study aimed to develop a novel cytoplasmic poly(A)-related signature for predicting prognosis, clinical attributes, tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), and treatment response in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Utilizing RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), non-negative matrix factorization (NMF), and principal-component analysis (PCA) were employed to categorize HCC patients into three clusters, thus demonstrating the pivotal prognostic role of cytoplasmic poly(A) tail regulators. Furthermore, machine learning algorithms such as least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), survival analysis, and Cox proportional hazards modeling were able to distinguish distinct cytoplasmic poly(A) subtypes. As a result, a 5-gene signature derived from TCGA was developed and validated using International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) HCC datasets. This novel classification based on cytoplasmic poly(A) regulators has the potential to improve prognostic predictions and provide guidance for chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
| | - Yunting Le
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
| | - Yating Gao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
| | - Jialin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
| | - Chaoxia Zou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
- Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medicine Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
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Liu YJ, Li JP, Han M, Li JX, Ye QW, Lin ST, Zhou JY, Liu SL, Zou X. IFIT1 + neutrophil is a causative factor of immunosuppressive features of poorly cohesive carcinoma (PCC). J Transl Med 2024; 22:580. [PMID: 38898490 PMCID: PMC11188200 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05389-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The importance of the immune microenvironment in poorly cohesive carcinoma (PCC) has been highlighted due to its limited response rate to conventional therapy and emerging treatment resistance. A combination of clinical cohorts, bioinformatics analyses, and functional/molecular experiments revealed that high infiltration of Interferon Induced Protein with Tetratricopeptide Repeats 1 (IFIT1) + tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) is a distinguishing feature of PCC patients. Upregulation of IFIT1 + TANs promote migration and invasion of gastric cancer (GC) cell lines (MKN45 and MKN74) and stimulates the growth of cell-derived xenograft models. Besides, by promoting macrophage secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) expression and facilitating cancer-associated fibroblast and endothelial cell recruitment and activation through TANs, IFIT1 promotes a mesenchymal phenotype, which is associated with a poor prognosis. Importantly, compared to non-PCC (NPCC), PCC tumors is more immunosuppressive. Mechanistically, IFIT1 can be stimulated by IFN-γ and contributes to the expression of Programmed Cell Death 1 Ligand (PDL1) in TANs. We demonstrated in mouse models that IFIT1 + PDL1 + TANs can induce acquired resistance to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, which may be responsible for the difficulty of PCC patients to benefit from immunotherapy. This work highlights the role of IFIT1 + TANs in mediating the remodeling of the tumor immune microenvironment and immunotherapeutic resistance and introduces IFIT1 + TANs as a promising target for precision therapy of PCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Jie Liu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- No. 1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor System Biology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie-Pin Li
- Key Laboratory of Tumor System Biology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mei Han
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing-Xiao Li
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- No. 1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qian-Wen Ye
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- No. 1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Si-Tian Lin
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- No. 1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jin-Yong Zhou
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shen-Lin Liu
- No. 1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Xi Zou
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
- No. 1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tumor System Biology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
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Guan X, Lu Y, Wang C, Zhan P, Chen Z. Role of CD61 + low-density neutrophils in promoting hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis through CCDC25 upregulation. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 134:112272. [PMID: 38761780 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112272] [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: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A subset of neutrophils isolated from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) layer has recently been described in cancer patients. METHODS Double-gradient centrifugation was used to separate the neutrophil subsets. Western blotting and immunohistochemical assays were performed to assess CCDC25 expression levels. RESULTS In this study, we found that low-density neutrophils (LDNs) were more highly enriched in metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients than in non-metastatic HCC patients. We then showed a CD61+ LDNs subset, which displayed distinct functions and gene expression, when compared with high-density neutrophils (HDNs) and CD61- LDNs. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the CD61+ LDNs were predominantly enhanced in the transcription of glycolysis and angiogenesis associated gene, HMGB1 associated gene and granulation protein gene. These CD61+ LDNs displayed a prominent ability to trigger metastasis, compared with HDNs and CD61- LDNs. Specifically, CD61+ LDN-derived HMGB1 protein increased the invasion of HCC cells by upregulating CCDC25. Mechanistically, the CD61+ LDN-derived HMGB1 protein enhanced the invasiveness of HCC cells and triggered their metastatic potential, which was mediated by TLR9-NF-κB-CCDC25 signaling. Blocking this signaling pathway reversed the invasion of the CD61+ LDN-induced HCC cells. In vivo, we consistently showed that CD61+ LDN-derived HMGB1 enhances HCC metastasis to the lungs. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our findings showed that a subset of CD61+ LDNs has pro-metastatic effects on HCC, and may be used to target HCC in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangqian Guan
- Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumor, Xiamen, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Yuyan Lu
- Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumor, Xiamen, China
| | - Chuanzheng Wang
- Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumor, Xiamen, China
| | - Ping Zhan
- Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumor, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhigao Chen
- Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumor, Xiamen, China; Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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Hernández-Magaña A, Bensussen A, Martínez-García JC, Álvarez-Buylla ER. Engineering principles for rationally design therapeutic strategies against hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1404319. [PMID: 38939509 PMCID: PMC11208463 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1404319] [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: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The search for new therapeutic strategies against cancer has favored the emergence of rationally designed treatments. These treatments have focused on attacking cell plasticity mechanisms to block the transformation of epithelial cells into cancerous cells. The aim of these approaches was to control particularly lethal cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma. However, they have not been able to control the progression of cancer for unknown reasons. Facing this scenario, emerging areas such as systems biology propose using engineering principles to design and optimize cancer treatments. Beyond the possibilities that this approach might offer, it is necessary to know whether its implementation at a clinical level is viable or not. Therefore, in this paper, we will review the engineering principles that could be applied to rationally design strategies against hepatocellular carcinoma, and discuss whether the necessary elements exist to implement them. In particular, we will emphasize whether these engineering principles could be applied to fight hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio Bensussen
- Departamento de Control Automático, Cinvestav-IPN, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - Elena R. Álvarez-Buylla
- Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad (C3), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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Toledo B, Zhu Chen L, Paniagua-Sancho M, Marchal JA, Perán M, Giovannetti E. Deciphering the performance of macrophages in tumour microenvironment: a call for precision immunotherapy. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:44. [PMID: 38863020 PMCID: PMC11167803 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01559-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Macrophages infiltrating tumour tissues or residing in the microenvironment of solid tumours are known as tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs). These specialized immune cells play crucial roles in tumour growth, angiogenesis, immune regulation, metastasis, and chemoresistance. TAMs encompass various subpopulations, primarily classified into M1 and M2 subtypes based on their differentiation and activities. M1 macrophages, characterized by a pro-inflammatory phenotype, exert anti-tumoural effects, while M2 macrophages, with an anti-inflammatory phenotype, function as protumoural regulators. These highly versatile cells respond to stimuli from tumour cells and other constituents within the tumour microenvironment (TME), such as growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and enzymes. These stimuli induce their polarization towards one phenotype or another, leading to complex interactions with TME components and influencing both pro-tumour and anti-tumour processes.This review comprehensively and deeply covers the literature on macrophages, their origin and function as well as the intricate interplay between macrophages and the TME, influencing the dual nature of TAMs in promoting both pro- and anti-tumour processes. Moreover, the review delves into the primary pathways implicated in macrophage polarization, examining the diverse stimuli that regulate this process. These stimuli play a crucial role in shaping the phenotype and functions of macrophages. In addition, the advantages and limitations of current macrophage based clinical interventions are reviewed, including enhancing TAM phagocytosis, inducing TAM exhaustion, inhibiting TAM recruitment, and polarizing TAMs towards an M1-like phenotype. In conclusion, while the treatment strategies targeting macrophages in precision medicine show promise, overcoming several obstacles is still necessary to achieve an accessible and efficient immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Toledo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Campus Lagunillas, Jaén, E-23071, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Linrui Zhu Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - María Paniagua-Sancho
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, E-18100, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Hospitales Universitarios de Granada-Universidad de Granada, Granada, E-18071, Spain
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, E-18016, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, Granada, E-18016, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Marchal
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, E-18100, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Hospitales Universitarios de Granada-Universidad de Granada, Granada, E-18071, Spain
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, E-18016, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, Granada, E-18016, Spain
| | - Macarena Perán
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Campus Lagunillas, Jaén, E-23071, Spain.
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, E-18100, Spain.
- Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, Granada, E-18016, Spain.
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, San Giuliano, Pisa, 56017, Italy.
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Li K, Xie T, Li Y, Huang X. LncRNAs act as modulators of macrophages within the tumor microenvironment. Carcinogenesis 2024; 45:363-377. [PMID: 38459912 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgae021] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been established as pivotal players in various cellular processes, encompassing the regulation of transcription, translation and post-translational modulation of proteins, thereby influencing cellular functions. Notably, lncRNAs exert a regulatory influence on diverse biological processes, particularly in the context of tumor development. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) exhibit the M2 phenotype, exerting significant impact on crucial processes such as tumor initiation, angiogenesis, metastasis and immune evasion. Elevated infiltration of TAMs into the tumor microenvironment (TME) is closely associated with a poor prognosis in various cancers. LncRNAs within TAMs play a direct role in regulating cellular processes. Functioning as integral components of tumor-derived exosomes, lncRNAs prompt the M2-like polarization of macrophages. Concurrently, reports indicate that lncRNAs in tumor cells contribute to the expression and release of molecules that modulate TAMs within the TME. These actions of lncRNAs induce the recruitment, infiltration and M2 polarization of TAMs, thereby providing critical support for tumor development. In this review, we survey recent studies elucidating the impact of lncRNAs on macrophage recruitment, polarization and function across different types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangning Li
- The National Engineering Research Center for Bioengineering Drugs and the Technologies, Institute of Translational Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- HuanKui Academy, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Tao Xie
- The National Engineering Research Center for Bioengineering Drugs and the Technologies, Institute of Translational Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xuan Huang
- The National Engineering Research Center for Bioengineering Drugs and the Technologies, Institute of Translational Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Zhong H, Zhou S, Yin S, Qiu Y, Liu B, Yu H. Tumor microenvironment as niche constructed by cancer stem cells: Breaking the ecosystem to combat cancer. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00251-0. [PMID: 38866179 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.06.014] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a distinct subpopulation of cancer cells with the capacity to constantly self-renew and differentiate, and they are the main driver in the progression of cancer resistance and relapse. The tumor microenvironment (TME) constructed by CSCs is the "soil" adapted to tumor growth, helping CSCs evade immune killing, enhance their chemical resistance, and promote cancer progression. AIM OF REVIEW We aim to elaborate the tight connection between CSCs and immunosuppressive components of the TME. We attempt to summarize and provide a therapeutic strategy to eradicate CSCs based on the destruction of the tumor ecological niche. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW This review is focused on three main key concepts. First, we highlight that CSCs recruit and transform normal cells to construct the TME, which further provides ecological niche support for CSCs. Second, we describe the main characteristics of the immunosuppressive components of the TME, targeting strategies and summarize the progress of corresponding drugs in clinical trials. Third, we explore the multilevel insights of the TME to serve as an ecological niche for CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shiyue Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuangshuang Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuling Qiu
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China.
| | - Haiyang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.
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Yang Y, Yu S, Lv C, Tian Y. NETosis in tumour microenvironment of liver: From primary to metastatic hepatic carcinoma. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 97:102297. [PMID: 38599524 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102297] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma is a common and highly lethal tumour. The tumour microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in the progression and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A cell death mechanism, termed NETosis, has been found to play an important role in the TME of HCC. SUMMARY This review article focuses on the role of NETosis in the TME of HCC, a novel form of cell death in which neutrophils capture and kill microorganisms by releasing a type of DNA meshwork fibres called "NETs". This process is associated with neutrophil activation, local inflammation and cytokines. The study suggests that NETs play a multifaceted role in the development and metastasis of HCC. The article also discusses the role of NETs in tumour proliferation and metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and surgical stress. In addition, the article discusses the interaction of NETosis with other immune cells in the TME and related therapeutic strategies. A deeper understanding of NETosis can help us better understand the complexity of the immune system and provide a new therapeutic basis for the treatment and prevention of HCC. KEY INFORMATION In conclusion, NETosis is important in the TME of liver. NETs have been shown to contribute to the progression and metastasis of liver cancer. The interaction between NETosis and immune cells in the TME, as well as related therapies, are important areas of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China
| | - Siyue Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China
| | - Chao Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China.
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Rao D, Li J, Zhang M, Huang S, Meng L, Song G, Ma J, Wu Y, Cheng Y, Ji S, Wu G, Chen L, Liu Y, Shi Y, Zhou J, Jia F, Zhang X, Xi R, Gao Q. Multi-model analysis of gallbladder cancer reveals the role of OxLDL-absorbing neutrophils in promoting liver invasion. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:58. [PMID: 38822440 PMCID: PMC11140996 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00521-7] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most common and lethal malignancy of the biliary tract that lacks effective therapy. In many GBC cases, infiltration into adjacent organs or distant metastasis happened long before the diagnosis, especially the direct liver invasion, which is the most common and unfavorable way of spreading. METHODS Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), spatial transcriptomics (ST), proteomics, and multiplexed immunohistochemistry (mIHC) were performed on GBC across multiple tumor stages to characterize the tumor microenvironment (TME), focusing specifically on the preferential enrichment of neutrophils in GBC liver invasion (GBC-LI). RESULTS Multi-model Analysis reveals the immunosuppressive TME of GBC-LI that was characterized by the enrichment of neutrophils at the invasive front. We identified the context-dependent transcriptional states of neutrophils, with the Tumor-Modifying state being associated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) metabolism. In vitro assays showed that the direct cell-cell contact between GBC cells and neutrophils led to the drastic increase in oxLDL uptake of neutrophils, which was primarily mediated by the elevated OLR1 on neutrophils. The oxLDL-absorbing neutrophils displayed a higher potential to promote tumor invasion while demonstrating lower cancer cytotoxicity. Finally, we identified a neutrophil-promoting niche at the invasive front of GBC-LI that constituted of KRT17+ GBC cells, neutrophils, and surrounding fibroblasts, which may help cultivate the oxLDL-absorbing neutrophils. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals the existence of a subset of pro-tumoral neutrophils with a unique ability to absorb oxLDL via OLR1, a phenomenon induced through cell-cell contact with KRT17+ GBC cells in GBC-LI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongning Rao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Zhongshan Hospital, Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiaxin Li
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Mao Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Zhongshan Hospital, Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Siyuan Huang
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Lu Meng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Infection and Health, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guohe Song
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Zhongshan Hospital, Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiaqiang Ma
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Zhongshan Hospital, Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yingcheng Wu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Zhongshan Hospital, Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yifei Cheng
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Zhongshan Hospital, Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shuyi Ji
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Zhongshan Hospital, Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Gaohua Wu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Zhongshan Hospital, Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lv Chen
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Zhongshan Hospital, Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuming Liu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Zhongshan Hospital, Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yang Shi
- BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Zhongshan Hospital, Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fan Jia
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Zhongshan Hospital, Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xiaoming Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Ruibin Xi
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Center for Statistical Science, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Qiang Gao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Zhongshan Hospital, Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Peng Z, Tan X, Xi Y, Chen Z, Li Y. Role of pyroptosis-related cytokines in the prediction of lung cancer. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31399. [PMID: 38813211 PMCID: PMC11133917 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31399] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Lung cancer is the leading cause to induce cancer-related mortality. Effective biomarkers for prediction the occurrence of lung cancer is urgently needed. Our previous studies indicated that pyroptosis-related cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, MIP-2 and IP-10 is important to influence the efficacy of chemotherapy drug in lung cancer tissues. But the role of pyroptosis-related cytokines in prediction the occurrence of lung cancer is still unknown. Methods Blood samples were collected from 258 lung cancer patients at different stage and 80 healthy volunteers. Serum levels of pyroptosis-related cytokines including TNF-α, IFN-γ, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, MIP-2 and IP-10 were measured by Cytometric Bead Array (CBA). ROC curve was performed to evaluate the cut-off value and diagnosis value for prediction and diagnosis of lung cancer. Results Compared with control group, the levels of IP-10, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, MIP-2 and TNF-α were significantly higher in lung cancer patients (45.5 (37.1-56.7): 57.2 (43.0-76.5), 34.4 (21.8-75.2): 115.4 (96.6-191.2), 49.3 (25.6-78.7): 160.5 (124.9-218.6), 22.6 (17.8-31.2): 77.9 (50.1-186.5), 3.80 (2.3-6.2): 10.3 (5.7-16.6)), but the level of IFN-γ was decreased in the patients (12.38 (9.1-27.8): 5.9 (3.5-9.7)). All the above cytokines were significantly associated with the diagnosis of lung cancer, and the AUC values of IFN-γ, IP-10, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, MIP-2, and TNF-α were 0.800, 0.656, 0.905, 0.921, 0.914, and 0.824. And the AUC can rise to 0.986 after combining the above factors, and the sensitivity and specificity also up to 96.7 % and 93.7 %, respectively. Additionally, TNF-α (r = 0.400, P < 0.01), MIP-2 (r = 0.343, P < 0.01), MIP-1α (r = 0.551, P < 0.01) and MIP-1β (r = 0.403, p < 0.01) were positively associated with occurrence of lung cancer, but IFN-γ (r = -0.483, p < 0.01) was negatively associated with occurrence of lung cancer. As far as the potential of early diagnosis of lung cancer, TNF-α (AUC = 0.577), MIP-1α (AUC = 0.804) and MIP-1β (AUC = 0.791) can predict the early stage of lung cancer, and combination of the above three cytokines has a better predictive efficiency (AUC = 0.854). Conclusion Our study establishes a link between the levels of IP-10, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, MIP-2, TNF-α and IFN-γ and diagnosis of lung cancer. Besides, we observed a synergistic effect of these five pyroptosis-related cytokines in diagnosing lung cancer patient, suggesting their potential as biomarkers for lung cancer diagnosis. Moreover, the combination of TNF-α, MIP-1α and MIP-1β are also potential predictors for the early diagnosis of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhouyangfan Peng
- Health Management Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Xiqing Tan
- Department of General Practice, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Yang Xi
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Zi Chen
- Health Management Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Yapei Li
- Health Management Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
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Li S, Sheng J, Zhang D, Qin H. Targeting tumor-associated macrophages to reverse antitumor drug resistance. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:10165-10196. [PMID: 38787372 PMCID: PMC11210230 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Currently, antitumor drugs show limited clinical outcomes, mainly due to adaptive resistance. Clinical evidence has highlighted the importance of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in tumor response to conventional antitumor drugs. Preclinical studies show that TAMs following antitumor agent can be reprogrammed to an immunosuppressive phenotype and proangiogenic activities through different mechanisms, mediating drug resistance and poor prognosis. Potential extrinsic inhibitors targeting TAMs repolarize to an M1-like phenotype or downregulate proangiogenic function, enhancing therapeutic efficacy of anti-tumor therapy. Moreover, pharmacological modulation of macrophages that restore the immune stimulatory characteristics is useful to reshaping the tumor microenvironment, thus further limiting tumor growth. This review aims to introduce macrophage response in tumor therapy and provide a potential therapeutic combination strategy of TAM-targeting immunomodulation with conventional antitumor drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Li
- The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiyao Sheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hanjiao Qin
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Liu M, Zhu M, Huang Y, Wu J, Peng Z, Liang Y. Prognostic model and ceRNA network of m7G- and radiosensitivity-related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29925. [PMID: 38707306 PMCID: PMC11068534 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29925] [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: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Radiotherapy is an effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent studies indicated that N7-methylguanosine (m7G)-associated genes are involved in radioresistance and prognosis of HCC. However, the prognostic value and underlying mechanism of m7G-and radiosensitivity-associated genes are still lacking. Methods The related statistics of HCC were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). M7G- and radiosensitivity-associated genes were screened and evaluated using correlation, differential, univariate, and multivariate analysis. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was used to establish a prognostic model. Prognostic efficacy, functional analysis, immune cell infiltration,and drug sensitivity of the prognostic model were assessed. The ceRNA network was predicted and evaluated through the StarBase database, correlation analysis, expression analysis, and survival analysis. Result METTL1, EIF3D, NCBP2, and WDR4 participated in prognosis model construction. The favorable prediction efficiency has been verified in both the training and verification sets. Different risk groups have differences in prognosis outcome, function analysis, immune cell infiltration, and drug sensitivity. NCBP2 can be used to predict the prognosis and has excellent potential in immunotherapy. A prognostic ceRNA network based on the NCBP2/miR-122-5p axis was established. Conclusion The prognosis model of m7G- and radiosensitivity-related genes is constructed, and widely used in clinical prognosis, immunotherapy, and drug therapy. NCBP2, as a hub gene, may be a prognostic biomarker for HCC and is related to immunotherapy. Establishing the NCBP2/miR-122-5p axis helps study the mechanism of ceRNA and provides new ideas for finding a new candidate biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaowen Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Meiyan Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yingxiong Huang
- Department of Emergency, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510080, China
| | - Zhenwei Peng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ying Liang
- Department of Nephrology, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, 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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Wang P, Xu MH, Xu WX, Dong ZY, Shen YH, Qin WZ. CXCL9 Overexpression Predicts Better HCC Response to Anti-PD-1 Therapy and Promotes N1 Polarization of Neutrophils. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:787-800. [PMID: 38737384 PMCID: PMC11088828 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s450468] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Anti-programmed death-1 (PD1) antibodies have changed the treatment landscape for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and exhibit promising treatment efficacy. However, the majority of HCCs still do not respond to anti-PD-1 therapy. Methods We analyzed the expression of CXCL9 in blood samples from patients who received anti-PD-1 therapy and evaluated its correlation with clinicopathological characteristics and treatment outcomes. Based on the results of Cox regression analysis, a nomogram was established for predicting HCC response to anti-PD-1 therapy. qRT‒PCR and multiple immunofluorescence assays were utilized to analyze the proportions of N1-type neutrophils in vitro and in tumor samples, respectively. Results The nomogram showed good predictive efficacy in the training and validation cohorts and may be useful for guiding clinical treatment of HCC patients. We also found that HCC cell-derived CXCL9 promoted N1 polarization of neutrophils in vitro and that AMG487, a specific CXCR3 inhibitor, significantly blocked this process. Moreover, multiple immunofluorescence (mIF) showed that patients with higher serum CXCL9 levels had greater infiltration of the N1 phenotype of tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs). Conclusion Our study highlights the critical role of CXCL9 as an effective biomarker of immunotherapy efficacy and in promoting the polarization of N1-type neutrophils; thus, targeting the CXCL9-CXCR3 axis could represent a novel pharmaceutical strategy to enhance immunotherapy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Wang
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Digestive Medicine, Wuwei People’s Hospital, Wuwei City, Gansu Province, 733000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ming-Hao Xu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wen-Xin Xu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zi-Ying Dong
- Department of CT/MRI Center, Wuwei People’s Hospital, Wuwei City, Gansu Province, 733000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying-Hao Shen
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wen-Zheng Qin
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
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Quaranta V, Ballarò C, Giannelli G. Macrophages Orchestrate the Liver Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1772. [PMID: 38730724 PMCID: PMC11083142 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091772] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality. Hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma are the most common types, and despite numerous advances, therapeutic options still remain poor for these cancer patients. Tumor development and progression strictly depend on a supportive tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant immune cells population within a tumorigenic liver; they sustain cancer cells' growth and invasiveness, and their presence is correlated with a poor prognosis. Furthermore, TAM cross-talk with cells and components of the TME promotes immunosuppression, a desmoplastic response, and angiogenesis. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in understanding TAM heterogeneity and function, with a particular focus on TAM modulation of the TME. We also discuss the potential of targeting macrophage subpopulations and how this is now being exploited in current clinical trials for the treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Quaranta
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, Via Turi 27, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy (G.G.)
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Zhang J, Gu J, Wang X, Ji C, Yu D, Wang M, Pan J, Santos HA, Zhang H, Zhang X. Engineering and Targeting Neutrophils for Cancer Therapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2310318. [PMID: 38320755 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202310318] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Neutrophils are the most abundant white blood cells in the circulation and act as the first line of defense against infections. Increasing evidence suggests that neutrophils possess heterogeneous phenotypes and functional plasticity in human health and diseases, including cancer. Neutrophils play multifaceted roles in cancer development and progression, and an N1/N2 paradigm of neutrophils in cancer is proposed, where N1 neutrophils exert anti-tumor properties while N2 neutrophils display tumor-supportive and immune-suppressive functions. Selective activation of beneficial neutrophil population and targeted inhibition or re-polarization of tumor-promoting neutrophils has shown an important potential in tumor therapy. In addition, due to the natural inflammation-responsive and physical barrier-crossing abilities, neutrophils and their derivatives (membranes and extracellular vesicles (EVs)) are regarded as advanced drug delivery carriers for enhanced tumor targeting and improved therapeutic efficacy. In this review, the recent advances in engineering neutrophils for drug delivery and targeting neutrophils for remodeling tumor microenvironment (TME) are comprehensively presented. This review will provide a broad understanding of the potential of neutrophils in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Jianmei Gu
- Departmemt of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226361, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangsu University Cancer Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212001, China
| | - Cheng Ji
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Dan Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Maoye Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Jianming Pan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Hélder A Santos
- Department of Biomaterials and Biomedical Technology, University Medical Center Groningen/University of Groningen, Ant. Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9713 AV, Netherlands
- W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Ant. Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9713 AV, Netherlands
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland
| | - Hongbo Zhang
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory, Abo Akademi University, Turku, 20520, Finland
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Abo Akademi University, Turku, 20520, Finland
| | - Xu Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
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Qian J, Huang C, Wang M, Liu Y, Zhao Y, Li M, Zhang X, Gao X, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Huang J, Li J, Zhou Q, Liu R, Wang X, Cui J, Yang Y. Nuclear translocation of metabolic enzyme PKM2 participates in high glucose-promoted HCC metastasis by strengthening immunosuppressive environment. Redox Biol 2024; 71:103103. [PMID: 38471282 PMCID: PMC10945175 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103103] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Although some cohort studies have indicated a close association between diabetes and HCC, the underlying mechanism about the contribution of diabetes to HCC progression remains largely unknown. In the study, we applied a novel HCC model in SD rat with diabetes and a series of high glucose-stimulated cell experiments to explore the effect of a high glucose environment on HCC metastasis and its relevant mechanism. Our results uncovered a novel regulatory mechanism by which nuclear translocation of metabolic enzyme PKM2 mediated high glucose-promoted HCC metastasis. Specifically, high glucose-increased PKM2 nuclear translocation downregulates chemerin expression through the redox protein TRX1, and then strengthens immunosuppressive environment to promote HCC metastasis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to elucidate the great contribution of a high glucose environment to HCC metastasis from a new perspective of enhancing the immunosuppressive microenvironment. Simultaneously, this work also highlights a previously unidentified non-metabolic role of PKM2 and opens a novel avenue for cross research and intervention for individuals with HCC and comorbid diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Qian
- Department of endocrinology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuxin Huang
- Department of endocrinology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mimi Wang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of endocrinology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingying Zhao
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Miao Li
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangyu Gao
- Department of endocrinology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yawen Zhang
- Department of endocrinology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of endocrinology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinya Huang
- Department of endocrinology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiajun Li
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiwen Zhou
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of endocrinology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuanchun Wang
- Department of endocrinology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiefeng Cui
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yehong Yang
- Department of endocrinology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Chen E, Zou Z, Wang R, Liu J, Peng Z, Gan Z, Lin Z, Liu J. Predictive value of a stemness-based classifier for prognosis and immunotherapy response of hepatocellular carcinoma based on bioinformatics and machine-learning strategies. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1244392. [PMID: 38694506 PMCID: PMC11061862 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1244392] [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: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Significant advancements have been made in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapeutics, such as immunotherapy for treating patients with HCC. However, there is a lack of reliable biomarkers for predicting the response of patients to therapy, which continues to be challenging. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are involved in the oncogenesis, drug resistance, and invasion, as well as metastasis of HCC cells. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to create an mRNA expression-based stemness index (mRNAsi) model to predict the response of patients with HCC to immunotherapy. Methods We retrieved gene expression and clinical data of patients with HCC from the GSE14520 dataset and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Next, we used the "one-class logistic regression (OCLR)" algorithm to obtain the mRNAsi of patients with HCC. We performed "unsupervised consensus clustering" to classify patients with HCC based on the mRNAsi scores and stemness subtypes. The relationships between the mRNAsi model, clinicopathological features, and genetic profiles of patients were compared using various bioinformatic methods. We screened for differentially expressed genes to establish a stemness-based classifier for predicting the patient's prognosis. Next, we determined the effect of risk scores on the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and the response of patients to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Finally, we used qRT-PCR to investigate gene expression in patients with HCC. Results We screened CSC-related genes using various bioinformatics tools in patients from the TCGA-LIHC cohort. We constructed a stemness classifier based on a nine-gene (PPARGC1A, FTCD, CFHR3, MAGEA6, CXCL8, CABYR, EPO, HMMR, and UCK2) signature for predicting the patient's prognosis and response to ICBs. Further, the model was validated in an independent GSE14520 dataset and performed well. Our model could predict the status of TIME, immunogenomic expressions, congenic pathway, and response to chemotherapy drugs. Furthermore, a significant increase in the proportion of infiltrating macrophages, Treg cells, and immune checkpoints was observed in patients in the high-risk group. In addition, tumor cells in patients with high mRNAsi scores could escape immune surveillance. Finally, we observed that the constructed model had a good expression in the clinical samples. The HCC tumor size and UCK2 genes expression were significantly alleviated and decreased, respectively, by treatments of anti-PD1 antibody. We also found knockdown UCK2 changed expressions of immune genes in HCC cell lines. Conclusion The novel stemness-related model could predict the prognosis of patients and aid in creating personalized immuno- and targeted therapy for patients in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erbao Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhilin Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rongyue Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhen Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhe Gan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zewei Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jikui Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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Akbulut Z, Aru B, Aydın F, Yanıkkaya Demirel G. Immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1379622. [PMID: 38638433 PMCID: PMC11024234 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1379622] [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: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in cancer treatment, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer, remains a major public health problem worldwide. The immune microenvironment plays a critical role in regulating tumor progression and resistance to therapy, and in HCC, the tumor microenvironment (TME) is characterized by an abundance of immunosuppressive cells and signals that facilitate immune evasion and metastasis. Recently, anti-cancer immunotherapies, therapeutic interventions designed to modulate the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer, have become an important cornerstone of cancer therapy. Immunotherapy has demonstrated the ability to improve survival and provide durable cancer control in certain groups of HCC patients, while reducing adverse side effects. These findings represent a significant step toward improving cancer treatment outcomes. As demonstrated in clinical trials, the administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), particularly in combination with anti-angiogenic agents and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, has prolonged survival in a subset of patients with HCC, providing an alternative for patients who progress on first-line therapy. In this review, we aimed to provide an overview of HCC and the role of the immune system in its development, and to summarize the findings of clinical trials involving ICIs, either as monotherapies or in combination with other agents in the treatment of the disease. Challenges and considerations regarding the administration of ICIs in the treatment of HCC are also outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep Akbulut
- Cancer and Stem Cell Research Center, Maltepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Maltepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Başak Aru
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Furkan Aydın
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
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Hsu CY, Mustafa MA, Kumar A, Pramanik A, Sharma R, Mohammed F, Jawad IA, Mohammed IJ, Alshahrani MY, Ali Khalil NAM, Shnishil AT, Abosaoda MK. Exploiting the immune system in hepatic tumor targeting: Unleashing the potential of drugs, natural products, and nanoparticles. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 256:155266. [PMID: 38554489 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic tumors present a formidable challenge in cancer therapeutics, necessitating the exploration of novel treatment strategies. In recent years, targeting the immune system has attracted interest to augment existing therapeutic efficacy. The immune system in hepatic tumors includes numerous cells with diverse actions. CD8+ T lymphocytes, T helper 1 (Th1) CD4+ T lymphocytes, alternative M1 macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells provide the antitumor immunity. However, Foxp3+ regulatory CD4+ T cells (Tregs), M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are the key immune inhibitor cells. Tumor stroma can also affect these interactions. Targeting these cells and their secreted molecules is intriguing for eliminating malignant cells. The current review provides a synopsis of the immune system components involved in hepatic tumor expansion and highlights the molecular and cellular pathways that can be targeted for therapeutic intervention. It also overviews the diverse range of drugs, natural products, immunotherapy drugs, and nanoparticles that have been investigated to manipulate immune responses and bolster antitumor immunity. The review also addresses the potential advantages and challenges associated with these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chou-Yi Hsu
- Department of Pharmacy, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan City 71710, Taiwan
| | | | - Ashwani Kumar
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560069, India; Department of Pharmacy, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, Rajasthan 303012, India
| | - Atreyi Pramanik
- Institute of Pharma Sciences and Research, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India
| | - Rajiv Sharma
- Institute of Pharma Sciences and Research, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India
| | - Faraj Mohammed
- Department of Pharmacy, Al-Manara College for Medical Sciences, Maysan, Iraq
| | | | - Imad Jasim Mohammed
- College of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar, Iraq
| | - Mohammad Y Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | | | - Munther Kadhim Abosaoda
- College of technical engineering, the Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq; College of technical engineering, the Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah, Iraq; College of technical engineering, the Islamic University of Babylon, Iraq
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50
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Zhang Y, Nie Y, Liu X, Wan X, Shi Y, Zhang K, Wu P, He J. Tumor metabolic crosstalk and immunotherapy. Clin Transl Oncol 2024; 26:797-807. [PMID: 37740892 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03304-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cells must resist the host's immune system while maintaining growth under harsh conditions of acidity and hypoxia, which indicates that tumors are more robust than normal tissue. Immunotherapeutic agents have little effect on solid tumors, mostly because of the tumor density and the difficulty of penetrating deeply into the tissue to achieve the theoretical therapeutic effect. Various therapeutic strategies targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME) have been developed. Immunometabolic disorders play a dominant role in treatment resistance at both the TME and host levels. Understanding immunometabolic factors and their treatment potential may be a way forward for tumor immunotherapy. Here, we summarize the metabolism of substances that affect tumor progression, the crosstalk between the TME and immunosuppression, and some potential tumor-site targets. We also summarize the progress and challenges of tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Yueli Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xitian Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuanyuan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Keyong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Pan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Jian He
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
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